Whilst you have likely heard of diabetes, you may not know that cats and dogs can be affected by it too!
Dogs and cats, and even monkeys and other pets, can be affected by inherited or acquired diabetes.
Therefore, we have decided to lend you some sugar with the lowdown on diabetes in pets, focusing on the more prevalent type known as Diabetes Mellitus.
Diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency of insulin.
Insulin (a hormone normally produced by the pancreas) allows circulating glucose to be absorbed from the bloodstream into cells to be used as an important energy source for the body.
Dogs and cats, and even monkeys and other pets, can be affected by inherited or acquired diabetes.
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Parkes Vet
Pets with a deficiency of insulin cannot absorb glucose into their cells, so it passes out in their urine without being utilised effectively.
Pets with diabetes mellitus will commonly exhibit signs such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, despite having a good appetite.
However, the condition can also cause some unexpected symptoms, such as cataracts (severely clouded lenses within the eyes) particularly in dogs, nerve issues causing hindlimb weakness and a flat-footed stance in cats, and an enlarged liver due to abnormal fat storage.
If these symptoms are overlooked, untreated, or poorly managed, pets can develop a serious and potentially life-threatening complication known as Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
This is where diabetic pets become severely dehydrated and unwell and require intense treatment.
Most pets affected by diabetes mellitus will require long-term supplementation of insulin via twice daily injections under their skin.
On the correct dosage of insulin, they will be able to utilise glucose normally, and their symptoms will improve or completely resolve.
With early, intense treatment and close monitoring, some pets (usually cats) may even recover enough to be able to start producing their own insulin again - this is known as "diabetic remission".
If you notice changes in your pet's eating or drinking levels or any unexpected weight loss, we'd advise a prompt check-up with your veterinarian for further assessment.
We're sweet on high-quality veterinary care for all pets!
Call us today at Parkes Vet to book a consultation with our team to help keep your pet happy and healthy.
Parkes Vet is located at 203 Clarinda Street and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 4pm.
Call in and see the friendly team today!
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