A few months ago, a beautiful orange tabby cat, Rosie, arrived at the shelter not feeling well. A trip to the veterinarian determined that she, like many other older, overweight kitties, had diabetes.
Just like people, cats and dogs can have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious medical condition in which a pet cannot control blood sugar levels due to problems with insulin production or function. Left untreated, pets can develop life-threatening conditions.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include excessive thirst and urination, increased appetite but loss of weight, and cloudy eyes. Symptoms in cats include excessive thirst and urination; increased appetite but loss of weight; lethargy; and thinning, dry, dull hair. As the disease progresses, many dogs and cats actually lose their appetite, causing further problems.
Like humans with diabetes, blood and urine tests can be used to diagnose diabetes in dogs and cats. Although diabetes cannot be cured, with early detection and treatment, it can be managed very successfully. Rosie is now getting twice-daily insulin injections and acts like a new cat!
Insulin injections are given under the skin. Some people have concerns about giving injections to their pet, but generally, both cats and dogs tolerate them well, and it just becomes a part of their daily routine.
As with diabetic people, diet is extremely important. Your veterinarian will recommend the best type of diet and amount for your diabetic pet. It is also important to monitor your pet’s food intake before giving insulin.
To help avoid changes in glucose levels, it is helpful for diabetic pets to maintain a consistent, moderate exercise routine. Regular play sessions and routine walks for both cats and dogs provide the exercise they need.
Diabetes is more common in cats than in dogs, but in both species, the prevalence is increasing. Obesity is one of the leading causes of diabetes, and certain breeds of dogs and cats are at higher risk of developing diabetes than other breeds. Diabetes is more common in older pets; however, it can also occur in younger or pregnant pets. Unspayed female dogs are twice as likely to get diabetes as male dogs.
If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, don’t panic. Diabetic dogs and cats do require more veterinary care, but those who have their blood sugar adequately managed can live happily for many years.
Rosie was diagnosed with diabetes at 14 years of age and is doing great! She’s become quite the love bug, is curious and playful — a purrfect kitty! Rosie is eager to find a loving family that will keep her happy and healthy for many more years. Find out more about Rosie at www. bchumane.org.
— Brown County Humane Society
