Diabetes is a pancreatic disorder. There are two types:
Your dog needs insulin in order to absorb glucose and convert it into energy. Untreated, your dog’s health will gradually decline and end in an early death.
CAUSES:
Diabetes is common in dogs that have the following combined factors:
SIGNS:
Initial signs include:
Advanced signs for untreated diabetes include:
DIAGNOSIS:
To diagnose your dog with diabetes, your veterinarian will review medical history and signs. The veterinarian will also perform blood and urine tests to check glucose levels.
TREATMENT:
Most veterinarians will agree that diabetes is not curable, but can be controlled by:
Change in diet:
Insulin injections:
Insulin is used to keep the dog’s blood glucose levels under control. You will be able to learn to give injections, as the insulin needles are tiny. Giving an injection is usually easier than giving a pill.
Be aware of behavioral changes that signal:
Dogs with diabetes must eat regularly to guard against insulin overdose, but be careful to control the amount of food your cat eats to prevent obesity.
PREVENTION:
While there is no way known to prevent type 1 diabetes, proper weight management can reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
PROGNOSIS:
The prognosis for a diabetic dog depends on your commitment to treat the disease, good communication between you and your veterinarian, and good control of the blood glucose with appropriate diet and dose of insulin.
With a strict diet, insulin and exercise, your dog can be happy and live a healthy life, even with diabetes.
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The communication methods below are monitored during our facility's regualr business hours.
Long Island City Phone: 718-752-1488
FAX: 718-752-1499
Email: astoriaanimal@gmail.com
Astoria Animal Society is a non-profit veterinary practice.