Diabetes Mellitus
What is it?
A lack of available insulin in the body, leading to high blood glucose levels.
Diabetes occurs when the body stops making or responding to insulin-a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
If left untreated Diabetes can cause very serious problems and can even be fatal.
Signs
- Has your pet started drinking a lot of water?
- Has your pet started urinating more frequently – this can include accidents in the house
- Have they recently lost weight?
- Does your pet seem lethargic and lifeless?
- Has your pet started Vomiting?
If your pet has the above symptoms and you are concerned that your pet has diabetes please call us at the surgery to arrange an appointment with the Vet.
When the body has difficulty in using digested sugar as energy, the high sugar levels in the blood result in sugar and lots of water being passed out in the urine.
One way to test this is to use a glucose urine strip. This shows whether sugar is being excreted in the urine and only takes a few seconds for a result.
Call into the practice to collect your FREE glucose test and make sure your pet is not suffering from diabetes.
If you think your pet may be diabetic or you have any queries regarding diabetes please call us at the surgery.
For more information visit :
http://www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetesmonth
If you are worried about Diabetes outside of our opening hours please see our ‘Out of hours’ page for emergency contact details
- Cats of all ages, sexes and breeds are susceptible to cat diabetes mellitus however older, castrated male cats are more prone.
- In the UK burmese cats have been reported to have a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus
- Middle aged to older dogs are the more prone to developing diabetes – there are certain breeds again which are considered to be at a higher risk.
Unfortunately diabetes cannot be cured, however we can treat your pet to help control blood glucose levels, to try to eliminate the clinical signs and prevent any complications.
Treatment for diabetes is daily Insulin therapy – this is usually by injection.
Diabetes treatment is very dependant on a strict routine – being fed and injected at exact times each day.
Sometimes diet changes also need to be implemented.
Once we have confirmed diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus we will show and teach you everything you need to know about treating your pet.
It can be a long process trying to stabilise a diabetic patient and it will not happen overnight.
Frequent urine and blood tests will be required initially for monitoring.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Hypoglycaemia – This could be caused by your pet not eating, being unwell, receiving too much insulin. This can result in your pet being very lethargic, trembling and if left untreated could result in your pet entering a coma. If you suspect your pet to be hypoglycaemic ring a Vet for advice immediately. If you are unable to get to a Vet urgently then administer food or a glucose solution (can use jam or honey) rubbed on to their gums. Monitor very closely for signs of improvement.
Hyperglycaemia – This could be caused by your pet not receiving enough insulin after eating their food, a unexpected change in their diet/routine. This will result in similar signs to initial clinical signs, increased thirst, urination. If you suspect your pet to be hyperglycaemic ring a Vet for advice.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis – This could be caused by leaving your diabetic pet untreated or if your pet has not been stabilised correctly. Signs of ketoacidosis include anorexia, nausea and lethargy and if left untreated can lead to seizures and can have a poor prognosis.