The Canine Diabetes/Cataracts Connection

There is a clear link between canine diabetes and cataracts. Canine diabetes develops when the dog’s body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin to metabolize sugar. If diabetes is not diagnosed and treated in time, the dog develops several health conditions including cataract. Some of these conditions may be difficult to cure. It’s thus important to make note of any symptoms of diabetes and seek immediate medical help.

Symptoms of Canine Diabetes

How Cataracts Develop in Diabetic Pets

The lens of the eye contains a certain balance of protein and water which helps the eye remain clear. Diabetic dogs have increased amounts of sugar in the body. Due to this, the glucose that’s present in the eyeball is absorbed by the lens of the eye. The moment this happens, the lens begins to accumulate more water in order to maintain the protein/water balance, and this gives rise to cloudiness of the eyes and cataract.

If the sugar level in the pet’s body isn’t monitored, it could eventually lead to loss of vision. Diabetes in dogs is often diagnosed when pet owners bring their pets for a vet check because the dog shows signs of cloudy eyes. Since diabetes directly affects your pet’s eyes, you need to initiate treatment promptly, to avoid complications in the future.

Cataract Treatment

Dogs suffering from cataracts require surgical intervention. If you choose to not operate your pet, your dog will stand a chance of becoming blind. Although the surgery is expensive, you need to make sure that you work with your vet to determine the best treatment option for your dog. Several pet owners look for alternative treatment options and natural remedies that cure eye problems. Bilberry is one such natural ingredient that’s known for its curative properties. You should also supplement your pet’s diet with foods that are rich in antioxidants. Apart from treating the cataract, you will also have to treat your pet for the underlying diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

While diabetes in the early stage can be easily controlled with dietary modification and medication, pets suffering from severe diabetes require insulin injections on a daily basis. The two types of insulin shots that are commercially available include long acting insulin and short acting insulin. The dosage depends on each pet’s response to insulin and the severity of diabetes present. Pet owners have to put in a lot of time and effort to keep diabetic pets healthy. The blood sugar level will have to be monitored routinely and any sudden elevation or drop in sugar level will have to be carefully controlled. Insulin also has to be administered according to vet instructions and stored in an appropriate manner.

If your pet is suffering from diabetes, you need to make sure that you administer prescribed medication on time. Although high protein, high fiber and low fat diets are ideal, there are several commercially available diet foods that are recommended for dogs suffering from diabetes. You should purchase a glucose meter to monitor your dog’s blood sugar level at home and also conduct periodic vet checks to help your dog live a healthy and happy life.

 

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