If the disease is not treated the dog will eventually die. We want the dog to indulge in moderate to strenuous amount of exercise so that it can help burn up glucose.
I always used to for myself and my dog when he developed diabetes at the age of 14.
How hard is it to treat a dog with diabetes. The renal threshold for sugar spilling over into urine is somewhere around 250 to 300 mgdl in pets. So if we keep most of the numbers below 300 the clinical signs of diabetes like excessive thirst and urination are abated and quality of life is improved. This information on median survival time being 2 years is referenced from this study of 180000 insured dogs.
But as the subset of dogs were only insured it might not be truly representative. Many dogs with diabetes wont actually die of diabetes but each dog will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. Treating and Managing Your Dogs Diabetes.
Can a dog with diabetes be cured. Its possible but unlikely. Diabetes is usually permanent in dogs Dr.
OKell says though cases of insulin resistance caused by pregnancy or diestrus part of the heat cycle can sometimes disappear if the dog is spayed very early after diagnosis. However even in these instances theres a risk for recurrence later. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect dogs and cats and other animals including apes pigs and horses as well as humans.
Although diabetes cant be cured it can be managed very. Treating a diabetic dog takes a lot of commitment and hard work and can cost thousands of pounds over their lifetime. If youre worried about the costs or practicalities of looking after your diabetic dog speak openly to your vet about your concerns.
They will talk to you about what you think is right for your dog your lifestyle finances and how youll think youll cope - your vet practice will be able to give you. A simple test can diagnose diabetes in your dog. Your vet can also do blood tests to see how diabetes is affecting your dogs body.
The sooner you begin treatment the better. Your dogs health will suffer as long as diabetes goes untreated. Make sure to ask your vet any questions you have.
Treating diabetes can be tricky so you want to leave the office with a clear treatment plan in mind. In dogs normal blood sugar levels are 80 to 120 I have seen diabetic patients with values as high as 600. Although diagnosing diabetes is not demanding treating it certainly is.
That said it is a treatable disease in dogs and most diabetic dogs can lead very high-quality lives. Virtually all dogs with diabetes require insulin therapy. Early treatment of diabetes in dogs is important because there is no cure for diabetes.
If the disease is not treated the dog will eventually die. The pet is usually put on special dog food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. If the dog is overweight it will need to lose weight.
The dose is quickly absorbed orally and is out of the body in 10 to 18 hours. Nondiabetic pets might be okay with a little excess steroid for the last part of a 24 hour period. Diabetics dont do well with any excess steroid.
If your pet is diabetic AND Cushingoid the total daily dose should be split in 2 and given 12 hours apart. I always used to for myself and my dog when he developed diabetes at the age of 14. Get your self a prescription from the vet for the insulin if no joy change vet pronto.
Oh and mind the vet doesnt tell you doggy needs a special diet that they just so happen to supply. All I did was match my dogs insulin to the food he had always eaten. He died at the grand old age of 15 12.
High fibre diets are often recommended for dogs with diabetes as it can help limit increases in blood sugar levels compared to a low fibre diet. In addition human titbits should never be given as they can also affect glucose levels. While there are a handful of things you can do to reduce the risk of your dog developing diabetes its not always preventable.
Its important to ensure your dog is getting a healthy well-balanced diet. High-quality dog food and dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables can help your pet maintain optimum health. Ensure your pup stays active.
Similar to diabetes in humans a sedentary lifestyle can increase. Many older dogs with diabetes need daily insulin injections. Insulin shots are usually given in the dogs back by folding the dogs skin and using a special syringe or a VetPen.
You should hold the needle at a 45 degree angle in your dominant hand. Insulin therapy administered through injections underneath your dogs skin is widely used to help your diabetic dog regulate its blood glucose. As essential as insulin is to a diabetic dog it carries with it a number of side effects.
These side effects are potentially life-threatening and should be reported to a veterinarian immediately. In most cases of canine diabetes insulin is a necessary part of treatment. In fact insulin injections are really the cornerstone of treatment for diabetes in dogs.
Remember though that even though the thought of administering insulin injections to your dog may be scary at first most people can be taught to give the injections easily. Your veterinarian can help teach you how to do that. That is why insulin is the only way to treat diabetes in dogs.
I hope this helps and I hope this makes sense. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns. I would be happy to help.
Please do not forget to rate my response so I receive credit for my time. The larger the dog the harder it ages. Also if there was something else going on with her health that may have been a factor.
My friends cat was diagnosed at 12 with diabetes. She bought him another year but there was a tumor growing in his abdomen that I suspect pushed him into the diabetic range as it was affecting his organs - we just hadnt known it yet. Dont beat yourself up about.
We want the dog to indulge in moderate to strenuous amount of exercise so that it can help burn up glucose. Regular exercise is important. Schedule a time everyday to take your dog into the park and work it out properly.
Take a ball and Frisbee and play catch with your dog for at least half an hour.