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There are three types of canine diabetes. They include mellitus, insipidus, and gestational. The most common form is diabetes mellitus. Let's take a look at these three forms of dog diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus
Canine diabetes mellitus is a condition in which your dog's body is either insensitive to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. Insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating glucose. Symptoms of canine diabetes mellitus include increased urination and thirst, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
The main treatment for this form is a daily or twice a day injection of insulin. You will also need to change your dog's diet. A diet that is high in protein and fiber is usually best. Your dog will also need less carbohydrates and fats. It is also important that a dog with diabetes mellitus gets plenty of exercise.
Diabetes Insipidus
Canine diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by your dog's inability to retain water. This rare disease comes in two forms, namely central and nephrogenic. The central form occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough of the anti-diuretic hormone called vasopressine. Central canine diabetes insipidus can be caused by congenital defect or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It can be treated with desmopressin in the form of nose drops, eye drops, or injections.
The nephrogenic form of diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidneys are insensitive to vasopressine secreted by the pituitary gland. This condition can be caused by medications, kidney disease, kidney trauma, or congenital defect. It's usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.
Gestational
The last form of canine diabetes is the gestational variety which only occurs during pregnancy. This condition occurs when the female dog's body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use the produced insulin properly. Dogs with this form of canine diabetes display the same symptoms as dogs with diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes can be treat with a proper diet, exercise, and insulin injections. The condition usually goes away after she has given birth to her litter.
As your dog gets older, his risk for developing serious health conditions increases dramatically. As a responsible owner, you may want to learn about some of the common dog illnesses that can affect your dog. So stop by today to read all about conditions such as canine pancreatitis .
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