Is your pet suddenly losing weight, yet still eating normally? Are they having accidents in the house, or do they need to go outside more often to urinate? Is the litter box full of urine more than usual for your cat? If you’re noticing these behaviors in your dog or cat, seeing your veterinarian may be crucial for your pet’s health. These behaviors may indicate that your pet has developed diabetes mellitus. Understanding animals and diabetes is essential for recognizing symptoms early and managing this common but serious condition.
Diabetes and Its Causes
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which specific cells of your pet’s pancreas either stop producing the insulin hormone or no longer produce it in enough quantity to fulfill the needs of the animal’s body. Insulin converts glucose (carbs and sugars) in the muscles and organs to energy, and without that conversion, excess glucose is carried out of the body in urine.
There are several possible causes for diabetes mellitus. Genetic predisposition is one likely cause, since some canine breeds seem to be predisposed to diabetes, and dogs that have diabetes often have relatives with it. There appears to be no breed predisposition among cats; however, a higher incidence of feline diabetes has been reported in Burmese cats in Australia and the UK.
There is also thought to be a relation to hormonal therapies. Due to these drugs’ interference with insulin production, dogs that are receiving medications to control heat cycles are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.
A correlation has been noted in some veterinary studies between parvovirus in puppies, canine distemper, pancreatitis in adult dogs and cats, and the onset of diabetes. All three diseases are known to destroy the pancreatic cells responsible for manufacturing insulin, resulting in a deficiency of the hormone that causes diabetes. When learning about animals and diabetes, understanding these causes is the first step toward prevention and early detection.
Symptoms of Diabetes
An animal with diabetes will often feel hungry. Since glucose is not reaching the brain, the levels are too low for the brain to register that it is receiving food. You’ll notice an increase in appetite, but your pet will continue to lose weight because the nutrients in their food are not being retained in the body. With glucose constantly leaving the body, they will be tired and unable to exercise or play. There is also increased thirst as a result of an upsurge in urine output while the body attempts to rid itself of the excess insulin.
The liver can also be affected by this condition, as can the eyes and kidneys. Many animals with chronic and/or untreated diabetes will develop cataracts in their eyes and eventually go blind. They may also develop chronic kidney disease. Recognizing these warning signs early is key when it comes to animals and diabetes, as early treatment can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
Risk Factors for Diabetes in Pets
The typical canine patient is female, overweight at diagnosis, and middle-aged; however, diabetes can occur at any age. Breeds at a higher risk of developing diabetes include the Keeshond, the Puli, Miniature Pinschers, Samoyeds, Cairn Terriers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, and Beagles.
For felines, while diabetes can affect all cat breeds, high-risk factors for the disease include male gender, increasing age, physical inactivity, obesity, medicating with steroids, and the ingestion of high-carbohydrate foods.
Types and Rates of Diabetes in Pets
Diabetes is a condition commonly classified into two types, depending on its origin. Type 1 diabetes, called “juvenile diabetes” in humans, is caused by the destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas that manufacture insulin. All diabetic dogs have this type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, where insulin is produced but the body does not respond appropriately to it, is the most common form of diabetes in cats and people.
Type 1 diabetes is said to strike 1 in 500 dogs. The number of dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus has increased by 300 percent in the past 30 years in this country. Survival rates from the same time period show that only 50 percent of affected dogs survived the first 60 days after diagnosis and were successfully treated at home. This leads one to believe that diabetic symptoms in dogs are often overlooked and untreated until it is too late to save the animal. Current studies show that diabetic dogs receiving daily insulin treatment have the same expected lifespan as non-diabetic dogs of the same age and gender.
According to Dr. Donna Spector, veterinary consultant for Halo Pets, feline diabetes (Type 2) affects one out of every 100 cats – approximately 800,000 pet cats in the US. Decreased physical activity, feeding food high in carbs, and obesity are the most common causes of this disease in cats. These statistics underscore the prevalence of diabetes and its impact on pets, highlighting the importance of regular veterinary checkups.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment for Diabetes
To make a complete diagnosis, your vet will take a detailed medical history of your pet’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms. The vet will also want details of the exact symptoms, including an estimation of daily urination times and amounts. Standard tests commonly include a complete blood count, chemical profile, and urinalysis.
A pet with diabetes usually has an unusually high concentration of glucose found in their blood and urine. Abnormally high levels of liver enzymes and electrolyte imbalances are also common. Urine test results may also show evidence of unusually high levels of ketone bodies – water-soluble compounds produced as a by-product of fatty acid metabolism in the liver and kidneys.
The course of treatment for both cats and dogs typically includes daily exercise, gradual weight loss through increased activity, and a veterinary-managed diet. Dr. Spector recommends feeding cats “a canned, high protein, low carbohydrate food twice daily.” The veterinarians at WebMD recommend a high-fibre veterinary diet designed to help normalize blood glucose levels. Regular tracking of blood glucose levels and daily insulin injections may also be necessary, depending on your pet’s condition.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to cataracts, weakness, malnutrition, vomiting, dehydration, and the development of ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a metabolic process where fats and proteins in your pet’s liver are broken down to serve as energy when glucose is not available. This leads to chronic liver disease, and eventually liver failure and death.
Prognosis of Pet Diabetes
Unfortunately, diabetes is not a disease that can be cured, but your pet’s health can be managed, and they can continue to live a delightful life. This will depend on your willingness to adhere to your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations and the suggested insulin protocol. The best prevention from complications is practicing careful maintenance at home with your animal’s best life and health in mind.
When it comes to animals and diabetes, awareness, regular vet visits, and consistent care are the cornerstones of managing this lifelong condition and ensuring your furry friend enjoys many happy, healthy years by your side.
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