Diabetes is an endocrine disease resulting from absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Unfortunately, it happens in humans and our pets, being one of the most widespread diseases on the planet.
Insulin is a pancreatic hormone, the main action of which is to reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood by increasing the permeability of cell membranes to glucose.
When insulin is insufficient or the mechanism of interaction of insulin with the body’s cells is disturbed, glucose accumulates in large quantities in the blood (hyperglycemia), and the cells are deprived of their main source of energy. The disease is characterized by a chronic course and a violation of all types of metabolism: carbohydrate, protein, fat, mineral, water-salt.
Why does diabetes in dogs and cats occur?
The reasons for the development of diabetes in dogs and cats are not fully understood. The disease can develop as a result of pathologies associated with the pancreas or other localization. The most common reasons are:
- Destruction of pancreatic cells by the body’s immune system
- A complication of severe pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Tumour or Tarvma of the Pancreas
- Viral diseases
- At the background of other endocrine diseases (Cushing’s disease, acromegaly)
- Taking medications (glucocorticoids, contraceptives)
The genetic predisposition and the stage of the animal’s sexual cycle are important.
Prevalence of diabetes mellitus in pets
The incidence of diabetes mellitus in animals is 1 case per 100-500 individuals. Most often, the disease is recorded in middle and old age (the peak incidence occurs at 7-10 years). Diabetes is most common in non-castrated females.
Types of diabetes in cats and dogs
Insulin-dependent diabetes is characterized by a pronounced decrease or complete absence of the secretion of its own insulin.
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes is characterized by tissue resistance to insulin. The secretion of its own insulin in such cases is preserved, but insufficient or altered.
The second type of diabetes mellitus develops due to concomitant diseases or the use of drugs that suppress the secretion of insulin or counteract its activity (metabolic disorders in females associated with the phase of the sexual cycle, taking glucocorticoids, progesterone-based contraceptives). This type of diabetes can be reversible.
Almost all diabetic animals are insulin-dependent.
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?
The classic symptoms of diabetes are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent and profuse urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis)
- Cataract
In the later stages of the disease, there is a refusal from food, vomiting, lethargy, drowsiness, the smell of acetone from the mouth. These symptoms indicate the development of a life-threatening condition – ketoacidosis.
How is diabetes mellitus diagnosed?
The diagnosis of diabetes is based on:
- Appropriate clinical symptoms
- A sustained increase in fasting blood glucose (hyperglycemia)
- Detection of glucose in urine (glucosuria)
The minimum volume of laboratory tests for suspected diabetes should include:
- General blood analysis
- Blood chemistry
- Analysis of urine
To clarify the cause of the disease and identify concomitant disorders, additional studies may be required, the volume of which is determined by the veterinarian for each individual patient.
How is diabetes treated?
Treatment for uncomplicated diabetes should include:
- Insulin injections therapy
- Compliance with a special diet
- Regular physical activity
When insulin resistance is detected due to an increased concentration of progesterone in non-castrated bitches (for example, in the diestrus phase), ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and uterus) is indicated.
Treatment for complicated forms of diabetes mellitus (ketoacidosis) includes:
- Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
- Insulin therapy
- Treatment of concomitant diseases
What is the prognosis for this disease?
The prognosis of diabetes in animals largely depends on the attitude of the owners of the animals to their treatment, the presence of concomitant diseases, and chronic complications of diabetes. With adequate treatment, the average life expectancy of animals after diagnosis is 3 years.