Signs of diabetes in dogs

Dogs, just like people, are susceptible to this terrible disease. Like diabetes, which requires constant therapeutic intervention to avoid the death of the animal. Unlike humans, the signs of diabetes in dogs have their own characteristics. First of all, there is an increased need to drink plenty of fluids, which is called polyuria, as well as increased urine output, which is called polydipsia. The animal may exhibit weakness in the hind limbs, and there may be a dynamic loss of body weight along with a strong appetite and consumption of large amounts of food.

The signs listed above do not necessarily indicate diabetes. They may also be evidence of helminthic infestation, cataracts or kidney failure. For differential diagnosis in this light, clinical tests are required, which must be carried out without fail. These are blood tests, urine tests, ECG, ultrasound and x-rays. All these tests make it possible, in a laboratory study, to detect an increase in glucose in the urine and blood - a substance that is not absorbed by the body’s cells due to the fact that insulin is not secreted by the animal’s pancreas, or is not perceived by the “receivers” of the cells.

Diabetes can be hereditary. It can be a consequence of the animal’s obesity, treatment with hormonal drugs, and its risk increases during certain cycles of the animal’s life. Diabetes can lead to blindness and even death of an animal if certain doses of insulin are not administered on time and regularly, the amount of which is determined by the doctor.