Diabetes and Your Pet. What to Know - How to Help!
According to a recent report from BioSpace®, a leader in Life Sciences news and information, diabetes prevalence in pets is rising. It is estimated that 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats develop diabetes during their lifetimes. Unfortunately, those numbers are on the increase.
Like humans, pets experience diabetes due to a lack of insulin (a hormone secreted by the pancreas). If your pet can’t produce enough insulin, or the insulin they do have isn’t used by their body properly, blood sugar levels rise, causing adverse side effects. Diabetes, if left untreated in dogs, can cause ketoacidosis (a specific pathologic condition that results in changes in blood pH and requires medical attention), cataracts, and/or kidney disease. Diabetic cats are susceptible to chronic pancreatitis, ketoacidosis, and nerve degeneration.
Who is at Risk?
Like humans, the cause of diabetes in pets is not completely known. While some pets may be genetically prone to diabetes, there are some risk factors that are linked to this debilitating disease. Factors include pets who are overweight, experience pancreatitis, senior pets, and in cats - diets high in carbohydrates.
Symptoms of Canine and Feline Diabetes
Diabetic symptoms shared by dogs and cats include:
- Excessive thirst and drinking more
- Urinating a lot
- Eating more than usual
- Weight loss
- Obesity
In cats, diabetes can also make them feel nauseous or lethargic, and some pet parents notice that their cat is lying around a lot and not eating. You also may notice your cat walking oddly or holding their back legs in a strange position. This is the result of high blood sugar on the nerves of their back legs, causing them to weaken.
Dogs may also exhibit these additional symptoms
- ‘Sweet-smelling’ breath
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Urinary tract infection
- Loss of eyesight
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact the clinic for a thorough exam that will include a blood test.
Treatment
While there is no cure for diabetes in pets, it is manageable. Treatment typically includes diet changes, insulin injections, and regular check-ups with our vets.
Can I Prevent Diabetes in My Pet?
It is impossible to guarantee your pet will never develop diabetes. However, here are some things you can do to help your pet lead a healthy life and reduce risk.
- Feed them a well-balanced diet
- Help them maintain a healthy body weight
- Make sure they get enough exercise
Cats will generally eat when they are bored. Leaving food out all day will only cause them to overeat. An overweight cat with a sedentary lifestyle is certainly at a greater risk for developing diabetes.
It is also important to note that certain breeds may be predisposed to diabetes. These include cocker spaniels, Labrador, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, and Beagles, as well as Siamese, Burmese, and Maine Coon cats.
We Can Help!
At AVAC your pet’s health and happiness is our passion. Whether your pet requires treatment to manage a current diabetic condition, or they need help to reduce their risk of developing diabetes, our vets will provide the highest quality care and treatment. For an appointment call 205-967-7383.
Sincerely,
Julie Grimes, DVM
