The Symptoms and Treatment of Diabetes in Dogs

Dogs really aren't so different from us humans; they are susceptible to many of the same diseases and conditions that we are. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine system disorder in dogs as well as humans. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body is deficient of the hormone insulin, which impairs its ability to metabolize sugar. Left untreated or not properly managed, DM can lead to blindness, liver or kidney failure and death. There is no cure, but diabetes can be successfully managed with proper health care.

DM affects all types of dogs, usually with an onset in middle age. The breeds which have increased risk include Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terrier, Fox Terrier, Poodle, Samoyed, Schnauzer, and Spitz. It is twice as common in female dogs as in males. DM does occasionally have a juvenile onset in dogs under one year old.

The most apparent symptoms in dogs are increased thirst and urination. The dog may lose weight in spite of a good appetite, become lethargic, have a poor body condition, or experience sudden blindness. There are other health conditions in dogs that have similar symptoms, and an evaluation by a veterinarian can confirm whether your dog has DM or some other condition.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I is the most common by far, occurring in 99% of the cases of DM in dogs. The body does not naturally produce enough insulin and can destroy cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. In Type II diabetes, the body produces insulin but the body does not have the ability to utilize it.

Risk factors for diabetes in dogs include recurrent pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Cushing's Disease (in which excess natural cortisone is produced), obesity, or the administration of certain drugs (glucocorticoids and progestagens).