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Pet Diabetes Month

Just as November is National Diabetes Month, it is also National Pet Diabetes Month. While most common in elderly pets, younger pets can also develop diabetes. While it is harder to determine if your pet has Type I or II diabetes than in a human, essentially if your pet has either type of diabetes, treatment is available from our Chicago vets. With proper monitoring, diet and exercise, and an ideally early diagnosis, your diabetic pet can still live a long and happy life.

Signs of Diabetes

Type I diabetes is when your pet will not make enough insulin, while type II occurs because the body can’t respond properly to the amount of insulin produced; either way, the signs are relatively similar. The two main risk factors for animals are weight and age. Dogs that develop diabetes are typically diagnosed between ages seven and ten, while diabetic cats are over six years of age. Dogs and cats that are obese also significantly increase their chance of diabetes. Other factors include gender (female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes), overactivity of the adrenal gland or thyroid, heart disease, and more.

Symptoms of diabetes that you should watch out for include:

  • Weight loss
  • Cloudy eyes
  • Chronic/recurring infections
  • Excessive hydration
  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased urination

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have noticed the signs, make an appointment with a veterinarian right away. They can diagnose your pet relatively easy, though a few tests may be ran to rule out conditions such as a urinary tract infection. Treatment will vary depending on your pet’s exact needs, but insulin injections, dietary recommendations, weight monitoring, regular examinations, and more will be par for the course. Fortunately, the insulin injections will likely be well-tolerated by your pet, and your vet will show you how to properly administer the insulin. They will also go over proper treatment and how you can ensure that your pet lives a happy and long life!

Contact Metro Vet if you believe your pet may have diabetes for testing!

 

Courtesy of: AVMA

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