Your Pet And Diabetes

Did you know that approximately 1% of our furry pals develop diabetes at some time in their lives? Diabetes is essentially the same in humans and pets. It occurs when the pet’s body is unable to effectively metabolize glucose, which is required to fuel the body. Diabetes isn’t as common in pets as it is in humans, but it is just as dangerous for them. In this piece, a local Pasadena, TX veterinarian discusses some basic diabetic information for pets.

What Exactly Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes happens when the body cannot produce or process insulin. Insulin governs the mechanism by which glucose is converted into fuel. When that process goes wrong, it causes havoc on your pet’s health.

As you may be aware, there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 insulin deficiency diabetes occurs when the body does not create insulin. This is usually caused by pancreatic injury or malfunctioning.  Type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to adequately utilize insulin. The pancreas may generate some insulin, but it is either insufficient or the cells are unable to properly digest it.

Both sorts eventually cause the body to starve for energy. The disorder also causes a buildup of sugar in the blood, even though the cells require glucose. The body will then begin to metabolize both fat and protein. That can be really harmful. Elevated glucose levels are likewise hazardous and can result in serious organ damage.

Diabetes can result in a variety of secondary health issues, some of which are life-threatening. Some of these include cataracts, liver difficulties, kidney problems, and seizures. Then there’s ketoacidosis, which is quite dangerous. When the body is actually famished for sustenance, regardless of the amount of glucose in the blood, it begins to break down fat and protein. This will cause the blood to become more acidic, disrupting the electrolyte balance and causing dehydration. As the condition advances, it may cause enlargement of brain cells, organ failure, and impaired muscle function. Ketoacidosis can be fatal if not addressed, so this is a serious condition.

How Do I Take Care Of My Diabetic Pet?

Once Fido and Fluffy have been diagnosed as diabetic, they will likely need treatment for the rest of their lives. However, there is no need to panic. In many cases, caring for a diabetic pet isn’t going to be drastically different from caring for any other pet. In some cases, the condition can even be reversed, though there are of course no guarantees.

Your vet will be able to go over specific treatment options after thoroughly evaluating your pet. These may include the following:

• Insulin Injections: While this may be intimidating at first, insulin injections are actually quite simple. Once you and your furry pal are used to the process, this will likely only take a few minutes a day.
• Medication: Blood sugar may also be controlled through certain medications.
• Diet: Your furry pal’s diet really is the cornerstone of their health. You’ll want to offer your dog or cat a good, high-quality brand, one that does not contain a lot of carbohydrates. It’s also important to know what not to feed a diabetic pet. Get into the habit of checking labels. Anything that contains corn syrup is an immediate no. Products with sugar or honey in them are also not recommended. Additionally, you would want to restrict Fido’s intake of fatty foods, such as peanut butter.
• Glucose Monitoring: You’ll also need to monitor your pet’s glucose levels, by regularly testing their blood, urine, or both.
• Veterinary Care: Pets with diabetes may need to come in more often, especially if they also have other issues. Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

What Are the Warning Signs of Diabetes in Pets?

It’s important to know what to look for. Of course, it is always vital to keep a close eye on your pet and look for indicators that something is wrong. Early intervention can make a significant difference in diabetes.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Cloudy Eyes
• Unusual Gait
• Excessive Thirst
• Increased Urine Output
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Increased Appetite (With Or Without Weight Loss)
• Poor Coat Condition
• Skin Infections
• Urinary Tract Infections

Contact your Pasadena, TX vet right away if you notice any of these.

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Are you looking for a great vet in the area? Do you need to bring your dog or cat in for a checkup? Contact us, your local Pasadena, TX animal clinic, today!