Health
pets and diabetes
symptoms, causes, help
We have all heard of the rising epidemic
of diabetes in this country where,
according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, more than 28.5 million
people in the U.S. suffer from it.
What is less well-known is that our pets,
especially our cats, also develop this quiet
disease.
When there is inadequate insulin production or
cells fail to respond to the hormone, the blood
sugar rises, causing the diabetic state. There are
two main types of diabetes in pets.
Type I diabetes is also known as insulindependent
diabetes. In this illness, the body’s
immune system destroys the beta cells of the
pancreas; these are the cells that make the
insulin. This type of diabetes is the main form
seen in dogs. Predisposing factors include
genetics (Cairn terrier, poodles, schnauzers and
samoyed breeds), recurrent bouts of pancreatitis,
autoimmune disease and trauma to the pancreas.
Meet the Doctor
Type II, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes,
results from exhausted beta cells or an inability
of the cells to respond to chemical signals to make
insulin. This is the predominant form of diabetes
in our feline friends.
Regardless of the type, the symptoms are varied
and include excessive urination, excessive thirst,
extreme hunger, weight loss despite normal
appetite, complete loss of appetite, lethargy and
depression, vomiting, enlarged liver, cataracts,
bladder or kidney infections and obesity.
Diagnosis of diabetes is done with a simple blood
test. Your veterinarian will also look for glucose
in the pet’s urine as a confirmation of the disease.
The good news in all of this is diabetes can be
managed and, in some lucky kitties, actually sent
into remission. Most dogs and cats will start off
with insulin injections. However, changes in diet,
along with increasing exercise, and using Chinese
herbal formulas can actually help reduce the
need for insulin.
Mitsie Vargas DVM, CVA, CTCVMP is an author
and owner of Orchid Springs Animal Hospital.
She was named FVMA’s Veterinarian of the
Year.You can reach her at drv@osahvets.com,
@osahvets on Twitter or her Facebook page.
Orchid Springs Animal al Hospital
615 Overlook Drive
Winter Haven
863.324.6964
osahvets.com
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