Saturday, January 25, 2014

Dr. Max. I'm here to help. 
 
Hi there.   In case you need to see my credentials again, here they are:  Ph.Do. in dogcology from PUNY (Pooch University of New York),  Maxter's from Mutger's University in New Jersey and a B.S. from Poundston, NJ.  I am originally from Bayone, NJ but was adopted from foster care when I was 2 1/2 yrs old. I came to live in Skyview in the Bronx in December 2010.  My human/Mama continues to help me focus on being less reactive and more sociable with humans and dogs of all sizes.

Since my mama is doing a presentation on Diabetes in humans I thought I would talk about Diabetes in dogs for this blog.

Diabetes does not occur that often in dogs.  It varies between one in 400 to one in 500.
Nevertheless, it still pays for humans to educate themselves on the symptoms.  We dogs still can't talk human. 

 Do you know the symptoms?  Here they are:
Increased thirst.
Increased urination.
Increased hunger.
Sudden weight loss.
Obesity.  (This can cause your dog to develop Diabetes).
Weakness or Fatigue.
Thinning or dull hair.
Cloudy eyes.
Depression. (Due to ketoacidosis)
Vomiting.

Dachshunds and Miniature Poodles are predisposed to ketoacidosis.  Ketoacidosis is more commonly found in older dogs and in females.  

The following breeds are at a higher risk:
Keeshond
Puli
Miniature Pinscher
Samoyed
Cairn terrier
Poodle
Dachshund
Minature Schnauzer
Beagle

Standard tests for Diabetes include a complete blood count, chemical profile and urinalysis.   A high concentration of glucose will be found in the blood and urine.  High levels of liver enzymes and electrolytes imbalances are also common.  High levels of ketone bodies may also show in the urine. 

Treatment and Care:
Daily exercise since obesity is a major cause of Diabetes.  Balancing the food and liquid cravings can lower insulin demands.  Soft and moist foods need to be avoided because they cause rapid accumulation of glucose in the body.  You know not to switch the food too rapidly.  Your pooch will get diarrhea if you switch the food too quickly.   Your vet will give your pup an individual treatment plan and help the humans look for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.    There are various types of insulin available and your vet will determine the best one for the dog.

Usually smaller dogs need multiple doses of insulin as part of their insulin therapy while larger dogs need only one dose per day.  Your vet will prescribe based on weight, size, gender and individual insulin needs.  Just like humans you may need to evaluate your dog's blood glucose levels on a daily basis and adjust the insulin dose accordingly.

I am sorry to say but if the diabetes is serious enough the lady dogs will probably need a hysterectomy because of the surge of hormones at the time of estrus.

Careful maintenance can help your pooch live a normal life-span.  (PetMD 1/2014)


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You can contact me at maxdow123@gmail.com

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