November is National Diabetes Awareness month: how diabetes affects canines

November 10, 12:22 PMLas Vegas Therapy Dogs ExaminerSue Grundfest

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Coco today living with diabetes
S. Grundfest

Statistics show that one in 400 canines develop diabetes. The most common form of diabetes in canines is Type 1 diabetes mellitus although 5-20% of cats suffer from it, as well. Cats typically suffer from Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes diagnosed in obese humans. Middle aged, spayed dogs are more susceptible to diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, ketoacidosis, dehydration and even death.

Typically older dogs are more susceptible to diabetes mellitus but younger canines have also been known to be diagnosed with juvenile canine diabetes. Certain dog breeds naturally have an increased risk for developing canine diabetes mellitus. Also, different diseases such as pancreatitis and hyperadrenocorticism can cause your dog to develop diabetes.

The diabetic symptoms to watch for in dogs are excessive drinking and urination, changes in appetite, and lethargy. Symptoms may not be as pronounced at the outset but will progress over time. If not treated or treated unsuccessfully to this point, diabetic dogs could suffer vision impairment.
 

Canine diabetes is manageable and the following articles discuss this disease in great detail:

Canine diabetes is more common than you think
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m4d24-Canine-diabetes-is-more-common-than-you-think
 

Canine cataracts
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-9149-Las-Vegas-Therapy-Dogs-Examiner~y2009m9d3-
Canine-cataracts-101-causes-and-treatment

Tips for living with your diabetic dog
http://www.wellsphere.com/pet-health-article/tips-for-living-with-your-diabetic-dog/678720

Canine diabetes
http://www.caninediabetes.org

Dog owners guide to diabetes
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/diabetes.html

Pet diabetes
http://www.petdiabetes.com/caninediabetespg.html

Canine diabetes symptoms and treatment
http://petcare.suite101.com/article.cfm/canine_diabetes

Dog illnesses
http://www.dog-illnesses.com/canine-diabetes-mellitus