Diabetes Awareness Week in 2021 is happening over 14th to 20th June, so we wanted to take this opportunity to tell you more about this condition in pets, including the main signs of diabetes and how one of our diabetic patients, Dillon, is managing with his diabetes diagnosis.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that arises when your pet’s pancreas either stops producing insulin or doesn’t produce enough. This leads to dysregulation of the body’s sugar (glucose), which is known as hyperglycaemia.

Insulin is needed to help move the glucose from your pet’s blood stream into their cells. Your pet will cope with this initially, but it will ultimately result in your pet becoming unwell and can lead to other illnesses, such as urinary tract infections.

Key Symptoms and Diagnosis

The main signs of diabetes are:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Weight loss

• Decreased energy levels

• Poor coat

• Eye changes e.g., cataracts or dry eyes

If your pet presents with any of these signs, we often carry out blood and urine testing.

Once we have diagnosed your pet as a diabetic, they will need to be started on Insulin. This is given as an injection twice a day. Sometimes we also need to change their diet as well as treat any secondary problems, like a urinary tract infection.

Your pet will likely require lifelong therapy and do regular check-ups, but they can still lead healthy, happy, and active lives.

Meet Dillon one of our diabetic patients!

Dillon first came to see us in November 2020 following a short duration of drinking more and having a couple of accidents in the house! A urine sample showed lots of sugar was present, which is a strong indication of diabetes mellitus. Following on from this, bloods were carried out and a few days later Dillon was confirmed as a diabetic.

Dillon and his dad came in for a long appointment to run through his new medication and the plan for managing him. We also sent his urine away to the lab to check for bacteria, which showed Dillon also had a urinary tract infection, so he needed some antibiotics.

His dad quickly picked up the injection technique and Dillon behaved perfectly. A key part of diabetes treatment is routine, especially with diet and exercise. Dillon adapted fantastically to the new routine, although he was a bit upset that he could no longer have his treats like he used to!

Dillon comes in for regular check-ups and is always a superstar for having his bloods taken. We are so happy Dillon is managing well with his diabetes mellitus, and he certainly is a firm favourite with the staff!

if this article has raised any questions or concerns, just contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk