Diabetics
Posted on Thursday, November 11 @ 18:13:12 GMT by jenvetadmin
|
jenvetnurse writes "Canine Diabetes Mellitus is seen quite often in practice. There are 3 types. Type one is insulin dependant by far the most common type. Type two + three are non-insulin dependant.
In cats 40% of patients have non insulin dependant diabetes. Diabetes in dogs occurs generally between the ages of seven and nine years, cats five years or older. Twice as many female dogs get diabetes but the spread is even between cat sexes.
This disease often generates panic with owners its a frightening disease but once managed can just become a part of everyday life and patients can be managed for years successfully.
The disease itself is caused by a lack of sufficient insulin which is manufactured in the Pancreas. Some animals are predisposed to Diabetes. We know that Minature Poodles, Miniature Poodles and Cairn Terriers are commonly diagnosed. Click read more...
Canine Diabetes Mellitus is seen quite often in practice. There are 3 types. Type one is insulin dependant by far the most common type. Type two + three are non-insulin dependant.
In cats 40% of patients have non insulin dependant diabetes. Diabetes in dogs occurs generally between the ages of seven and nine years, cats five years or older. Twice as many female dogs get diabetes but the spread is even between cat sexes.
This disease often generates panic with owners Certain disease such as Cushings Disease, Pancreatitis damage the pancreas and therefore Diabetes can be a secondary illness.
Patients with Diabetes have an increased level of blood glucose. This excess glucose in a normal animal would be distributed where needed throughout the body, but because there is insufficient Insulin to enable cells to take up the glucose it remains in the blood.
Diabetic patients usually present with polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia. The brain sends out messages as it becomes dissatisfied with the amount of glucose received, to compensate the body breaks down muscle and fat to correct this.
If left untreated the patient will become ketotic. The signs are vomiting, weakness, collapse, coma and eventually death.
Early warning signs of diabetes can be cataracts/vision impairments, a swollen liver, obesity, or an unhealthy coat.
Once a diagnosis is reached, providing the owner is compliant management should be successful. Routine is crucial, the same food at the same time, the same exercise regime each day etc. Diet can play a big role in stabilization complex carbohydrates should be fed to help prevent changes in blood glucose levels. Also the high fibre in certain diabetic diets will slow the glucose absorption from the intestine and reduce blood glucose levels rising after meals. The recommended diets are Hills WD, Hills Maintenance light, Purina DM.
Control of the disease is achieved by daily insulin injections, careful monitoring of the glucose in the urine, monitoring water intake, feeding an appropriate diet at the right time and having a routine.
Insulin therapy does frighten owners initially but with time and with veterinary guidance they soon become good at it. Owners should practice with sterile water for injection initially until they have mastered the art. (You dont want Trude style injections with insulin!)
Insulin comes in several types some are derived from beef, pork, human sources.
Insulin also comes in short acting (Lente) or long acting (PZI) the type will be select for each patient as necessary.
Hypos can occur usually after too much insulin is given or not enough food has been eaten. An animal with Hypoglycemia will exhibit behavioral changes such as lethargy, confusion, stumbling, gazing etc. A quick acting glucose giving substance should always be at hand in case of such a situation. Glucose syrup is sold in most chemists or honey can be used. Getting the patient to take the glucose immediately could save its life. If the patient is collapsed you can put the sticky substance on its gums and tongue and it will be absorbed through the mucous membranes then take the animals straight to your vet.
Testing the urine daily insures that the correct amount of Insulin is being given. The level of glucose should be maintained between Negative and 1/4%.
The urine glucose result will allow you to determine the dose of insulin.
Urine Glucose %: Insulin Does:
Half% Previous days insulin + 1 i/u
Negative Pervious days insulin - 2 i/u
1-2% Previous days insulin dose +2 i/u
1/4% Previous days insulin dose.
This is just a general informative article about Diabetes. If you have a diabetic pet which you are successfully managing or if you have an interesting storey regarding a diabetic animal under your care as a vet or nurse please tell us all about it in the forums.
"
|
| |
Average Score: 3
Votes: 2
|
|
Home
Veterinary News :
Veterinary Services:
