Does your dog drink and urinate profusely? Or has your veterinarian diagnosed your pet with diabetes? Diabetes in dogs is equivalent to that in humans. Insulin no longer regulates blood sugar levels properly, causing phases of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. What are the causes, symptoms, complications and treatments of this pathology? But above all, how to prevent this disease? Thanks to this article, you will have the answers to all these questions.
What is diabetes ?
This disease is caused either by a problem with insulin secretion or by a problem with insulin action. This hormone regulates blood sugar (the amount of sugar in the blood). Carbohydrates are absorbed in the digestive system after eating food. When this hormone is no longer secreted by the pancreas or its action becomes ineffective, this leads to diabetes. The pancreas, which is located near the liver, is essential for life. It participates in digestion and the regulation of blood sugar levels via the production of insulin. Blood sugar levels then become high, which has serious health effects.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system destroys certain pancreatic cells. These are the ones that make insulin. This cellular loss will result in the cessation of insulin production. Blood sugar can therefore no longer be regulated. This pathology is irreversible, unlike the other type of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes or insulin-resistant diabetes is caused by a decrease in the action of insulin with age. A very sugary diet over time requires strong stimulation of pancreatic cells to regulate blood sugar levels. This will induce insulin resistance. That is to say, the cells will be less sensitive to the effects of insulin. More insulin is therefore needed to move the sugar present in the blood into the cells. Blood sugar will then be less well regulated. Moreover, it is often obese dogs who are affected by this type. In humans, this is the type of diabetes that is generally seen in seniors.
In both cases, this deprivation of sugar in the cells will alter the body's metabolism. The large amount of sugar is eliminated from the body via urine.
What are the causes of diabetes in dogs?
The causes of diabetes in dogs are not yet well known. However, several risk factors can predispose a dog to becoming diabetic.
Genetic
For type 1 diabetes, between 0.05% and 1.5% of dogs carry genes responsible for diabetes. Certain breeds are more likely to suffer from this condition.
- Yorkshire terrier
- Tibetan terrier
- Cairn terrier
- Fox terrier
- Samoyeds
- Siberian Huskies
- Pug
- Bichon Frize
- Beagle
- Toy poodle
Gender and age
Other criteria, such as the age and sex of the animal, are also aggravating factors. Female dogs, especially unspayed females, are twice as likely to develop diabetes as males. However, neutered males are at greater risk than non-neutered males.
For type 2 diabetes, the onset of the disease occurs when the animal is between 7 and 12 years old.
Obesity
In the dog population, 24% to 44% are obese. This rate increases with age and also with that of the owner. It emerged (even if it is not a generality) that overweight dogs:
- received food more frequently throughout the day
- ate an unbalanced diet
- did little sport
- had such an overweight master
The consequences of obesity are multiple, such as joint disorders and diabetes.
Steroid treatment
These are medications that contain cortisone derivatives. These anti-inflammatory treatments are used for cases of acute inflammation. For example, when the dog has pain due to osteoarthritis or surgery. They are also anti-allergic and immunosuppressive in autoimmune diseases. However, when treatment is long, side effects may appear. Indeed, this can induce Cushing's disease, and a reduction in the action of the immune system which causes infections.
>> To find out more about steroid treatments: anti-inflammatories, how do they work?
Cushing's disease
Cushing's syndrome, or hyperadrenocorticism, is a fairly well-known hormonal disease in dogs. The adrenal glands excessively secrete a certain hormone, which is cortisol. Two forms of Cushing's syndrome occur:
- The pituitary form which is the most widespread, with 85% of cases. The cause is a tumor in the pituitary gland. This is more often benign and not very bulky. The consequence of this presence is an abnormally high production of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic) hormone. The latter stimulates the production of cortisol in the two adrenal glands.
- The adrenal form is found in 15% of cases. It is also caused by a benign or malignant tumor, but this time in one of the two adrenal glands. The gland carrying the tumor will produce excess cortisol, while the second gland will atrophy.
It should be noted that cortisol plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally, Cushing's disease is often concomitant with diabetes.
>> For more information on this pathology and its treatments: Cushing's syndrome & hormonal disease in dogs: Cushing's Syndrome .
Chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas in dogs. This disease is found in two forms: acute and chronic. If the acute form is not properly treated, it becomes chronic. The latter is progressive and its damage is irreversible. There are several causes.
- The metabolic cause: Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism can cause inflammation of the pancreas.
- The nutritional cause: a diet too rich in fat and sugar can lead to pancreatitis.
- etc.
In the context of this disease, insulin will be difficult to synthesize, and will therefore cause diabetes.
>> For more details on the pathology, other causes and treatments: pancreatitis in dogs & chronic pancreatitis in dogs .
>> Nothing better than healthy and natural treats to limit the risk of pancreatitis: dried dog meat - Natural treat - Truffle delice .
Autoimmune disease
Just like in humans, our dog friends can also be affected by an autoimmune disease.
The immune system becomes disrupted and produces antibodies against the host. It no longer differentiates between body cells and infectious agents (bacteria and viruses). There are several autoimmune diseases that each affect a specific organ.
- hypothyroidism;
- Addison's disease;
- systemic lupus;
- etc.
>> If you would like more information on autoimmune diseases: autoimmune diseases , hemolytic anemia , canine hypothyroidism & lupus in dogs
What are the symptoms ?
Certain symptoms of the disease may alert you. Moreover, it is important to observe your dog regularly, in order to detect the potential presence of pathology as quickly as possible.
Early signs
Some early signs of diabetes can alert you:
- Excessive thirst : the dog tends to drink a lot and frequently, apart from an increase in the temperature of its environment. This change in behavior should be monitored. If this abnormal thirst persists, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Be careful, you must always leave water available for your pet. He might become dehydrated.
- Increased urination : it is caused to regulate blood sugar. The sugar is passed out in the urine. The dog will abnormally urinate in a sustained manner. Peeing “accidents” in the house in a very clean dog can be a sign of illness.
- Weight loss : The dog loses weight even though the quantity of food ingested has not decreased. This is explained by the inability of the animal's body to convert nutrients.
- Increased appetite : the diabetic animal seems to be hungry all the time. The reason is that glucose is eliminated in the urine. As a result, cells do not get the necessary amount of sugar for optimal functioning. The dog's body increases the desire to eat in order to receive a sufficient amount of nutrients.
Advanced signs
If the disease is not detected at the first symptoms, advanced signs will appear.
- loss of appetite
- lack of energy
- the depressive state
- vomiting
Signs of uncontrolled diabetes
When diabetes is poorly treated, variations in blood sugar levels cause negative effects on health.
- cataract which can lead to blindness
- liver enlargement
- urinary tract infection
- the convulsion
- kidney failure
- ketoacidosis: diabetic dog owners must have ketone tests on hand. If the animal's urine is positive for ketones, the veterinarian should be contacted urgently.
Be careful, without effective treatment delivered as quickly as possible, the dog's life is in danger.
What are the treatments ?
If your dog exhibits symptoms consistent with diabetes, consult a veterinarian. This professional will make a diagnosis to confirm or deny the presence of the disease.
The diagnosis
To diagnose diabetes, blood and urine tests can detect high glucose levels. The sooner diabetes is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of giving your dog a normal life. In addition, additional analyzes can be carried out to observe the presence of other metabolic abnormalities. Upon diagnosis, if the animal's health condition is poor, for example with diabetic ketoacidosis, it will be hospitalized to be stabilized. When the animal regains its appetite without vomiting and is no longer dehydrated, it can finally return home. In addition, there must be no presence of ketone bodies in the blood.
Treatments
Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes has no cure. However, lifelong treatment can stabilize the disease and improve the dog's quality of life. On the other hand, remission of type 2 diabetes is possible, if it is detected and treated quickly.
Your veterinarian will regularly consult your dog to ensure that he does not have any complications and that you are managing treatments correctly at home.
The different treatments consist of maintaining normal blood sugar levels in the animal as much as possible.
- Diet : the veterinarian will advise the most appropriate diet possible to limit the effects of the disease. It is made up of quality proteins and fiber.
- Physical exercise : in order to avoid sudden peaks or drops in blood sugar levels, it is important that diabetic dogs practice moderate, daily physical activity. Be careful, violent efforts should be avoided!
