Diabetes Mellitus is the medical term for Diabetes.
In a diabetic dog, there is a lack of insulin. This means that cells are unable to pick up and use the glucose that is available in the bloodstream. An excessive amount of glucose builds up in the bloodstream and then gets lost through the kidneys – leading to problems with urination (and thirst).
Also, because the cells of the body are ‘hungry’ the body kicks into starvation mode – breaking down it’s own fat and proteins.
Diabetes is a complicated disease, with multiple body systems affected.
Erin Coomer - VeterinarianNovember 2013
To understand diabetes, it’s a good idea to first review some basic physiology:
- All cells in the body need glucose (it’s a fuel for them). Glucose is a blood sugar.
- Glucose comes from the food your dog eats.
- But, if an animal is not
eating/starving then the body can break down...
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The most common symptoms are:
• Thirsty
• Increased urination
• Appetite changes
• Cataracts (in the eye/s)
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
Your Vet will make a diagnosis of diabetes based on the history you provide, the physical examination findings and laboratory test results (high blood glucose level and glucose in the urine).
Your Vet will also run additional blood
tests to evaluate overall health (and to look for concurrent problems). For example, it’s common...
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