Diabetes and your pets

Diabetes is caused by insufficient production of Insulin that lowers glucose levels in the blood. Glucose is derived from the food you feed your pet and gives them the fuel needed to power the body. Glucose is released when food is digested meaning blood sugar levels rise.

The role of Insulin is to lower the blood sugar levels by allowing cells to take up glucose for energy and storage, to keep blood sugar within the limits.

Diabetic patients have abnormally high blood glucose levels. This causes glucose to ‘leak’ through the kidneys, and lost in the urine.

High blood glucose levels results in several clinical signs including:

• Increased drinking
• Increased appetite
• Increased urination
• Weight loss
• Change in behaviour
• Lethargy
• Poor coat condition

Diabetes can be controlled by injecting Insulin. Although it may take a number of weeks and potential dose changes before your pets diabetes becomes under control. The main aim is to restore a good quality of life. This can be done by stopping the clinical signs of diabetes and reducing the risk of any complications arising.

Injecting Insulin can be a daunting experience, however, at Jurassic vets we will support you all the way. Our nurses and vets can train you and provide you with guidance and demonstrations. Helping make managing a diabetic pet as straightforward as possible.

Consistency is key to successfully managing a diabetic pet. As the owner you are in control of supplying your pet with insulin. This means every day must be consistent, from the time the Insulin is given to how much is fed.

1. Insulin should be given at roughly the same time each day
2. Feed a consistent diet at the same time each day with no titbits
3. Allow access to fresh water at all times
4. Exercise should be consistent and not over strenuous

When owning a diabetic pet there is so much to remember. Writing things down can help make everything easier. But what should you monitor?

Monitoring water intake will help the vets establish how controlled the diabetes is. Reduction in water intake should become more noticeable as the diabetes becomes more controlled.

Writing down food intake and measuring the quantity fed helps to ensure daily rations are not exceeded.

Caninsulin have recently developed a FREE PetDiabetes Tracker app . The app will set reminders for injections, appointments and when to order more medication. Reports can be shared with your vet practice to help us build a picture of how controlled your pets diabetes is.

When a pets diabetes is not controlled correctly, they may have a ‘Hypo episode’. This means the the blood sugar levels have fallen too low and is called Hypoglycaemia .

Hypoglycaemia can be caused by giving too much insulin or if your pet refuses to eat after.

What to look out for?

1. Weakness
2. Shivering
3. Muscle twitching
4. Unrest or lethargy
5. Fits and unconsciousness

Hypoglycaemia can be life threatening if left untreated. Our vets will advise you to give your pet honey directly in to the mouth