Apparent Dog Diabetes Symptom Should Not Be Disregarded But Must Be Treated
November 5, 2007
Dog diabetes symptoms will be the first indications of the dreaded disease. Broadly speaking there are two types of dog diabetes – diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Canine diabetes mellitus is similar to the human type.
Diabetes insipidus results from a lack of vasopressin. This is the antidiuretic hormone that controls the water works of the kidney. Diabetes mellitus is caused by lack of insulin or sugar metabolism. The latter is the most common of the two.
Diabetes mellitus can be further subdivided into the congenital and acquired types. Most of the diabetes noticed in dogs are insulin dependent Type 2 otherwise termed IDDM.
Food is taken for energy and maintenance of the body. Enzymes convert the nutrients from food into chemicals for specific body functions. This is delivered through the blood stream to the cells as fuel.
The main fuel is glucose but its mere presence will be of no use unless it is transported. Here insulin plays a key role. It opens the highways for allowing the glucose to travel from the blood to the cells. It also stops the liver from producing excess glucose and has a hand in storing the sugar for future use.
The disease strikes when the endocrine system stumbles in producing insulin sufficient enough to do all the three functions of production, distribution and storage. When the balance is disturbed there is too much glucose in the blood and scant in the cells.
Diabetes in dogs is fairly common. Dog canine diabetes symptom shows up any time between seven and nine years of age. Unspayed female dogs are more prone to the disease. Some breeds like Keeshonds, Miniature Pinschers and Cairn Terriers are genetically predisposed to it.
Poodles, Beagles and Miniature Schauzers have a strong possibility of developing it. Symptom of diabetes in dogs may show up after a viral attack or pancreatic infections and or Cushing’s disease.
The first dog diabetes symptom that will be noticed is lack of appetite. This will be followed up excessive thirst and frequent urination. Unless treated, the dog will lose weight, become lethargic and depressed. Vomiting will ensue. This is the ideal time for secondary bacterial and fungal infection to set in. Liver and bladder problems will surface and the worst of all cataracts will begin to form.
Diagnosis consists of examination of the dog and lab tests. Insulin injections allow the dog to lead a normal life. In most cases a single injection per day will suffice. Following a low calorie diet often the insulin is discontinued. In some cases oral pills also work. Dogs are given pork- based insulin. It is better to be constantly alert about dog diabetes symptoms.
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