Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus, often called sugar diabetes, is a disease that strikes dogs as well as humans. This endocrine disease results from a deficiency in the production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas.

This disease occurs most frequently in overweight dogs six to nine years of age and is more common among unspayed females. Juvenile onset diabetes does occur, although it is rare. There may be a genetic predisposition for diabetes mellitus in some dogs. Diabetes is a non-curable disease that ultimately affects all organs.

The cause of canine insulin-dependent diabetes remains unknown, but it is most likely caused by many factors, and many dogs develop the disease in conjunction with a number of other conditions, including Cushings syndrome.

Prognosis with daily treatment is good; most dogs have a normal life span. Diet and exercise alone can control some mild cases. Still others need injections given twice daily before regulated meals.

The two most serious complications that can occur in insulin-treated diabetic dogs are hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and cataract formation.

Clinical signs of diabetes mellitus include increased appetite and water consumption, increased frequency and volume of urination and weight loss. In more advanced cases, there is lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, weakness and coma.

Diagnosis is made on the basis of history, physical examination and results of laboratory tests: urinalysis and blood sugar levels. Your veterinarian may recommend other diagnostic tests.

Treatment of canine diabetes mellitus may include daily insulin injections, urine testing, dietary management, regular exercise and avoidance or control of concurrent illnesses.

Most dogs require subcutaneous insulin injections twice a day to control blood glucose concentration. The needle used is very small and the injection is nearly painless.

Insulin requirements cannot be predicted solely on the basis of the dog's weight because the degree of pancreatic failure is different in every dog. Treatment must be individualized for each dog.

Daily caloric requirements are determined by the dog's weight and activity level. The amount of food is determined by dividing the daily caloric requirement by the amount of calories per cup or can of the dog's food. Feeding multiple small meals throughout the day minimizes the onset of hypoglycemia.

The number of calories consumed must be constant from day to day. Insulin injections must be maintained on a strict schedule. Refinements are made in dosage and timing of injections based on results of testing and on the advice of your veterinarian.

Intact bitches should be spayed as soon as possible after the diabetes has been stabilized.

Obesity can greatly reduce the responsiveness to insulin and make diabetes more difficult to control. Your veterinarian can provide a specialized gradual weight reduction plan to help your diabetic dog reach its ideal body weight.

Sandra J. Crawford
Health Committee Member
West Highland White Terrier Club of America
November 20, 2001



***Disclaimer***

Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.


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