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ServicesCanine Training Other ServicesQuarterly newsletters | Diabetes in Petsby Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM My client was very worried about his 10 year old cat, Clarence. Recently, Clarence had begun drinking and urinating a lot more than normal. Now he appeared to be losing weight, as well. Blood and urine tests revealed that Clarence had developed diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a condition that usually develops because the pancreas is not producing sufficient amounts of insulin, the hormone that helps the body to regulate blood sugar. While some cats and dogs may be genetically predisposed to diabetes, the development of adult onset diabetes in both humans and pets is often linked to obesity. For pets, peak onset of the disease is around the age of eight. Signs of diabetes in both cats and dogs may include increased thirst and urination, weight loss (often in spite of increased appetite), weakness, vomiting, depression and cataracts (in dogs only). Although the pet may remain active and alert in the early stages of the disease, if the disease progresses untreated the pet may develop complications, such as poor skin and hair coat, liver disease and secondary bacterial infections. Insulin injections are still the most effective treatment for diabetes at this time. A veterinarian or a veterinary technician will teach the pet owner to give insulin injections, sometimes having the pet owner practice by giving their pet injections of sterile water. Although many pet owners are squeamish about giving injections at first, most are pleasantly surprised at how easy giving the injections is, and how little the pet seems to object. Pet owners need to make sure to give injections at regular times, as instructed by their veterinarian. Diet management is a major component of diabetes treatment, and a veterinarian will instruct the pet owner as to what diet is best for their cat or dog. There are several excellent prescription foods that will help to regulate the pet’s diabetes and it is important that the animal eats only the diet recommended by the vet. Regular meal times and set amounts of food are an important part of regulating diabetes. And, as with all pets, provide free access to fresh, clean water at all times. Like many veterinarians, I have noticed an increase in diabetes as the obesity rate in American cats and dogs continues to climb. And although pet owners cannot protect their animals from a genetic predisposition to diabetes, keeping your pet at an appropriate weight is an excellent way to help prevent diabetes, as well as many other health problems, including heart disease and arthritis. I encourage pet owners with diabetic animals to maintain consistent daily routines and be vigilant in monitoring changes in their pet’s health. Diabetes requires regular, close monitoring and pet owners should expect to be visiting their veterinarian several times per year. With proper care, pets with diabetes can live very long, happy lives.
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