Symptoms and treatment of diabetes in dogs. Side effects of insulin treatment

Often dog owners believe that their pets are not characterized by “human diseases” and are surprised to hear a diagnosis of “diabetes mellitus” from a veterinarian. Unfortunately, hormonal imbalance, in which the body cannot absorb glucose, also occurs in pets.

Poor heredity is the most common cause of diabetes, especially in terriers, Samoyeds, pugs and toy poodles. Also at risk:

• unsterilized females not involved in breeding;
• obese pets;
• adult dogs over seven years old.

Diabetes mellitus in a dog requires constant maintenance therapy, which will depend on the type of disease:

• The third type is diagnosed when there is a history of any chronic disease leading to pathological changes in the pancreas or metabolism.
• The second type occurs in 70% of dogs diagnosed with diabetes; the pancreas continues to produce small amounts of insulin, but it is not enough or is not absorbed by the cells.
• Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent. The pancreas of animals cannot produce insulin, because the cells responsible for this type of activity in the body have died completely.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The following symptoms indicate the development of diabetes:

• strong thirst;
• frequent urination;
• increased appetite A;
• sudden weight loss or gain;
• blurred vision;
• hair loss;
• weakness;
• enlarged liver, which can be noticed even upon palpation;
• poor wound healing.

These symptoms cannot be ignored. The sooner you contact a veterinarian, the higher the chance of providing your pet with timely help.

To assign correct treatment, the doctor will prescribe necessary research: blood and urine tests, ultrasound of organs abdominal cavity, ECG.

To confirm or refute the diagnosis, you need to take a blood test every day for five days.

Treatment

Diabetes in a dog cannot be completely cured, but constant monitoring by a veterinarian will make it easier and prolong the pet’s life.

If necessary, the doctor can prescribe insulin for your dog. The dosage is calculated individually taking into account the dog’s weight, age, diet and lifestyle.

Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, out of the reach of children and animals. Before giving an injection to an animal, you need to hold the bottle of medicine in your hands for some time so that the drug warms up. The digital values ​​on the syringe body will help you draw the required dose of the drug into the syringe.

Insulin must be injected at the same time either into the withers or into the chest of the pet. Selection of the required dose of the drug sometimes takes up to several months.

The first dose of insulin must be given at a veterinary clinic.

What to feed a dog with diabetes

In most cases, treatment for diabetes in dogs involves following a strict diet.

The most simple solution the pet will be transferred to a special medicinal food for dogs with diabetes. This food is developed taking into account all the needs of the animal; it cannot be bought in a regular store. Medicinal food selected by a veterinarian based on a blood test and the course of the disease.

Any treats and feeding “from the table” will have to be excluded.

The main thing a dog owner can do is to monitor the amount of calories and control the pet’s weight. The caloric intake of carbohydrates in sick dogs is higher than in healthy ones - approximately 40% of the diet.

You need to feed your dog small portions at least 6 times a day. Fractional meals will avoid sudden changes in insulin levels in the blood and improve metabolism.

Pet monitoring

Regular examination at a veterinary clinic will show the effectiveness of diet and treatment.

A diary of observations of the pet is very important for the doctor, where the owner must record: exact time administration and dose of insulin, feeding time and portion size, daily weight of the pet.

You can monitor your dog's blood sugar at home using a glucometer. The normal blood glucose level in dogs is 4–7 mmol per liter.

If the amount of sugar in the blood has dropped to a reading of 3 mmol or less, it is necessary to urgently give the animal sugar syrup.

A condition when glucose levels drop to low levels is called hypoglycemia. This glucose level is too low for the body to function properly. The main symptoms of this condition: weakness, convulsions, loss of consciousness.

Prevention

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be prevented. The basis of prevention is a properly composed diet:

• minimum carbohydrates and complete ban for sweets and flour products;
• portion size control;
• exclusion of any products from the table.

When buying a dog, check the reputation of the breeder and the pedigree of the pet.

Provide your pet with active walks and regular exercise.

Never self-medicate or neglect visiting a veterinarian. Regular examination at the clinic will prevent the development of not only diabetes, but also other serious diseases.

It is immediately important to note that diabetes in dogs is a disease that is genetic in nature. Speaking of dogs, the potential risk group includes Spitz, poodles and Scottish terriers aged 6 to 7 years. Statistics say that in approximately 95 percent of cases, unsterilized females become ill and suffer from chronic diabetes. Diabetes mellitus in dogs can be triggered by problems with the animal's pancreas or if the animal is overweight.

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by inadequate production of insulin by the animal's pancreas. It is this substance that is completely responsible for the processing of carbohydrates in cells. With regular insulin deficiency, sugar builds up in the blood. Excess glucose is concentrated in the kidneys, and under certain conditions it begins to enter the urine. The dog has to urinate repeatedly, as well as eat and drink to fully replace the lost nutrients.

If the owner is unable to detect the disease in a timely manner, then in its next stages problems with liver function are observed. At this time, a sufficiently large number of ketone bodies penetrate into the bloodstream, which can become a direct threat to the preservation of the animal’s life.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs

The intensity and nature of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus completely depend on the stage of the disease. The first symptoms and signs should not escape the attention of the animal owner. It is important to contact a veterinarian as quickly as possible in the following situations:

• the urine has become quite light or even transparent;
• frequent urination appeared;
• the mucous membranes of the animal’s oral cavity are dry;
• the dog is constantly thirsty;
• the condition of the coat has deteriorated;
• tachycardia appeared;
• sexual reflexes decreased;
• with high-quality nutrition, constant vomiting is observed, and weight decreases sharply;
• the animal is weak;
• an unpleasant odor appeared from the mouth (similar to sour fruit);
• the liver feels enlarged to the touch;
• manifestations of cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) began;
• wounds and injuries to the skin do not heal for a long time.

In the first stages of the disease, it is necessary to donate the animal’s urine and blood for appropriate tests, on which the treatment will depend. If a high glucose content is noted in these fluids, the diagnosis is confirmed.

In situations where an animal begins to tremor its paws, its gait becomes uncertain and unsteady, it is extremely important to seek medical help as quickly as possible.

To prevent the death of your pet, it is necessary to feed the dog or at least smear its tongue with honey, sugar or any other sweet product before the veterinarian’s expected arrival. If the doctor suspects that an animal has diabetes, it will be necessary to undergo special tests for its signs. We must not forget that increased sugar in the blood and urine of an animal can become a symptom of other ailments or even several at once.

