Diabetes is a disruption of the sugar metabolism caused by the inability of the organism to produce insulin or to employ it effectively. It regards a chronic disease which requires an active aftercare during the remainder of the animal´s life. There are several types of diabetes. Not all types necessarily require medical treatment.
Symptoms which should alarm the owner
- The animal drinks and urinates more often.
- In an advanced stage of the disease the animal suffers from weight loss, even when it eats a lot.
Additional tests to confirm the diagnose
- Comparing the animal´s actual weight with its standard weight.
- Measuring the glucose in the blood (increased blood sugar levels).
- Measuring the glucose in the urine (glucosuria).
Advice for the owner
- Do not feed sugar or sweet treats to your pet.
- Assure that fresh drinking water is constantly available.
- In case of dogs, feed two times a day at fixed intervals.
- In case of cats, the daily ration can be split up during the day.
ATTENTION!
Without a special diet, obesity may lead to diabetes.
Recuperating the ideal weight can improve the animal´s clinical condition considerably.
Diabetes is a serious disease which can be treated with subcutaneous insulin injections.