La diabetes in dogs It is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by the difficulty of the body in producing or using insulin properly. This hormone, produced in the pancreas, is essential for glucose to enter cells and be converted into energy. When insulin is insufficient or not working properly, glucose accumulates in the blood, and diabetes appears. hyperglycemia and the cells are left without the energy they need.
If a excess blood sugar And since the cells can't produce the necessary energy, the dog can suffer from multiple problems: from excessive thirst and urination to weight loss, cataracts, or serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, we're going to explain how to know if my dog has diabetes, what its causes are, how it is diagnosed and what treatment and care is needed to lead as normal a life as possible.
Risk factors for diabetes in dogs
There are a series of risk factor's which increase the likelihood of a dog developing diabetes. Knowing about them helps to be extra vigilant and take preventative measures.
- ObesityAn overweight dog has a higher risk of developing diabetes. Excess fat promotes... Insulin ResistanceTherefore, even though the body produces it, the cells don't respond well. For this reason, it is extremely important to give it only the amount of food it needs. avoid high-calorie rewards and keep him active with daily walks and moderate play or running.
- AgeThis disease most often develops between seven and nine years of age, which is when the animal begins to age and the pancreas can become less efficient. In older dogs, any changes in water intake, urination, or weight should be monitored more closely.
- Bending radius on the inner sideAlthough any dog of any breed or mix can develop diabetes, certain breeds are more susceptible, such as the beagle, cairn terrier, sausage dog or dachshund and the miniature schnauzerA greater predisposition has also been described in breeds such as the samoyed, poodle or bichon frize.
- Sex and hormones: The unsterilized females They are at greater risk due to the action of hormones such as progesterone, which promote insulin resistance after estrus and during gestation.
- Pancreatitis and other diseasesChronic inflammation of the pancreas, the Cushing's syndromeSome prolonged treatments with corticosteroids or progestogens and certain infections can damage the cells that produce insulin or hinder its action.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs: how to recognize it
Diabetes in dogs is often accompanied by some fairly clear symptoms which can help us identify this pathology. Many of them make up what is called “PPP syndrome”: polydipsia (drinks a lot), polyuria (urinates a lot) and polyphagia (eats a lot).
You may suspect your dog has diabetes if you observe one or more of these signs:
- Drink much more water than normal (polydipsia). Needs to refill the water bowl frequently, looks for water in other places, and seems to be constantly thirsty.
- Urinate more often (polyuria). Asks to go out more often, urinates large amounts, or may even have accidents at home even if well-behaved.
- increased appetite (polyphagia). Eats anxiously, seems never satisfied, and may even steal food, but at the same time lose weight or loses muscle mass.
- Weight loss Even when eating the same amount or more, the body cannot properly utilize glucose and begins to consume fat and muscle as an energy source.
- LethargyHe spends a lot of time sleeping, is less active, has less interest in playing and going for walks, and seems to tire easily.
- Cataracts and vision problemsThe eyes may take on a whitish or bluish tint, and the dog may bump into objects, show insecurity when moving, or appear disoriented. Diabetic cataracts can develop relatively quickly.
- recurrent urinary tract infectionsGlucose in the urine promotes bacterial growth, which can lead to infections with foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, or discomfort when urinating.
- Poor coat conditionHair may become dull, brittle, and of poorer quality, reflecting the overall metabolic imbalance.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal painSweetish-smelling breath and extreme weakness may indicate a diabetic cetoacidosis, a very serious complication that requires urgent veterinary attention.
If you notice any of these signs, Go to the vet as soon as possible so that the relevant tests can be performed. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce the risk of complications and greatly improve the prognosis.
Diagnosis: How the veterinarian confirms diabetes
To know for sure if a dog has diabetes, observing the symptoms is not enough. It is essential that the veterinarian perform a series of tests. diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of hyperglycemia and rule out other diseases.
- Medical history and physical examinationThe veterinarian will ask about changes in thirst, urination, appetite, weight, and behavior, and will check the dog for signs such as weight loss, cataracts, dehydration, or poor coat condition.
- Blood TestsBlood glucose (glycemia) and other parameters are measured. persistently elevated blood glucose, along with the clinical symptoms, is key to the diagnosis.
- Urine analysis: allows detection glucose in urine (glucosuria), ketone bodies and possible associated urinary tract infections.
- FructosamineThis test measures the average blood glucose level over the past few weeks and helps confirm that the increase in blood sugar is chronic and not just a one-off occurrence due to stress or recent food intake.
- Other complementary testsDepending on the case, the veterinarian may request hormonal analyses, abdominal ultrasound, or additional studies to assess the pancreas and liver and rule out diseases such as Cushing's syndrome or chronic pancreatitis.
In some dogs it is also necessary to differentiate between d (the most common form, related to insulin) and diabetes insipidus (much rarer, associated with problems with the antidiuretic hormone), since the management and treatment are different.
Diabetes treatment in dogs
Once at the clinic or veterinary hospital, your dog will have blood and urine tests to check glucose levels, and the professional will recommend a course of action. complete treatment planThis treatment usually has several fundamental pillars.
Insulin: the basis of treatment
In most cases, diabetes in dogs is insulin-dependent. This means that treatment will consist of Give him an insulin injection once or twice a dayInsulin is administered subcutaneously, usually every 12 hours, and the veterinarian will choose the most appropriate type and initial dose according to the animal's weight and clinical condition.
Initially, a period of dose adjustmentThis involves frequent glucose monitoring and, sometimes, glucose curves throughout the day to determine the optimal dosage. The veterinarian will show you how to draw up the syringe, where to inject, and how to properly handle and store the insulin.
Nutrition and weight control
In addition, it may be necessary to do a change in diet So your furry friend can continue to lead a normal life. A diabetic dog's diet should be:
- Rich in quality protein to preserve muscle mass.
- Moderate in carbohydratesprioritizing those that are slowly absorbed and do not cause sudden spikes in glucose.
- Low in fat to help control weight and reduce the risk of pancreatitis.
- With a good supply of fiberwhich helps stabilize blood glucose by slowing down the absorption of glucose.
It is very important to maintain a fixed routineAlways offer the same type of food, in the same quantities, and at the same times, coordinating meals with insulin administration. Weight control is key, as obesity makes managing the disease more difficult.
Exercise, check-ups, and other care
El moderate and regular exercise It helps improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight. Ideally, walks and activity levels should be relatively consistent each day, avoiding strenuous exercise that could cause sudden drops in blood sugar.
In addition, in many cases it is advisable:
- Perform periodic glucose monitoring in blood and fructosamine measurements to assess medium-term control.
- Watch for signs of Hypoglycemia (sudden weakness, tremors, disorientation, seizures) and always have a quick source of sugar on hand for emergencies, following the veterinarian's guidelines.
- Sterilize the unspayed femalesbecause hormones from the reproductive cycle can greatly destabilize diabetes.
- Treat appropriately associated diseases such as urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, or hormonal problems, which can worsen blood glucose control.
Diabetes is a disease that can become very serious if left untreated. However, with well-adjusted insulin, good nutritionWith proper exercise and regular veterinary check-ups, many diabetic dogs can enjoy a very good quality of life for years.
Whenever you suspect something is wrong with your friend, don't hesitate to consult a professional: the sooner diabetes is detected and treatment is started, the greater the chances that your dog will remain active, stable, and happy for a long time.