Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is a widely-used term for a complicated, chronic, and incurable disorder of the endocrine system that involves improper metabolism of glucose. This occurs when certain pancreatic cells cannot produce or release an adequate supply of insulin, or alternatively when a dog’s cells are unable to take up and use the insulin that is produced.
How Diabetes Mellitus Affects Dogs
The most common complaints by owners of dogs with diabetes are greatly increased water intake and corresponding increased urine output. This often shows up as inappropriate elimination. Other clinical signs include increased food intake with dramatic accompanying weight loss, weakness, lethargy, disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures. Affected dogs often suffer from vomiting, abdominal pain, poor skin and coat condition and other progressive signs of systemic disease. Diabetic dogs also tend to become dehydrated and depressed. Their breathing can become deep and labored, and their breath usually turns foul and smells of acetone. They are prone to developing urinary tract infections because of abnormally high urinary glucose levels, which promote bacterial overgrowth. Cataracts and vision abnormalities are common in diabetic dogs. Other signs include exercise intolerance, rear weakness and an impaired ability to jump. Early diagnosis is critical in order to effectively treat this serious disease.
Causes of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
Diabetes affects a dog’s ability to transfer energy from dietary glucose to its cells. Insulin is necessary for this energy transfer. When the dog’s pancreas does not release enough insulin, or if the cellular receptors cannot take up the insulin that is produced, there will be an insufficient amount of glucose available for cellular uptake. The dog’s blood will become saturated with glucose. Diabetes mellitus usually is seen in middle-aged to older dogs (and cats), with overweight intact females much more commonly affected than males. An inherited component has been suggested but has not been conclusively established. Other risk factors include obesity, recurring pancreatitis, Cushing’s disease and administration of drugs which can antagonize the effects of insulin.
Preventing Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
Affected animals probably should not be bred due to a possible genetic component to this disease. Other preventative measures include feeding a well-balanced, high-quality diet and preventing obesity. In general, dogs predisposed to diabetes should be fed a diet high in soluble and insoluble fiber, to reduce the rate of glucose absorption into the blood. Feeding multiple small meals daily can also be helpful.
Special Notes
The prognosis for diabetic dogs depends upon a number of factors, including the owner’s commitment to following specific treatment protocols. Typically, diabetes is very manageable if owners are diligent about their role in ongoing therapy. Fortunately, with proper care diabetic dogs can maintain a good quality of life for many years.