Diabetes-Related Emergencies
Diabetes in dogs is treated with insulin, much the same way as it is in humans. But if too much or too little insulin is administered, it can be very dangerous for the animal.
What To Watch For:
Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels and is signaled primarily by excessive urination, excessive drinking, increased appetite and weight loss. In cases where the diabetes is not treated promptly and allowed to progress to the point of a crisis, symptoms may include a loss of appetite, weakness, seizures, twitching, and intestinal problems. (diarrhea or constipation).
Primary Cause:
Diabetic emergencies can be caused by either injecting too much or too little insulin, or not treating the diabetes in the first place. Both cases are equally dangerous for the dog and can cause coma or death. In cases where the diabetes is not treated, it can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis, a very serious condition that can cause death of your pet. Diabetic ketoacidosis can also be seen in dogs where the diabetes had been regulated and yet in which another condition has developed affecting the body’s ability to regulate the diabetes.
Immediate Care:
If signs of an insulin dosage problem are noticed, it should be treated as an extreme emergency. The following steps may provide aid to your dog until you are able to bring her/him to a veterinarian(which should be as quickly as possible).
Veterinary Care:
Depending on the cause of the crisis, dogs suffering from diabetic emergencies may need to be given glucose or insulin intravenously. In cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, hospitalization is required to provide insulin and electrolyte therapy. Glucose levels will be checked every one to three hours to monitor response of treatment.
Once the emergency has passed, normal insulin treatment will resume.
Living And Management:
Always make sure you have a supply of glucose, honey, or corn syrup available for emergencies. Follow your vet’s instructions for the proper schedule and dosage of insulin treatments. Keep the insulin in a fridge and before administering, make sure it has not expired. The insulin should also be rolled–never shaken–prior to administration.
Prevention:
Obesity has been linked to diabetes; consult with your veterinarian if weight loss can be of assistance in your dog’s case. Also, be cautious when administering steroids (prednisone), as chronic use of the drug may cause the onset of diabetes in dogs.
This is for educational purpose only.
Until next time,
Maralyn
Benny & Jesie
Footnote: I lost my beloved Cocker Spaniel to this disease. Imagine my shock when after dog was drinking excessively, the vet did a blood sugar and it was over 600. Please, if your pets show any sign of the symptoms, please contact your vet for a blood sugar.