Types, causes and symptoms of diabetes in dogs. Your dog has diabetes: treatment and feeding considerations. Diabetes mellitus in dogs: the first symptoms, causes of development, home treatment

Diabetes mellitus in dogs can sound like a fatal diagnosis for many owners who have not previously encountered this “terrible” disease. But, despite the fact that diabetes is a chronic disease, with the right approach, it will not significantly overshadow the life of a pet. Diabetes mellitus involves constant monitoring of the animal's blood glucose levels by the owner and requires good injection skills. However, all these difficulties can be overcome, because with proper care, the dog can go into remission. About how the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in an animal occurs, and how to control its condition in the future, we will tell further.

Despite the fact that diabetes mellitus is a common disease among both animals and humans, few owners of diabetic animals fully understand the specifics of the course of this pathology. Therefore, before considering the specific manifestations of the disease and its prerequisites, it is important to give a general idea of ​​​​diabetes, at least in a very simplified form.

Diabetes mellitus refers to high blood sugar, which exceeds the permissible limits of the norm. Sugar appears in the dog's blood as a result of the absorption of glucose, which is contained in many foods (and not only those that are considered "sweet"). Upon entering the body, glucose is consumed by the corresponding groups of cells, which perceive it as an energy resource.

In order for the cells to “see” glucose, the pancreas secretes a special hormone called insulin, the concentration of which gradually decreases as the cells take up the remaining glucose.

Development of diabetes

Diabetes implies two main errors in this algorithm:

• for certain reasons, the iron stops producing insulin;
• insulin continues to be produced, but the cells still do not perceive glucose and do not interact with it in any way.

As a result, the amount of glucose only increases over time, and its conversion into energy reserves is delayed. In addition, the cells are gradually depleted as they stop receiving food. This pathological process over time leads to major changes in the metabolic processes of the body and poses a direct threat to the health of the animal.

What is diabetes insipidus?

In addition to diabetes, there is also a non-sugar variety that most people are not aware of. The essence of diabetes insipidus lies in the fact that the body of the animal ceases to perceive the antidiuretic hormone, which takes an important part in the regulation of water-salt balance. As a result of these disorders, the body accumulates excessive salt reserves, which lead to the appearance of symptoms similar to those of diabetes.

With diabetes insipidus, dogs eating dry food start to refuse it due to the fact that it contains a large amount of salt and a very small percentage of liquid, which further exacerbates dehydration.

Reasons for the development of diabetes

The physiological prerequisites that contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus remain largely unexplained for modern medicine. One of the reasons for this uncertainty is the lack of satisfactory statistical information on this issue. In addition, not all diabetic dogs simply reach the doctors, since their diagnosis can be a mystery to the owner due to mild symptoms.

In this regard, experts identify a fairly small range of reasons why dogs can develop diabetes:

Symptoms of Diabetes

Unfortunately, in the early stages, diabetes mellitus can proceed completely unnoticed by both the owner and the pet, which will not feel severe discomfort. The severity of symptoms will manifest gradually, including such a set of manifestations as:

• increased urination. If earlier your pet needed two walks in the morning and evening to empty the bladder, now he begins to ask to go outside much more often. At the same time, the urine itself loses its saturation, acquiring a light yellow tint. "Whitening" of urine occurs due to the fact that it is saturated with unprocessed glucose;

  

• constant feeling of thirst. It is quite natural that frequent urges to the toilet lead to the need to replenish the missing fluid. However, no matter how much water the pet drinks, its mucous membrane of the mouth remains unnaturally dry. This is because glucose literally attracts all the fluid in the body to itself and “takes” it along with the urine;
• against the background of pathologies associated with a poor condition of the pancreas, the dog may experience bouts of vomiting and diarrhea that are not associated with poisoning or other malfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract;
• increased appetite, not accompanied by weight gain. Due to the immunity of cells to sugar, in a physiological sense, the body of a sick dog is always in a state of hunger, regardless of how often the animal takes food. His body literally cannot recognize food in food and use it to saturate;

  

• slowing down the process of skin regeneration. Due to starvation of cells, the dog's body will take much longer to heal an ordinary abrasion or a deeper wound;
• the appearance of an unpleasant putrefactive odor from the mouth. As the disease develops, rot can be replaced by the characteristic smell of acetone, which manifests itself as a result of intoxication of the liver and kidneys, as well as serious disorders of carbohydrate metabolism;
• as a result of violation of metabolic processes, the state of the body as a whole suffers. The dog begins to lose hair in large quantities, the teeth become more shaky, and the skin dries out and begins to peel off. All this indicates a serious lack of nutrients in the body.

  

It should be noted that weight loss is not the only possible reaction of the body to an increase in blood sugar, although it is this external manifestation that is the most common. It also happens that dogs with diabetes develop obesity due to hormonal imbalances and other "mistakes" in the functioning of the body.

Associated symptoms

In addition to the manifestations that are obvious companions of diabetes, indirect signs are often found in dogs:

• decreased sexual activity or even sexual dysfunction;
• clouding of the lens of the eye and accompanying deterioration of vision;
• cystitis and other diseases of a bacterial nature;
• general depression - the dog spends a lot of time lying down and does not experience the same enthusiasm before walking;
• numbness of the extremities, which, as the disease develops, can turn into convulsions;
• wobbly unsteady gait.

Diseases with similar symptoms

Due to the fact that diabetes in the early stages has vague symptoms, it is sometimes confused with other diseases, and vice versa. Among the pathologies that have a system of manifestations that are partly similar to diabetes mellitus, are:

Despite the fact that these diseases affect a wide variety of organ systems and have little in common with diabetes mellitus, it can be very difficult to differentiate them by external signs. That is why, before making a diagnosis of diabetes, the veterinarian prescribes an impressive number of tests. In addition, it also happens that diabetes develops against the background of the diseases listed above, which further complicates the diagnosis process.

