Diabetes in dogs / diabetes mellitus in dogs: causes, symptoms and treatment

Diabetes in dogs is a metabolic disease. The disease occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or when it cannot properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.

Causes of diabetes in dogs:

There are various factors that can contribute to the development of diabetes in dogs. These include genetic predispositions, obesity, inflammation of the pancreas and hormonal disorders. Some dog breeds such as poodles, dachshunds and cocker spaniels have an increased risk of diabetes.

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Diabetes in dogs symptoms

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs can be similar to those in humans. This includes:

1. Increased urination (polyuria)
2. Severe thirst (polydipsia)
3. Weight loss despite a good appetite
4. fatigue and weakness
5. Changes in coat condition
6. susceptibility to infections

Diagnosis of diabetes in dogs:

Diagnosis of diabetes in dogs is based on clinical symptoms, the animal's medical history, and blood and urine tests. It is important to recognize the disease early to avoid complications and subsequent damage.

Dog diabetes test

A canine diabetes test is usually performed by a veterinarian to measure the level of sugar (glucose) in the dog's blood. There are several methods to test blood sugar levels in dogs:

1. Blood sugar measurement: The veterinarian takes a blood sample from a vein or capillary (e.g. from the ear) of the dog and measures the blood sugar level with a special glucose meter. This test provides quick and accurate results.
2. Urine glucose test: A sample of the dog's urine is collected and tested for glucose. This test can help provide an initial assessment if diabetes mellitus is suspected, but a blood glucose measurement is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
3. Fructosamine test: This blood test measures the dog's average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 weeks and can help assess the effectiveness of insulin therapy. Fructosamine is a protein that combines with glucose, and its level in the blood indicates average blood sugar levels.

If you suspect that your dog may be suffering from diabetes mellitus, it is important to see a veterinarian and have the appropriate tests carried out. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to maintaining your dog's well-being and avoiding possible complications.

Treating diabetes in dogs:

Treatment for diabetes in dogs aims to control blood sugar levels and relieve symptoms. This includes:

1. Insulin therapy : Most dogs with diabetes require daily insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Change in diet : An adapted diet with high-quality proteins, moderate fat content and a low glycemic index can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
3. Weight management : Overweight dogs should lose weight to reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
4. Regular check-ups : Regular veterinary visits are important to monitor the dog's condition and adjust therapy.

Living with a Diabetic Dog:

Canine diabetes is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. , with early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and close cooperation with the veterinarian, diabetic dogs can lead almost normal and happy lives.

It's important to stick to the prescribed treatment plan to ensure your diabetic dog stays healthy. Here are some additional tips for managing life with a diabetic dog:

1. Regular exercise : Regular exercise is important to improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity. However, you should make sure that physical activity is evenly distributed throughout the day to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Blood sugar monitoring : Monitoring your dog's blood sugar levels at home can help adjust insulin dosage and detect possible complications early. Discuss with your veterinarian which method of blood glucose testing is best for your dog.
3. Avoiding stress : Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Try to minimize stressors for your dog by creating a stable environment and a structured daily routine.
4. Recognizing signs of low blood sugar : Too high a dose of insulin or sudden physical exertion can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include tremors, weakness, disorientation, and seizures. If you notice signs of hypoglycemia in your dog, give him some honey or glucose syrup immediately and contact your veterinarian.

Prevention of diabetes in dogs:

Although there is no guarantee that a dog can avoid diabetes mellitus, there are some measures that can reduce the risk:

1. Feeding a balanced diet : Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce the risk of obesity and insulin resistance.
2. Regular exercise : An active lifestyle helps maintain your dog's ideal weight and reduces the risk of metabolic diseases.
3. Early detection of symptoms : Watch for signs of diabetes mellitus in your dog, especially if he belongs to an at-risk breed or has a family history of the disease.
4. Regular Vet Visits : Regular checkups can help detect and treat health problems early before they lead to serious complications.

Support for dog owners with diabetic dogs:

Caring for a diabetic dog can be overwhelming at first. However, there are resources and support for dog owners that can help overcome this challenge:

1. Educate yourself : It is important to be well informed about diabetes mellitus in dogs. Read literature, visit trusted websites, and talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the disease and the best treatment options.
2. Connect with other dog owners : Connect with other diabetic dog owners to share experiences and advice. This can help you deal with the challenges and gain valuable tips for dealing with your diabetic dog. There are online forums, social media, and local support groups where you can find support.
3. Professional help : If you are having difficulty completing insulin injections or monitoring your dog's blood sugar levels, consider seeking professional help. A veterinarian or specialized veterinary clinic can teach you how to complete these tasks safely and effectively.
4. Emotional Support : Caring for a diabetic dog can be emotionally draining. Talk to friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and seek support if you feel like you're having a hard time dealing with the situation.

