Page 4 - Small Talk - Autumn 2014

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The science:
Animals with diabetes have decreased levels of
insulin in the body, consequently glucose (body's
sugar) is unable to be moved from the blood into
the key organs and tissues; glucose is important as
a source of energy and when organs and tissues
cannot use it problems will arise.
The main clinical signs you may
notice in your pet:
l
An increase in urination and drinking more
l
Weight loss despite an increase in appetite
If you notice one or more of these symptoms you
should arrange an appointment with your vet. It is
likely they will want to take a blood sample and also
a urine sample, you may be able to catch some
urine at home or your vet can take it at the surgery.
The blood and urine will be tested for the presence
and quantity of glucose. Some of the blood will also
be tested to rule out other diseases which may
cause similar clinical signs.
Once a diagnosis of diabetes has been made
treatment can be started. Dogs will be treated
with injectable insulin and this is appropriate for
some cats too, but it is important to understand
that diet and exercise will also play a part in
effective treatment.
On initiation of treatment your vet or veterinary
nurse will teach you how to safely and effectively
inject the insulin so you can treat your pet at home.
Insulin should be injected under the skin at the
same times each day; the usual regime is twice
daily although occasionally this may be altered
by your vet.
Diet and meal times should be kept as regular as
possible as changes may affect how well the
diabetes is controlled. It is advised to inject your
pet at their mealtime while he or she is eating as
this provides a distraction for your pet and also
means you are certain whether or not the meal has
been eaten, as this is important for effective control.
Exercise should also be consistent from day to day,
if strenuous exercise is unavoidable on occasional
days the dose of insulin injected may need to be
decreased, you should consult your vet if you are
anticipating any changes in regime.
Your vet may like to monitor how your pet is doing
on insulin treatment by admitting them to the
surgery for the day and taking blood samples at
periodic intervals to track their blood glucose
levels. This is called a glucose curve and gives us
important information as to whether we need to
alter their insulin dose for more efficient control of
their diabetes.
One of the most important 'monitoring tools' is
yourself. As the owner of a diabetic pet, in the
absence of any symptoms of the disease
(excessive thirst and urination; increased appetite
and weight loss) it is probable the diabetes is
being successfully controlled therefore it is
important to keep an eye out for any changes.
You may find it useful to keep a 'diabetes
diary' where you record: water
intake; exercise levels; your
animal’s weight and any
abnormal events
such as vomiting
or lethargy.
Small Talk
Special Feature
Diabetes
an overview by Lucy Knight, Veterinary Surgeon Cliff Veterinary Group
Diabetes is a common disease in dogs and cats. It is caused by a lack of, or decrease
in insulin which is a hormone controlling the amount of glucose in the blood.