How is diabetes treated in dogs?

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a chronic course. Any therapeutic measures and treatment will be aimed at qualitatively eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Reducing the level of glucose in the blood is extremely important for the animal’s excellent well-being, however, a sharp decrease in its level is also unsafe and can stimulate the development of hypoglycemia, which may well lead to the death of the animal.

If the treatment is selected in a timely and adequate manner, then, provided that all the doctor’s instructions are followed, the dog’s life will be preserved and extended. As is the case with people, self-medication is undesirable and dangerous.

A serious mistake would be to limit the animal's drinking. The dog should always have access to a clean and fresh portion of water. Otherwise, diabetes treatment will also be burdened by dehydration. To reduce the desire to drink, you can add a couple of drops of lemon juice or vinegar to the water. If there is a need to replenish the water balance, you can use special medications:

• "Pituitrin", which must be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The doctor prescribes the dose based on the general condition of the animal;
• "Adiurecrin." The product is blown into the dog’s nose daily;
• vitamins and minerals, treatment with them is mandatory.

If complications of the disease begin, then it is also necessary to apply symptomatic treatment or even hospitalization of the animal.

How are dogs treated with insulin?

It is quite possible to use insulin to lower blood glucose. It is given as a warning severe consequences illness. The owner of the animal must clearly understand that for all the remaining years of the dog’s life, it will need high-quality and complete care. This includes not only proper nutrition for the pet, but also spending money on examinations, medications and various procedures. In addition, the dog will need to inject certain doses of insulin daily.

Insulin-based therapy consists of 2 parts: stabilization and maintenance. To normalize the amount of glucose in the animal’s blood, an individual approach to each dog and its disease picture is necessary. At clear symptoms normalize the acid-base balance using intravenous injections. Medicines long-acting medications can be injected after the blood returns to normal.

Stabilizing measures are carried out in a hospital setting. At this time, the veterinarian makes control measurements of blood sugar levels and, accordingly, prescribes the most effective drugs. After discharge from the hospital, the doctor will tell the animal owner in detail about how to store and use insulin. In most cases, two injections are sufficient.

Which insulin to choose?

Insulin can vary in how long it takes to act:

• short-term effects on the body (the therapeutic effect occurs quickly, but the drug cannot be used regularly);
• long-acting (can be used daily). Such drugs include “Isofan”, “Protamine-zinc-insulin”.

It should be noted that the type of insulin itself is also very important. The most popular insulin is considered to be:

1. human;
2. pork;
3. bullish.

Throughout its life, a dog with diabetes must be regularly examined by a competent veterinarian. This is necessary for complete control over the level of sugar in her blood and timely detection of possible complications of the disease.

How can insulin have a negative effect?

Quite often hypoglycemia can be detected in an animal. This phenomenon is characterized by an excessive decrease in the dog's blood sugar level. Suspect similar condition at once difficult and problematic. If the owner of the animal treats him carefully, he will not be able to miss the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:

• general weakness;
• the appearance of seizures;
• stagnation;
• coma.

Any of the above acute conditions always provides for the fastest possible introduction of glucose. This can be done intramuscularly or it will be enough to feed the animal with sweet food, if possible. After this, the insulin injections are stopped, and then the dosage is simply reduced.

There is also Somogyi syndrome. It begins to appear after prolonged use of insulin (we are talking about 12 hours or more). This condition becomes the animal’s body’s reaction to excessive levels of glucose in the blood.

How does diabetes in dogs affect their offspring?

Every owner should know and remember that a dog’s daily diet provides the required amount of calories. This is important so that the animal can fully recover from the disease and gain required weight. We must not forget that the dog’s menu should include meat products, fish and oatmeal. If the metabolism in the dog’s body has been disrupted, then diabetes mellitus negatively affects the complete absorption of food. For this reason, it is recommended to select feeding times based on the period of time when insulin reaches its peak effectiveness.

Each meal should produce an identical hyperglycemic response in the animal. To do this, you need to feed the dog at a clearly designated time and try not to violate it. Portions should be approximately the same.

We must not forget that each specific dog has its own characteristics. That is why it is necessary to adjust the diet and dose of injected insulin depending on the general condition of the dog. You can use special medicinal varieties of feed for feeding, which are maximally balanced and have the required amount of fiber, which reduces blood glucose levels.

In addition, industrial feeds are optimal in their composition and the carbohydrates in them are perfect proportion. After eating, the dog will not suffer from sharp changes blood sugar concentrations. If it is not critical, then a positive result can be achieved by following a nutritious diet, without giving the animal medicines.

Diabetes mellitus is a rather severe and serious illness. It may lead to fatal outcome, if you do not engage in treatment. If your dog starts alarming symptoms, then it is important to show her to the veterinarian. It is under this condition that the beloved pet will live a long and fulfilling life, delighting its owner.

Diabetes mellitus is not separate disease, but is a manifestation of various pathophysiological processes. The most accurate definition of diabetes is the following:
clinically significant impaired glucose tolerance caused by absolute or relative insulin deficiency. The degree of insulin deficiency in an individual patient may vary over time. These changes may be the result of a number of factors. For example, any animal suffering from pancreatitis may develop clinically significant insulin deficiency.

This condition is usually reversible, and recovery usually occurs after the intensity of the inflammatory process decreases. Any condition in which chronic insulin resistance occurs leads to the development of hyperinsulinism, which in turn leads to so-called “islet cell wasting” in susceptible individuals. This condition can be either reversible or irreversible, depending on the length of time during which the islet cells were in a state of hypersecretion, as well as on the individual's individual predisposition to the development of pathological processes due to insulin hypersecretion. Apparently, in dogs, diabetes mellitus most often develops as a result of immune-mediated damage to the beta cells of the pancreas; Thus, in dogs, insulinopenia develops, which requires insulin therapy throughout the patient's life, except in cases where the cause of diabetes mellitus is a temporary factor (for example, increased secretion of progesterone in diestrus, causing increased secretion growth hormone mammary gland, which, in turn, can lead to the development of insulin resistance). On the other hand, in cats, the main cause of diabetes is a combination of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction. Some cats may go into remission if treated correctly.

Clinical signs of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats
Most diabetic animals exhibit various combinations of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weight loss. This is more true for dogs than cats.
Clinical examination may reveal a decrease in volume muscle tissue varying degrees(although some animals may be obese), hepatomegaly and cataracts (almost exclusively in dogs). In addition, with the development of ketoacidosis, dehydration, depression, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In this case, there may be a ketonic odor from the mouth, however, not all specialists are able to determine the presence of this symptom.

