Diabetes in Pets
There are thought to be over one million people in the UK who are diabetic but are simply unaware they have the condition. Proportionally, there could be a similar number of undiagnosed diabetic pets out there too.
Dogs and cats do suffer from diabetes mellitus (‘sugar diabetes’) in the same way people do.
It is thought that approximately 1 in 300 dogs and cats have diabetes – making it the most common hormonal disease in dogs and second most common in cats. Like other diseases, early diagnosis and treatment is beneficial so it is important to look out for signs of diabetes in your pet.
An increase in their drinking is usually the first sign seen (although this can be hard to spot in outdoor cats). Other signs to watch out for include weight loss despite a hearty appetite, increased urination and lethargy.
Whilst older animals, overweight animals and certain breeds of cats and dogs are more predisposed to the condition, any pet can be at risk of developing diabetes.
Not all diabetic pets show all these signs however, so if you’re worried that your pet may have the condition, please let us know. A simple urine or blood test is usually all that is required to confirm if your pet has the condition. If your pet does, we can treat this disease successfully with insulin.
If you’d like further information on diabetes or would like your pet checked for the condition, please Contact Us at the practice.
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