Dog Diabetes

Diabetes In Dog and Diabetes Mellitus In Dogs

Dog Diabetes; Why is my dog getting this disease? I will try to give you the basics about diabetes mellitus in dog.

The most common reasons behind the symptoms are:

• Lack of Insulin production
• In connection with Pancretitis
• Insulin resistance

Lack Of Insulin Production

The pancreatic cells stops making Insulin. This is the most common cause in dog Diabetes. The reason for this is unclear - but some kind of genetic factor and other poorly defined circumstances is under suspicion. You should probably read this as -We don't really know why!

In Connection With Pancreatitis

The destruction of the pancreas will hurt the insulin producing cells as well.Cronic slow acting pancreaitis is not easy to diagnose. One can suspect that many cases having dog Diabetes as well have some kind of Pancreas involvement.

Insulin Resistance

Not really the same resistance seen in humans but a kind of, because the exact same as in humans (or in cats) doesn't really exist. Obesity make the dog more phone to react slow to glucose in the blood. It is not really a true resistance to Insulin.

Most important; Obesity has not been seen as a major factor in diabetes in dogs. Do not misunderstand me! Having a FAT dog is NO GOOD. In you, obesity truly increase the risk of diabetes. This has not been seen in dogs - so far at least

Sometimes during the pregnancy of Dogs they can become less sensitive to Insulin. That's the level of progesterone causing this. This is also happening in normal non-pregnant dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to neuter a female dog having the diabetes diagnosis

Drinking More Water - Does He Have Dog Diabetes?

No not nescessarily. True that the most common symptom it increased thirst. Other diseases can give the same symptom. In practice, I always ask about appetite as well. Both Increased thirst and increased hunger - then it is narrowed down.

Increased thirst can in young dogs also be seen in tonsillitis, perhaps changed diet a more salty than the old. I have seen dogs in where the diet was the same but the ingredients was changed! - creating more thirst.

Kidney diseases and Hepatic diseases should also be considered. Those are more common in older dogs. The same in Pyometra - infection in the womb!!!! Be aware when increased thirst strikes AFTER the heat. Phone your Vet immidiately.

There is another diabetes called not mellitus but insipidus. Nothing to do with the first. Diagnosis can take some time - but easy to handle. No sugar is involved but ADH hormone.

Medication with Cortisone and Chushings disease (to much internal produced cortisone) will cause both thirst and hunger.

You see - many reasons for the apparently same symptom. Confused? Most vets are brilliant in making the diagnosis when it comes to this. Make an appointment and you and your dog will get the best help.