Pets: Living with diabetes

Published on Saturday 6 December 2008 10:02

MANY pet owners are oblivious to the fact that our canine and feline friends can, like humans, suffer from diabetes.

If left untreated the disease can be a killer but with the appropriate veterinary care, cat and dog sufferers alike can lead a happy and healthy life.

Senior veterinary surgeon at the Capital's PDSA, Stuart McMorrow, explains: "Lots of pet owners are diabetics themselves so they recognise if their dog or cat has diabetes.

"However, lots of people just don't have a clue."

Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body is unable to control sugar (glucose) levels in the bloodstream.

This often causes a pet to drink, eat and urinate more than usual.

If left untreated it can cause our four-legged friends to lose weight, vomit, become weak and lethargic, or even go blind – and in extreme cases, die.

Diagnosis is confirmed by taking a urine sample and, in some cases, a blood sample to check the level of glucose in the blood.

Stuart says: "It's a really common disease and it's a really expensive disease to treat because of all the tests and monitoring.

"A complicated case can cost up to a grand to treat."

Diabetic pets must regularly visit the vet for check-ups.

They often require insulin injections, usually into the scruff of the neck, to control the disease.

Stuart adds: "Injections are usually twice a day, 12 hours apart, and that's for life.

"The owners have to inject the insulin and we need to make sure that they're doing that safely."

In very mild cases of cat diabetes, tablets alone can be used to control blood glucose levels but usually injections will be required.

A diabetic pet's diet must be carefully controlled and monitored.

Commercial foods specially formulated for diabetic pets, providing them with essential nutrients, are available to buy from veterinary practices.

"They should be on these diets if their owners can afford it," says Stuart.

"The main thing is not giving them high carbohydrate foods.

"With some cats, the special diet itself can control the disease in mild cases." In addition, extra treats should be avoided unless approved by a vet.

Diabetic pets should also undertake regular exercise every day.

Stuart says: "Exercise is important but it needs to be a routine. You shouldn't be taking them a wee walk round the block one day and the next day up the Pentlands.

"They should do a standard thing every day as much as possible – the same amount of drinking, eating, exercise and insulin.

"Everything has to stay as regular as possible."

Female dogs with diabetes will also require to be spayed.

Stuart explains: "Every time they go into heat it just destabilises the glucose levels so they have to be spayed."

He adds: "Often diabetic pets will get problems like humans do, although they don't tend to get diabetic ulcers.

"They're prone to getting bladder infections and cystitis because of poor glucose levels in their urine, and cataracts.

"If the pet is not stabilised properly then they will very likely get cataracts.

"Cataracts are something that can be surgically removed but it's pretty expensive, costing around a grand per eye.

"If the diabetes is not treated it can be life-threatening but if it's monitored the pet can live for years and years.

"They probably do live a little bit shorter but the quality of life is the main thing.

"Owners have to be aware that it's a lifestyle change for their animal."

PETS Q&A

Q My hamster Louie is sleeping a lot and falls over to the side when he walks. He isn't eating much and his eyes are not open as much as they used to be. I read the falling over could be due to a stroke.

A You should take Louie to be examined by your vet as there are a few conditions that could cause signs like these.

One is an infection of the middle ear. This can cause the head to be tilted and uncoordinated movement.

Other possibilities could be conditions that affect the brain, such as a stroke, which you mention, or a tumour.

Q My cat has started to cough quite frequently. It gets worse when the weather is changeable. He also goes into a coughing frenzy when overexcited.

A Possible causes of coughing in cats include a foreign body trapped in the throat, lungworms, allergies, an infection or feline asthma.

You should therefore get your cat checked by your vet, who will be able to do a full examination. Your vet might suggest further tests, such as x-rays of the chest, to help make the diagnosis.

CAN YOU OFFER US A HOME?

THIS week as a special feature we are highlighting three pets at Lothian animal centres looking for owners. Tom and Billie-Jo are at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, while Sandy is at the Dogs Trust in West Calder.

TOM

Tom is an older dog who is looking for a quiet home without children. Tom would make an ideal companion for an older person or a couple.

BILLIE-JO

Billie-Jo is a beautiful white short–haired female cat. She is around three years old and is looking for a quiet home where she can relax. She gets on well with adults but would prefer a home with no dogs or children.

&#149 If you are interested in either Billie-Jo or Tom, contact The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home direct on 0131-669 5331

SANDY

Sandy is a three year old Labrador cross who

is very friendly and loves the company of people. He loves to be given affection and to play games.

Sandy wants company all day and will howl if left alone.

Sandy is house-trained, very well behaved and good with other dogs. He is vaccinated, neutered and microchipped.

&#149 If you can offer this wonderful dog a home, please contact Dogs Trust West Calder direct on 01506-873459.