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
In most cases of diabetes, there is a slight increase in levels alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels due to secondary hepatic lipidosis, which develops as a result of decreased insulin activity. Other biochemical changes include hypercholesterolemia and, depending on the level of renal perfusion, azotemia. Diabetes mellitus is usually diagnosed in dogs when the fasting blood glucose level is more than 14 mmol/L. In cats, an increase in blood glucose levels to this level or higher can be the result of stress in many diseases, so additional research is necessary to clarify the diagnosis. In both dogs and cats, glycosuria requires confirmation of hyperglycemia before initiating treatment.

Assessing blood glucose levels allows you to set the value of this parameter at the time of sample collection. Elevated fasting blood glucose levels generally indicate the presence of persistent hyperglycemia (especially when accompanied by appropriate clinical signs), although fasting hyperglycemia may be a temporary symptom in stressed or sick cats. If the veterinarian has any doubt about the clinical significance of hyperglycemia, it seems reasonable to determine the level of glycosylated hemoglobin or the level of fructosamine in the blood plasma.

Both of these parameters allow us to estimate the proportion of hemoglobin and albumin bound to glucose through a non-enzymatic pathway that is irreversible. Due to the fact that this process is non-enzymatic and irreversible, the proportion of a relatively stable protein that has been glycosylated allows an estimate of the “average” blood glucose level during the preceding period, the duration of which varies between cats and dogs.

In dogs, fructosamine levels appear to provide insight into glucose levels over the previous 2-4 weeks. In cats, the clinical significance of fructosamine levels, as a reflection of blood glucose levels over the previous period of time, is more variable and generally provides an indication of glucose levels over the previous 1-3 weeks.

Regardless of the above differences, plasma fructosamine levels may provide valuable information in differentiating short-term hyperglycemia from diabetes mellitus. However, it must be remembered that in cats many diseases can cause an increase in blood glucose levels, so fructosamine levels cannot be a decisive factor in differential diagnosis diabetes It should be considered only as an indicator of subacute or moderate chronic increase blood glucose levels.

Assessing glycosylated hemoglobin and fructosamine levels is most important when developing a treatment plan for patients with diabetes. In many cases, regular measurement of glucose levels (construction of a sugar curve) can be replaced by one study of the level of glycosylated hemoglobin and fructosamine. Of course, the information that can be obtained by constructing a sugar curve is valuable in cases that are difficult to treat.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats
It is obvious that, regardless of the reasons that caused insulin resistance, it is important to correct this condition, as a result of which it is possible to eliminate not only the clinical signs, but also the need to take insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. For example, in cats, when establishing the fact that megestrol acetate is etiological factor development of diabetes, discontinuation of this drug allows you to correct impaired glucose tolerance and eliminate the clinical signs of diabetes. In addition, for some obese diabetic patients who initially require insulin, this requirement may be eliminated when their weight is normalized.

However, particularly in dogs, in many cases where clinically significant impaired glucose tolerance is present, this condition cannot be corrected solely by targeting the underlying factors causing insulin resistance and may require treatment with additional measures, for example, the administration of insulin, or, in cats, the administration of hypoglycemic drugs in tablet form. This is a consequence of the islet cell depletion phenomenon, and insulin therapy should be considered as a first-line therapeutic option in the treatment of patients with clinically significant impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes mellitus.

Hypoglycemic drugs in the treatment of diabetes
While most dogs and cats with diabetes will require insulin, in some cases of diabetes in cats, the use of hypoglycemic drugs in tablet form, which are virtually ineffective in treating canine patients, has had good results. Also, because the use of hypoglycemic drugs cannot cause clinically significant hypoglycemia, they represent an attractive alternative to insulin injections. However, the percentage of diabetic cats that demonstrate a good response to treatment using these drugs can vary, and, according to the author, ranges from 10 to 20% of all diabetic cats. Moreover, due to the fact that possible consequence the use of hypoglycemic drugs may cause a pronounced depletion of pancreatic islet cells, their use remains controversial method treatment of diabetes in cats. At the same time, the likelihood of remission will decrease.

Despite the fact that the use of hypoglycemic drugs usually gives positive results when treating animals that have to some extent retained the ability to secrete insulin, the possibility toxic effect drugs means that they can only be effective in cases where insulin levels are not very high at the initial stage of treatment.

Some of the so-called "hypoglycemic drugs" improve glucose tolerance by increasing the rate and volume of insulin secretion and by increasing peripheral insulin sensitivity. Among the variety of drugs currently available, glipizide and glibenclamide are obviously the “drugs of choice.” For cats, the recommended dose is 5 mg two or three times a day, for dogs - 0.2 - 0.5 mg/kg twice a day.

If these drugs are effective in correcting impaired glucose tolerance, fasting blood sugar levels decrease significantly within 5-7 days.
Note: Due to the fact that hypoglycemic agents are used in the treatment of a progressive disease and the proportion of animals that respond positively to treatment with these drugs is relatively low, regular monitoring is absolutely necessary. clinical examination patient with an interval of no more than 2-3 days.

If the ability to produce insulin (insulin reserve) is significantly reduced, insulin may be required to reduce the severity of clinical signs and prevent the development of complications. It is also necessary to remember that hypoglycemic agents usually increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors. In the future, they may cause the development of “depletion of islet cells” and lead to the need for insulin subsequently.
In this regard, insulin administration is one of the preferred methods treatment of cats suffering from diabetes.

Different types of insulin - what are the differences between them?
There are a wide variety of insulin preparations, differing in speed and duration of action. There are four main factors that determine the differences between insulin products.
Source of insulin : bovine, porcine or recombinant human. Porcine insulin has the same amino acid sequence as canine insulin; bovine insulin has the same amino acid sequence as feline insulin. Some studies have suggested that bovine insulin has a slightly longer duration of action than porcine and human insulin, but this has not been confirmed by studies in diabetic dogs and cats.

Solubility : Insulin preparations can be soluble (rapid-acting insulins) or relatively insoluble (long-acting insulins). Most currently available insulins are insoluble, which is achieved by using zinc or protamine-zinc (lente, isophane and protamine-zinc-insulin), or by modifying the amino acid sequence to reduce the solubility of insulin under neutral conditions (glargine and detemir insulin). . In some publications published in North America, soluble insulin is sometimes called crystallin insulin, which can cause confusion. In the UK such preparations are usually called soluble or neutral insulin, these include Actrapid, Humilin R and Hypurin neutral.

