What is Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs?

Introduction

Over the past few weeks, Susan had noticed some concerning changes in her beloved Schnauzer, Toby. He was constantly thirsty, urinating more frequently, and losing weight despite having a healthy appetite. Unsure of what could be causing these symptoms, Susan scheduled an appointment with her trusted veterinarian. After conducting blood tests and a thorough examination, the vet revealed that Toby had diabetes mellitus, a diagnosis that Susan hadn’t anticipated. In this blog post, we’ll explore diabetes mellitus in dogs.

Canine diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that occurs when a dog’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use the insulin. Instead, it produces insulin levels correctly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas which transports glucose out of the bloodstream and into the cells for energy production. Without adequate levels of insulin, glucose will build up in the blood instead of entering the cells where it is needed for energy production. This can lead to overwhelming health issues, from dehydration to organ failure.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease in dogs; the reported worldwide prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 1.3%.1-4. It is a disease where blood glucose levels are too high or low. This causes problems with how the body uses food, especially carbohydrates.

There are two types of Diabetes in animals: Type 1 and Type 2. Both types occur in people, but only one occurs in dogs.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, resulting in a lack of insulin production. Symptoms usually appear within three months of diagnosis, although symptoms may develop over several years.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia. Although the exact causes of type 2 diabetes mellitus remain unknown, genetics, obesity, physical activity level, diet, age, and stress play a role.

There are several different forms of Type 2 diabetes in dogs. However, they’re similar to those seen in people, and some breeds appear to be predisposed to specific conditions of Diabetes. For example, Labrador Retrievers seem at increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus in dogs

Certain lifestyle choices can impact the development of CDM, such as high-fat diets, lack of exercise and being overweight can predispose dogs to develop diabetes. Additionally, certain breeds are more predisposed to developing diabetes, such as Miniature Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, Poodles, Samoyeds and Keeshonds, which suggests there may also be a genetic component that influences CDM type 1 onset in susceptible individuals.

Environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxins and parasites and pancreatic infections could lead to damage and inflammation in the beta cells, which help produce insulin, thus double negatively impacting the body’s ability to use insulin correctly, leading to higher glucose levels within the body, eventually causing CDM.

It’s also been reported that female dogs are more likely than male ones to develop canine diabetes mellitus, suggesting hormones also play a role in the risk for CDM or its progression. Stressful situations along with ovulation could both have a part here as well as some medications prescribed for dogs have been linked to CDM or, according to some reports, can aid the progression of this disease too, so it’s essential not to let any underlying health conditions go untreated or unidentified in order prevent further health issues from occurring down the line.

Symptoms of Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a chronic condition caused by inadequate production and utilization of insulin. Symptoms include increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. Other signs may include increased hunger, fatigue, dehydration and depression.

In addition to the above common symptoms, diabetes mellitus in dogs can manifest itself in unusual ways, such as excessive panting and soft stool due to the malabsorption of fat in the food. It can also cause an increase in infections around the ears and an increase in skin irritation or itching because of a lack of proper blood circulation.

The most severe complication of diabetes mellitus in dogs is ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment at a veterinary hospital. Ketoacidosis occurs when there is a severe decrease in circulating insulin and results in an accumulation of ketone acids which are toxic waste products normally excreted through urine but now accumulate inside the body. It causes severe vomiting, restlessness, weakness or coma if left untreated.

Other possible complications associated with diabetes mellitus are cataracts, glaucoma or retinal detachment leading to vision loss and nerve damage resulting from poor regulation of blood sugar levels over time. Diabetic neuropathy can cause lameness or paralysis if it progresses too far without effective treatment intervention. Finally, urinary tract infections are common, especially in female dogs with diabetes, since the high glucose levels encourage bacterial growth within their urinary tract system.

By recognizing the symptoms early on and initiating proper medical care for canine diabetes, your pet can lead a long and healthy life even with this chronic condition.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Diagnosing canine diabetes mellitus (DM) requires a thorough history and physical examination. The most common presenting signs include polyuria/polydipsia, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, exercise intolerance, increased thirst, decreased appetite, and skin lesions such as alopecia, dermatitis, and ulcerations. Other less common clinical signs include seizures, blindness, muscle wasting, and coma. Therefore, a diagnosis of DM should only be made after ruling out other causes of these symptoms.

The standard gold test for diagnosing DM is a blood glucose concentration greater than 200 mg/dL. However, this test alone cannot confirm the presence of DM because many dogs with hyperglycemia have average insulin concentrations. Therefore, additional tests must be performed to rule out other diseases.

A definitive diagnosis of DM requires two consecutive blood glucose measurements at least 2 hours apart that exceed 200 mg/dL. A third sample should be obtained if one height exceeds 250 mg/dL. In addition, if the owner reports any changes in behavior, including depression, aggression, anxiety, or fearfulness, a urinalysis should be performed to detect proteinuria.

