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Identifying Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Dogs > Infections / Disease > Identifying Canine Diabetes Mellitus

also see Canine Diabetes

also see Feline Diabetes

also see Canine Diabetes Insipidus

also see Diabetes Mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus is a disease caused by lack of insulin production in the dog's pancreas. This creates an inability to properly metabolize food, increasing the body's blood sugar. Through diagnosis and subsequent treatment, complications can be avoided and the dog can lead a healthy life.

Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

The most common symptoms in identifying canine diabetes mellitus are:

excessive thirst
increased urination

Because the dog's body is unable to absorb the nutrients it's eating, these two symptoms are often accompanied by:

weight loss
increased appetite

Danger of Diabetes Mellitus

If left unchecked, elevated blood sugars can cause:

cataracts
kidney disease
neuropathy
as well as impacting other critical organs in the body.

Diagnosis and Treatment

To confirm the diagnosis, a fasting blood glucose test is run. If results of the test are over 200 mg/dl, other blood work is run to determine if other body organs and systems have been impacted by the elevated blood sugar. Once results are analyzed, appropriate medication, diet and exercise can be prescribed.

Because of its potential impact on the rest of the dog's body, it is important to identify canine diabetes mellitus as quickly as possible and get it under control. It is only through controlling this disease that the complications can be minimized and the dog can enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

also see Canine Diabetic Treatments Beyond Insulin

also see Canine Diabetes: Diet Management Tips

also see Diabetes in Dogs

also see Diabetes mellitus