Physical properties : The chemical structure of insulin and its physical properties may be important determinants in determining the duration of its action.
Insulin, which contains zinc molecules, can form conglomerates, the shape of which can vary from amorphous material with relatively high value area:surface ratio to large crystals with low area:surface ratio. By influencing these factors (the molecules that make up insulin), it is possible to change the duration of action of the drug.

For example, the Lente group of insulins differs in their chemical structure, and these differences determine the rate of absorption of the drugs:
– semilente (all amorphous) – short acting
– Lente (30% amorphous, 70% crystalline) – medium duration of action
– ultralente (all crystalline) – long-lasting

Alternative synthetic insulin analogues, such as glarnine, may have reduced absorption due to the fact that this parameter is highly dependent on the reaction of the medium. Glarnin is acid-soluble, but binds to tissues at the injection site under neutral reaction conditions when administered subcutaneously.
It should also be noted that the duration of action of insulin can vary significantly between species, for example, insulin lente has a stated duration of action of 22 hours in humans, while its duration of action in dogs rarely exceeds 12-14 hours and is likely even less in cats. Although insulin glargine is considered a long-acting insulin in humans and is administered once daily, recent evidence suggests that this type of insulin is effective (with mild peaks of action) in cats when administered twice daily.
Degree of purification: insulins with high degree purifications (monocomponent) were developed to reduce the likelihood of the formation of antibodies to insulin. These days, all available insulins are highly purified and do not contain significant levels of peptides, so the purity of insulin preparations has become important factor.

Regardless of the degree of purification, when insulin is administered, the formation of circulating antibodies usually occurs. Although these antibodies may interfere with measurements of circulating insulin levels, they do not cause a significant decrease in insulin activity.
Therefore, to be sure that insulin therapy will bring a positive result, it is necessary to know the source of its origin and physicochemical properties.

Which insulin is best for treating diabetes in dogs and cats?
Insulins such as NPH (Isotard, Protafan), protamine zinc insulin and Lente insulins have been the mainstays of treatment for diabetes in dogs and cats for some time. Currently in Europe, the only insulin approved for use in dogs and cats is porcine insulin lente 40 U/ml (Caninsulin). Until recently, porcine/cow insulin lente (Insuvet lente*) and porcine/cow protamine zinc insulin (Insuvet PZI*) were used.

In addition, the synthetic insulin analogues glargine and detemir have been recommended for use in cats when administered twice daily. The purported advantages of these drugs are that they are non-peak and have a longer duration of action than insulin lente and PZI. It is possible that these drugs can be used in the treatment of cats that are kept in private homes and tend to eat small portions throughout the day.
However, there is currently no reliable clinical evidence to suggest that, with appropriate dietary adjustments, cats receiving glargine or detemir twice daily are better treated and have a greater chance of recovery than cats receiving insulin lente or protamine twice daily. zinc insulin.

So which insulin is the best?
We can say that any of the drugs listed above, when used correctly, is capable of fulfilling the task assigned to it, and there are hardly any significant advantages of one or the other. However, several caveats must be made: the use of protamine-zinc insulin should perhaps be considered preferable in the treatment of cats, due to longer duration action than that of insulin tape; In addition, it is preferable to use glargine or detemir when treating cats that have a habit of eating small meals throughout the day.

Duration of action: as mentioned above, insulins of the lente group, PZI and glargine are recommended to be administered twice a day; this is true for most patients and virtually ALL cats.
However, the most important factor to consider when planning insulin therapy for small animals is that the timing of therapeutic effect, the duration of peak action and duration of action of the drug can vary between animals and even within the same animal on different days.
And while recommendations can be made based on the average time of peak action and duration of action of a drug, there will always be patients who will respond to treatment differently than most other animals.

Time of peak action: with lente insulins (for example, Caninsulin), the peak effect is usually achieved 1-4 hours after administration of the drug and lasts for 12-14 hours. The duration of action of protamine-zinc-insulin and glargine is also 12-14 hours, however, the duration of peak action is much shorter.
Although the stated frequency of administration of Caninsulin* is 1 time per day, only 10% of dogs benefit from insulin therapy using this drug once a day; for the remaining dogs and most cats it is necessary to administer it twice a day.

These recommendations apply to most patients with diabetes, dogs and cats, but the veterinarian should always consider the possibility that in some difficult-to-treat cases, the rate of onset of therapeutic effect and the duration of action of the drug may vary.

It is also necessary to remember that most insulin preparations have a shorter duration of action in cats.
Place of introduction: until recently, this issue has not received sufficient attention. When administering the drug, it is necessary to avoid areas that are mobile or tend to stretch.

Studies in humans and rabbits have shown that insulin is absorbed more slowly when injected into the hip and upper arm area than when injected into the abdominal wall, and these differences increase with physical activity. Based on this, it is preferable to inject the drug into the abdominal wall.
Remember that the goal of insulin therapy is to administer the drug in such a way that the peak effect coincides with the peak of insulin need, for example, when blood glucose levels rise after feeding. The goal is to reduce blood glucose levels within 24 hours and minimize fluctuations in this indicator.

General recommendations for insulin therapy in dogs
If possible, treatment should be outpatient, at least, there is no need to aim to achieve precise glucose control during the first week of treatment. Any dog ​​with absolute or relative insulin deficiency may have varying degrees of insulin resistance and must be corrected before the patient's insulin requirements can be assessed.
- At the initial stage, it is recommended to start administering 0.5 units/kg of porcine insulin lente, subcutaneously, twice a day. Most patients will require insulin at a dose of 0.75 units/mL twice daily. Insulin detemir should be administered to dogs at a LOWER dosage, namely 0.1 U/ml twice daily, as it is a potent drug for dogs. For this reason, this drug is in most cases not suitable for treating small breed dogs.
- Feeding should be carried out 1-1.5 hours after insulin administration.
- 7 days after the start of treatment, it is necessary to construct a sugar curve based on blood glucose measurements taken every two hours. It is necessary to ask owners to pay attention to the condition of the animal and bring it to see a doctor if it refuses to drink or if its physical condition worsens.
- It is necessary to increase the dose of insulin in accordance with the data obtained from measuring blood glucose levels, during treatment it is necessary to focus on achieving the minimum possible blood glucose level of 5-10 mmol/l, the range of fluctuations in glucose levels can be 5-15 mmol/l, and fructosamine – 400 µmol/l.