- Oral medications , prescribed for type 2 diabetes, increase insulin secretion. However, they are rarely used because their action is not very effective in dogs.
- Blood test : this analysis measures and controls blood sugar levels over time.
- Insulin injection : the main medication that allows blood sugar to be properly regulated. In fact, most diabetic animals will require daily subcutaneous insulin injections. Don't worry, your veterinarian will teach you how to properly administer insulin to your pet. This treatment will seem restrictive at first, because the injections are scheduled every day, morning and evening, at the same time. But rest assured, it becomes a habit over time. In addition, it is very easy to inject insulin thanks to the injector pen.
The objectives of the treatment:
- improve the symptoms of diabetes and the dog's quality of life
- limit the presence of glucose in the urine
- prevent the onset of disease-related complications, such as cataracts and ketone body accumulation
What are the complications of diabetes in dogs?
Generally speaking, diabetic animals have more fragile health. In fact, they are more often victims of infections and they heal more slowly. Even if the treatment is followed to the letter, complications may appear.
Eye problems
Having diabetes has consequences on ocular integrity. For example, 80% of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts and may subsequently become blind.
However, a veterinary ophthalmologist can remedy this by surgery, when the diabetes is stabilized. The lenses, which have become opaque, will be removed. The animal will thus be able to regain its sight.
Urinary problems
In addition to eye problems, 50% of diabetic animals will have recurrent urinary infections. For what ? The urine of patients is sugary and this is conducive to the development of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Other possible complications
You must be aware that prolonged high blood sugar levels will have serious health consequences. These complications often occur when treatment is not followed correctly.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute complication of diabetes. The cause is too low a concentration of insulin in the blood, in the context of undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes. The accumulation of toxic substances, ketone bodies, induces an increase in blood acidity.
- Another metabolic complication, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, which is characterized by severe dehydration, severe hyperglycemia, hyperosmolarity and altered consciousness.
In both cases, your pet's life is in danger. If the dog suffers from vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, it should be taken to the veterinarian immediately. He will surely be hospitalized for several days in intensive care to undergo a battery of tests and be treated.
How to prevent diabetes ?
It is entirely possible to limit the risk of diabetes. Moreover, prevention must be followed throughout the animal's life.
- Breed : First of all, if you are choosing a purebred dog, find out about the puppy's lineage history from the breeder. It’s a no-brainer to select the best breeder possible. This will help you avoid buying an animal that has a genetic anomaly predisposing to diabetes.
- Diet : it is vital to feed your pet with the best possible food. Carbohydrates and bad fats should be very limited. Some human foods are harmful in the long term, such as hot dogs, ham, bacon, etc. Moreover, a poor diet can induce pancreatitis.
- Pancreatitis : this pathology can have several causes. For example, infection, drug treatment, tumor, poor diet and Cushing's syndrome are risk factors for pancreatitis. It is therefore important to be vigilant regarding the integrity of this organ in your dog.
- Sterilization : As we have seen, unsterilized female dogs have a greater risk of developing diabetes. Sterilization can therefore be a solution to prevent pathology.
- Endocrine disease : Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism can induce diabetes. It is therefore necessary to have your animal monitored by a competent veterinarian to limit this irreversible risk.
- Physical activity : Sport is necessary in a dog's life. It plays a role in regulating metabolism. An obese dog who does not exercise for years will be more likely to develop diabetes. You must take your dog out daily to maintain its health.
What you must remember
- Diabetes is a very serious and irreversible disease. It is fatal if not properly treated.
- There are many causes that will induce this pathology (treatment, poor diet, genetic predisposition, physical inactivity, autoimmune disease, age, sex, etc.).
- Symptoms of early diabetes include excessive thirst, strong urge to urinate, large appetite and weight loss.
- Daily insulin injections stabilize the disease to ensure a good quality of life for the dog. For type 2 diabetes, good management can cure this pathology, if it is caught early.
- A healthy and appropriate diet, physical activity, good medical monitoring, for example, would limit the development of diabetes.
Despite the disease, having a diabetic dog is not inevitable. The main thing is to scrupulously follow the treatment, feed him correctly and give him gentle physical activity daily. Your four-legged companion will live well for years.
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