Friday, December 28, 2012

What to Watch Out For In Canine Diabetes

By Geraldine Dimarco


Canine diabetes is disease that affects one out of ten dogs. It is dangerous because you will not always notice the signs that your dog already has this sickness and yet, its effects have already irreversibly damaged the canine?s internal system. It progresses slowly but surely; and if it is not treated accordingly, will lead to the animal?s eventual death.

Diabetes usually manifest in dogs that are about seven to nine years old. Some breeds are also more prone to contract this condition. There are only a few options available when it is in its advanced stages so it is vital that you watch out for these symptoms of dog diabetes to be able to treat it as soon as possible.

1. Extreme thirst and urination. When a canine has diabetes, he is unable to process glucose properly. Because of the overproduction of glucose in his system, the dog will attempt to remedy this by urinating more frequently than normal. This in turn causes him to be dehydrated and he will become thirstier. He will also discharge colorless and overly runny urine. Take care not to confuse this with incontinence or a simple bladder infection.

2. Fatigue. If your usually active dog is easily tired without any clear cause?it is indicative of something internally wrong with him. It is important that you are able to notice sometimes imperceptible and seemingly harmless behavioral changes that might actually need medical attention.

3. Significant weight gain. Because of insulin deficiency that diabetes causes, the dog will not have the ability to burn sugar as he normally could. This translates to a lack of energy as well as a rise in body weight. When your dog experiences weight gain for no apparent reason, it is an indicator that something is amiss in his body and you need to check with the veterinary immediately.

4. Unexplained decrease in weight. A dog with diabetes cannot derive adequate energy from his food intake, so what happens instead is that he will burn stored fat. The result is weight loss and an increase in ketones. This is a common side effect of diabetes and can is treated with a nutritional and appropriate diet.

Perhaps the main cause of this sickness is simply heredity. It is a good idea to check the puppy and its parents? medical history to find out if the pet is susceptible to having diabetes. Sometimes, infections and diseases trigger abnormal insulin production in the dog, thus causing diabetes. Cushing?s disease is an example of a condition that may initiate canine diabetes.

It is of vital importance that you remember and take note of any changes in your dog. Symptoms of dog diabetes will manifest and when they do, be sure to take them to your vet as soon as you are able. Diabetes, sometimes lead to canine death but when it is discovered early on will not prove to be terminal. Maintain regular vet appointments to ensure your pet?s optimal health.




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