If clinical picture indicates that the course of the disease is still not under the control of a physician (the patient has polydipsia/polyuria, the patient is constantly hungry, and loses/gains weight), it is necessary to increase the insulin dose, but the increase should be one unit at a time. Each time after the patient is discharged from the hospital and after 7 days, it is necessary to construct a sugar curve. The interpretation of the data obtained in this case should be carried out taking into account the clinical signs, and on this basis a decision should be made to increase or leave the dose of insulin administered unchanged.
- The advantage of twice-daily administration is that with this method it is easier to monitor the patient’s condition.

General recommendations for insulin therapy in cats
It is important to ensure that the patient actually requires insulin - many cats can develop hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance caused by underlying disease and/or obesity in the presence of an impaired ability to secrete insulin. Correction of factors causing insulin resistance, together with the use of diets with a low glycemic index (for example, low in carbohydrates and relatively high content proteins) can significantly improve the condition of most feline patients who will not require exogenous insulin.

Starting dose: if a cat is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it is necessary to begin administration of bovine insulin PZI, glargine or insulin lente at a dose of 1-2 units per cat twice a day, then follow the instructions described in the section on dogs. For those cats that prefer to eat small meals throughout the day, glargine is the drug of choice. According to available data, administration of this drug is best done twice a day.
For cats, due to the fact that this species is more likely to experience remission of diabetes, and also due to the fact that visiting a veterinary clinic is stressful for many cat patients, which in turn leads to the development of hyperglycemia, many veterinarians recommend monitoring blood glucose levels at home using one of the many special devices that are available today. Most often, a blood sample is taken for testing from auricle, lips and paw pads.

The main reason for the complications: the treatment of most cats, if they are truly indicated for insulin administration, is not difficult. The most common problems encountered when treating cats include the following.
- Treatment of cats with “reversible” (at least short-term) diabetes with insulin injections leads to the development of clinically significant hypoglycemia.
- A group of cats that exhibit clinically significant insulin resistance. Although there may be several reasons for the development of insulin resistance, according to latest research it was suggested that hypersomatotropism (or acromegaly) is the most likely etiological factor in the development of this pathology. Therefore, it seems prudent for any cat with insulin resistance or diabetes to be evaluated for acromegaly. A good screening test to diagnose this disease is to measure the level of growth factor 1 in the blood serum.

What to do if administering insulin twice a day is not possible?
If for some reason it is possible to administer insulin only once a day, it is necessary to use protamine-zinc insulin or glargine, and also use a low-carbohydrate diet. The goal in this case is to reduce the level of postprandial hyperglycemia.

Be aware of the possibility of “unexpected” stabilization
As the severity of insulin resistance decreases, some patients with diabetes may experience unexpected improvement clinical condition, that is, the blood glucose level continues to remain high as the dose of insulin injected increases, then with a one unit increase in the dose, the glucose level suddenly normalizes. It must be remembered that after the “unloading” of the islets, the ability to normal insulin secretion may be restored, as a result of which the animal may no longer require insulin administration for some time, the so-called “ Honeymoon" Both of these phenomena cause the development of hypoglycemia.

Conducting an injection demonstration
Demonstration injections should always be performed using sterile water to train the owner in the procedure. Make sure the owner understands the labeling on the insulin syringe and is aware of possible problems associated with overdose. The owner should be reminded not to sterilize the skin before administering insulin and to NEVER repeat the injection if he or she feels that he or she has “not injected the full dose.” IN Lately Special insulin pen syringes are available on the veterinary market, which can significantly simplify the process of dosing and administering insulin at home.

Owner training
It is important to educate owners on diabetes and insulin therapy.
Insulin therapy requires some dedication from the owner, despite the fact that treatment must be carried out throughout the life of the animal.
Insulin administration and feeding should be done at the same time every day, and the composition of the diet should be constant. Therefore, those owners who work on a shift schedule or those who are often away should be provided with appropriate assistance.

It is necessary that the cost of all services provided by the clinic to the animal owner is clearly indicated. At the initial stage of treatment, it is impossible to predict how quickly the condition of a particular patient will be stabilized (and, accordingly, how much the treatment and all related procedures will cost in a particular case).

Feeding and exercise necessary for dogs and cats with diabetes
The diet should be constant - the animal should consume the same amount of calories in the morning and evening, day after day. The composition of the diet must be controlled and constant:
- ready wet food, as well as dry food, are the most convenient type of food for patients with diabetes, since their calorie content is precisely known and constant. However, they may not be the most attractive food for some patients;
- when using relatively short-acting insulins, it is extremely important that all the food offered is eaten by the animal within short period time. In other words, the calorie content and palatability of the food are equally important; it is necessary to standardize the portion of the food used and always stick to it;
- Regardless of the form in which calories enter the patient's body, the feeding time and the number of calories should remain constant. Any changes to the diet are possible only if its total calorie content remains unchanged;
- It is necessary to avoid the use of any treats, with the exception of those that contain virtually no calories. Small rice cookies and vegetables may be the solution for those animals (and owners) for whom a treat is of utmost importance;
- the following rule must be adhered to: the animal should receive 50-70 kcal/kg body weight;
- if the animal’s body weight is below normal, it is necessary to increase calorie intake, for patients with overweight– reduce.

Is fiber good or bad?
Supplementing the diet with high-fiber vegetables such as celery, turnips and cabbage, or using appropriate supplements, may improve the effectiveness of dietary therapy.
There is evidence to suggest that the use of diets high in insoluble fiber can reduce postprandial hyperglycemia, as well as reduce the daily dose of insulin. However, despite the large number of clinical studies on this topic, there is practically no reliable data that could confirm that additional introduction of fiber into the diet of patients with diabetes will significantly increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Low carbs - good or bad?
Reducing carbohydrate intake through the use of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets could theoretically reduce insulin requirements and improve treatment effectiveness in patients with diabetes. IN last years numerous clinical researches, which demonstrated the effectiveness of low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets in reducing daily insulin dosage and improving treatment success in diabetic cats. In some of these studies, a “control group” of animals was fed a high-fiber diet (i.e., high level carbohydrates) and various sources of starch (which could influence glycemic index). Of course, the results of these studies indicate the undoubted benefits of using ready-made food for cats, which accurately reproduce the diet of their wild ancestors in nature and can significantly increase the likelihood of remission in patients, especially in those who have severe insulin resistance due to obesity. According to the author's experience, up to 50% of cats with early signs Diabetes mellitus can achieve remission over varying periods of time with the administration of exogenous insulin and a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is especially important in this case to be sure that the diet you are using does not contain high amounts of fat, since there is evidence that high fat content in the diet can reduce the level of insulin secretion and its effectiveness.

