Question: My dog Pearce seems to be drinking a lot more water than usual and my friend has suggested that I should get him checked for diabetes. Do you think it’s possible?
Answer: If you notice changes in your dog’s behaviour, the first thing you need to do is see your vet who will decide if he needs to be tested.
One of the symptoms of diabetes is an increased thirst but it could also be something as simple as a change to your dog’s diet.
Diabetes mellitus is a relatively common condition in domestic animals too.
It mostly occurs in middle-aged or older dogs and cats, but can occasionally occur in young animals too.
Diabetes in young animals is often genetic and may occur in related animals. It occurs more commonly in female dogs and in male cats. Animals that are overweight or those with inflammation of the pancreas are predisposed to developing diabetes.
Also, some drugs can interfere with insulin, leading to diabetes.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreas do not produce enough insulin which is required for the body to efficiently use sugars, fats and proteins from the diet for energy. Without insulin, sugar accumulates in the blood and spills into the urine. Early signs are excessive urination, thirst, hunger and weight loss (even with a normal appetite).
Advanced symptoms are anorexia, lethargy and depression.
Other symptoms can include enlarged liver, cataracts, bladder or kidney infection and obesity.
Diagnosis are made by a detailed medical history,symptoms and standard tests like blood count, chemical profile and urine analysis.
If your dog is found to have diabetes, your vet will decide the best course of treatment and may include lifestyle changes such as daily exercise to control obesity, lowering insulin demands and balancing your dog’s diet. Sometimes insulin therapy could be prescribed.
You may be told to stop giving your dog soft or moist foods as they cause rapid accumulation of glucose in the body. Some diabetic cats can be treated with oral medications instead of insulin injections, but the oral medications are rarely effective in dogs.
There are various types of insulin available and a selection of the type that is appropriate to your dog will be made by your vet, if required.
With proper care, your dog’s health can be kept stable and it can go on to live a fully enjoyable life. This will be dependent on your willingness to adhere to your doctor’s dietary recommendations.
If properly managed, diabetic patients do well and usually have normal life-spans. The best preventive measure from complications is practicing careful lifestyle maintainence.
BSCPA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS LANCE
Breed: Mixed
Sex: Male
Age: One year and ten months
Neutered: Yes
Lance is a wonderful, loving, calm and entertaining dog who would be a perfect breeze at home. This handsome dog has got a unique character and is fun to be around with. His playful nature especially with children is the best way to describe him. Training him becomes easier as he listens very well and is not demanding at all. He would be a perfect addition to a family who already have a dog as he gets along really well. He is also neutered, tick treated and fully vaccinated.
BSCPA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS JANINA
Breed: DSH
Sex: Female
Age: Nine months
Neutered: Yes
Janina is a calm and gentle girl with a beautiful white coat. Her steady responses and readiness towards the visitors with love and affection when some one greets her is what makes her personality stand out. She could be an ideal one for the family if it’s possible enough to keep up with the brushing routines and not really being bothered about the extra hair around the house. Come meet her this weekend and see what she is all about. Janina is neutered and fully vaccinated.
If you are interested in adopting Max, Kamisha or any of our other cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, please visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. From the Alba roundabout, take the road sign-posted Askar and Durrat Al Bahrain and at the third signal, take a right on to the truck road and after approximately 800m you will see the shelter on the right side, just before the flyover. Or, log onto the website www.bspca.org for directions. The shelter is open from 9am to 5pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and 9am to 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. The shelter accepts animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dr Hansel is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA and Charis Vets. Please send questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh
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