FELINE AND CANINE DIABETES
Feline or Canine diabetes mellitus (DM), a common endocrine disease, can occur as two types, 1 and 2. Type 1 DM is caused by the insufficient production of the hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. Type 2 DM is caused by an inadequate response to insulin.
In animals, diabetes mellitus occurs most often as Type 2. It generally develops in dogs that are between 7-9 years old, and cats that are 10-14 years old, although may occur at any age and any breed or sex.
Common Symptoms/Warning Signs
The common symptoms of DM to watch for in your dog or cat are the same as for people:
- Overweight (typically with Type 2 DM)
- Excessive Thirst
- Excessive Urination
- Signs of poor skin and hair coat
- Dehydration
- Liver disease
- If your pet seems overly hungry
- Weakness in the rear legs (Diabetic neuropathy)
- Vomiting
- Secondary bacterial infections
The diabetes in your dog or cat can also lead to ketoacidosis, blindness, or kidney disease.
Signs of diabetic ketoacidosis are:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy/weakness
- Dehydration
- Breathing abnormalities
Treatment of Diabetes in your pet
The treatment of diabetes in your dog or cat, like the symptoms, are the same as for people. For Type 2 diabetes, having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, and taking diabetes medications or insulin to control glucose levels is recommended.
Talk to your veterinarian if you think your pet has diabetes. He can talk to you about possible treatment options and put together a program to meet the needs of your pet
|