Most often, Final Stages of Dog Diabetes is identified as Diabetes Mellitus, and happens because your dog’s pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Dog diabetes is similar to human diabetes in some ways, and different in others.
If you want to make a comparison, you’ll find that canine diabetes is somewhat like Type I diabetes in humans.
Canine Diabetes Mellitus is usually not seen in younger dogs (those less than 4 or 5 years old), and symptoms most often become noticeable in dogs who are considered to be middle-aged or older.
It’s also more common in female dogs than in males, and unspayed females are more at risk than spayed females.
As with many diseases, some purebred dogs seem to have a predisposition to developing Diabetes during their lifetime.
Final Stages of Dog Diabetes – Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs, sometimes shortened to DKA (Final Stages of Dog Diabetes), is a deadly medical emergency that happens when there is not enough insulin in the body to regulate levels of blood sugar known as glucose. It is a complication of diabetes mellitus that requires immediate medical treatment before it becomes fatal.
When insulin levels drop, the body can’t use glucose properly, so glucose builds up in the blood while the liver produces ketone bodies to act as an emergency fuel source. When ketone bodies break down, they cause the body’s pH balance to shift and become more acidic. Dogs can’t maintain their fluid and electrolyte balance, which results in deadly symptoms.
If your dog shows signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, especially if they have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is important that you see an emergency veterinarian right away for treatment.
Here is what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs.
Final Stages of Dog Diabetes – Symptoms Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs
Sometimes dogs that suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis only show mild symptoms, but the majority of affected animals get very sick within a week of the start of the illness.
The symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis can resemble the warning signs of a diabetic condition, which also requires medical attention. The difference is that diabetic ketoacidosis is the body’s final effort at survival before succumbing to diabetes.
Here are several symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs:
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Sweet breath
- Sudden weight loss
- Muscle loss
- Loss of appetite
- Unhealthy, rough coat
- Rapid breathing
- Sudden impaired vision
Final Stages of Dog Diabetes – Causes Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs
The main cause of diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs is ultimately insulin dependency because of diabetes mellitus, but there are a few underlying factors that can influence the development of ketoacidosis.
If a dog suffers from diabetes, whether a vet diagnosed it or not, the following factors may cause them to suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis (Final Stages of Dog Diabetes).
- Stress horomones
- Skin infections
- Respiratory infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Addison’s disease
Female dogs, especially dogs that are not spayed, are more likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Older dogs are also more at risk.
Final Stages of Dog Diabetes – Strydom Conglomerate Web Articles – Treatments For Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs
The earlier treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs begins, the better. However, because symptoms develop so quickly, they are often severe and life-threatening by the time a veterinarian can begin treatment.
Typically, treatment begins by addressing symptoms such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. These are treated with intravenous fluids and supplements of phosphate and potassium.
Next, the veterinarian will work on restoring appropriate levels of insulin, which depends on the severity of the condition and may require some trial and error.
In more mild cases of Final Stages of Dog Diabetes, dogs are treated with injections of insulin to restore glucose levels, which can take a few days, but the prognosis is generally good. In severe cases, dogs may need to be hospitalized for five or six days and given aggressive treatment.
Blood glucose will me monitored and checked every few hours, and vets will watch for signs of other complications. Antibiotics, diuretics, and catheters may be used to fight infection and restore normal urination. Any underlying disease or causes for diabetic ketoacidosis will also be addressed and treated.
During recovery, vets may prescribe a low-fat diet with plenty of fiber and complex carbohydrates. It is important to note that up to 70 percent of dogs that suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis (Final Stages of Dog Diabetes) will have recurrences, so always watch for the symptoms and keep up with follow-up vet visits to monitor the condition.
Dog breeds who have an above-average chance of developing canine diabetes include (but may not be limited to):
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Cairn Terrier
- Chow Chow
- Finnish Spitz
- Fox Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Miniature Pinscher
- Old English Sheepdog
- Springer Spaniel
- West Highland Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Mixed breed dogs may be less likely to become diabetic, but they are not immune to developing the disease.
Final Stages of Dog Diabetes is not very common, but it is on the rise (as it is in humans).
Although there are no firm stats on the incidence of diabetes in dogs, estimates range from between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 dogs being affected (at max that is 1% of all dogs).
However, studies show that over the past five years, there has been an increase of over 30% in the number of dogs being diagnosed with diabetes.
Fortunately diabetes is a very treatable condition and diabetic dogs can still live happy, active lives with the right veterinary care.
Preventing Diabetes in Dogs
There is no way to guarantee that your dog won’t develop canine diabetes in later life.
Genetics can be an invisible trigger, and there are still some unknowns and uncertainties surrounding the disease
But the good news is that there are some simple things you can do that will help minimize the risks for your dog, these include:
Feeding a premium dog food, portion control, and regular mealtimes are all part of maintaining a healthy weight for your senior dog.
A low fat, high fiber diet is what you should be aiming for. Check out this page for more help with choosing the best food for dogs with health problems, including Diabetes.
Although a few treats aren’t going to pack on the pounds, it’s important to monitor how many treats and goodies your dog gets… and even more important to make sure that they are suitable for diabetic dogs.
Choosing diabetic dog treats isn’t a challenge when you know what your options are!
Have a regular exercise routine
Getting a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis is good for dogs of all ages and can help prevent many canine health problems including diabetes.
Combined with an appropriate and healthy diet, exercise will also help to keep your dog at the correct weight.
Daily walks, back-yard play-times, even training sessions can all play a role in increasing your senior dogs activity level.
Check out this page to learn more about exercising older dogs safely and effectively.
Spay your dog
Statistics show that spayed female dogs are less likely to develop Diabetes than un-spayed females.
Avoid long-term steroid use if possible
Research indicates that long-term use of steroid drugs can cause auto-immune problems or other side effects which may lead to the development of diabetes.
Some health conditions require the use of steroid medications, and in that situation obviously be guided by your veterinarian’s advice.
But, limit the length of time your dog has to use these as much as possible.