Is Your Pet Diabetic?

Most of us have heard of diabetes mellitus. It's a condition where the pancreas produces either less of the hormone insulin than it should, or no insulin at all. We need insulin to utilise glucose for energy and maintain stable blood glucose levels in the body. When we don't produce enough insulin, blood glucose levels will rise and the body will have to use other forms of energy, such as breaking down the fats in the body.

However, you may be surprised to hear that Tiddles and Rover can also be diabetic.

Really?

Absolutely. Cats and dogs also need the hormone insulin to utilise glucose and give them the energy for those long walks and chasing mice. With either a lack of insulin, or no insulin at all, your pet is classed as diabetic and will require treatment, just the same as humans.

Cats and diabetes

It's estimated that between 0.5% and 2% of cats suffer Diabetes Mellitus, however this is probably an underestimation. The most common type of Diabetes in cats is Type 2 Diabetes (this is where there is impaired insulin production along with a reduced sensitivity to insulin).

What causes feline diabetes?

We know that your moggy hasn't been downing cola drinks and stuffing her furry face with sweets (and if she has: naughty Tiddles!), so what causes feline diabetes?

Just like human Type 2 Diabetes, being overweight is known to be a factor in feline diabetes, as obesity makes the body less sensitive to insulin. However, as with human Type 2 Diabetes, weight isn't the whole story. Thin cats may also develop diabetes (so, please, don't assume your cat can't be diabetic if she's slim!).

Age is a known contributory factor, with older cats being more likely to develop diabetes than younger cats. There may be a genetic link. Certain health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and pancreatitis make it more likely that a cat will develop diabetes, as does the use of medications such as corticosteroids.

Dogs and diabetes

Approximately one in 200 dogs has diabetes. The most common type of canine Diabetes is Type 1 (the insulin-dependent form, where the pancreas no longer produces any insulin).

Which dogs are prone to canine diabetes?

As with feline diabetes, being overweight is a commonly cited cause of canine diabetes. Overweight females run a particular risk of developing diabetes between the ages of 6 and 9 years-old.

Certain health conditions, including: autoimmune conditions, and pancreatitis contribute to the development of the disease, as does certain medications, genetics, and abnormal protein deposits in the pancreas.

Certain breeds are also more likely to develop canine diabetes, with standard and miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, samoyeds, poodles, Australian terriers, and keeshonds at particular risk. Golden Retrievers are also at particular risk of developing Juvenile Diabetes.

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Treatment

The treatment of feline and canine diabetes varies depending on the cause of the diabetes and your pet's general health:

• Dietary management: Helping your pet maintaining a healthy weight will be an important part of treatment. Ensure you feed your pet a healthy amount; ensure they get daily exercise (by walking your dog or playing with your cat). Your pet may benefit from a low-carb, high-protein diet. Ask your vet's advice.
• Oral medication: Many of the drugs used to control diabetes in humans are toxic to pets or simply don't work. However some oral hypoglycaemics (drugs that lower blood glucose) have been used in small doses, through their use in controversial. However, for cats who won't accept injections, they may be an option.
• Insulin injections: Most cats and dogs will need to have insulin injected once or twice a day. The injection is usually given at the scruff of the neck. Your vet will show you how to do this. Practising on an orange may help you build confidence.

Top 10 Signs of Diabetes in Your Pet

1. Increased Thirst

Is your pet drinking more than usual? Do you have to refill those doggy- and kitty-bowls more and more? This is called polydipsia and is one of the first signs of diabetes.

2. Increased Urination

If your pet's drinking more than usual, they'll probably start urinating more than usual. Needing to go outside more, or having little "accidents" in your house are signs of polyuria, another early sign of diabetes.

3. Increased Hunger

Does your pet suddenly want to eat a lot more? Without insulin, your pet's body cannot assimilate blood glucose, leaving them fighting for energy. This is known as polyphagia.

4. Sudden Weight-Loss

Even when eating more than usual, diabetes will make your pet lose weight. This is because diabetes increases metabolism.

5. Fatigue

Diabetes will make your pet weak and lethargic. In your cat, this manifests as weak back and hind-leg muscles (this is caused by diabetes damaging the nerves). In dogs, this is shown by sleeping more than usual, lethargy, and being less active.

6. Thinning hair

Thinning hair, skin conditions, or a bad coat are signs of diabetes in both cats and dogs. If your pet's hair has started to thin, especially on the back, there is usually a cause. Always see your vet.

7. Cloudy eyes

See the vet immediately if you notice your dog has cloudy eyes. Diabetes predisposes them to cataracts.

8. Urinary Problems

In addition to increased urination, as diabetes advances, it may predispose cats to secondary bacterial cystitis. Take your cat to the vet if you notice any signs of infection, such as your cat straining to urinate, or passing blood in their urine.

9. Depression

As diabetes continues to advance, ketoacidosis, acidosis caused by the breakdown of fat and protein in the liver. It's caused by a long-term lack of insulin, may develop. High levels of ketones are toxic and this toxicity can cause depression in your pet. If your pet becomes inactive, withdrawn and their sleeping and eating patterns change, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, see your vet immediately.

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10. Vomiting

Vomiting is another serious later symptom of diabetes, caused by ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is more common in older pets and females, as well as breeds such as dachshunds. If your pet's vomiting, see your vet.

I think my pet's diabetic

If you think your pet has diabetes, take them to the vet as soon as possible. There will usually be some tests, including a routine blood and urine test. High blood glucose levels don't always mean diabetes, however, so your vet will usually run additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule-out other causes.

These tests may include glycosylated haemoglobin concentrations, which measures the levels of glucose in the blood over the preceding weeks and is more accurate than a one-off test.

Your vet will probably be unwilling to make a diagnosis of diabetes based on a single abnormal test, however, and may want to monitor your pet's condition and retest in a couple of months.

What if my pet is diabetic?

If your pet is diabetic, try not to panic.

Although poorly-controlled diabetes is very damaging, controlling your pet's diabetes will help them to live a full life.

Your pet requires dietary modification and medication, but by following your veterinarian's advice and being committed to your pet's care, your cat or dog can enjoy a happy and fulfilled life.

Although learning to deliver insulin injections and test your pet's blood glucose levels is a challenge and a responsibility, by managing your pet, they have an excellent prognosis, enjoying an excellent quality of life that may last well into a comfortable old age.