Exercise for diabetes
In general, physical exercise can reduce the daily dose of insulin, but physical activity should be constant and stimulating. Because patients with diabetes are usually older and obese due to overfeeding and lack of exercise, excessive exercise is usually not a problem.

Stijn Niessen DVM, PhD, DECVIM, PGCVetEd, MRCVS
Stijen Nissen, doctor veterinary medicine, certified European specialist in internal medicine animals, research fellow at Newcastle Medical School, consultant in endocrinology to the Veterinary Information Network.
Royal Veterinary College, London, UK

Do dogs get diabetes? We are sure that many people, especially those who do not have pets, will answer this question in the negative. But in fact, dogs suffer from diabetes mellitus and, less commonly, diabetes insipidus quite often. These two different diseases have one common symptom: animals suffer from polyuria (increased urination).

The diseases have different etymologies and differ in treatment methods. Both diseases are fraught with serious consequences for the animal’s body, therefore, upon detecting the first symptoms of diabetes in a dog, treatment in a veterinary clinic should begin immediately. These diseases require complex and long-term treatment.

Diabetes

This cannot be cured, but with good care and compliance with all prescriptions and recommendations of the veterinarian, it can be controlled. Your four-legged friend will live happily ever after, and no one except you and the veterinarian will know that the dog is sick. Important role play in this process professional treatment and properly organized nutrition.

Diabetes mellitus in dogs and people has many common features. However, there are a number of differences in the mechanism of development of the disease and its manifestations. Accordingly, the approach to treatment is different. Many medications that are effective in treating diabetes in humans are completely useless for dogs. Most often, the disease develops in animals between the ages of seven and nine years.

Reasons for the development of the disease

In the development of diabetes mellitus in dogs great importance has a hereditary predisposition. Unfortunately, in most cases it is difficult to establish the true cause of the disease. A number of provoking factors leading to hyperglycemia have been identified:

• inflammation of the pancreas;
• usage hormonal drugs;
• the first months after estrus;
• overweight;
• pregnancy.

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs

Most often the disease manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• polydyspepsia (extreme thirst);
• polyuria (frequent and copious urination);
• lucosuria (increased glucose in urine);
• dehydration.

There is so much sugar in the blood that it begins to be excreted from the animal’s body in urine. Along with it, glucose removes a lot of fluid from the body. Lethargy appears and at the same time increased appetite, weakness of the hind limbs, as a result, damage to the nerve fibers. Due to the fact that in dogs with diabetes, pancreatic cells do not process glucose, the body reacts to this with a strong feeling of hunger.

Excess sugar provokes the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and loss of vision. Diabetes in dogs leads to clouding of the lens and obesity or weight loss. The animal’s body uses up muscle energy reserves, and only after that proteins and fats are broken down. The dog eats significantly more food, but usually loses weight rather than gains it. Urine becomes light yellow, almost White color, becomes more liquid, with a specific sweetish-sweet smell.

The listed symptoms of diabetes in dogs can appear together or individually. Obesity in most cases is the result poor nutrition, polyuria - renal failure, deterioration, and sometimes loss of vision can be caused by the age of the animal.

During a clinical examination of the animal in severe cases, the following may be revealed:

• weakening of heart sounds;
• tachycardia;
• heart weakness;
• temperature drop;
• swelling;
• extinction of sexual reflexes;
• hair loss;
• furunculosis,
• eczema;
• hard and dry skin;
• hypotension.

The disease is characterized by a slow progression, often over several years. Diabetes in dogs and cats quite often occurs in a latent form, without clinical symptoms. Despite the large amount of glucose in the animal’s blood, it does not reach the cells. For this reason, the dog almost never feels full, and the animal’s appetite is increased. This does not affect his weight in any way - the dog does not gain weight. On the contrary, she begins to lose weight due to a lack of glycogen. This depletes the body, which burns reserves of proteins and fats.

Diabetes mellitus in a dog causes problems in the functioning of organs and systems. Quite often they are associated with genitourinary system, vision and musculoskeletal system. If you notice that your four-legged friend the lenses of the eyes become cloudy, he has signs of cystitis (frequent urination) or problems with his paws, you must immediately go to veterinary clinic for examination.

Characteristic symptoms of diabetes mellitus in dogs are: impaired gait stability, refusal to eat, the presence of seizures (as a result of dehydration), loss of consciousness. We have described only the most typical symptoms diseases, but they can be different. This depends on the age of the animal, its state of health, and the presence of other chronic diseases. Therefore, in order to put accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a number of studies in clinical settings: take urine and blood tests, take an x-ray, undergo an ultrasound, ECG.

How is the treatment carried out?

After the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in a dog is confirmed, the doctor will first eliminate the lack of insulin in the blood. To do this, your pet will be given an injection medicinal substance. Only a specialist can correctly prescribe the dose of insulin, taking into account the animal’s weight and a number of other characteristics.

Treatment of diabetes in dogs is not limited to regular injections. The comprehensive treatment program should include regular visits to the veterinarian, laboratory research, allowing you to judge the condition of the dog, examinations by a veterinarian. All this will help make sure that your friend is recovering, or promptly detect that the animal’s condition has worsened.

The most dangerous increase in glucose occurs after feeding the dog. In this regard, in order to prevent a dangerous load on the pet’s body, the owner must provide it with proper and balanced nutrition. A special diet will help slow down the flow of glucose into the body. Consult your veterinarian about the diet and what portions should be for a sick dog. Usually, for this disease, medicinal drugs are used. ready-made feed low in calories and required quantity proteins. It is important to prevent the animal from becoming overweight, since excess weight only aggravates the situation.

Possible complications

Long course this disease can lead to critical condition animal - ketoacidosis. Blood oxidation can cause the death of an animal. Diabetic ketoacidosis has very clear and characteristic symptoms:

• lethargy;
• smell of acetone from the mouth;
• rapid breathing;
• refusal of food;
• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• decrease in temperature;
• coma.

An animal in this condition requires intensive therapy using short-acting insulin.