Remember that while caring for a diabetic dog can be challenging, with the right support, education and treatment, your dog can live a happy and fulfilling life. By caring for your four-legged friend's well-being and working closely with your veterinarian, you can ensure that your dog enjoys a high quality of life despite his illness.

Frequently asked questions about diabetes in dogs - FAQs:

Diabetes in dogs: life expectancy?

The life expectancy of a dog with diabetes mellitus depends on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the quality of medical care, adherence to the treatment plan, and the dog's overall health. With an early diagnosis of diabetes in dogs, appropriate therapy and close cooperation with the veterinarian, many dogs with diabetes mellitus can lead almost normal lives.

The prognosis for a diabetic dog is usually better if the disease is detected and treated early. Timely treatment helps prevent or minimize complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, infections or cataracts. If a dog responds well to insulin therapy and blood sugar levels are well controlled, the life expectancy of a diabetic dog can be similar to that of a non-diabetic dog.

It is important to note that dog life expectancy is also influenced by factors such as age, breed, size and general health. Regular veterinary visits, a balanced diet and adequate exercise are crucial to maintaining your diabetic dog's health and well-being and maximizing his life expectancy.

Conclusion on diabetes in dogs:

Diabetes in dogs is a serious condition that requires lifelong treatment. However, with early diagnosis, appropriate therapy and close cooperation with the veterinarian, diabetic dogs can lead almost normal and happy lives. Prevention of diabetes mellitus in dogs is based on a balanced diet, regular exercise and regular visits to the vet. By identifying symptoms early and responding quickly to changes in your dog's health, you can help maintain your four-legged friend's quality of life and longevity.

Current research and treatment methods for diabetes in dogs:

Research in veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, and new treatments and technologies are being developed to improve the lives of diabetic dogs. Some of the current research areas and new treatment approaches include:

1. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): CGM devices are already used successfully in people with diabetes, and there are studies examining their use in dogs as well. These devices enable continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels and could be a helpful addition to insulin therapy in dogs in the future.
2. Islet cell transplantation: Transplantation of islet cells, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, is a promising treatment method being studied in people with diabetes. Future studies could examine whether this method can also be used in dogs to improve or restore insulin production.
3. New Insulin Formulations: The development of new insulin formulations may help improve insulin therapy in diabetic dogs. Long-acting insulins may require less frequent injections, while rapid-acting insulins may provide better blood sugar control when needed.
4. Glucose-lowering medications: Although insulin injections are currently the main treatment for dogs with diabetes mellitus, there is research into the possible use of oral glucose-lowering medications in dogs. These medications could be a supplement or alternative to insulin therapy.
5. Genetics and Prevention: Research into the genetic factors that contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus in dogs can help better identify dog ​​breeds at risk and develop preventive measures.
6. Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy is an emerging field in veterinary medicine that has the potential to treat diabetes in dogs. Researchers are studying whether stem cells can be used to replace or repair damaged insulin-producing cells.

Literature on diabetes in dogs

Here are some books and scientific articles about diabetes in dogs. Please note that this is a selection and there may be new publications that have appeared since then:

1. “Diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats: A guide for clinics and practices” by Marion Hewicker-Trautwein and Rüdiger Korbelin.
2. “Diabetes in dogs” by Karin Herberholz.
3. “Canine diabetes mellitus: A veterinary challenge” by Sonja Zerbe.
4. “Diabetes Mellitus in Veterinary Medicine” by Kathryn E. Michel and Alexander J. German.

Here are some scientific articles that can provide you with more information about canine diabetes:

1. Catchpole B, Ristic JM, Fleeman LM, Davison LJ. Canine diabetes mellitus: can old dogs teach us new tricks? Diabetologia. 2005;48(10):1948-1956.
2. Hess RS, Saunders HM, Van Winkle TJ, Ward CR. Concurrent Disorders in Dogs with Diabetes Mellitus: 221 Cases (1993-1998). J Vet Intern Med 1999;13(3):204-211.
3. Hoenig M. Comparative aspects of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2002;197(1-2):221-229.
4. Feldman EC, Nelson RW, Reusch CE, et al. Canine and Feline Diabetes Mellitus: Nature or Nurture? J Nutr. 2004;134(8):2072S-2080S.

Please note that it is important to obtain current research and information on canine diabetes from trusted sources such as veterinarians or professional journals.