Dogs really aren’t so different from us humans; they are susceptible to many of the same diseases and conditions that we are. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine system disorder in dogs as well as humans. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body is deficient of the hormone insulin, which impairs its ability to metabolize sugar. Left untreated or not properly managed, DM can lead to blindness, liver or kidney failure and death. There is no cure, but diabetes can be successfully managed with proper health care.
DM affects all types of dogs, usually with an onset in middle age. The breeds which have increased risk include Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Fox Terrier, Poodle, Samoyed, Schnauzer, and Spitz. It is twice as common in female dogs as in males. DM does occasionally have a juvenile onset in dogs under one year old.
The most apparent symptoms in dogs are increased thirst and urination. The dog may lose weight in spite of a good appetite, become lethargic, have a poor body condition, or experience sudden blindness. There are other health conditions in dogs that have similar symptoms, and an evaluation by a veterinarian can confirm whether your dog has DM or some other condition.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I is the most common by far, occurring in 99% of the cases of DM in dogs. The body does not naturally produce enough insulin and can destroy cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. In Type II diabetes, the body produces insulin but the body does not have the ability to utilize it.
Risk factors for diabetes in dogs include recurrent pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Cushing’s Disease (in which excess natural cortisone is produced), obesity, or the administration of certain drugs (glucocorticoids and progestagens).
Ask your veterinarian to conduct a thorough physical examination of your dog if he is showing signs of excessive thirst and urination, or other behavior changes. Lab tests, including blood tests and urinalysis, may be ordered to check glucose levels and determine any underlying cause of elevated blood sugar levels. Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound may be performed if your vet suspects complications such as pancreatitis, or other underlying diseases, may be present.
Treatment for type I diabetes almost always requires insulin injections once or twice a day, on a regular schedule. The vet will train the pet owner how to give the injections. The dog will become accustomed to the injections; the experience is usually more stressful for the owner, but is not hard to do. It may take several months to get your dog’s blood sugar levels regulated and may require your veterinarian to change the dosage or try a different type of insulin to find the right combination to stabilize your dog’s diabetes. Dogs with Type ll diabetes may respond to an oral therapy.
Your vet may also teach you how to test your dog’s glucose level daily with a home monitoring device or urine strips. Careful monitoring can help you know when the level is too low, too high, or just right. Too much insulin is worse than not enough, and can result in disorientation, weakness, and seizures. If your dog exhibits such reactions to the insulin, try to feed him if he is responsive; if he become unconscious, rub Karo syrup on his gums and call the vet immediately.
In addition to the daily insulin injections and monitoring, help your dog maintain a proper weight, give him a high-fiber diet with feedings at regular intervals, and make sure he gets adequate exercise. Keeping your diabetic dog in optimum health, watching for returning symptoms, and getting regular veterinary check-ups will help your dog live a long, happy, active life!