Hypoglycemic drugs for dogs We present to you the most effective and popular drugs recommended by veterinarians:

"Metformin"

The drug makes tissues more sensitive to insulin. Used for sick animals that still have the ability to produce insulin on their own, but due to loss of appetite or vomiting, insulin use is limited.

"Vanadium"

A drug that has properties similar to insulin. It is a high-quality vitamin supplement.

"Acarbose"

A drug that promotes the gradual release of glucose into the intestines. As a result, an even level of sugar is maintained in the blood. The drug has side effects, so its use is justified only in cases where insulin therapy does not cope with hyperglycemia.

Dog food

Complex treatment Diabetes in dogs involves the use of special medicinal foods that contain increased amounts of fats and carbohydrates. Diet foods containing a minimum of calories are also suitable. Today, many manufacturing companies have developed special formulations for dogs with diabetes (Royal Canin Diabetic, Hills W/D Low Fat/Diabet, Farmina Canine Diabetic, Purina Pro Diabetes Management). In these products, manufacturers replaced simple carbohydrates to complex ones (fiber and grain). These foods are available in canned and dry forms.

Diabetes insipidus in dogs: symptoms

Endocrinological disease caused by chronic metabolic disorders. A deficiency of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is formed in the animal's body and the water-salt balance is disturbed as a result. Due to the fact that in renal tubules the process of reabsorption of fluid is disrupted, all of it is excreted in urine, which in connection with this has an extremely low density.

The most characteristic symptom of diabetes insipidus in dogs is excessive and frequent urination, which is why the disease has another name: diabetes. If fluid losses are not fully compensated, dehydration occurs - a dangerous condition that threatens the dog's life. To prevent such a situation, you should know what causes the disease, what symptoms are typical for it, and how this disease is treated.

Types of diseases and their causes

Diabetes insipidus in dogs is divided into several types, which are characterized by relative or absolute deficiency of ADH

• Central diabetes insipidus

The causes of this type of disease include: a violation of the release of the hormone ADH into the bloodstream, pathologies of the hypothalamus, which lead to disturbances in the secretion of the hormone ADH. Central form The disease, in turn, is divided into idiopathic and symptomatic.

Most often, the idiopathic type is of hereditary origin and is characterized by a congenital disorder of ADH synthesis. The reason that causes this form of the disease may be an innate autoimmune reaction to the cells of the hypothalamus that produce ADH.

• Symptomatic diabetes

It may be a consequence of another disease that leads to disturbances in those parts of the brain that are responsible for the synthesis of ADH. In addition, the disease can be congenital (mutation of the gene responsible for the synthesis of ADH) or acquired after traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, canine distemper, or encephalitis.

Violation of the production of ADH, which regulates water-salt metabolism, leads to an imbalance in the body. The kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, which leads to increased secretion, extreme thirst and dehydration.

Renal diabetes insipidus

With this type of disease, the perception of the hormone by the receptors of the kidney tubules is disrupted, which should be activated under the influence of the hormone ADH and reuptake the fluid that enters the kidneys (reabsorption). But due to the anatomical inferiority of the nephrons, acquired or congenital insensitivity of the receptors, this function is impaired.

Diagnosis of the disease

The primary diagnosis is made to the animal after receiving the results of all laboratory tests of urine and blood: a urine test indicates the presence of pathology, records its low density, the presence of hypokalemia and hypercalcemia.

A biochemical blood test allows you to differentiate diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus, as well as identify the amount of ADH in the blood.

The cause of diabetes insipidus is identified by instrumental methods: the condition of the kidneys is studied using ultrasound or radiography with a contrast agent; Pathologies of the pituitary gland are detected using computer or magnetic resonance imaging.

Additional, clarifying diagnostics involves the use of a special test. During a 12-hour fast (dry fast), the dog is weighed several times and the composition and amount of urine excreted is determined. If over time the animal’s weight decreases significantly with low urine concentrations, experts conclude that there is a pathology.

How is diabetes insipidus treated?

It is extremely difficult for such diabetes to be completely cured even by an experienced and qualified veterinarian, so there can be no question of self-treatment of diabetes insipidus in dogs at home. The purpose of all medical activities is aimed at:

• restoring sensitivity to vasopressin to the dog’s body or replenishing its deficiency artificially;
• ridding the animal of problems with heart failure and taking possible preventive measures;
• adjust the ionic composition of the blood.

The choice of medications for the treatment of diabetes insipidus depends on the cause of the disease, which the symptoms of diabetes in dogs will not always reveal. If the disease is caused by problems in the functioning of the brain, a synthetic analogue of the hormone missing in the body is used. If diabetes insipidus is caused by kidney problems, it is treated with pituitrin. This treatment is dangerous when treating pregnant dogs.

Forecast

Veterinarians give a very cautious prognosis for the outcome of this disease. Without medical care A dog with diabetes insipidus is doomed to a fairly quick death. This comes from dehydration. Hormone replacement therapy started in a timely manner will help stop the manifestations of the disease and give the animal several years of normal, full life.

Veterinarians believe that a complete recovery is possible, but only if the pathologies that caused diabetes insipidus can be completely cured.

Sick animals should be provided with lifelong careful care and constant monitoring of the pet's health.

How to feed your pet correctly

If you have diabetes, feeding your dog natural foods is based on those that contain a lot of protein and little sugar. Sweet and fried foods, baked goods and canned food, fatty foods - all this should disappear from your pet’s diet. Such products can also harm healthy animals, but for diabetic dogs such food is fraught with mortal danger.

We talked about the choice of ready-made food at the beginning of this article. It is better not to buy all kinds of delicacies in the store. The fact is that industrially prepared foods tend to contain a lot of fat and sugar. As a reward, give your pet food that is high in protein and fiber. For example, cubes of zucchini or chicken.

Foods prohibited for diabetic dogs include:

• grapes and raisins;
• canned food;
• wheat and corn flour;
• fat meat;
• White rice;
• garlic;
• chocolate;
• baked pet treats;
• sweeteners.

Diabetes is a serious disease that is difficult to treat. In order to alleviate the condition of his pet, the owner must strictly follow all the recommendations and advice of the veterinarian. If you find at least one sign of diabetes in dogs, do not waste time, show your pet to the veterinarian. The specialist will prescribe a course of treatment in accordance with the age and general condition of the animal, and give recommendations on feeding and caring for the dog. There are many subtleties that should be taken into account if an animal is diagnosed with diabetes. For example, you should always have a supply of insulin at home and when traveling. However, you should know that you can store an open package of the drug for no longer than two months. Do not ignore regular visits to the clinic so that a specialist can observe the dynamics of the disease. And, of course, give up even the thought of self-medication - diabetes does not tolerate experiments.