Diagnostics

If a dog is suspected of having diabetes mellitus, a number of tests are prescribed, including the following options:

• general and biochemical analysis of blood and urine;
• analyzes that allow you to track fluctuations in glucose in the blood of an animal;
• analysis for the content of acetone in the blood;
• hormonal tests;
• electrocardiography;
• x-ray;
• ultrasound examination of the pancreas and other organs, if indicated.

Treatment

Like humans, diabetes in dogs is a chronic disease that cannot be completely eradicated, but can be kept under constant control. Treatment of diabetes consists in monitoring the level of insulin in the body of the animal and its timely correction by injection.

Of course, in practice, everything turns out to be not so simple - the veterinarian has yet to choose the drug and its dosage that is suitable for a particular animal, otherwise serious complications may begin in the dog. The planning of drug therapy depends on three main factors:

• stage of diabetes;
• the specificity of the clinical picture (the presence of concomitant diseases);
• physiological characteristics of the dog.

In addition to injections, an integral part of the treatment is a proper diet that prevents dehydration of the animal. That is why the issue of proper water intake is especially important in the diet. This is especially true for those pets that eat dry food, which require a large amount of liquid for their normal digestion.

Video - Treatment and prevention of diabetes in pets

insulin therapy

Insulin therapy has two main goals:

• normalization of sugar content in the dog's blood;
• maintaining a stable condition of the animal.

There are two types of insulin, designed for different tasks and having different effects on the body, which we will discuss next.

short-term insulin

As you might guess, this type of medication has a quick but transient effect, which can be very useful in emergency situations when the dog urgently needs this hormone. An injection of short-term insulin begins to act already half an hour after its administration, and the peak of effectiveness falls on the second or third hour. The average duration of exposure to such a drug is from six to eight hours, after which it is completely excreted from the body.

• Actrapid;
• Insuman Rapid;
• Humulin Regular.

long-term insulin

Long-acting insulin preparations form the basis of lifelong therapy for the diabetic dog. Most of the drugs belonging to this group involve their two-time use during the day. Long-term insulin begins to act later than short-term insulin - only an hour after administration. However, it retains its effectiveness for eighteen hours, being finally eliminated from the body only after a day.

Short-acting insulin preparations include the following names:

• Humulin NPH;
• Protafan;
• Insuman Bazal.

Selection of medication

In order to choose a drug that would most accurately meet the individual needs of the dog, the doctor conducts several important observations of the dog:

• measures the glucose content in the animal's urine once a day for several days;
• measures blood glucose three times a day;
• measures blood glucose every three to four hours throughout the day.

All these measurements take place with the use of certain drugs, the effectiveness of which is to be calculated by the doctor. From this we can conclude that the correct drug therapy can only be selected experimentally. It is most convenient to do such experiments in a hospital, therefore, in most cases, veterinarians offer owners to leave their pets in a veterinary clinic for several days.

Use of insulin

The use of insulin in practice is a very difficult task and requires a constant analysis of the pet's condition. There is no rigid regimen for the administration of the drug, which can be mastered once and for all, without worrying about "extraordinary" situations. The dynamics of a diabetic's well-being is very unpredictable and often requires breaking the rules, for example, with a sharp deterioration, when the dog suddenly needs short-acting insulin.

About the limits within which the doses of drugs administered to the pet can fluctuate and on what indicators the dosage depends is described in the table.

Table 1 Calculation of Insulin Dosing for Diabetic Dogs

First aid for hypoglycemia

Another dangerous condition of the animal is hypoglycemia, which consists in a sharp decrease in blood glucose. This condition prohibits the use of insulin injections, as there is a risk of the dog entering a coma and subsequent death. Hypoglycemia is recognized by the following symptoms:

• depressed state;
• uncoordinated movement of various muscle groups;
• convulsive seizures;
• coma.

Frequent causes of hypoglycemia are excessive administration of insulin or excessive exercise, leading to overwork of an already weakened animal. The only way to influence this condition is to administer glucose intravenously or orally.

Diet

A diabetic diet is designed to prevent a dog from gaining weight. The greater the mass of the animal, the more difficult it is for the cells of its body to cope with the "digestion" of insulin. Therefore, if this diagnosis is made to a full dog or an obese dog, first of all, the owner must ensure that his pet loses excess weight. At the same time, the diet should not be debilitating and leads to hunger strikes, which will only hit the poor health of the animal more.

When choosing products for a dog owner, it is important to pay attention to food that is enriched with protein and practically does not have sugar in its composition. Of course, it is impossible to completely eliminate sugar, but minimizing it is a feasible task.

Dry food

If the pet eats dry food, then you need to find those manufacturers who provide lines designed specifically for dogs with this disease. In particular, you should pay attention to those foods that have a high fiber content. Ordinary food (even if it is a super-premium segment) will only harm the animal's body, since it contains an unacceptable amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats for a diabetic.

You can read about the difference between the diet of diabetic dogs and the diet of healthy dogs and about the treats allowed for diabetics below.

Prohibited Products

Owners of a dog on a natural diet should be especially careful, as they are more prone to various errors in the composition of the diet. However, it should be noted that the list of prohibited foods for diabetic dogs has much in common with a similar list for healthy dogs and suggests the following positions:

• grape;
• corn;
• canned food;
• fried, smoked, fatty;
• sweets;
• bakery;
• garlic;
• raisin;
• White rice;
• artificial sweeteners;
• treats for dogs.

Video - Diet for diabetic dogs

Life of a dog with diabetes

Despite the fact that diabetes cannot be completely cured, an animal with this diagnosis can live a long and prosperous life. Of course, diabetes will impose a number of restrictions on the life of the pet, as well as on the life of its owner, who will now have to constantly assess the condition of the dog. However, over time, a person inevitably gets used to this order and begins to “feel” his dog and his well-being better, catching the slightest changes.

