Diabetes Mellitus is a health issue that occurs in cats and dogs. Diabetes is a condition where the body fails to use glucose (sugar) correctly as an energy source. This can occur as the result of inadequate insulin secretion from the pancreas, or the inability of the body to use insulin properly.
The Risk Factor of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
Dogs: Middle-aged dogs and small dog breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Border Terriers, and Bichon Frises are likely to get diabetes, but it can develop in other breeds as well.
Cats: Middle-aged to geriatric cats are most likely to be affected. Heavier cats are more susceptible to developing diabetes as well. Some cat breeds like Burmese and the Russian Blue seem to be at an increased risk.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: What’s the Difference?
Diabetes Mellitus falls under two classifications – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is the most common diabetes diagnosis in dogs. It results from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin. This can be due to a disease or genetic factors. Dogs with type 1 diabetes need to receive insulin injections to control their glucose levels and manage blood sugar for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent – a condition frequently seen in cats. It happens when the body does not respond like it should to insulin and therefore can produce sufficient energy. This can result from hormone abnormalities, the use of steroids, or obesity.
Other Types of Diabetes in Pets
Diabetic ketoacidosis represents a life-threatening condition that happens when the body breaks down fat instead of using glucose for energy.
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that occurs in dogs that is marked by excess thirst and the production of a large amount of dilute urine.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Diabetes?
Pet diabetes may result from:
- Pancreatic damage (where insulin production takes place)
- Lesions in the immune system.
- Hormonal disruptions
- Obesity
- Certain drugs
Hereditary factors.
In diabetes in cats, a substance called amyloid can build up and impair the production of insulin.
Diabetes Indicators
Check for the presence of diabetic indicators in both dogs and cats:
- Excessive thirst or drinking an abnormally high volume of water
- Markedly increased volume of urine output
- Overeating
- Losing weight while consuming more food
- The presence of lethargy or fatigue
- In dogs, cataracts can also form in the eye, while cats may lose strength in their hind legs
Diabetes Diagnosis
Specific tests to diagnose diabetes may find that the patient has a blood glucose level that is too high. Vets may also test for glycosuria or check the blood protein level of fructosamine.
In some cases, a cat’s blood sugar may shoot up if it is stressed. Therefore, a vet may have to take additional tests when they’re examining cats.
Diabetes Treatment
The objective of the management of blood glucose control includes the following:
- Administration of subcutaneous insulin: Diabetic pets are placed on insulin shots or injections, which are performed twice daily.
- Diets: Dietary changes can be effective in the management of blood glucose.
- Exercise regimen: Effective in the management of obesity and blood glucose.
- Appraisal: Daily evaluations of the blood glucose level is very important.
Treating Dogs
- Most dogs are placed on insulin therapy following a schedule of twice a day.
- They are usually given high fiber diets.
- To help manage diabetes in female dogs, they should be spayed.
Treating Cats
- Cats also are placed on insulin therapy similar to dogs.
- Cats will do better on a high protein, lower carb diet.
- Some diabetic cats may receive oral medications rather than insulin injections.
- Another class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors may be given to diabetic cats at the time of diagnosis.
Treating Diabetes at Home
It is essential that the pet owners keep a check on their diabetic animals by taking the following steps:
- Frequently testing blood sugar levels
- Noticing when pets exhibit low blood sugar signs (dizziness, shaking)
- Noting the quantities of food taken, liquid consumption and urination frequency of the animal
- Some owners monitor the blood glucose levels of their pets using continuous glucose monitors, devices that are implanted in an animal and that show glucose levels at regular intervals.
Complications of Diabetes
When diabetes is poorly controlled, other complications may arise:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A dangerous condition characterized by an overproduction of ketones in the body.
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Another extreme high blood glucose level condition posing risks.
- Infections: Pets with diabetes are more susceptible to various kinds of infections.
- Cataracts: Although they often appear in dogs with diabetes, they are scarce in cats.
- Heart health: If diabetes isn’t monitored, problems with heart arrhythmias and cardiac failure may emerge and develop.
Managing Diabetic Crises
Both DKA and HHS are also classified as acute situations that require a vet’s care. Treatment often consists of:
- Administration of intravenous fluid
- Careful administration of insulin
- Shock, electrolyte shifts
- Treatment of any causative factors
Having a Diabetic Pet: What You Need to Do to Keep a Diabetic Pet’s Health in Check
Most diabetic pets will find a manageable life if they are given the appropriate care. Pet owners, in turn, should:
- Be timely about meals and follow a program of insulin administration
- Learn how to administer an insulin injection
- Keep tabs on the condition of the animal
- Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian
- Expect the unexpected – learn how to be prepared if something goes wrong*
*For example, dogs or cats with type 2 diabetes with cardio problems may experience cardiac arrhythmias if they have hypoglycemia or low blood sugar because of treatments.
Good News for Cat Owners
In certain cases, some cats may go into “remission,” which means pet owners may not need to treat their cats for diabetes indefinitely. When you work with your vet, it increases the likelihood that this will happen.
Final Thoughts about Pet Diabetes
Although diabetes is a major illness, you can manage it as long as you and your veterinarian work as a team. Therefore, a great number of pets do live with diabetes and lead a long life.
If you notice diabetic symptoms in your pet, do not delay visiting a veterinarian. Doing so makes a big difference in controlling the disease.
Author: Donna Ryan is an writer from Tucson, AZ. You can contact her at Inky Publishing any time.