Did you know that Diabetes Mellitus is increasingly common in dogs and cats over 6 years of age, overweight pets and certain breeds, for example Burmese cats?
Insulin is one of the hormones responsible for regulating the blood glucose (blood sugar) level. Diabetes is caused either by the body not producing enough insulin or by failure of the body to respond properly to insulin. As a result glucose cannot be absorbed by cells and the blood glucose level becomes high (hyperglycaemia).
Affected pets can show a range of symptoms, but common ones are:
- Excess thirst/frequent urination
- Weight loss despite increased appetite (they are always hungry)
- Tiredness and lethargy
If you think your pet may be showing any of the symptoms described, please arrange to come and see us. Diabetes can usually be confirmed by testing your pet’s urine and blood for the presence of glucose. We will also rule out a range of other causes of excessive drinking in pets such as kidney disease.
Although there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can usually be well managed with the help of daily insulin injections and specially formulated diets.
