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Canine Diabetes Symptoms

* Excessive Thirst (polydipsia)
* Excessive Urination (polyuria)
* "Sweet Breath"
* Shaking
* Weakness/Lethargy
* Tiredness
* Weight Loss
* Cataracts (cloudy eyes)

There are two types of diabetes in dogs. The first type of diabetes is called Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes), this type of diabetes occurs when there is a deficiency of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates how sugar is absorbed and utilized by the cells of the body. The second type of diabetes is called Diabetes Insipidus (water diabetes), this type is a disorder of water balance. The animal is unable to concentrate urine, so the urine volume is very high and the urine is dilute. "Insipid" means tasteless - referring to the dilute urine. This type of diabetes is rare in both dogs and cats. The condition is usually permanent, and the prognosis is good. Without treatment, dehydration leads to stupor, coma, and death.

Among dogs, Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers, and West Highland Terriers have a high incidence of the disease. Highest occurrences are in dogs between the ages of 5 to 7 years. Female dogs appear to be more susceptible, but both sexes of any age or breed can be affected.

The onset of diabetes is usually very gradual and easily missed by the owner until it is quite advanced. The first thing most owners notice is that the dogs drinks more water and urinates frequently. Pets eat well but may actually loose weight. Cataracts of the eyes are also common signs in dogs. When blood glucose exceeds 180 mg, sugar spills over into the urine. Diabetic pets have an increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Chronic infections of the bladder and skin, pneumonia and prostate infections commonly occur. Fatty, enlarged livers are another sign of the disease. Cataracts in diabetic dogs, however, are common. Approximately 20% of diabetic dogs develop signs of retinal hemorrhages or micro aneurysms (small red dots in the retina). Retinal function in these dogs appears to remain unchanged. When these dogs loose vision it is because of cataracts.

Information gathered from the following websites:
http://www.2ndchance. info/diabetes2.htm
http://petdi abetes.org/diabetes_insipidus. htm

Learn more about this author, Gretchen Parent.
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