Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes In Pets
Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes In Pets
If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it’s common to feel shocked and sad about it, but you're not alone. It’s predicted that up to 1% of all dogs will get diabetes. As for cats, it is estimated that between 0.2 % and 1 % of cats will be diagnosed with diabetes during their lifetime.
One of the most prevalent endocrine illnesses in cats and dogs, diabetes mellitus can manifest in middle-aged and senior animals. Once diabetes is identified, managing it requires lifelong commitment on the part of both the pet's owner and their medical team.
Although receiving a diabetes diagnosis can be frightening, and you might believe that caring for your pet will be too challenging, you can keep your furry friend healthy and content for many years with the help of your veterinary team.
Signs of Diabetes
Some early, common signs of diabetes that you should be aware of include:
- Weight Loss
- Insatiable Appetite
- Frequent Urination
- Cloudy Looking Eyes
- Extreme Thirst
- Deteriorating Coat
- Sleeping More
What Causes Diabetes in Pets?
Diabetes in dogs and cats can have multiple causes. In some animals, it is entirely hereditary. Obesity, pituitary disease, and adrenal disease are a few underlying medical issues that can make a pet more likely to acquire diabetes. Diabetes can also be brought on in dogs and cats by medications like prednisone.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed in Pets?
Other than the usual blood work and urinalysis, no additional testing is necessary for a diabetic initial diagnosis. Although other abnormalities are frequently found, high blood glucose is the primary blood test criterion. A urinalysis is also strongly advised because one of the signs of diabetes is the presence of glucose in the urine.
In order for your veterinarian to administer the most efficient and prompt treatment, a precise diagnosis is required, since diabetes affects every pet differently and some pets are more critically ill at the time of diagnosis than others.
Can Diabetes Be Cured?
Diabetes cannot be completely cured. However, if you develop a suitable lifestyle for your dog or cat, your pet will most likely be able to live a happy and healthy life. Diabetes is frequently treatable by simply teaching your pet to administer daily insulin shots to manage blood glucose levels. If your pet has other issues, your veterinarian will advise you on how to handle them.
With insulin therapy, proper nutrition, and exercise, you can successfully manage your diabetic pet's health. You can expect your pet to have a happy and normal life if diabetes is successfully controlled.
If you suspect your pet has diabetes, Ridgeline Veterinary Clinic in Cathedral City, CA can assist you. Our compassionate team of professional veterinarians can assist you in diagnosing and treating a variety of ailments in your cat or dog. Call today to book an appointment rather than wait for severe symptoms to appear.
