Causes of Elevated Sugar Levels in Canines

Sugar or glucose in the blood provides energy for the dog and is measured in milligrams per deciliters. The normal sugar levels in dogs are between 75 and 120mg, according to PetMD. Elevated sugar levels in the dog's blood are also known as hyperglycemia. The condition causes excessive thirst, lethargy and increased frequency of urination. Elevated blood sugar is commonly caused by diabetes, but there are also other conditions that may account for hyperglycemia.

  1. Diabetes Mellitus

    • Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects the transformation of glucose into energy. There are two types of diabetes in canines: type I is caused by a deficient production of insulin, and type II, which is characterized by a normal production of insulin, but a deficient response from the body when transforming it into energy. The dog displays symptoms such as increased hunger and thirst, increased urination and these may also affect the liver and the kidneys in the long run. Diabetes is managed with regular insulin shots.

    Pancreas Problems

    • The pancreas produces insulin, which plays a key role in moderating the sugar levels. If the pancreas is affected by an infection the organ is no longer able to produce the necessary amounts of insulin. If the pancreas is affected by a tumor, this causes a high glucose production. Benign tumors are rare in canines, and the condition progresses quickly until the tumor metastasizes in the body.

    Hyperadrenocorticism

    • Hyperadrenocorticism is a common endocrine disorder in canines according to PetMD. The condition is caused by an increased level of cortisone in the blood stream and this results in an increase production of glucose. Hyperadrenocorticism is typically caused by pituitary gland tumors (both benign and malignant) and in rare cases, by an adrenal gland tumor. Certain medication such as corticosteroids can also cause an elevation of cortisone in the blood stream, but this can be controlled and once the drugs are tapered off, the dog's sugar levels return to normal.

    Infections

    • Different infections, such as urinary tract or dental infections may cause elevated sugar levels in canines. Blood tests can reveal the presence of an infection and the veterinarian prescribes antibiotic treatment. Once the infection is eliminated, the blood sugar levels should be normal.

    Temporary Hyperglycemia

    • Dogs have elevated blood sugar immediately after a meal, if they are stressed or excited. If performing a blood sugar test, talk to your veterinarian to decide on the best time, so that the test is accurate. Certain medications, such as heartworm drugs or progesterone hormone therapy, have hyperglycemia among side effects.