Complications in Diabetic Dogs

Diabetes in dogs results from an endocrine imbalance. It can result from a lack of insulin, which is used in sugar metabolism, or of vasopressin, which helps a dog's kidneys absorb water. Regardless of the type of diabetes a dog has, it can cause serious, but treatable, complications. Always see your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is suffering from diabetes complications.

  1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis

    • Diabetic ketoacidosis can result if a dog has diabetes, but doesn't receive treatment or if his treatment isn't managing the diabetes. Deposits of ketones will develop, causing hyperglycemia. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis are weight loss, weakness, sudden blindness and insatiable appetite, among others. This is a serious condition and your vet can decide proper treatment. With treatment, most dogs fully recover.

    Cataracts

    • Just as in humans, cataracts are a frequent condition resulting from diabetes in dogs. High blood sugar levels can lead to cataracts and then blindness. Dogs who get cataract surgery often can fully recover.

    Glaucoma

    • Glaucoma is another eye disorder frequently associated with canine diabetes. If a dog has untreated cataracts, protein can leak into the eyeball, which causes painful inflammation. If the inflammation isn't treated, it can progress into glaucoma. Unfortunately, if this happens the vision problems likely will be permanent. Cataract surgery will no longer be possible because the likelihood of complications from the surgery is high.

    Weakened Immune System

    • High blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs creates an attractive environment for bacteria, which means diabetic dogs can have recurring infections. Common infections in diabetic dogs include prostate infections, skin conditions, pneumonia and urinary tract infections, among others. If your dog has diabetes, monitor him more closely for infections and treat all infections quickly.

    Diabetic Neuropathy

    • Diabetic neuropathy is often the first visible symptom of canine diabetes. A nerve condition caused by high blood glucose levels, it often causes weakness in a dog's back legs and can be mistaken for a sign of old age. Diabetic neuropathy often goes away when blood sugar levels are normalized.