Of course, the owner of a diabetic pet has a lot to learn. In the future, he will need the following knowledge:

• Skills in storing an open package of insulin;
• the amount of insulin to be kept as a "contingency supply";
• the correct set of medication in the syringe and the correct injection;
• determination of the level of glucose in the blood of a dog using a special test strip or glucometer;
• the ability to independently adjust the required dose of the drug, depending on the information received about the glucose level;
• periodic and unscheduled visits to the veterinarian in case of sudden changes in well-being;
• constant monitoring of the weight of the animal and its periodic weighing.

Despite the fact that all these points seem extremely complex and confusing to an inexperienced person, over time they become a well-learned routine that every caring owner can handle. Care and a competent procedure in crisis situations will allow a person to give his pet a bright and eventful life.

Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome caused by absolute or relative insufficiency of insulin, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with the development of decompensation of all types of metabolism, primarily carbohydrate metabolism, and occurring both in acute and chronic forms.

Causes of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus in dogs occurs as a result of insufficient production of insulin by beta cells of the pancreatic islets, or when there is a malfunction in the body when the hormone insulin produced goes unnoticed by target cells. As a result, the level of glucose in the blood of the dog rises sharply. In the body of a dog, there is a violation of the activity of almost all organs and tissues.

The reasons leading to a similar condition in an animal, scientists distinguish several groups of factors:

• Genetic (at risk are the following breeds of dogs - Beagle, Doberman, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Scotch Terrier, Pomeranian, Spaniels, Dachshunds, and other dwarf dog breeds).
• Autoimmune disorders in which the normal functioning of the pancreas is impossible.
• Viral infection (canine adenovirus, infectious hepatitis in dogs).
• Pancreatitis ().
• The action of various cytotoxic substances.
• Long-term hormone therapy.
• Infringements in the feeding of the dog, leading to obesity.
• Features of bearing fruit or estrus.

Types of Diabetes in Dogs

Veterinarians distinguish four types of diabetes in dogs:

• The first type is insulin dependent. With this type, insulin is completely or partially absent from the blood in dogs due to the fact that the pancreas stops producing it. This type in dogs is caused by autoimmune lesions or is associated with heredity. Over 90% of diabetic dogs have it.
• The second type is non-insulin dependent. With this type of glucose in the dog's blood is in excess, but the dog's body is not able to perceive the insulin produced by the pancreas. If timely measures are not taken to treat this type of diabetes, as well as with improper treatment, this type of diabetes in a dog can go into the first type.
• Transient (secondary) type. It happens in dogs against the background of a primary disease, especially often in dogs with diabetes mellitus, with long-term treatment of a dog with glucocorticoids, progestogens.
• Gestational type. This type of diabetes mellitus occurs in pregnant bitches, after the end of estrus, or during late gestation of puppies. With late gestation in bitches, there are jumps in progesterone and somatrin in the blood, as a result of which there is a violation of glucose sensitivity to insulin produced by the pancreas. This type disappears after the birth of the bitch.

Clinical picture. The clinical picture of diabetes mellitus in dogs is very diverse. Diabetes mellitus in dogs is characterized by the appearance of:

• Increased thirst (polydipsia) - the dog drinks water very often, saliva becomes viscous and sticky.
• Frequent copious urination. Dog owners note that the dog often urinates, the volume of urine increases.
• The dog's appetite increases dramatically, the dog constantly asks for food. In some dogs, the appetite becomes, on the contrary, weakened.
• The dog starts to lose weight.
• There is a general weakness, dryness of the mucous membranes, the smell of rotting fruit appears from the mouth (). Decreased sexual activity.
• Skin itching ().
• The skin becomes dry, less elastic, furunculosis, dermatitis appears (). Appearing wounds do not heal well.
• Perhaps an increase in the liver, expansion of the boundaries of the heart to the left. During auscultation of the heart, we note tachycardia, deafness of tones, systolic murmur.
• Diarrhea () or vomiting ().

Additionally, with diabetes in dogs, the pathology of the urinary system develops - cystitis (), pyelitis (), pyelonephritis. Sometimes there is a pathology of the organs of vision, which is manifested by iritis, iridocyclitis, cataracts and myopia ().

In a laboratory blood test in dogs with diabetes mellitus, veterinary specialists find signs of anemia (), hyperglycemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and sometimes an increase in urea, creatinine.

In the study of urine - high density, glucosuria, often acetone, sometimes microhematuria, proteinuria, cylindruria.

Diagnosis a dog is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus on the basis of the clinical picture (polyuria, polydipsia, bulimia, hyperglycemia and glucosuria with simultaneous exhaustion). The content of glucose in the blood of diabetic dogs reaches more than 100-150 mg per 100 g, in the urine - 5-10% or more.

Treatment. Considering that diabetes mellitus has a chronic course in dogs, treatment should be aimed at minimizing the negative impact of diabetes mellitus on the entire body of the dog, eliminating the existing pronounced symptoms, eliminating possible complications and gradually leading to the maximum possible remission. The treatment prescribed by the veterinary specialist of the clinic will, to a certain extent, save your dog from the suffering that occurs with diabetes mellitus and prolong his life.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus begins with the appointment of a sick dog diet therapy. In the event that the animal is overweight, he will be prescribed a strict diet (for weight loss). After completing this diet, the dog's weight will need to be regularly monitored by the owner to avoid relapse.

When compiling a diet, it is assumed that the diet should contain a minimum of carbohydrate foods, but a maximum of fiber and proteins. Sick animals are prescribed lean boiled meat (poultry, beef, horse meat), fish and meat broths. Meat and fish products should make up at least 60% of the daily feed volume. Dog owners can introduce fresh beef, poultry and lean pork, offal (ruminant tripe is especially good), lean sea fish, eggs, low-fat cottage cheese. The required amount of vitamins () should be present in the diet of sick dogs. Sweets, white bread, confectionery, oatmeal, bones and fatty meat are excluded from the diet.

