The winter holidays are upon us at last! As an early Christmas present,ย The Meowing Vet’sย December Newsletter provides the most important key points that pet ownersย should remember from our November 2017 articles. Scroll down for a sneak-peek of our upcoming blog topics to finish out the year!
My Pet Is Sweeter Than Yours: Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
November 10, 2017
- As in humans, pets can also suffer from the effects of diabetes mellitus, an endocrine disorder causing high blood glucose levels (or high blood sugar). Diabetes occurs either due to failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or resistance of the body’s cells to the effects of insulin (type 2 diabetes). Under normal circumstances, insulin shouldย normally cause cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream to use as energy.
- Signs of diabetes includes weight loss despite a big appetite and increased urination with increased water consumption (PU/PD). Cataract formation in both eyes can occur in dogs, and skin changes and neurological abnormalities can occur in both dogs and cats.
- Obesity can complicate the management of diabetes as can other diseases such as pancreatitis, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), acromegaly, and heat cycles in intact female dogs.
- Therapy for diabetes includes a strict regimen ofย insulin injections, aย prescription diet speciallyย formulated for diabetics, and weight management. Spaying intact female dogs can also help improve diabetes.
- Most cases of diabetes mellitus are incurable and require lifelong management. However, some cases of diabetes in overweight cats can result in complete remission (i.e. cure) with proper therapy.
- Consequences of improper diagnosis and treatment include life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a medical emergency.
- Regular rechecks with your veterinarian, which include glucose curves, are important for the health of diabetic pets.
Preview of The Meowing Vet’s upcoming article topics for the month of December: (topics or order subject to change)
- December 8: The Meowing Vet’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Pets
The Meowing Vet will be on a brief hiatus for the holidays from December 23rd – January 7th. But we’ll be back with more great content for your pets in the new year!
For more information, visit www.themeowingvet.com. And Don’t forget to subscribe to our e-mail notification list to keep receiving these newsletters.
xoxo
Maranda Elswick, DVM
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