Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

Early Symptoms

• According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al; 2007), the first symptoms of canine diabetes mellitus is a drastic increase in thirst. The dog will be at the water bowl far more frequently than usual. Because of the increased water intake, the dog will have to urinate far more than usual. Another early symptom of diabetes mellitus in dogs is an increase in appetite.

Later Symptoms

• Canine diabetes mellitus does not get better by itself. If the dog is not taken to the vet for treatment and has its diet adjusted, it will degenerate. Symptoms may differ from dog to dog, but usually they will lose all appetite, become lethargic, vomit more than once a day, lose weight, develop cataracts and seizures and then go into a lethal diabetic coma.

Predisposition

• According to Dr. Leah Cohn, the dog breeds most susceptible to developing diabetes mellitus are golden retrievers, poodles, German shepherds, fox terriers, cairn terriers, keeshonds, schnauzers, the spitz and the Bichon Frise. But dogs of any breed or a mix of breeds are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus if they are overweight. Female dogs are more prone to getting diabetes than males.

Significance

• The dog with diabetes mellitus is so hungry and thirsty because its pancreas is unable to make or process blood sugar. It's the blood sugar that helps give energy to the dog's cells. The glucose instead goes into the blood and urine. Eventually, the dog will not be able to drink enough water in order to satisfy its thirst.

Treatment

• If the dog is an unsprayed female, she will need to be spayed. If the dog is overweight, he needs to go on a diet and get regular exercise. The dog will also have to be given insulin injections. After a week, the dog is brought back to the vet for a check up to see if the insulin dosage is too high or too low. Many dogs need the insulin injections for the rest of their lives.