For dogs with diabetes, the industry produces special feed. These feeds are complete and balanced in terms of nutrients, the amount of carbohydrates in them does not exceed 4%, they contain an increased amount of proteins. Usually these are products of holistic and super-premium classes. These foods include:

• Royal Canin Diabetic DS37;
• Royal Canin Diabetic Special Low Carbohydrate;
• Royal Canin Weight Control Canine (dry);
• Hills Prescription Diet Canine W/D Low Fat/Diabet (dry);
• Hills Prescription Diet Canine W/D Low Fat/Diabet (wet);
• Farmina Vet Life Canine Diabetic (dry);
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Diabetes Management (dry);

During the consultation, the veterinary specialists of the clinic will discuss the issue of drinking regimen with the owners. In the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the dog may at first ask to drink as often as before, and the owners should not refuse the dog. The dog should always have free access to water, to which it is good to add a couple of drops of lemon juice (it helps to quench thirst). Additionally, a veterinarian can solve the issue of restoring water balance in a sick dog using the following medications:

• Pituitrin injections, the dose depends on the condition of the dog.
• Aliureclin - in the form of an ointment or powder, which is injected into the nasal cavity.

Drug therapy for diabetes mellitus includes various pancreatic preparations and synthetic hypoglycemic drugs (antidiabetic drugs): Adebit tablets, take ½-1 tablet in the morning and evening (when monitoring blood sugar and urine); bukarban - inside ½-1 tablet 1-3 times a day after feeding; glurenorm, glucophage, insulin 1-5 units/kg of animal weight subcutaneously; maninil inside ½ - 1 tablet 1 time per day in the morning after feeding; orinil, diabeton, predian ½ -1 tablet 1 time per day; chlorpropamide, glucobay.

To normalize lipid metabolism in the dog's body - lipostabil forte 1-2 capsules 2 times a day, lipocaine.

In case of violation of the acid-base state, with acidosis of various etiologies, dimephosafon is used - orally 3-4 times a day at the rate of 1 ml / 5 kg of animal body weight.

To improve the function of the pancreas, pancreatin is used orally, ½ - 1 tablet per reception, panzinorm forte, orally, 1 tablet during feeding 3 times a day.

Owners of an affected dog should be clear that the presence of type 1 and 2 diabetes is not curable and the use of insulin allows, as in humans, to manage this disease.

Dosage. You can choose the right dose of insulin gradually, controlling the general condition of the dog. The selection of the dose begins with the minimum - this is 0.5 U / kg of body weight. Sometimes, to find the optimal dose, you have to spend from several days to several months.

Side effects of insulin treatment

Most often, when using insulin, there is a critical decrease in blood glucose levels. Signs of low blood glucose include:

The dog becomes lethargic, apathetic, does not want to walk for a long time. With a strong decrease in blood glucose levels in a sick dog, the following symptoms appear:

Refusal to feed, fainting up to coma, trembling when walking, cramps in the limbs. When such symptoms appear, emergency assistance should be provided. At home - drink water with a high sugar content or honey, give food high in sugar. After that, as soon as possible, go to a veterinary clinic or call a veterinary specialist at home, who will intravenously inject a glucose solution into a sick dog. At the same time, the veterinarian will advise you to adjust the dose of insulin.

Prevention. Prevention of diabetes mellitus should be based on the prevention of causes that can lead to its occurrence. Dogs with diabetes are prescribed a diet of complete foods, mostly plant-based. Monitor the weight of the dog, daily physical activity (long walks and outdoor games). Spay bitches in a timely manner. It is necessary to carry out systematic genetic selection among dogs. Animals predisposed to diabetes mellitus are culled.

In order to prevent infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, vaccinate against infectious diseases of dogs common in the region of residence ().

It's good when your pet continues to please you in old age! But if you want to maintain a high quality of life, you must carefully monitor the health of the animal. The fact is that the "old men" very often have dangerous diseases. For example, diabetes in dogs. Like a person, it is extremely dangerous and can lead to death.

Of course, you should not assume that the disease affects all elderly dogs without exception. But the disease is not especially rare either. It is believed that every hundredth dog that has reached the age of 10-12 has diabetes. What is the “meaning” of this disease? The pancreas of animals and humans normally produces a special hormone called insulin. It is an essential part of the glucose uptake mechanism. Any “malfunction” in the production of insulin will almost certainly lead to very serious consequences.

Diabetes mellitus (without going into details) is a disease in which the production of insulin stops completely or partially, but other types of diabetes are characterized by an increase in the production of this substance. In more rare cases, the pet's body ceases to "perceive" it, as a result of which glucose also ceases to be absorbed. As a result - hyper- or hypoglycemic coma.

More about insulin

The process of digestion of food involves its "grinding" into small components, i.e. into carbohydrates, fats and proteins. In turn, the same carbohydrates are broken down by the body into elemental forms, including glucose. It is it that is absorbed in the intestines, after which it enters the bloodstream. The problem is that without insulin, it will not be absorbed. If too much “raw” glucose accumulates in the blood of an animal, the blood becomes thicker, its basic characteristics deteriorate sharply.

The task of insulin is, roughly speaking, to transport glucose directly into cells. because that is where it is absorbed by the body. As a rule, with “classic” diabetes, the synthesis of this substance either stops completely or slows down greatly. When this happens, glucose cannot be absorbed by the cells of the body, and therefore it accumulates in the blood. What this leads to, we have already written above. But, in addition to hyper- or hypoglycemia (depending on the type of diabetes), the pet's body simply does not receive energy, since glucose, its main source, is not absorbed by the body at all. Here are some more interesting facts about insulin:

• It is one of the most important hormones. Its synthesis occurs in the islets of Langerhans (located in the pancreas).
• With any diseases accompanied by damage to the pancreas, secondary diabetes is possible. In addition, dogs can also get sick, whose owners save on their food by giving their pets either low-quality dry food, or leftover (and moldy) food from the refrigerator. In general, dry food as the only diet is evil in its purest form. Such feeding leads to pancreatitis, diabetes, and numerous pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

diabetes insipidus

It is important to emphasize that diabetes can also be non-diabetic. The latter is often found in animals suffering from severe kidney disease. When these organs are not functioning well, most of the glucose is simply thrown out in the urine. The pancreas at this time works normally, as a result of which the insulin content in the blood increases while the amount of sugar decreases, the remains of which are immediately broken down by the body.

