Understanding Risk Factors & Signs of Diabetes in Pets
Austin, TX, November 29, 2017 --(PR.com)-- November is National Diabetes Month for humans, but due to diabetes becoming more prevalent in domestic pets, Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital considers this month a call to action for pet owners, as well.
Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in pets, and it can be a difficult and deadly disease. Prevention is possible, and early detection and management are key.
How will you know if your pet is at risk for diabetes? Genetics certainly play a role, with some breeds being more predisposed. These breeds include Poodles, Bichons, Miniature Pinschers, Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, and Siamese cats.
In reality, many mixed breed dogs are also afflicted with diabetes. Obesity is another important risk factor for developing diabetes, and almost all pets diagnosed with diabetes present to their veterinarian as overweight.
Symptoms of diabetes in your pet include a significant increase in the following:
· Thirst
· Urination
· Appetite
Pet owners may also notice the following changes:
· Urinary accidents in the house
· More puddles of urine in the litterbox
· Needing to refill the water bowl more often
Since there are other disease processes that can present these symptoms, your veterinarian will rely on a physical examination, bloodwork, and other tests to correctly diagnose.
Most pets are middle-aged when they acquire diabetes. Either their body stops producing enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), or the insulin produced is not effective.
Type 1 diabetes is most commonly seen in dogs, and requires lifelong insulin supplementation, usually in the form of twice daily injections under the skin.
Cats more often have Type 2 diabetes, where insulin may still be made by the pancreas but is ineffective. Cats are also managed with daily insulin injections.
Another key component of diabetes management is the pet's diet. A diet low in carbohydrates that is specially formulated for diabetic pets helps keep their blood sugar levels in an appropriate range throughout the day. When it is not well-managed, diabetes can cause health complications as this disease will make your pet more prone to certain infections and metabolic consequences.
Diabetes can be a frustrating disease for pet owners and requires a great deal of commitment, but if it is well-managed both owners and pets can still have good quality of life.
Dr. Kneupper shares helpful tips for pet care in a monthly column featured in the Oak Hill Gazette. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
About Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital (AVDH) is a neighborhood veterinary hospital in Austin, Texas, with all the equipment and facilities of a specialty animal hospital. The friendly, talented, and compassionate doctors and staff are highly trained to diagnose and treat difficult cases with success. We have been rated Austin's #1 Veterinarian numerous times and have earned the Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award three years running. We are a fun, lively group with a zest for life in Austin and high quality veterinary medicine. Visit us online at www.austinvet.net.
Diabetes mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in pets, and it can be a difficult and deadly disease. Prevention is possible, and early detection and management are key.
How will you know if your pet is at risk for diabetes? Genetics certainly play a role, with some breeds being more predisposed. These breeds include Poodles, Bichons, Miniature Pinschers, Schnauzers, Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, and Siamese cats.
In reality, many mixed breed dogs are also afflicted with diabetes. Obesity is another important risk factor for developing diabetes, and almost all pets diagnosed with diabetes present to their veterinarian as overweight.
Symptoms of diabetes in your pet include a significant increase in the following:
· Thirst
· Urination
· Appetite
Pet owners may also notice the following changes:
· Urinary accidents in the house
· More puddles of urine in the litterbox
· Needing to refill the water bowl more often
Since there are other disease processes that can present these symptoms, your veterinarian will rely on a physical examination, bloodwork, and other tests to correctly diagnose.
Most pets are middle-aged when they acquire diabetes. Either their body stops producing enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels), or the insulin produced is not effective.
Type 1 diabetes is most commonly seen in dogs, and requires lifelong insulin supplementation, usually in the form of twice daily injections under the skin.
Cats more often have Type 2 diabetes, where insulin may still be made by the pancreas but is ineffective. Cats are also managed with daily insulin injections.
Another key component of diabetes management is the pet's diet. A diet low in carbohydrates that is specially formulated for diabetic pets helps keep their blood sugar levels in an appropriate range throughout the day. When it is not well-managed, diabetes can cause health complications as this disease will make your pet more prone to certain infections and metabolic consequences.
Diabetes can be a frustrating disease for pet owners and requires a great deal of commitment, but if it is well-managed both owners and pets can still have good quality of life.
Dr. Kneupper shares helpful tips for pet care in a monthly column featured in the Oak Hill Gazette. The community is invited to take a tour of the hospital to meet the friendly staff, including Dr. Sarah. Please call (512) 288-1040 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
About Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital (AVDH) is a neighborhood veterinary hospital in Austin, Texas, with all the equipment and facilities of a specialty animal hospital. The friendly, talented, and compassionate doctors and staff are highly trained to diagnose and treat difficult cases with success. We have been rated Austin's #1 Veterinarian numerous times and have earned the Excellence in Customer Satisfaction Award three years running. We are a fun, lively group with a zest for life in Austin and high quality veterinary medicine. Visit us online at www.austinvet.net.
Contact
Austin Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Karen Zumwalt
512-288-1040
www.austinvet.net
Karen Zumwalt
512-288-1040
www.austinvet.net
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