|
Does Your Dog (or Cat) Have Diabetes?
|
|
Look for the signs and symptoms so you can take action today
|
By Pat Olsen
|
Diabetes Focus First Quarter 2007
|
 |
If your cat or dog is eating, drinking and urinating more than usual and you notice a weight change, don’t wait until your next appointment to see the vet. These are classic symptoms of diabetes, which usually affects middle-aged or older pets and can be just as serious as it is in humans. As people have become more aware of the early signs of diabetes in humans, their pets have benefited from the knowledge as well, says Lori Corriveau, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in West Lafayette, IN. By understanding diabetes in animals, you’re better able to help your pet avoid developing it, and if your dog or cat is diagnosed, that understanding will help you care for him or her.
Like humans, cats suffer from two types of the disease. In type 1, an autoimmune disorder, the body kills off the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In type 2, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body doesn’t properly use the insulin it does manufacture. The result of both type 1 and type 2 is that the body’s blood sugar (glucose) level suffers an imbalance, or increase. This can lead to short-term illness and long-term health problems. Dogs can only develop type 1 diabetes, which requires insulin injections.
Both cats and dogs tend to gain weight initially because of increased appetite. As the disease progresses, they may lose weight and muscle tone. Cats’ coats can become unkempt and dull, and they may have more dander, Dr. Corriveau says. “Cats with type 1 require insulin injections, but those with type 2 may avoid shots if they respond well to a modified diet and perhaps an oral medication to ‘squeeze’ the insulin from the pancreas,” she notes.
Cats and dogs taking steroids for another condition are predisposed to developing diabetes. Also, the disease may be hereditary or linked to pancreatitis. Just as obesity predisposes people to type 2 diabetes, cats weighing 15 pounds or more are at greater risk for type 2.
Pets that suffer from the disease are more prone to urinary tract infections. Like humans, dogs may develop cataracts if their diabetes is not well-regulated. Cats may suffer from hind-leg weakness, although the condition can be reversed when their blood sugar is controlled.
Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and doesn’t overeat. Also, Dr. Corriveau advises buying a quality pet food, and if your pet is overweight, modifying the diet with fiber or adopting one of the newer higher-protein weight loss regimens. It’s important for your pet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
It is always smart to visit a veterinarian at the first sign of diabetes. Testing may reveal a different culprit behind the symptoms—a urinary tract infection, a hormonal or endocrine imbalance, or liver or kidney disease. Your vet will determine the correct medication to stabilize your pet. In some cases, you’ll need to learn how to inject your cat or dog with insulin. You can also discuss nutritional needs, exercise and oral medications. Set up a feeding schedule, and routinely have your pet’s glucose levels checked by your vet.
Some essential rules for your pet: Monitor appetite, weight, water consumption and urination. (With cats, you can add urine glucose indication papers to the litter box.) Provide enough exercise along with good nutrition. A low-carbohydrate, high- protein diet can help. And try to reduce your pet’s stress. Keeping a cat indoors most of the time may help; even a short ride in a cat carrier can be stressful and raise glucose levels.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Spaying may prevent a female dog from getting progesterone-related diabetes.
• About one in five cats may experience spontaneous remission of diabetes, lasting weeks or months—probably as a result of dietary management.
• Treat all infections and other diseases promptly, because they can interfere with how well insulin injections work.
• Regulating a pet’s diabetes may take several months and a big financial commitment. In some cases, however, diabetes can be regulated quickly and easily.
As vet Lori Corriveau peered at the 11/2-year-old longhaired cat, she saw one lethargic kitty: Tobias, who was taking steroids for allergies, had lost weight and wasn’t himself. “Dr. C” knew that diabetes can be a side effect of steroids, and urine and blood glucose tests confirmed her suspicion. The vet took Tobias off the steroids—they interfere with diabetes treatment—and started him on low-dose insulin. Then his owner missed the next appointment. By the time Tobias saw Dr. C some weeks later, he was experiencing ketoacidosis, a life-threatening state, because of insufficient insulin. He spent a week in intensive care, during which the vet administered medication to correct his electrolyte imbalance and nursed him back to health.
Two months after his first visit to the Purdue animal hospital, Tobias’s diabetes is still not regulated. Dr. C is confident it will be, but Tobias’s case shows how frustrating diabetes can be. And his owner learned a tough lesson. Her cat’s treatment ended up costing more than it might have, and she could have lost her beloved pet. But with care, he’ll be her faithful companion for years to come.
|
|
|
|
|
|