Canine Diabetes

Your dog has diabetes mellitus. You're not alone, an estimated 1 in 500 dogs has canine diabetes.

Normal Glucose Metabolism

During digestion, food is broken down into components that can be used by the body. Carbohydrates (starches) are converted into sugars, including glucose. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood and provides the body cells with energy.

Glucose can only enter most cells if the hormone insulin is present. Insulin is produced by specific cells in the pancreas, a special gland situated near the intestines.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus or “sugar diabetes” is caused by a lack of available insulin.

Diabetes occurs when your dog pancreas stops creating enough insulin to properly utilize digested sugars, fats and proteins, leaving blood sugar levels uncontrolled, or when the body’s cells no longer respond to normal levels of insulin. During digestion, food is broken down into many different components that your pet’s body can use. One of these components is glucose (derived from carbohydrates – or starches). The role of glucose is very important because it provides energy to your pet’s body cells. However, glucose can only enter those cells if the proper amount of the hormone insulin is present, and if the cells respond to it properly.

Diabetes is caused by:

• Insufficient insulin production by the pancreas
• Failure of the body cells to respond to insulin

The results are:

• The cells cannot absorb enough glucose
• Blood glucose concentrations are too high

What are the symptoms?

Two of the most common signs that your dog or cat may have developed diabetes includes: 1) a new insatiable thirst

2) a significant increase in hunger and eating (even where weight loss may be present). 

Without sufficient insulin, or with cells that cannot absorb and use glucose, excess sugar accumulates in the blood and then spills into the urine. Sugar in the urine causes the animal to pass large amounts of urine and then to subsequently develop an unusual thirst for water. 

Also, without sufficient glucose entering the cells, the brain becomes sugar-deprived and the animal becomes constantly hungry, yet may still lose weight because the ingested food is no longer being properly metabolized. A significant increase in eating -- combined with weight loss -- is an almost sure sign of diabetes. Two of the most common signs that your dog or cat may have developed diabetes includes: 1) a new insatiable thirst; and 2) a significant increase in hunger and eating (even where weight loss may be present). 

Without sufficient insulin, or with cells that cannot absorb and use glucose, excess sugar accumulates in the blood and then spills into the urine. Sugar in the urine causes the animal to pass large amounts of urine and then to subsequently develop an unusual thirst for water. 

Also, without sufficient glucose entering the cells, the brain becomes sugar-deprived and the animal becomes constantly hungry, yet may still lose weight because the ingested food is no longer being properly metabolized. A significant increase in eating -- combined with weight loss -- is an almost sure sign of diabetes. 

Dogs and cats with untreated diabetes may develop infections; most commonly, bladder, kidney or skin infections. Diabetic dogs -- and less frequently cats -- can also develop cataracts which may ultimately lead to blindness. Less common signs of diabetes are weakness in the back legs and an unsteady gait due to impaired nerve or muscle malfunction. Diabetes can -- if left untreated too long -- lead to death.

How do we test?

Samples of blood and urine from a canine or feline suspected of having diabetes will show large amounts of sugar. Your veterinarian may also do a blood screen of other organs to look for changes in the liver, kidney and pancreas. A urine sample may also be cultured to check for infection of the kidneys or bladder.  For the Month of November in 2015, White House Animal Hospital is offering 10% of In-house Blood Glucose Testing.  Book your pets Diabetes testing and exam online any time! http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html

Are all dogs susceptible to diabetes?

Diabetes most typically occurs in middle aged to older dogs.

The following dog breeds appear to have an increased risk of developing diabetes:

• Keeshond
• Poodles
• Samoyed
• Daschund
• Alaskan malamute
• Miniature schnauzer
• Chow chow
• Beagle
• Doberman
• Labrador retriever

• Hungarian puli
• Golden retriever
• Miniature pinscher
• Old English sheepdog
• Springer spaniel
• Schipperke
• Finnish spitz
• West Highland white terrier
• Cairn terrier

These are dog breeds in which veterinarians most commonly diagnose diabetes. Reports may be biased due to breed popularity. Pedigree analysis has, however, identified a genetic predisposition in Keeshonds and Samoyeds.

(Always consult with your veterinarian to properly diagnose any health problems. Misdiagnosis and/or mistreatment -- including OTC and/or homeopathic products -- can lead to dangerous complications.

Kristi May, MS, CVPM, LVMT, AHT, BS, ABCDT 

White House Animal Hospital 615-672-0357

Book your appointment online at http://www.whitehousevet.com/contactus.html
https://www.facebook.com/pethospital/