Diabetes

DIABETES

Pets with Diabetes can live relatively normal lives with proper nutrition, exercise and insulin injections.

Diabetes is a disease where the amount of insulin being produced is inadequate. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and used by the body to control the amount of glucose entering the body's cells.

The cells in the body need glucose for energy to sustain life. In normal animals, insulin facilitates the entrance of glucose into most body cells. In Diabetic animals the blood's glucose cannot adequately enter the cells. Therefore glucose accumulates in the blood and eventually passes into the urine; therefore, the cells don't receive the nourishment they need.

Diabetes is usually seen in animals over six years of age. Many animals that develop diabetes are overweight. Since sugar remains in the blood and urine, Owners will notice increased thirst, hunger and urination.

 Untreated, the dog will lose weight and become emaciated. The owner may also notice their pets are more lethargic, weak and sleeping more often. Other signs are skin conditions: your pet’s coat may be dull and full of dandruff. There may also be depression, vomiting and cataracts causing blindness.

As the untreated disease progresses, chemicals called ketones accumulate, resulting in vomiting and further dehydration. Then can lead to coma then death.

Diabetes is not a curable disease but with proper Insulin administration

THE DISEASE CAN BE CONTROLLED.

To learn more about this and other medical conditions, register for a Canine First aid Course at http://knowthydog.com/register.asp or contact knowthydog@yahoo.ca