Pet Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, the medical name for diabetes, is a disease caused by a lack of insulin, or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin properly, that affects the level of glucose, or sugar, in your dog or cat’s blood. The glucose comes from the food that your pet eats. The food is broken down into very small components by the pet’s digestive system so their bodies can use it for energy. Glucose is one of these components, and an important source of energy.
Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream where it travels to cells throughout the body. Insulin is required for the cells to absorb glucose. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Healthy pets produce insulin easily, but pets with diabetes don’t. In canine and feline diabetes, unused glucose builds up in the bloodstream.

Is diabetes in my pet the same as diabetes in people?

The two conditions are very similar. In fact, your veterinarian will be using medication, equipment, and monitoring systems that are similar to those used for diabetic people.

How common is diabetes in dogs and cats?

Diabetes usually affects less than 1% of dogs and cats. But experts believe that it is on the rise.

Can diabetes lead to other health problems?

Yes. Dogs and cats with diabetes can develop other health problems, usually after living with diabetes for a year or more. For dogs, a common complication of diabetes is cataract formation. Persistently high blood glucose levels can make the lens of the eye opaque, causing blindness. For cats, weakness of the hind legs is a common complication. Persistently high blood glucose levels may damage nerves, causing weakness and muscle wasting. For both dogs and cats, controlling high blood glucose levels can lead to healthier outcomes. For this reason, early diagnosis of diabetes in your dog or cat is important.

Will diabetes affect my dog or cat’s life expectancy?

Today, with effective treatment and monitoring, a diabetic dog or cat should have the same life expectancy as a non-diabetic dog or cat of the same age. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment helps diabetic pets maintain a good quality of life.

Is my dog or cat at risk for diabetes?

While diabetes has been diagnosed in dogs and cats of all ages, genders, and breeds, certain pets are at greater risk for the disease.

Risk factors in dogs

• Age (middle-aged to older dogs are more affected)
• Unspayed females
• Genetics
• Obesity

Breed—these breeds have a higher risk for developing diabetes:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Dachshunds
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Pomeranians
• Terriers
• Toy Poodles

Risk factors in cats

• Age (older cats are more susceptible)
• Neutered males
• Genetics
• Other insulin-resistant disorders or diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones)
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Indoor lifestyle

Are there warning signs I should be aware of?

Some common signs of diabetes in dogs and cats include:

• Excessive thirst
• Excessive urination—your pet produces more urine per day or has “accidents” in the house (dogs) or outside the litterbox (cats)
• Excessive hunger while losing weight
• Lethargy (less active/sleeps more)
• Cloudy eyes (dogs)
• Doesn’t groom (cats)
• Thinning, dry, and dull hair

How will my veterinarian test my pet for diabetes?

Your veterinarian may begin by performing a general health examination and asking questions about any signs your pet may be displaying. Then, a sample of your pet’s urine will be tested for the presence of glucose (a type of sugar) or ketones (acids produced by the body as it breaks down fat instead of glucose for energy). If glucose is present in your pet’s urine, your veterinarian will then test your pet’s blood to determine the blood glucose level. A diabetes diagnosis is considered definite when persistently high glucose levels are found in both the blood and urine.

How do I take care of a pet with diabetes?

Although there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can be successfully managed with the help of your veterinarian. Daily insulin injections are usually required to restore a pet’s insulin level and control blood glucose levels. Many owners are anxious about giving injections, but it’s easier than you think, and you can quickly learn how to handle the dosing routine with little stress for you or your pet. Diet plays a vital role in helping to keep your pet’s diabetes regulated.
Your veterinarian can recommend a diet that’s best suited to the needs of your pet. A high-quality, consistent source of protein is an essential part of any diabetic diet. High-protein, low-carbohydrate foods are currently recommended for diabetic cats because they provide the extra energy cats need to get through their active days, without the extra carbs that can turn into excess sugar. It is important to feed your pet based on its ideal body weight.
Consistent timing and size of meals is also very important. Exercise can help dogs with diabetes, but it needs to be regulated because activity affects blood glucose levels. It’s best to create a consistent exercise routine for your diabetic dog and stick to it. (There is no clear recommendation for exercise in diabetic cats because their activity is difficult to regulate.) Regular veterinary checkups can help identify changes in your pet’s condition and help you to manage this disease successfully over time.
Managing your dog or cat’s diabetes will require some effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Pets whose diabetes is under control have normal thirst, appetite, urination, and activity levels. Their weight is generally stable and they are less likely to develop complications.