Many diseases are not divided into “canine” and “human”, affecting both with equal success. Hormonal disruptions and disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system are inherent in animals, as well as in humans. Diabetes mellitus is a dangerous pathology that, without treatment, leads to serious health problems and even the death of a pet.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus develops as a result of a lack of insulin, without which the absorption of glucose by the body's cells is impossible. Sugar is extremely important for life. As glucose breaks down, it is absorbed by the intestines and enters the blood supply, from where it is carried to every cell. But sugar cannot be absorbed without a special signal from the brain. The conductor of this signal is insulin; its production occurs in the pancreas.

Thus, the provocateur of the development of pathology can be one of two reasons:

• Insulin deficiency due to pancreatic insufficiency. Its amount is so small that cells do not recognize and do not accept this essential substance.
• Atrophy of cellular nerve endings. The signal for glucose processing simply does not reach the “place”.

The result of such failures is cellular starvation; a healthy body quickly deals with glucose and puts a greater burden on the kidneys. They begin to remove excess sugar through urine. The second link in the pathological chain is dehydration - sugar combines with water and is removed from the body, which reduces blood volumes.

Symptoms worsen as the disease progresses:

• Sugar levels in urine and blood are elevated (detected by clinical studies).
• The dog is thirsty all the time, drinks a lot and urinates often.
• Weight is lost. Without sufficient quantity glucose cells die from “hunger”.
• Unhealthy relationship with food. With a general loss of body weight, the pet eats a lot. This does not increase weight; proteins in the muscles are broken down against the background of sugar starvation of the cells. To survive, the body “devours” itself.
• Formation of ketoacidosis. This is the most difficult stage when the body no longer has time to get rid of toxic decay elements and provokes the formation of acetone. Oxidized blood burns blood vessels and when exhaling, an acetone aroma is felt.
• Temperature change. A sick animal's ears and limbs are cold and the mucous membranes are bluish. If you lift your eyelid. Can see spider veins from burst capillaries.

At-risk groups:

Diabetes, according to statistics from practical veterinary medicine, can affect dogs of any breed, including mixed breeds and mixed breeds. Doctors identify several risk groups based on age, breed and other factors:

• Genetic predisposition in Cairn Terrier, Keeshond, etc.
• Bitches get sick 2 times more often than males.
• The critical age is 5-15 years, but with heredity it can develop earlier.
• Not sterilized, not giving birth, having false pregnancy the female is in the most serious risk group.

Causes of diabetes in dogs

Most often, it is impossible to identify the factors that provoke diabetes. But there are conditions in which the risk of developing the disease increases significantly:

• Autoimmune disorders.
• Genetics.
• Weight is above normal.
• Taking hormones.
• Hormonal imbalances.
• Pancreatitis.
• State of pregnancy.
• 4-8 weeks after .

Increased sugar affects all life support systems, but especially affects the eyes (development of diabetic cataracts), hind limbs(weakness, lack of coordination), genitourinary area (cystitis).

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs

The following signs should alert the owner:

• Lethargic state, reluctance to play, walk, desire to lie down.
• High appetite (feeling of constant hunger).
• Thirst.
• Increased urination (change in urine color to very light).
• A sharp jump (fall) in weight.
• Deterioration of the condition of the skin and hair.
• Cloudiness of the lens (symptoms of cataracts).
• Numbness (when walking, the pet may begin to limp for no reason).
• Smell of acetone when exhaling.
• Decreased sexual activity.
• Long-term healing of minor wounds.

Not all of listed conditions must be mandatory for a dog with diabetes. In addition, some signs also occur in other pathologies, so it is important to diagnose and confirm/refute suspicions.

Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes

To make a diagnosis, a diagnostic series is prescribed:

• Donating blood for inflammation.
• Blood biochemistry for glucose and hidden pathologies.
• Urine test for glucose.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
• Acetone and hormonal tests.
• Radiography.

Tactics drug therapy is developed taking into account the condition of the animal. IN critical situation The four-legged patient is placed under inpatient observation to monitor sugar levels, administer daily infusions and determine the required dose of insulin.

If the condition is satisfactory, the dog is put under control and treatment is prescribed in the form of insulin injections and special diet. Diabetes is a chronic disease; when diagnosed, the owner bears full responsibility for the pet’s condition.

For the rest of your four-legged friend’s life, you will need to follow the veterinarian’s instructions:

• Inject insulin daily.
• Strictly observe the selection of products and feeding times.
• Control the degree of physical activity.
• Keep a diary of observations (amount of food and water, time of intake, weight, insulin dosage).
• Treat identified accompanying illnesses strictly as prescribed by the doctor.

What to feed a diabetic dog?

It is necessary to feed a pet with diabetes so that insulin enters the bloodstream from food slowly but regularly. To do this, select a diet enriched with dietary fiber and protein, but low in calories. Ideally, there is special food for sick animals. Balanced composition allows you to maintain daily norm glucose level, and the dosage of food is selected by the doctor. The dog should not gain weight (remain in a state of normal thinness) so as not to provoke a sharp development of the disease.

The meal schedule depends entirely on the insulin medication and has several options:

• Food intake depending on the nature of drug elimination (fast, slow, medium).
• Fractional meals - frequent but small portions.
• Free access to food at any time.
• Insulin injection immediately before/after meals.

Any sweets, yeast products, high-carbohydrate vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beets), dairy products with a high percentage of fat, fatty meat and fish products and broths are excluded.

With a diet of natural products you can:

• Lean meats and poultry. Fish, offal.
• Broths.
• Cabbage, zucchini.
• Low percentage fermented milk products.
• Small portions of cereals (buckwheat, barley).

Preventing diabetes in dogs

The well-known truth: “It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it later” is more relevant in this case than ever. Of course, no one will give a 100% guarantee against the disease, but you can significantly reduce the risks of its occurrence by taking some actions:

• Spay the bitch in a timely manner.
• Provide a balanced diet.
• Maintain physical activity with sufficient walks and outdoor games.
• Control weight gain.
• Treat any health problems in a timely manner.

How long a pet diagnosed with diabetes will live depends on proper nutrition and selected therapy. The most important rule– a gradual and constant flow of glucose into the blood, and only a person can ensure this.