Canine Diabetes :: Diabetes in Dog

Canine Diabetes, or Diabetes in Dog is a complex and common endocrine disorder in the dog. It is caused by insufficient production of the hormone, insulin, by the pancreas (known as type 1 diabetes) or by inadequate response of the body's cells to insulin (known as type 2 diabetes).

Insulin is the hormone produced in the islet cells (also called the beta cells) of the pancreas and responsible to regulates how glucose is absorbed and utilized by the cells and tissues of the body.  In a normal dog, insulin prevented glucose production by the liver and ensuring that excess glucose derived from food which is not needed for energy is put into body stores.

However, a canine diabetes dog have insufficient insulin to switch off glucose production by the liver or to efficiently store excess glucose derived from energy giving foods. Under these conditions, the body gets signals to start using stored fat and protein as energy sources. This is why a diabetic dog often eats extra food because it is trying to supply its body with additional energy. But the food taken is not efficiently used, so even though the animal is eating a lot it is still losing weight.

Symptoms

• Polyuria (excessive urination)

• Polydipsya (excessive water consumption)

• Polyphagia (excessive eating)

• Weight loss

Undetected/untreated diabetes can lead to

• anorexia (loss of appetite)

• depression

• vomiting

• urinary tract infections and

• cataracts

Risk Factors
Highest occurences are found in dogs

• between the ages of 7-9 (although less common, there are cases where diabetes has been seen in very young dogs).

• unspayed female dogs appear to be more susceptible.

• obese dogs.

Causes

• genetic.

• infectious viral diseases.

• immune-mediated destruction of the pancreatic beta cells.

• pancreatitis.

• drugs: glucocorticoids (steroids) and progestagens (reproductive hormones).

• predisposing diseases: hyperadrenocorticism, acromegaly.

Diagnosis
Diabetes diagnosis is made based on clinical signs, physical exam, and lab tests. The veterinarian will have to perform tests, including a blood test, and to prescribe the proper dose of insulin to be administered. Findings typically include persistent hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) and glucosuria (glucose in the urine). Often, ketones are present in the urine or blood.

Normal blood glucose values range from about 80-120 mg/dL. Diabetic animals can have blood glucose values that are moderately elevated, or extremely elevated (600+ mg/dL).

Treatment

Medication:
The treatment will be daily injections of insulin; there are no oral medications available for animals. Insulin must be given by injection because it is a protein and would be digested in the intestine if it was given as a tablet. Insulin is available as pharmacological preparations for subcutaneous injection which have been formulated to slow its absorption and prolong its action.

There are three types of prolonged duration insulin preparations: lente (mixed insulin zinc suspension), isophane (NPH) and protamine zinc insulin (PZI). Of these, protamine zinc insulin has the longest duration of action and lente and isophane insulins last long enough to be used on a once, or occasionally twice, daily basis in diabetic dogs. Your vet will show you the proper way to administer the treatment, and provide a time schedule.

If your dog is a female, talk to your vet about spaying (if she isn't already). Spaying will eliminates the interaction of the female hormones with blood glucose levels and this will help toward stabilizing insulin levels.

Proper Diet:
Foods high in fiber and protein, with restricted fats and carbohydrates are best for the dog. Feed them a regular time, what they eat, and when they eat it, will effect its sugar/insulin levels. 1/3 of the total daily amount of food should be given 1/2 hour before the injection. The remaining amount of food should be given 8-10 hours later. If your dog likes a snack before bedtime take it out of the 2/3rds amount. If your dog is overweight, you'll have to put it on a diet to loose weight slowly.

Exercise:
Plan for a consistent exercise program and stick to it. Exercise will effect the glucose levels in the dogs blood stream.

Prevention
It is a wise practice to have your dog checked annually by your vet, and urine and blood screens (usually fasting) should be a part of that checkup. If you notice any of the symptoms above visit the veterinarian immediately. The earlier diabetes is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment.