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21.12.2024, 14:43 |
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Diabetes mellitus
Verfasst am: 24.01.2017, 15:34 |
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Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common hormonal induced diseases in dogs and cats.
Even a diabetic dog can enjoy life to the fullest
Usually the owner notices an increased drinking in his fourlegged friend, or also a significant loss of weight (especially muscle degradation/ muscular atrophy) despite sufficient and / or constant food. Likewise, the dog is maybe tired, or the owner became aware of weakness, especially in the hind limbs, and also changes in coat structure often lead the vet to the first suspicion for DM.
When there is a strong suspicion for DM the Vet will carry out a quick blood test and a complete blood count in which above all the long term glucose level (fructosamine) will be determined.
The blood sugar level of a healthy dog corresponds to that of humans.
Up to a value of 120 mg/dl the dog (human) has a well balanced glucose level (this is also the level we want to aim in dogs with sugar issues). More than 150 mg/dl mostly confirms DM and a fasting value from more than 150 we can see as a confirmed suspicion for DM.
The veterinarian will immediately start insulin treatment if the diagnosis is confirmed.
"Caninsulin", mixed insulin, is mostly used for veterinary medicine.
In smaller dog breeds this insulin works very well; in larger breeds experience showed that a change to insulin used in human medicine will work more effectively and leads to faster success.
Insulin pills are not available for animals. Insulin must always be injected.
But don't be afraid, after a short settling-in period it will pass over into everyday life.
The mixed insulin consists of a short-term and a long-term component - so it is important to administer the insulin after meals every 12 hours.
A single injection of insulin is not sufficient because also the long-term component operates not more than12 hours.
If the insulin is given only once, there will be a lack of insulin for at least 12 hours, which leads to strong fluctuations in sugar levels and increases the blood glucose level enormously.
In order to ensure that your dog is set up as quickly as possible on a moderate glucose level - it will be urgently necessary to learn to measure the sugar level by yourself.
This works exactly as in humans - with a commercially available blood glucose meter you take only a drop of blood for the fast determination.
The blood is usually taken from the ear or from the lip, preferably with a lancing device.
High blood glucose levels over a longer period of time or constant fluctuations reduce life expectancy enormously, as organs will be severely damaged.
The eyes will be the first organs with severe and irreversible damages caused by fluctuations and high values.
Diabetic dogs, just like humans, quickly develop a cataract that can lead to complete blindness.
In the introduction stage, a daily profile should be created over several days.
Therefore blood glucose level has to be checked every 2 hours.
Now you can see how your dog reacts to the given amount of insulin and how the level (maybe) will change influenced by food and activities (walking, playing, etc.).
Later on the blood glucose level should be measured on the peak of the insulin effect, which is 4 and 7 hours after injection.
A check of the fasting value in the morning and a another check-up before the insulin injection in the evening should be done life-long.
Feeding the diabetic dog
Food constitutes the highest priority for the welfare of a diabetic dog.
Please do not use indutrial diets for diabetic dogs.
You enable your pet a healthier life and a faster adjustment by offering homemade food or canned food without grain. Experience shows that dry food is not suitable for diabetic dogs (most of them contain hidden carbohydrates).
So - dry food definitely does not belong in the bowl of your sick dog.
It is better to use wet food without carbohydrate sources or "slowly acting" carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates which provide the body quickly and rapidly with sugar - e.g. noodles and white rice are not recommended and should be avoided.
You can also use "exotics" such as amaranth, which are only metabolized in the colon and therefore slowly released into the organism.
Potatoes should be cooked the day before feeding.
You will find a source of suitable carbohydrates on "human diabetic information homepages" in the web.
Along with the main energy supplier "meat" and green vegetables, you will ensure a healthy lifestyle for your dog, what he will answer very quickly with good and constant blood glucose levels.
Take note: "Every dog is different" - some food will work with one dog very well but may run completely out of control in another dog.
Unfortunately, allergies also play a major role - food intolerance also leads to higher values immediately.
It is important, especially in the beginning, to offer always the same portions and food - and as mentioned, to create daily profiles to see what will be the best for your dog.
Dog biscuits and industrial chewing gums are now taboo.
Your dog will quickly get used to small fish, cucumbers or some cheese as a treat.
Milk thistle to support the liver is recommended.
Complications
Low blood sugar level
Hypoglycaemia is a major risk in diabetic dogs.
This circumstance can lead to diabetic coma and ultimately to death.
Again - you can see that the regular check-up of blood glucose levels is of immense importance and it is therefore essential to learn and apply the daily measurement.
Symptoms for hypoglycemia:
- restlessness,
- tremors (swaying, waves that go through the whole body),
- weakness,
- seizures.
Therefore you should always have glucose with you, in order to intervene as quickly as possible.
Recommended are glucose solutions in liquid form (you will get products at your pharmacy). Those products work quick and they are easy to give.
Likewise, honey may be given in case of hypoglycaemia.
If the dog is already without consciousness, rub the solution into the oral mucosa.
It is important to take glucose products always with you, especially during physical efforts (walking, playing, etc.) hypoglycaemia could suddenly appear - so always take one of the mentioned remedies with you.
Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening metabolic disorder that requires an immediate appointment with the vet who will immediately initiate an intensive medical treatment.
This complication of the DM is indicated by high blood glucose values and ketone bodies in the urine. New test equipments have the ability to display ketones.
First the affected dog will show an extreme thirst, partial vomiting, daze, an acetone odor in breathing and, occasionally, disturbances of consciousness that extend to diabetic coma.
IMPORTANT. DO not inject insulin by yourself. The treatment in an animal hospital / with the veterinarian - consists of an intravenous supply by fluid, potassium and insulin.
Menstrual cycle of the bitch
Another problem is the menstrual cycle of the intact bitch.
Although it is well established that neutered dogs more often suffer from DM when they are older, than intact dogs - however in case they are affected with DM a surgery for females is inevitable.
Because of fluctuating concentration of female sexual hormones, during and after heat (especially in the phase of pseudo gravidity) the blood glucose level won't be constant and shows health relevant up and downs .
Studies show that stress hormones play a major role for the increased distribution of progesterone - so that one can say - an optimal setting of a diabetic and not neutered bitch is almost impossible.
You should discuss with your vet promptly the best time for a surgery.
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