Diabetes 


        Did you know that  more than 1.4 million U.S. companion animals have been diagnosed with diabetes?  That's 1 in every 500 dogs and 1 in every 200 cats!  Obesity is a leading factor in the increase of diabetes in dogs and cats.  Simply put, we are seeing more diabetic animals because we are seeing more obese pets. 

        There are 2 forms of diabetes in dogs and cats, diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.  Diabetes insipidus is a very rare disorder that results in failure to regulate body water intake.  Diabetes mellitus, also known as Type II or adult-onset diabetes, is the more common form and usually affects dogs five years of age or older and cats over 8 years of age.


Diabetes Insipidus (drinking diabetes) renders the body incapable of regulating the use of water. Symptoms include excessive thirst (polydipsia) and production of large amounts of urine (polyuria).  It is caused by a lack of the anti-diuretic hormone ADH or the failure of the kidneys to respond to this hormone. 


        Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes) occurs when the pet cannot control their blood sugar levels.  Symptoms include increase in water intake, increase in urination, increased appetite and weight loss despite the increase in food intake.  It is caused by a lack of insulin (produced by the pancreas) or an increase in blood sugar levels.


Treatment:

        Treatment for diabetes insipidus, once diagnosed, is the administration of anti-diuretic hormone through nasal drops in cats and oral medications for dogs.  Treatment for diabetes mellitus, as with people, can be more complex.  It does take a financial and a personal commitment, but as with diabetes in humans, once controlled there is minimum care needed.  

This is a very general over view so for more information you can visit www.petdiabetesmonth.com and do not hesitate to give us a call with any question or concerns.  


The first step is diagnosis!  And though diabetes is a chronic disease, it can be well controlled with minimal disruption of your life while maintaining your pet?s quality of life.




And as always the best medicine is preventative medicine. So get them off that couch, go for a walk, even the kitty.  Remember, any day is a beautiful day when you are spending time with your four-legged family members.