Understand Diabetes in Pets

Strandloper Animal Clinic Helps You Understand Diabetes in Pets

What You Should Know About Diabetes in Pets

Diabetes mellitus is a condition where your pet’s pancreas no longer produces enough insulin, an important hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Dr. Stelouise from Strandloper Animal Clinic in Hartenbos explains what diabetes means for your pet’s overall health and how it can affect their daily life.

What happens with a lack of insulin? In pets with diabetes, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) cannot move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells to be used for energy. As a result, glucose levels in the blood become abnormally high. Eventually, the excess glucose spills over into the urine, causing your pet’s urine to contain glucose as well. Because the body’s cells aren’t getting the glucose they need for energy, the body starts using other “backup” methods to produce energy, such as breaking down fat. Unfortunately, these alternative processes create toxic by-products that can make your pet very sick over time.

What signs should I look for? Contact Strandloper Animal Clinic if you have any concerns about your pet’s health to make an appointment for a thorough check-up. Signs to look for are:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Changes in appetite
• Weight loss
• Deteriorating coat condition
• Lack of energy

Can it be treated? Dr. Stelouise from Strandloper Animal Clinic in Hartenbos will discuss the treatment options depending on the extent of the diabetes in your pet. This could include dietary changes as well as considering insulin injection therapy to replace the insulin that your pet’s pancreas can no longer produce.

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