Canine diabetes is on the rise and is now one of the most common hormone-based diseases in dogs. Diabetes means your dog will have problems with blood sugar levels, and these levels have significant implications for their health.
Canine diabetes is the same as Type 1 Diabetes in humans, meaning there is an inability of the body to produce insulin. Type II Diabetes in dogs is extremely rare. This occurs when insufficient insulin is produced or the body cannot use what is produced.
Understanding diabetes
After eating, food gets broken down into products that the body can use. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, and the glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive system. This glucose is then transported around the body. In response to the glucose, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin is a hormone, and it acts as a key, letting glucose into cells. Cells then use glucose for energy.
If insulin is absent, the cell does not take up the glucose, and the glucose stays in the bloodstream. The glucose levels continue to rise in the blood, which harms your dog’s health. This is called hyperglycaemia (hyper = high, glyc = glucose, aemia = blood). The will also be no energy for the cells of your dog’s body to function normally.
High glucose levels in the blood are, in a sense, poisonous to your dog, causing damage to many organs such as the kidneys, the heart and the eyes. Meanwhile, a lack of energy for cells results in the breakdown of body fats and proteins as an alternative energy source. When fats are broken down, they produce something known as ketones. A build-up of ketones within your dog will disrupt the pH balance causing their blood to become acidic. If this happens, the dog will become very unwell and needs immediate attention.
Causes
Diabetes occurs when there is damage to the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. These cells are called beta-cells and comprise less than 5% of the pancreas. The damage to these cells leads to a lack of insulin production. Both inflammation and infection can cause damage to the pancreas.
Weight has less of a role to play in developing diabetes in dogs. However, excessive amounts of fat can negatively impact the way insulin is used.
Some risk factors include:
- Age – middle-aged dogs are most likely to develop the condition.
- Gender – female dogs are affected twice as often as males.
- Certain breeds – certain breeds are affected more than others suggesting a genetic component. These breeds include:
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dachshunds
- Doberman Pinschers
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Husky
- King Charles Spaniel
- Labrador Retrievers
- Pomeranians
- Terriers
- Toy poodles
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Keeshonden
- Samoyeds
- Being overweight – whilst obesity is generally not a direct cause of diabetes, it can worsen the situation.
- Having recurrent pancreatitis.
- Being an unspayed female due to the fluctuating hormone levels.
- Taking certain medications, such as steroids and progestogens, for a prolonged period.
Did you know?
A recent study revealed that the most commonly diagnosed breed is the Labrador, followed by the King Charles Spaniel, Husky and Miniature Schnauzer.
Signs of diabetes
The first signs that owners usually pick up are that their dogs drink and urinate much more frequently than before. They may also seem to be constantly hungry, as their energy needs are not being met by glucose. Despite this increased hunger, however, the dog is likely to lose weight as he is breaking down body tissues to provide alternative energy for his cells. This leads to muscle wasting as well as weight loss. Over time the dog becomes weaker and weaker and more and more lethargic.
Diagnosis
Chat with your vet immediately if you see any of the abovementioned signs. The vet will conduct a thorough medical history, physical examination, bloods and urinalysis to diagnose canine diabetes. These tests can determine whether your dog has diabetes and, if they have it, its severity.
Treatment
In both humans and dogs, the aim of diabetic treatment is management. The condition cannot be cured, but your dog can lead a happy and healthy life with good management.
The goal is to make the dog’s blood sugar levels as normal and consistent as possible, with fewer dips and peaks. This helps lower the risk of your dog experiencing the most severe consequences of diabetes, such as blindness and kidney failure.
Treatment of diabetes will require daily injections of insulin. It is essential to manage your dog at a healthy weight, too, as this will impact the effect of insulin. If a female dog has been diagnosed with diabetes and has not been spayed, you will be advised to book her in for surgery to have her spayed. This is because the fluctuating hormones of her cycle will impact the diabetes, and it is more challenging to stabilise her while this continues.
Dog’s insulin needs can differ, so your vet might try giving your dog different types, doses and frequencies of insulin until the diabetes is well managed. The handling, storage and administration of insulin are different for each type of medicine, and your vet will help you to understand what is best for your pet. Most pet parents get used to managing diabetes much quicker than they expect.
NOTE: It will be necessary to follow a strict routine to manage diabetes. Your dog will need to be fed the same food, weighed each time, and fed at the same time each day. Your dog’s body will get used to this routine, which will help stabilise them.
Did you know?
Approximately 70% of dogs with diabetes are female.
Monitoring diabetes
Once your dog starts treatment, you will need to take them for regular visits to evaluate their blood glucose levels. These visits are usually most frequent immediately after diagnosis to ensure the insulin dose is correct, but will also be necessary long-term to ensure the diabetes remains well managed.
Did you know?
Most dogs are between the ages of seven and ten when they are diagnosed with diabetes.
Medical emergencies with the diabetic dog
There will be times when your dog becomes unwell, and you will need to chat to your vet. If your dog, for instance, is refusing to eat or is vomiting there will be little glucose in the bloodstream. If insulin is injected in these circumstances, you may precipitate dangerously low glucose levels in your dog. These signs include lethargy, weakness and collapse, or potential restlessness, and breathing can be more rapid. You might detect a sweet smell on the breath of the dog, although not everyone can pick this up. If you see any of these signs, you must get your dog to the vet immediately, and if your dog has been vomiting, contact your vet before giving the usual dose of insulin.
The good news
Whilst it often takes a bit of trial and error to get diabetes under control, the good news is that the condition is manageable, and dogs with diabetes can live wonderfully healthy and happy lives.