Such diabetes, by the way, is much “preferable” for owners. In this case, treatment without insulin is possible., which has a very favorable effect on the total cost of the therapeutic course.

This type of diabetes is not very common (theoretically), but veterinary practitioners warn that diabetes-like signs develop gradually in most animals treated for long-term treatment for severe kidney problems. It is for this reason that they strongly recommend bringing your pet to the clinic for urine and blood tests as often as possible. How can you tell if a dog may have developed diabetes insipidus? She starts constantly and very drink greedily, at the same time the volume of daily urine output increases greatly.

Fortunately, home treatment can keep kidney function at an acceptable level. But medicines and methods for this should still be prescribed by a veterinarian. It is highly not recommended to do this on your own, as you can simply kill your pet.

Predisposing factors

What are the reasons? There are quite a few of them, and not all of them have been adequately studied. As a rule, diabetes begins to develop at the age of about eight years, and most often it is diagnosed in females. But at the same time, the appearance of the disease in dogs at a younger age is not excluded, and gender, as practice shows, does not often play an important role. Note that in cases where the disease is diagnosed in young animals, the probability of their initial genetic predisposition is high. Very often, signs of diabetes are found in dogs of the following breeds:

• Toy poodles.
• Many terriers.
• Cocker spaniels.
• All dachshunds (especially miniature ones). It should be noted that the nutrition of the taxi should be as balanced as possible. These cute dogs with incredible speed are able to gain excess weight, turning into a kind of "wieners on legs". And excess weight, as you already know, contributes to the development of diabetes.
• Doberman Pinschers.
• German Shepherds.
• Labradors.
• Golden Retrievers.

As with humans, dogs are much more likely to develop the disease if they weight significantly exceeds the norm characteristic of this breed. Note that neutered males are at the highest risk. In addition, diabetes is very often inherited, and therefore it is strongly recommended to completely exclude from breeding those pets whose ancestors had this disease at least once.

Even some drugs, especially if used for a long time and uncontrolled, can lead to diabetes. Particularly dangerous are glucocorticoids (drugs such as cortisone) and hormones often used to synchronize the ovulation cycle in breeding bitches. In addition, they often develop a progesterone-dependent type of disease.

Can diabetes really be cured?

Unfortunately, this impossible. Yes, at the earliest stages it is quite possible to achieve a stable (possibly lifelong) remission of the disease, but there is no question of recovery here. However, this is not required: under the condition of good nutrition and a “balanced” lifestyle, your pet will be able to live and play normally, and his life expectancy will practically not suffer. In very rare cases, even relatively advanced diabetes can go into remission, but still you should not hope for this. At the first signs of the disease, it is urgent to show the pet to the veterinarian so that he can prescribe an effective treatment.

Clinical picture and diagnostic measures

Of course, the symptoms of diabetes in dogs can be extremely vague and non-specific, but still, if the signs described below appear, we strongly advise you to immediately show your pet to a specialist:

• The animal is constantly urinating. In advanced cases, it comes to the point that the movement of the dog around the house can be tracked by puddles of urine, which begins to spontaneously stand out.
• The animal sleeps badly and restlessly.
• He develops a pathologically intense thirst. You have to constantly fill the bowl with water. Moreover, the pet constantly drinks from the toilet, licks the taps ... In a word, it does everything to quench its thirst.
• A relatively specific sign of diabetes in dogs is cloudy eyes.
• Your pet is constantly hungry. He never gorges, always begging the owner for a supplement.
• The condition of the coat deteriorates sharply. The coat becomes hard and wiry.

Of course, diagnosing diabetes only by clinical signs is unrealistic, since the external manifestations of this disease are similar to the symptoms of dozens of other pathologies. However, the diagnosis is quite easy to make on the fact of the detection of glucose in the urine (simultaneously with an increase in the concentration of sugar in the blood plasma). Of course, such analyzes can only be carried out in a well-equipped clinic.

Blood and urine samples are taken from a sick animal without fail. In addition, it is very important for the veterinarian to exclude all other diseases that can cause similar clinical signs. This is very important, since the simultaneous development of infectious diseases and diabetes is very dangerous for the animal. Dangerous and something else. If a different diagnosis is misdiagnosed and an animal is treated for a completely different disease, the activity of its pancreas will deteriorate dramatically. Accordingly, when doctors nevertheless eliminate this error and prescribe a suitable therapy, time will be lost.

Therapy

Since diabetes is caused by a lack or excess of insulin. The task of the veterinarian, as well as the immediate owner of the animal, is to constantly monitor its level in the blood of the pet. The most famous way is intermittent administration of insulin. Unfortunately, this method has a significant drawback associated with the high cost of the synthetic hormone. And getting this medicine is far from easy: it is issued exclusively by prescription, and in small towns its stocks can be extremely small.

The specific dosage should be selected only by a veterinarian, since too little or too much of the drug may well lead to the death of the pet. Sometimes the process of selecting the appropriate dosage can take several weeks. It is extremely important to inject insulin at the same time. Fortunately, today, convenient "pistol" syringes are used to administer the drug, so that the animal does not experience much stress.

Proper diet is very important: the diet should be perfectly balanced in nutrients and trace elements. In addition, food must be selected so as to exclude the possibility of weight gain by the pet. Thus, a professional veterinary nutritionist should think about what to feed a sick animal. You obviously cannot cope with this task on your own.

Other drugs

But not only "insulin alone." The drug plays a significant role in the treatment of diabetes. Glucophage. Its active ingredient is metformin hydrochloride. It is especially good in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and is actively prescribed to overweight animals. The drug can lower blood sugar levels, and therefore, in mild cases, it can completely replace insulin, which eases the burden on the finances of owners of sick pets.

