Diabetes in Dogs
Dog Diabetes - Not a Death Sentence
As diabetes becomes more common among the human population, so it goes with dogs. Symptoms, treatment and maintenance are also in tandem.
Diabetes mellitus is caused by lack of insulin, the hormone that plays an important role in the body's sugar metabolism. Diabetes insipidus is caused by lack of vasopressin, an anti-diuretic hormone that controls water resorption by the kidneys. Diabetes mellitus is the most common type in dogs.
Diabetes mellitus is further categorized as Type I (similar to congenital or juvenile onset in humans) or Type II (acquired or adult onset in humans). Most dogs are diagnosed with Type II which requires insulin from an outside source.
Insulin Provides Pathways for Glucose
In a normal body, the pancreas is responsible for manufacturing its own insulin as well as hormones and digestive enzymes. Insulin is required to "open the doors" of the body's cells to accept glucose, a simple sugar needed to provide fuel for energy. When the pancreas is damaged through disease or genetic predisposition, it ceases production of insulin which literally starves the body of energy.
In short, insulin provides pathways to move glucose through the bloodstream and into the cells.
New Research Shows Mixed-Breed Dogs may be Most at Risk
It's long been held that dogs most at risk for DM include Cairn terriers, miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, miniature Schnauzers, Beagles, and Pulis. But a recent European study shows that mixed-breed dogs represent the largest group. Unspayed female dogs of any breed may be most at risk due to the action of reproduction hormones. It can also be the result of infectious viral diseases, immune deficiency disorders, pancreatic infections, Cushing's disease, and overuse of steroids.
Early Detection Important to Avoid Further Health Problems
The big three "excesses" (hunger, thirst and urination) that most often signal diabetes can be followed by a rapid decrease in body weight as the dog's body utilizes its own fats and proteins as an alternate source of insulin. Loss of appetite, vomiting, depression and inappetance can follow along with increased incidence of infections, liver and bladder disease, and loss of eyesight through diabetes-induced cataracts. Early detection is imperative to avoid these secondary issues.
A simple and inexpensive blood test can show the existence of diabetes by revealing the amount of glucose. But a single test isn't always definitive because glucose levels vary (in diabetics and non-diabetics alike) according to factors such as the ingredients in the most recent meal, the existence of other medical conditions, or physical or emotional stress. For those reasons, the veterinarian may choose to repeat the test.
Regulation Dependent Upon Insulin, Diet and Exercise
Successful treatment for a diabetic dog is very similar to treatment for a diabetic human. The word "regulation" is used to describe the correct combination of insulin, diet and exercise that leads to a healthy level of glucose in the bloodstream. When the levels "curve" in the same way as a non-diabetic (the blood glucose levels decrease and increase in a normal way), a dog is considered to be regulated. A curve is performed by monitoring the dog's blood over a 12-hour period using a hand-held monitor. It can be done by a veterinarian or at home by the owner.
Depending upon the results of the curve, changes may be made to insulin type or dose, diet or exercise in order to improve regulation.
Follow-Up Tests Available
A veterinarian can also offer a fructosamine test which involves sending a blood sample to a laboratory. This test shows the average blood glucose level over the past two or three weeks. It's not intended to take the place of a 12-hour curve but it's a valuable tool in assessing ongoing management of the disease.
Is dog diabetes a death sentence? With careful treatment and maintenance on the part of the owner and veterinarian, diabetic dogs can live long and healthy lives.
Diabetes Can Affect Any Breed of Dog
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