Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects humans and animals such as horses, apes, pigs, cats, and dogs. Diabetes in pets has no cure, but with the help of our team at Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital in Bailey, you can manage it. It is important to understand the signs of diabetes and contact one of our veterinarians for help.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body does not use glucose normally. Glucose is a primary source of energy for body cells. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the levels of glucose and transfers it from the bloodstream to the body cells.
Diabetes occurs if the body lacks enough insulin or is unable to use its insulin. The former is known as type 1 diabetes, and the latter type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can result in hypoglycemia, where the glucose accumulates in the blood and risks overflowing into the urine. Therefore diabetic pets will urinate more and drink more water.
Diabetes in Pets
Cats and dogs of any age can become diabetic. Most cats with diabetes are over six years old, and most dogs are diagnosed with diabetes between seven to ten years old. Diabetes poses serious risks to pets, including:
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Enlarged liver
- Urinary tract infections
- Cataracts that lead to blindness
- Ketoacidosis
The Signs of Diabetes in Pets
Some of the signs of diabetes in pets include:
- Decreased appetite
- Cloudy eyes especially in dogs
- Weight loss
- Increased urination and drinking water excessively
- Recurring infections such as urinary and skin infections
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes in Pets
If you observe any of the diabetes symptoms, discuss them with one of our veterinarians, we will perform various tests to rule out certain diseases. A diabetes diagnosis includes a blood test to check for excessive sugar in the urine or blood. The dog or cat may also take a urine test to rule out a urinary tract infection.
Treatment for diabetes in cats involves insulin injections. The veterinarian will give the initial dose and prescribe subsequent doses of insulin injections. We will need to monitor the medication and adjust the treatments based on the results.
How To Care for Diabetic Pets
As a pet owner, you can take the following steps to care for a diabetic pet:
Dogs
- Consider spaying a female dog with a diabetes diagnosis.
- Daily exercise. Our vets will recommend the appropriate exercises based on age, health, and weight.
- A diet that is rich in fiber.
Cats
- A low carbohydrate and high protein diet.
- Daily exercise. Talk to our vet about potential exercises for cats.
Get Veterinary Services in Bailey, CO
We offer a wide range of pet wellness services, including pet vaccinations, preventive care, pet surgery, pet dental, wellness plans, and treatment for pet diabetes. Call our team at Crow Hill Veterinary Hospital today at (303) 838-4677 to schedule an appointment with Dr. RiceWatkins or Dr. Martin.
