Diagnosis and treatment
Signs of diabetes mellitus
Diabetes is one of many different diseases that can affect your dog. Signs associated with diabetes can also be caused by other diseases. If any of the following statements apply to your dog, you and your dog should see your veterinarian for a check-up.
- Drinks a lot of water. (You must fill the water bowl more often than before.)
- Urinates frequently. (Your dog wants to go outside often and sometimes urinates in the house.)
- Is always hungry. (Never seems to get enough. Always asking for food.)
- Has lost weight.
- Eyes appear cloudy.
- Haircoat deteriorates.
- Sleeps more or is less active.
Diagnosis
The above signs certainly suggest diabetes, but they are also seen in other diseases. The diagnosis only becomes definite when glucose is found both in the urine, and at a high level in the blood. This is why your dog needs to be examined thoroughly by a veterinarian.
To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinarian will take a blood and urine sample from your dog and determine the glucose content or "sugar" in both. Your veterinarian will also check your dog's general health status (to rule out the presence of other diseases or infections). This is very important, as infections and some diseases can make the treatment of diabetes more difficult.
Treatment
Diabetes can be controlled, and giving your dog daily insulin injections is the most efficient way to control the disease. Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is the only veterinary insulin available, and is appropriate for treating your dog. If your dog has other problems as well, your veterinarian will suggest the appropriate treatment.
Your veterinarian will set up a treatment program that will include recommendations for feeding your dog (type of food, quantity and timing of meals), regular exercise and insulin treatment. Each dog will require a specific treatment regimen.
Daily insulin injections are essential to control the blood glucose level in your dog. Finding the right dose of Vetsulin is not always easy and may take weeks. In some cases, your dog must be hospitalized for a short period. Some diabetic dogs will require one injection each day, while others will have to be injected twice a day.
It is very important that injections be given at the same time every day. Once you and your dog have established a routine, things will be easier and your dog will be healthier. The key to success is PATIENCE and you will be encouraged as you see the condition of your dog gradually improving.
Vetsulin
Although Vetsulin is not a cure for diabetes mellitus, it can help control or eliminate many of the complications associated with the disease (such as excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss) and prevent development of life-threatening ketoacidosis.
Response to Vetsulin varies from dog to dog, but can be quite dramatic. In most dogs, improvement can be seen within a few days. However, if Vetsulin is discontinued or not given as directed, the signs of diabetes will likely return and life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis may develop. Therefore, it is important to maintain treatment in a consistent manner and monitor your dog's glucose level correctly.
About insulin administration
Because diabetes is caused by a shortage of insulin, your dog will need treatment with insulin such as Vetsulin. Your veterinarian will help you find your dog's correct dose and tailor your dog's prescription accordingly. Once you have the correct prescription, it is extremely important that you administer your dog's insulin treatment at the same time every day. Just like any routine, getting used to this will, at first, take a little time. But once you and your dog acclimate, you'll both find the process fairly simple, painless and quick.
Starting Vetsulin therapy
After diagnosis, your veterinarian will determine the starting dose based on your dog's weight. Next, your veterinarian will show you how to draw insulin from the vial, administer the injection, and monitor your dog's glucose level in the urine. During the first days of treatment, you and your veterinarian will monitor the effects of this dose on your dog's clinical signs (water and food intake, activity, etc.), blood glucose level, and urine glucose level. Based on the results of these investigations, your veterinarian will adjust the dose, if necessary, and again monitor your dog until the correct dose is established. This time period can vary from one week to one or two months. Remember that patience is the key to success. It is also important to note that trying to regulate a diabetic dog too quickly can cause other complications, such as low blood sugar.
Monitoring
Monitoring your dog's glucose level is an important part of the overall therapy for diabetes, and can be done in one of two ways:
- Measuring the glucose level in the blood itself
- Checking the urine for the presence of glucose
Measuring the blood glucose level is clearly the most accurate way to monitor your dog's therapy, and your veterinarian will do this in the clinic by performing a glucose curve. Checking the urine for the presence of glucose, although not quite as accurate, is something you can do at home. Read: Monitoring glucose and ketones in your dog's urine.
Exercise
The usual amount of exercise your dog receives should remain relatively unchanged. If your dog suddenly expends a lot more energy (longer walks, excitement about visitors, etc.), your dog will burn up more glucose. Too much activity can result in an extremely low blood sugar level, which may leave too little "fuel" available for the brain, to the point that your dog could even lose consciousness. If this happens, immediately administer glucose (see the section on "Emergencies" for more information).
Spaying your female dog
If your dog has not been spayed, your veterinarian will recommend that your dog be spayed as part of the treatment. This is because one of the female sex hormones, called progesterone, can interfere with the normal action of insulin. In order to remove the source of progesterone, spaying intact female dogs diagnosed with diabetes is essential.
My dog is regulated—what's next?
Regulation often goes very well for years. It is recommended to see your veterinarian on a regular basis (2-4 times a year). On these occasions, a general examination will be performed and rechecking the blood glucose level may be advised. Unfortunately, your dog may suffer occasionally from stress, infections, dental problems or other situations that can alter its regulation. If regulation is affected, your dog will again show typical signs (drinking and urinating more, for example), indicating you should consult your veterinarian.
Living with a diabetic dog
Once a dog has been stabilized on insulin, most dogs are able to lead a happy, healthy life. The life expectancy of dogs on insulin is similar to that of other healthy dogs. Good communication between you and your veterinarian, and adhering to the treatment regimen, will help keep your dog healthy. Both of you will enjoy life together for many years.
