If we talk about diabetes, it is probably a disease that few people do not know about because it is considered one of the most popular diseases among Thais. But what many people may be surprised about is that animals like dogs and cats can also have diabetes. Although this disease cannot be completely cured, we, as owners, can control this disease for our little ones by taking care of them in the right way and appropriately. Let's understand this disease so that we can take care of our little ones correctly.
Diabetes It is a disease that has high blood sugar levels. Normally, the body can use the sugar in the bloodstream, which requires the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. The causes of diabetes can be divided into 2 types:
- Pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs.
- The pancreas can produce insulin normally, but there is a deficiency in the action of insulin. Therefore, it results in higher than normal blood sugar levels, which is the cause of diabetes.
The causes of both of the above types of diabetes that may occur in our dogs and cats are: There is currently no cure, but the disease can be controlled.If the owner takes good care of them, injects insulin into dogs and cats regularly to control blood sugar levels at the right level, including controlling nutrition and taking them to exercise also has an effect.
Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
Dogs or cats with diabetes often have the following symptoms:
1.Drink plenty of water
2. Eat a lot but lose weight.
3. Frequent urination
4. Fatigue
5. Weight loss
6. Vomiting
7. Cataracts in dogs' eyes
**However, the veterinarian will perform additional tests for a correct diagnosis.**
The picture shows a dog with cataracts due to diabetes.
Photo from Small Door Vet
Inspection Procedure
If you find that your dog or cat has these symptoms, you should take it to a veterinarian for diagnosis.
1. The veterinarian will have the dog and cat fast for at least 8 hours beforehand.
2. Then, a blood test will be done to measure blood sugar levels, which will allow you to determine whether your dog or cat has diabetes.
3. When the veterinarian measures blood sugar levels and finds that blood sugar levels are higher than normal, this may indicate that your dog or cat has diabetes.
Caring for Diabetic Dogs and Cats
Usually, animals with diabetes cannot be cured. But as mentioned, this disease can be controlled by injecting insulin, similar to the method used in humans. Including controlling food intake and getting your little ones to exercise also helps a lot in controlling this disease.
**But cats with diabetes have a chance of being cured** because the causes of diabetes in dogs often come fromThe pancreas cannot produce the hormone insulin.Yes, which is permanent. In cats, it is usually caused by:Impaired insulin action Which can sometimes return to normal. Therefore, the key to treating diabetes is to maintain and control blood sugar levels at an appropriate level under the care of a veterinarian. and make diabetic dogs or cats healthy and have a good quality of life, able to live a normal life.
Treatment
The main treatment for diabetes is insulin injection to control blood sugar levels. In the early stages of treatment, veterinarians will recommend that owners leave their dogs or cats at the hospital for about 1 week to assess and adjust the amount of insulin to be used. Blood tests will be taken before and after insulin injection until the appropriate and safe dose for the dog or cat is obtained. After that, owners may be able to return home to inject insulin into their dogs or cats.
Your veterinarian will schedule a visit for your dog or cat to measure their blood sugar levels and conduct urine tests periodically to assess the treatment results and adjust the insulin dose.
In addition to insulin injections, owners must provide special care for their diabetic dogs or cats:
- Feeding meals at specific times and feeding should be specific for the disease.
- There should be a moderate amount of exercise.
- Weight control by limiting food intake when dogs or cats have diabetes.
The most important thing in caring for diabetic pets is to take care of them closely, taking care of their lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise. If owners can do the above, their dogs and cats will have a good quality of life and be able to continue living normally.
Read more articles at Caring for diabetic animals and how to inject insulin into dogs and cats by yourself
References
Taling Chan Animal Hospital
Blue Cross. Diabetes in Dogs. https://bit.ly/3RuWCei
Hills. Diabetes in Dogs: What You Need to Know. https://bit.ly/3SKT6gO
Home and Garden. “Diabetes in pets” is another silent danger for dogs and cats. https://bit.ly/3UOMzn8
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