A pancreas biopsy is recommended if no cause for elevated blood glucose level is found. This procedure involves the removal of tissue from the pancreatic body and tail via laparotomy. Histopathologic analysis of the removed tissue reveals evidence of beta cell destruction and replacement with fibrous connective tissue.

Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

The treatment options available for this disease depend largely on the severity of the condition and the particular needs of each dog patient. These include dietary modifications, medications and insulin therapy.

For mild cases, dietary changes can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing symptoms and potentially reversing the disease. This may involve switching from regular commercial pet food to a balanced low-carbohydrate diet consisting of specially formulated diabetic pet foods or homemade meals supplemented with insulin-sensitizing supplements like omega fatty acids, chromium picolinate, apple cider vinegar and fenugreek seeds. Diet should be monitored closely when making these changes with routine testing and gradual adjustments to ensure optimal results.

In more severe cases, oral medications or insulin injections may help regulate blood glucose levels as part of ongoing diabetes management. Oral medications such as glipizide are often used alongside dietary modifications to reduce high glucose levels. Insulin injections are typically recommended when oral medications prove insufficient at regulating glucose levels and must usually be given twice daily, depending on the prescribed dosage amount for your specific dog’s needs. Therefore, owners need to learn how to properly provide this type of injection to ensure that it is being administered correctly and effectively for their pet’s health care needs.

Surgical procedures

This includes pancreatectomy, partial pancreatectomy (pancreas transplant), and duodenal diversion. Pancreatectomy removes part of the pancreas. This procedure is usually performed if the owner cannot tolerate medical therapies or if the patient’s condition worsens despite appropriate medical treatment.

Partial pancreatectomy removes some of the pancreases to prevent recurrent episodes of ketoacidosis. Duodenal diversion diverts bile flow away from the stomach and into the intestine. In addition, the duodenal procedure is used to manage chronic vomiting caused by uncontrolled Diabetes.

Veterinary supervision is essential throughout any treatment plan for diabetes mellitus in dogs. This can include regular testing and monitoring at home and checkups with their local vet every 3-6 months, depending on your pet’s healthcare situation, to ensure their health is under control with their current diabetic management protocol.

Monitoring Your Dog

Glucose Curves

Glucose curves help monitor diabetes management and provide information about how well the patient manages their disease. A typical curve looks like this:

The graph above represents a healthy dog whose blood sugar level is within normal limits. However, it does show some areas of concern. First, there is a spike in blood sugar around midnight. This could indicate that the owner forgot to give the dog his insulin dose. Second, the dog had a high blood sugar level early in the morning.

This could mean he ate too much food, drank too much water, or exercised too strenuously. Third, the dog’s blood sugar remained elevated throughout the day. This could mean the dog did not eat enough carbohydrates, exercise, or take medication correctly.

A veterinarian uses glucose curves to determine whether a diabetic dog needs additional treatment. For example, a dog that eats a lot of carbs might require a different diet to control their blood sugar. A dog that exercises vigorously might benefit from a glucagon injection to lower its blood sugar quickly. A dog that exhibits signs of stress might need extra rest.

In addition to helping you understand what is happening with your dog’s health, glucose curves can help you make essential decisions regarding insulin therapy. For example, if you notice spikes in blood sugar, you know to administer additional insulin. Likewise, if you see dips in blood sugar, you can reduce the amount of insulin allocated.

Flash Glucose Monitors

Another way to manage Diabetes is to use flash glucose monitors. These small, portable devices measure blood sugar every few minutes and transmit the data via Bluetooth to your smartphone. You can view the data online or download it to your computer.

There are many advantages to using flash glucose monitors. For one thing, you don’t have to stick yourself with needles anymore. You won’t even have to prick your finger. Instead, you insert a lancet into the device and press a button. Then, you place the sensor under your pet’s tongue and wait for the results.

Prevention of Diabetes in Dogs

Preventing canine diabetes mellitus is very important because this disease causes many complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart problems, etc. The most common cause of canine diabetes mellitus is obesity. Obesity increases insulin resistance, leading to hyperinsulinemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a life-threatening condition if not treated properly.

The first step towards preventing canine diabetes mellitus is to control your dog’s weight. Then, contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice changes in your dog’s behavior or appetite. Also, watch for signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, increased urination, loss of coordination, seizures, coma, and even death.

You consider the following to help your dog reduce the risk of getting DM:

• Diet

One way to prevent canine diabetes mellitus is to feed your dog healthy food. Make sure to give them plenty of fresh water daily. Avoid feeding your dog processed foods like dry kibble or canned food. Instead, please provide them with raw meat, chicken, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Dogs should eat a diet rich in protein and carbohydrates. A balanced diet includes meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, pasta, rice, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, fish, poultry, and grains.

• Exercise

Exercise helps your dog lose weight and build muscle mass. Your dog should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. You can start slowly with short walks around the neighborhood. Then, gradually increase the length and frequency of your walks. When you walk, take your dog on a leash so he won’t run away from you.

• Weight Management

Weight loss improves blood flow throughout the body. This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to cells. As a result, more energy is produced by the body’s organs.

Frequently Asked Questions