Where can I learn more about diabetes in dogs and cats?

The following websites provide useful information:

• www.petdiabetesmonth.com
• www.pet-diabetes.com

Originally posted on Healthy Pet.

Blue-Green Algae toxicity is dangerous to your dog

BY MARYAM SALT, DVM, CVA, SEATTLE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Green Lake Closed Last Year Due to Blue-Green Algae Bloom

Last October Seattle Parks and Recreation officials closed Green Lake to wading, swimming, and certain boating activities due to a bloom of potentially toxic blue-green algae.

Dog owners were also warned to not allow their dogs to drink from or swim in the lake.

Similar closures of Green Lake occurred in 1999, 2002, and 2003, and some other area lakes, such as Lake Sammamish have been affected at other times also.

What Causes Blue-Green Algae?

So what is this “Toxic Blue-Green Algae” and how can it harm our dogs and us?  

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can be found in any aquatic habitat but are often found in lakes, streams, ditches, and livestock ponds. Small numbers of the algae are present in many bodies of water, including Green Lake.

However, a “bloom” of the algae can grow under the appropriate climate and nutrient dense conditions causing an accumulation of scum on the water surface and shore edges.  

The bloom gives the waters surface a blue-green appearance. Here in the Northwest this may be seen during the late summer and fall months after we have had warm dry weather, although the bloom will dissipate as colder weather arrives.

Small Exposure Can Be Fatal

It should be noted that not all blue-green algae blooms produce toxins, however those that do cause liver toxicity (Microsystis sp. andNodularia sp.) and neurologic toxicity (Anabaena sp., Aphanizomenon sp., and Oscillatoria sp.).

These toxins are very potent and a very small exposure can cause fatality.

Both of these groups of toxins are rapidly absorbed from the intestine after ingestion and symptoms can be seen within 60 minutes of exposure. Clinical signs of the liver toxin include sudden lethargy, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, and death within 24 hours to several days.  

The toxin essentially causes rapid necrosis (killing off) of liver cells. 6 of the neurologic toxin symptoms include tremors, weakness, drooling, paralysis, muscle rigidity, involuntary urination and defecation, and seizures.

Treating Green-Algae Exposure Quickly is Critical

Death from respiratory paralysis can occur within 30 minutes from the start of these symptoms.

If you are suspicious your dog has been exposed to blue-green algae it is vital to rush him or her to the nearest veterinarian immediately as time is of the essence.

There is no specific antidote for these toxins so your vet will have to treat your dog supportively, which means to provide decontamination procedures and medications to minimize the symptoms as necessary. These may include oxygen, IV fluids, anti-seizure medication, and liver protectants.

King County Lakes and Streams Monitoring Group and Friends of Green Lake take water samples and collect information on water conditions at Green Lake.

However, blue-green algae blooms can be very patchy and many areas are not this closely monitored, so if you notice a suspicious area you are advised keep yourself and your dog away from the area and contact the environmental health section of your local health department or the Washington State Department of Ecology.  

Dr. Maryam Salt earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from Washington State University. She then completed an internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She earned her B.S. in Zoology and Anthropology from the University of Washington. In 2010 Dr. Salt also completed Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through Colorado State University.

Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency and critical care, geriatric pet care, and pain management. She also enjoys volunteerism in the veterinary field locally and spent time in the South helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Dr. Salt lives in North Seattle with two Basset Hounds (Henry and Cooper), a mixed breed dog (Mugsie), an Old Dog Haven foster dog (Granny Franny) and Ollie the cat. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hiking, camping, jewelry making, photography, and spending time with friends.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/blue-green-algae-toxicity-is-dangerous-to-your-dog