A healthy dog's body produces normal levels of insulin hormone to regulate glucose levels in the blood. When either of these two substances becomes too high or too low, the dog's body will react and progress into disease.
-
Hypoglycemia and Symptoms
-
Low glucose levels in the blood result in a condition known as hypoglycemia. This can be a problem in puppies, usually less than three months old, who are unable to nurse from the mother, are malnourished or who may have intestinal parasites. In adult dogs, hypoglycemia can occur in dogs that exercise to excess and those who receive an overdose of insulin for treatment of diabetes. In rare instances, it can be caused by a malignant tumor of the pancreas that secretes an overabundance of insulin into the bloodstream of the dog.
Symptoms may include lethargy and weakness, incoordination, loss of appetite, seizures and dilated pupils. Hypoglycemic dogs can become comatose and die without treatment.
Diabetes Mellitus and Symptoms
-
Insufficiency of the insulin hormone in dogs is called diabetes mellitus. Produced by the pancreas gland, insulin regulates the concentration of glucose in the dog's body. Without insulin, the animal is unable to convert glucose to mechanical energy and its body will begin to use its own fat cells for energy production.
Diabetic dogs drink an excessive amount of water and have increased urination. They may show a marked weight loss and poor body condition with a good appetite. They can become dehydrated, weak, have a lowered heart rate and begin vomiting. Sudden cataract formation and blindness is also symptomatic of this disease.
Treatment
-
Hypoglycemic dogs need to be closely monitored. They should have a consistent feeding schedule maintaining both the type and amount of food consumed and should not be allowed to overexert themselves. Veterinarians may suggest hospitalizing these dogs so they can be placed on intravenous fluids and nutritional supplements. Owners should have a supply of sugar available (Karo syrup is often recommended) in case symptoms recur.
Diabetic animals require lifelong insulin therapy. Veterinarians usually place these dogs on a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates to alleviate spikes in glucose levels after eating. Their blood glucose levels need to be checked periodically and insulin levels adjusted to account for any change in glucose concentration.
Considerations
-
Hypoglycemia usually occurs in puppies because they have not yet developed the ability to regulate their blood sugar levels, with toy breeds such as the Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier most commonly affected. Members of large litters will need to be monitored to assure they are receiving the proper nutrition from the mother and all puppies should be de-wormed soon after birth.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease of middle-aged dogs, with females twice as likely to be affected than males. The smaller dog breeds (Poodles, Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Cairn Terriers) appear to be predisposed to the disease. Animals that have survived diseases that can damage the pancreatic gland, such as canine distemper and parvovirus, can also be more susceptible to diabetes.
Warning
-
Hypoglycemia can be quickly fatal to puppies and older dogs. If left untreated, they can die within hours of the onset of symptoms. Diabetes can also be fatal to untreated dogs; however, with proper insulin treatment and glucose monitoring, most dogs can live a good and happy life.
-