Does your cat or dog have diabetes? Could they be at risk for diabetes? These are questions that many pet owners face at some time in the life of a pet. This page offers general information on diabetes in pets, diabetes treatment and control.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder of middle-aged to older cats and dogs but may also be seen in younger animals. These pets may not produce any or enough insulin, or their bodies may not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, that allows sugar in the blood (glucose) to enter cells, where it is stored or burned for fuel, thereby helping the body "run". Without insulin, glucose remains in the blood stream until it is excreted by the kidneys and is lost in the urine. Healthy animals do not excrete glucose in their urine. Pets can have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes much like people do. All diabetic dogs and up to 50% of diabetic cats suffer from Type 1 diabetes mellitus where their body does not produce any insulin. Type 2 diabetes may affect 50% of diabetic cats. A pet with Type 2 diabetes does not produce enough insulin or their body cannot properly use the insulin it produces.In most diabetic animals, the underlying cause of the disease remains unclear. Factors that put the animal at higher risk for diabetes include pancreatitis, hereditary factors, the use of corticosteroids or progestogens, and other conditions affecting the pancreas.

Diabetes Symptoms

Symptoms and complications of diabetes in animals are similar to those in humans.

Weight loss -- Diabetic animals lose weight in spite of having an increased appetite
Excessive thirst and urination
Breakdown of body fat -- untreated diabetes leads to body fat breakdown, the production of ketones, the development of ketoacidosis, and severe illness
Decreased appetite
Breath that smells like nail polish remover

Diabetes Complications

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur because of insulin overdosage, inappetence (no appetite to eat), or rarely in cats whose diabetes may have temporarily resolved while they are still receiving insulin. Signs of hypoglycemia include the following:

seizures
wobbliness
weakness
dullness
sleepiness
restlessness
coma

It is recommended that, before rushing the pet to a veterinarian, the owner first try and give the pet some Karo syrup (by rubbing some onto the pet's gums). If the pet is alert enough, it should be encouraged to eat canned food mixed with Karo syrup. Treatment at the hospital includes intravenous dextrose and continuous monitoring (at the hospital and possibly at home) for 24 hours. A hypoglycemic diabetic pet should not be left unattended overnight.Complications of unregulated diabetes include cataract formation and visual loss in dogs, and nerve damage and hind end weakness in cats. More information on diabetes complications follow.Cataract formation in the pet's eyes can lead to blindness and is a serious complication of diabetes in dogs. Veterinary ophthalmologists can remove the cloudy eye lens and restore a pet's vision.Diabetic ketoacidosis, though not common, can be a complication of diabetes in pets. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, neurologic disturbances, and dehydration. Treatment requires hospitalization, intravenous fluids, short acting insulin and antibiotics. Hind end weakness (dropped hocks), as a result of nerve damage in that area, is a complication seen in diabetic cats and is often reversible with regulation of blood glucose.

pet Treatment for Diabetes

Insulin is the recommended treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in pets and will be prescribed by your veterinarian. Pet owners should always consult with their veterinarian as to how to prepare the insulin, and how much insulin is needed for their pet. Tips for using insulin are highlighted in the section below.

There are intermediate acting insulins (such as NPH and lente) or long acting insulins -- from 12 to 24 hours (such as PZI and Ultralente). PZI insulin is only available from veterinary compounding pharmacies. NPH is the insulin of choice for dogs and is given twice daily. NPH, lente, Ultralente, and PZI may all be used in cats and it is a process of trial and error to determine which insulin works best in an individual cat. Most cats require twice daily insulin even when using long acting insulins.

Tips on using insulin with your pet

Store insulin in the refrigerator
Mix insulin before using -- most insulin preparations have to be mixed before using on the pet. Mix by gently rolling the vial in the palm of the hand or slowly turning the bottle up and down -- do not shake the vial.
Don't use insulin beyond the expiration date -- note when the insulin expires and do not use past the expiration date.
Clip pet hair to better inject insulin -- needles are specially coated to minimize discomfort, but due to the needle's small and thin size, clipping a patch of hair on the pet's neck or between their shoulder blades can make the injection process easier to visualize.
Monitor blood glucose -- follow the recommendations in the section below to allow for more effective treatment of insulin in your pet.

In spite of the risk of complications, diabetes can be treated and most diabetic dogs and cats do well. Research with human and animal diabetes will allow improvements in diabetes control and treatment for pets in the near future.

pet Managing Diabetes in Your Pet

Good control of your pet's diabetes will help it to lead a longer healthier life. How do you know if your pet's diabetes is in good control? Pets whose diabetes is under control have normal thirst and urination, normal appetite, stable weight, good vision and activity. Follow the guidelines below to control your pets' diabetes through:

Diet
Blood glucose monitoring
Exercise

Diet

Dogs and cats may be fed dry and/or canned foods. Semi-moist foods should be avoided as they contain simple sugars. Improved glucose control may occur with the use of higher fiber, lower calorie diets, i.e. "light" diets. Ask your veterinarian for more information. Cats may benefit from being fed high protein and low carbohydrate diets. For pets that eat all their food quickly, feeding 50% of the food at the time of each insulin shot is recommended. For pets that nibble throughout the day, a small amount of canned food can be fed with each shot. To make sure that the animal is eating, it is best to offer the food just before giving the insulin.

Blood Glucose Monitoring

Monitoring and writing down your pet's blood glucose allows a veterinarian to figure out how long the insulin is acting and whether changes should be made to the insulin dose or type used. Urine glucose monitoring can also be used to complement blood glucose monitoring. Blood and glucose monitoring are usually done at a veterinary hospital but some pet owners may be taught how to do this at home. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Exercise

Many animals, particularly older ones, are overweight or obese. Excess storage of fat in body cells can lead to insulin resistance. Regular exercise should be combined with dietary management to help the pet attain and maintain an optimal weight. Taking your pet for daily walks is good for your pet and for you! Link to exercise and diabetes for more information about your own health.

Help your pet live a longer healthier life by controlling its diabetes!

The DCP acknowledges Dr. Orla Mahoney, MVB, Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), Diplomate ACVIM, ECVIM (European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine), Clinical Assistant Professor, Small Animal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, for her chief contributions to these web pages.

Pet Health & Diabetes Links:

Highlights

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