Animals can also get diabetes. In their organisms, the course of this disease is somewhat different from diabetes in humans, and they can even recover from it. To some extent, animals can have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes at the same time. It is difficult to distinguish between them, since there are no special tests for this, and the treatment of the animal will not differ much. At the same time, veterinarians know that in dogs, diabetes is most often associated with a lack of their own insulin (that is, type 1 diabetes occurs). And in 85% of cats, the opposite is true – the appearance of diabetes is associated with the inability of the cells to perceive insulin due to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle (that is, type 2 diabetes develops).
Symptoms of diabetes in pets
Like most people, the first alarming symptoms that can be suspected of diabetes are increased thirst and frequent copious urination . Dogs, for example, may not stand up to a walk and do it in the house. Further, over time, the development of diabetes may be evidenced by increased appetite and a noticeable decrease in body weight . In the later stages of diabetes, the pet refuses to eat , he develops dehydration, vomiting, and general weakness . The sooner the owners notice signs of diabetes in an animal and consult a doctor, the more likely it is that the animal will be saved, and the diabetes will eventually go away or will proceed in an uncomplicated form for the rest of the cat or dog’s life.
How is diabetes in cats and dogs treated?
If you go to the veterinarian early on in your pet’s diabetes, the vet will most likely prescribe insulin, diet, regular blood sugar measurements, and teach you how to use it properly. In cases where the animal is already in serious condition, he will need observation in the hospital, droppers and injections to stabilize. And then: insulin, sugar measurements and a diet at home.
The key to successful treatment of diabetes in a pet is the monotonous rhythm of his life: insulin injections, nutrition, blood sugar monitoring, exercise
1. Insulin – the exact dose is extremely important!
The type and dose of insulin for each specific case should be selected exclusively by a doctor. It can be extended-acting, short-acting, combined, or veterinary insulin. The doctor selects the initial dose of insulin, which is then adjusted within one to four weeks under the supervision of a doctor. You feed your pet, inject insulin at home, measure blood sugar – and inform the doctor. And he already says, increase or decrease and by how much the dose of insulin.
Doing it yourself is dangerous. Since a larger dose of insulin even by 1 unit can lead to hypoglycemia – a sharp decrease in blood sugar levels, which is dangerous for the health and even life of the pet.
2. Syringe – it is important not to confuse the gradation
Insulin is injected subcutaneously. There are special insulin syringes for this. They come in different gradations and volumes: 100 U / ml, 40 U / ml, 50 U / 0.5 ml, etc. Usually the doctor at the appointment explains in detail and shows which specific syringes you will need. When you come to the pharmacy, you should clearly understand this.
3. Your pet’s health is now up to you daily
Home treatment consists of:
- daily injections of insulin
- regular blood sugar checks
- special diet.
Glucometers designed for humans are sometimes used to measure blood sugar . But it can be dangerous for the pet. Since people and animals have different blood composition. In particular, the distribution of glucose in blood plasma and whole blood differs. Because of this, a “human” glucometer can underestimate the blood glucose levels in cats and dogs – which in turn will cause the wrong dose of insulin. Our country already has glucometers for animals (dogs, cats, horses). In addition, this glucometer comes with a special piercing pen , which helps to get the right drop of blood from the ear or finger of the animal, causing him minimal pain and discomfort. And of course, such a glucometer can only be used with the appropriate test strips – also convenient for testing in animals.
Animals are sometimes cured of diabetes.
Sometimes this is indeed possible. For example, it happens that dogs develop diabetes in the first months after estrus. This is due to the release of hormones at this time, which complicate the action of insulin. In such cases, the dog is prescribed sterilization and insulin therapy. There are many cases when, as a result of such treatment, insulin therapy was canceled within a month or two after sterilization. In order not to miss this moment and not get hypoglycemia, it is important to regularly monitor the blood sugar of the animal.
In the case of cats, according to veterinarians, the chances of being cured of diabetes directly depend on the time of visiting a doctor. The sooner, the better, of course. Reducing the dose of insulin usually occurs within three to six months before it is completely discontinued. But if during these 6 months there was no noticeable reduction in doses, then the chances of curing a cat or a cat become extremely small.
But in any case, do not despair, with proper care and treatment, animals on insulin therapy live happily ever after – almost the same as animals without diabetes.