Symptoms & Treatments for Dog Diabetes: What You Need t

Section 1: Causes of Diabetes in Dogs

1. The primary cause is a deficiency of insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas.

2. Liver diseases can prevent the storage of sugar within the liver.

3. Stimulating the sugar center in the medulla oblongata can lead to increased blood sugar levels.

4. Diseases affecting the thyroid, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland, when overactive, can raise blood sugar levels.

5. Sedatives, anesthetics, thiazides, and phenytoin sodium can impact insulin release.

Section 2: Symptoms of Dog Diabetes

1. The main symptoms of diabetes in dogs include restlessness, excessive thirst, polyuria, increased appetite, weakness, and emaciation.

2. In severe cases, the dog's breath may have a fruity odor, and they may experience frequent vomiting and diarrhea with blood, leading to selfpoisoning and possible coma.

3. Blood sugar levels are significantly elevated. Normally, a dog's blood sugar index is around 75120 mg/100 ml, but in diabetic dogs, it can reach 150 mg/100 ml, and in extreme cases, up to 400 mg/100 ml.

4. In the later stages, symptoms may include corneal ulcers, vitreous opacity, cataracts, retinal detachment, blindness, skin ulcers, hair loss, heart failure, and coma.

Section 3: Treatment for Diabetic Dogs

1. The primary goal is to lower blood sugar levels and correct imbalances in water, electrolytes, and acidbase balance.

2. It is crucial to take the dog to a veterinarian immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Follow the vet's instructions for medication and consider longterm care.

3. Dietary therapy is a fundamental approach to managing canine diabetes. This involves a lowsugar diet, supplemented with lowsugar foods like meat and dairy. Additionally, ensure an adequate supply of B vitamins and feed the dog regularly but in small, frequent portions.

4. To control high blood sugar and correct metabolic imbalances, rapidacting insulin is used. For stable cases, longacting or intermediateacting insulin injections are more suitable.

5. Oral hypoglycemic drugs, such as glibenclamide, tolbutamide, chlorpropamide, and gliclazide, can also be prescribed.

6. Insulin Therapy

Important Pet Care Tip: For more information on dog diabetes, including early symptoms, click "What Are the Early Symptoms of Dog Diabetes?".