Sunday, 3 November 2013

What To Watch Out For In Canine Diabetes

By Geraldine Dimarco


Canine diabetes is disease that affects one out of ten dogs. It is dangerous because you will not always notice the signs that your dog already has this sickness and yet, its effects have already irreversibly damaged the canine's internal system. It progresses slowly but surely; and if it is not treated accordingly, will lead to the animal's eventual death.

Certain breeds are more prone to having diabetes. This disease will also show itself around the seventh to ninth year of the canine's life. There are limited options, if any at all, that will help your pet if he is diagnosed with diabetes in the more advanced stages. Listed are symptoms of dog diabetes that you should look out for.

1. Undue thirst and urination. Diabetes makes the canine unable to process glucose adequately, resulting in overproduction that is stored in his system. The dog will urinate more frequently as an attempt to get rid of this excess glucose. This makes him dehydrated and he will become thirstier. Do not mistake this for incontinence or bladder infection though. You will observe that the diabetic dog's urine is pale and overly runny in its consistency.

2. Lethargy. Normally active dogs that show signs of tiredness without a specific cause is a sure sign that something is wrong with him. It is important that you take note of behavioral changes in your pet because what seems to be laziness might actually warrant serious medical attention.

3. Significant weight gain. Because of insulin deficiency that diabetes causes, the dog will not have the ability to burn sugar as he normally could. This translates to a lack of energy as well as a rise in body weight. When your dog experiences weight gain for no apparent reason, it is an indicator that something is amiss in his body and you need to check with the veterinary immediately.

4. Unexplained decrease in weight. A dog with diabetes cannot derive adequate energy from his food intake, so what happens instead is that he will burn stored fat. The result is weight loss and an increase in ketones. This is a common side effect of diabetes and can is treated with a nutritional and appropriate diet.

Perhaps the main cause of this sickness is simply heredity. It is a good idea to check the puppy and its parents' medical history to find out if the pet is susceptible to having diabetes. Sometimes, infections and diseases trigger abnormal insulin production in the dog, thus causing diabetes. Cushing's disease is an example of a condition that may initiate canine diabetes.

It is of vital importance that you remember and take note of any changes in your dog. Symptoms of dog diabetes will manifest and when they do, be sure to take them to your vet as soon as you are able. Diabetes, sometimes lead to canine death but when it is discovered early on will not prove to be terminal. Maintain regular vet appointments to ensure your pet's optimal health.




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