Often also given Dibikor. The active ingredient is taurine. It significantly improves the course of metabolism, improves the absorption of nutrients. It is believed that after two weeks of its regular use, blood sugar levels are reduced to acceptable levels.

In addition, this medicine is a real salvation for dogs who, as a result of diabetes, developed a cataract. The fact is that after six months of taking it, blood microcirculation in the tissues of the eyeball improves, which helps to achieve stable remission. Of course, the cataract will not disappear on its own, but your pet's condition will improve significantly. Finally, this remedy lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood, and therefore it is useful to prescribe it to overweight animals.

Has a similar effect Liarsin. Unlike the previous two products, it was originally intended for veterinary use. It contributes to the normalization of the endocrine secretion glands, which include the pancreas, and also improves the general condition of the body of a sick animal. As a result (especially in the early stages) it is possible to bring diabetes into remission, but treatment for this should be started as early as possible.

Complications of diabetes

Paradoxical as it may seem, it is not even diabetes itself that is dangerous, but its consequences. The most characteristic is hyperglycemia, which often occurs due to errors in giving and prescribing insulin. The more often you take your pet for blood tests to the veterinarian, the better the latter will be able to adjust the treatment, the less likely there will be complications. Thus, dogs most often suffer from the following complications:

• Low blood sugar, hypoglycemia.
• Ketoacidosis (the appearance of ketones in the blood).
• Cataract. The latter is typical for dogs suffering from diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs

What causes diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? This is a "classic". Pathology develops when the body, due to a severe lack of glucose, begins to break down fats. When this happens, ketones and fatty acids enter the bloodstream, causing a chemical imbalance known as ketoacidosis. It develops in the following cases:

• When a pet suffers from an undiagnosed disease for a long time. Since the manifestation of diabetes mellitus in dogs is rather vague, this situation is not at all surprising.
• Insufficient dose of insulin.
• If for some reason the insulin introduced into the animal's body does not have the proper effect (which happens, for example, with concomitant diseases and poisonings).

The diagnosis is based on the detection of ketone bodies in the urine. With this pathology, the condition of the sick animal becomes very serious. For treatment, insulin and stroke volumes of intravenously administered buffer compounds are used to help cope with severe intoxication. As soon as the condition of the animal stabilizes, it will be necessary to re-select the required dosage of insulin.

Remember that diabetic ketoacidosis is the latest and most severe stage of this disease. If your dog begins to noticeably smell of acetone (especially from urine and feces), bring him to the clinic as soon as possible. Without treatment, the pet is doomed to die within days or even hours!

Diabetic cataracts in dogs

Cataracts are considered one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes in dogs. Cataract, by the way, is a dangerous pathology, accompanied by clouding of the lens of the eye. The natural outcome is complete or partial blindness.

Most often, the dog becomes completely blind and it is good if only one eye is affected. Folk remedies can’t cure this for sure! Moreover, sometimes only after visible clouding of the eyes, a dog with diabetes ends up at the veterinarian, and the owners should not be blamed. Until a certain time, there may be no other clinical manifestations of the disease at all, and therefore breeders notice too late that something is clearly wrong with their pet.

What causes diabetic cataracts? Problems start with hyperglycemia. Blood supersaturated with glucose, upon entering the eye, cannot “break through” to all tissues, as a result of which the lens, provided with oxygen and nutrients through diffusion, begins to die. Dead tissues lose their transparency and become cloudy. There is the same effect of a "cloudy" eye, which is the main symptom of a cataract.

What to do? Can this pathology be cured? Most likely, it will be possible to alleviate the condition of the animal, but it will cost a lot. Two options are possible here: either the affected areas of the lens are surgically excised, or the organ is completely replaced with a surgical implant. All this is very expensive, so I would like to advise all owners of dogs suffering from diabetes to save on regular blood tests. With their help, hyperglycemia can be detected in time.

Thus, the treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs should be comprehensive, aimed at eliminating not only clinical signs, but also at preventing the development of concomitant pathological conditions.

Preventive actions

Is there anything I can do to protect my pet from this disease? Unfortunately, specific prevention of diabetes has not yet been developed, and it is unlikely to be done. The factors that can lead to the appearance of pathology are too versatile. However, some advice can be given.

First, you need strictly control the weight of your pet. For example, at the very beginning of the article, we already noted that dachshunds are prone to gaining excess body weight. It is necessary to stop all attempts at “whims”, completely eliminate the possibility of handouts and remove everything that the dog can use as food. It is known that the level of glucose in obese animals is very high, and this can provoke the development of diabetes at any time.

In order not to bring the dog to the state of the ball on legs, it is much more reasonable to immediately create a suitable, well-balanced diet for him. It is unlikely that you will be able to do this on your own, but no one forbids you to seek help from a veterinary nutritionist. He will make a quality diet, under which your pet will be safe.

Secondly, if your pet is a representative of a predisposed breed (the list of which we have given above), at least take him to the vet once a quarter. This should be done from the moment the dog reaches the age of six or seven years. It is believed that during this period the risk of developing the disease becomes maximum. If a blood test reveals an increased glucose content, it is urgent to adjust the diet and, possibly, prescribe some medications (for example, Dibicor). They are much cheaper than insulin, and with timely prevention, they can stop the onset of diabetes.

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Diabetes mellitus in dogs and humans has a different thing in common. Nevertheless, the mechanism of development of the disease and manifestations may differ slightly. This means that the approach to treatment is different.

Many medications that are used in the treatment of humans are practically useless for dogs. Most often, the disease occurs in pets from seven to nine years old. According to statistics, unsterilized females are at risk.

Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a disease that cannot be completely cured, but it can be corrected. The right measures will help the dog live a full life and no one will even suspect that your pet has any problems. The main part of the treatment process is proper nutrition.

What is diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by the following characteristics:

• violation of carbohydrate metabolism;
• insulin deficiency;
• deterioration in the body's ability to absorb glucose;
• excretion of urine in large quantities.

The disease is of two types:

• absolute insufficiency associated with a decrease in insulin production;
• relative insufficiency, which is based on the resistance of tissues to the action of insulin.

The main source of energy for dogs is glucose. Sugar enters the blood through food. Pancreatic cells consume glucose until blood sugar decreases.

The disease develops as a result of two reasons:

1. The pancreas does not produce insulin.
2. Organ cells do not distinguish between glucose.

No matter how the situation develops, in any case, the cells of the pancreas do not cope with their task and do not convert glucose into energy. As a result, hyperglycemia occurs, and the cells of the gland suffer hunger.

The massive breakdown of fats leads to the fact that many ketone bodies are formed in the body, which can later be found in the urine. The owner can even smell the acetone on the pet's breath. This leads to an increase in acidity. As a result, a condition can develop that poses a threat to the life of the dog.

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs

An important role in the formation of the disease is played by hereditary predisposition. Yet in most cases, the true cause of the disease is difficult to establish.

There are a number of provoking factors leading to the appearance of hyperglycemia:

• hormonal drugs;
• overweight;
• hormonal imbalance;
• inflammation of the pancreas;
• pregnancy;
• the first months after estrus.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Common signs of diabetes in dogs include:

• polyuria;
• polydyspepsia;
• dehydration;
• glycosuria. Sugar in the blood becomes so high that it begins to come out with urine. Glucose takes a lot of water with it;
• weakness, lethargy;
• weakness of the hind limbs due to damage to the nerve fibers;
• strong appetite. Due to the fact that the cells of the pancreas do not process glucose, the body produces this reaction in the form of a feeling of hunger.
• cystitis. Excess sugar provokes active reproduction of pathogenic microflora;
• vision loss. Hyperglycemia leads to clouding of the lens;
• obesity;
• weight loss. The body consumes energy reserves in the muscles, after which the breakdown of proteins and fats already occurs. As a result of this, the dog takes a lot of food, but at the same time does not gain weight, but rather loses it;
• urine becomes liquid, light pale yellow. It has a specific sweetish-sugary smell.

The above symptoms may appear either individually or in combination. Obesity can result from malnutrition, polyuria and polydyspepsia from kidney failure, and visual impairment can simply develop with age.

In severe cases, clinical examination of the animal reveals the following manifestations:

• weakened heart sounds;
• heart weakness;
• small pulse wave;
• tachycardia;
• swelling;
• lowering the temperature;
• hair loss;
• extinction of sexual reflexes;
• eczema, furunculosis;
• the skin is dry and hard;
• hypotension.

The disease is characterized by a slow course, sometimes even for several years. Diabetes can be latent and not accompanied by clinical symptoms.

This type is the result of the dog's body simply not accepting antidiuretic hormone. This leads to a violation of the water-salt balance and the accumulation of salt. The pathological process manifests itself in the form of such symptoms:

• strong thirst;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• lethargy;
• weight loss.

The owner of the dog may pay attention to one specific symptom: the pet refuses dry food. This is due to the fact that it has little water and a high salt content.

Diagnosis of Diabetes in Dogs

In order to make a definitive diagnosis, it is not enough just to detect one of the above signs. Each of the symptoms may indicate the presence of other diseases, it is not necessary that it is diabetes.

Hyperglycemia can be the result of stress, increased appetite - helminthic invasion. It is for this reason that a whole range of diagnostic measures is being carried out.

Diagnosis helps to establish a diagnosis, as well as identify related problems and complications that have arisen. To make a diagnosis, you will need to pass a series of studies:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis, including sediment microscopy;
• urine test for acetone;
• acid-base balance;
• glucosometry;
• hormonal studies;
• control over the amount of fluid consumed and diuresis;
• x-ray;

Complications of Diabetes in Dogs

A long course of diabetes mellitus can result in a critical condition - ketoacidosis. Oxidation of the blood is fatal. Diabetic ketoacidosis is manifested by the following symptoms:

• the smell of acetone from the mouth;
• lethargy;
• refusal of food;
• rapid breathing;
• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• low temperature;
• coma.

The animal needs intensive care and the use of short-acting insulin.

Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs

Treatment is carried out in stages:

1. Initial examination and laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis. Comprehensive examination and determination of the tactics of the treatment process.
2. Teaching the owner how to take blood for glucometry, as well as explaining the principles of insulin therapy: rules for storage, collection and administration.
3. After stabilization of the glucose level, cataract surgery, if necessary, is performed, as well as sterilization.
4. Preventive examination and adjustment of dosages of genetically engineered insulin. Selection of diet food.

If the owner takes proper care of his pet, then outwardly the disease may not manifest itself in any way. You may need insulin injections. The dosage is selected by the doctor, based on the weight of the animal and previous experience. The amount and frequency of insulin administration is adjusted to the response of the pet.

Caring owners even build a glycemic curve. After administering insulin for 24 hours, the blood sugar level is checked every hour. This allows you to determine when it starts to act, for how long and how much.

Important! After sterilization (removal of the uterus and ovaries) of the bitch, the body's need for insulin is much reduced.

The following recommendations will help reduce the risk of diabetes in an animal: monitor the amount of carbohydrates consumed, regular medical examinations, walks in the fresh air.

In some cases, it is not possible to stabilize the condition of the pet. This is explained by the following reasons:

• improper administration of insulin;
• low-quality insulin;
• antibodies to insulin;
• obesity;
• insulin resistance;
• associated infectious processes.

Hypoglycemic drugs for diabetes mellitus in dogs

Consider the list of drugs for oral use:

• Metformin. Makes tissues more sensitive to insulin. It is usually used in cases where the body still has the ability to produce insulin, but due to vomiting or loss of appetite, the use of insulin is limited;
• Vanadium. It has insulin-like properties. Available as a vitamin supplement;
• Acarbose. It helps to ensure that glucose enters the intestines gradually. As a result, a more or less even level of sugar is maintained in the blood. It is capable of causing side effects, therefore it is used only if insulin therapy does not allow coping with hyperglycemia.

When should you sound the alarm?

If you experience the following symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor:

• weakness and trembling;
• unsteady gait;
• convulsions;
• loss of consciousness.

Before the doctor arrives, honey or sugar syrup should be smeared on the gum or tongue of the animal. Hypoglycemia can even be fatal if left untreated.

What to feed a dog with diabetes?

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes. The owner must pay attention to the composition of food and the frequency of meals. Glucose should enter the circulatory system slowly and evenly. Otherwise, the body will not be able to cope with excess sugar.

It is important to monitor your pet's weight. The more weight, the worse the cells of the pancreas will perceive insulin. The basis of the dog's diet should be food rich in protein and containing a small amount of sugar. Fried, fatty, pastries, canned - all this can be deadly for an animal.

It is better not to buy dog ​​treats in the store. Typically, industrial products contain a lot of sugar and fat. If you want to encourage an animal, then it is best to give preference to cubes, which include proteins and fibers: chicken, zucchini.

Forbidden foods for diabetes

Dogs should never be given the following foods:

• raisin;
• grape;
• fatty meat, skin;
• chocolate;
• canned food;
• onion garlic;
• White rice.

Food for dogs with diabetes

Of course regular food won't work. It contains a large amount of carbohydrates and fats. Suitable dietary food that contains a minimum amount of calories. Special medical food for dogs with diabetes is on sale. In such products, simple carbohydrates are replaced by complex ones, such as grains and fiber. They are sold dry and canned.

Myths about diabetes in dogs

To date, there are a large number of misconceptions that can interfere with effective treatment and even kill the animal. Let's look at some common myths:

1. It is useless to treat a pet, it is a waste of time and money, he will die anyway. In fact, treatment tactics have long been worked out and successfully applied. Proper nutrition, care and control will help prolong the life of the dog. The procedures for measuring glucose and administering insulin in many owners are brought to automaticity and are absolutely painless.
2. Insulin is a toxic drug that will do more harm than good. Modern insulins are distinguished by high rates of efficacy and safety. They only affect blood glucose levels. According to experts, for more than a decade of practice of using modern insulins, no side effects have been detected.
3. If the dog has high sugar, but she feels good, then everything is fine. In fact, despite the apparent norm, the processes of damage to the vascular and nervous systems are actively developing. It is not enough to only partially correct the level of glucose, this will not stop the pathological process.
4. Special canine insulin is very difficult to obtain and expensive. There is no special insulin for dogs; human genetically engineered insulins are used in the treatment of animals.
5. If a cataract has developed on the background of diabetes, then nothing can be done, the dog will go blind anyway. This is not so, the disease is amenable to surgical treatment.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus in dogs is not a myth, but a reality of our days. Improper nutrition, hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition - all this can lead to a chronic carbohydrate imbalance.

The main manifestations of the disease are thirst, frequent urge to urinate, increased appetite, weight loss. Diabetes can lead to life-threatening conditions for your pet.

Treatment includes drug therapy and dietary nutrition. The dosage and frequency of insulin administration is determined by the doctor. You should abandon store food, and purchase a dietary product.

Remember, your dog's health is in your hands. The doctor will explain how much, when and how often to feed the animal. Following medical recommendations will help make your pet's life full!

Humans are not the only mammals that can get diabetes. Dogs also suffer from this disease, especially later in life. If your dog has diabetes, in this article you will learn how to properly care for your pet.

1. Work with your veterinarian to develop a plan to improve your dog's health. As a rule, dogs with diabetes require insulin - the veterinarian will prescribe it and determine the required dose. He will also tell you what changes you will need to make to your dog's lifestyle. The sooner you start treatment, the less your pet's health will suffer. Be sure to ask your doctor all the questions you want to set goals for improving your dog's health.

2. You will need to give your dog regular insulin injections. Make sure you know how to give these injections correctly. If necessary, consult your veterinarian about insulin injections (he will demonstrate the injection technique to you) or ask him for a brochure with the necessary information. Insulin is injected under a fold of skin in the back. If this is your first time injecting a dog, you will probably need someone to help you hold the dog during the first few times. The syringe with the needle should be inserted into the dog's skin, holding it at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The injection should be given quickly so that it is less painful for the dog.

3. As necessary, you will have to bring the dog for further tests and examinations. This is necessary to make sure that the treatment is effective and to monitor the course of the disease. Usually, such tests are prescribed after the initial visit to the veterinarian in order to properly adjust the treatment plan.

4. Check with your veterinarian about other medications you are giving your dog. Some medications can interfere with how insulin works and even worsen your pet's health. In this case, it may be necessary to reduce the dosage or switch to other drugs.

5. Talk to your veterinarian about the right diet for your dog. If your pet is overweight or obese, your veterinarian may recommend a weight loss diet. A healthy diet includes high quality proteins, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific brand of dog food, depending on your dog's health, age, and breed. Avoid using soft food. Soft foods can cause a buildup of glucose in the body of a diabetic dog. In this case, you will have to switch to dry food.

6. Walk and play with your dog regularly. Physical exercise will help her avoid the complications of diabetes and lose weight. If the dog is sick, it shows moderate physical activity, which will significantly improve its health. The amount of exercise varies depending on the size and breed of your dog. Ask your veterinarian for advice on this.

7. Monitor your dog's health. Use a glucometer to check your dog's blood glucose to make sure it's not too high or too low. Discuss your glucose readings over time with your veterinarian. In addition, you must control the dog's weight. Weight gain or loss may be a sign of a health problem or a complication.

8. If you are planning to leave your dog on vacation, find a person or establishment that will take care of your pet appropriately. You need to make sure the person looking after the dog knows how to inject insulin. You can also leave your dog at a pet kennel or veterinary clinic that has staff trained in caring for a dog with diabetes.

9. Watch for possible symptoms of hypoglycemia (which occurs when too much insulin is given). These include convulsions, falling, unsteady gait, lethargy of the dog. In the presence of such signs, you should immediately contact your veterinarian to adjust the dose of insulin.