A Guide to Complications of Canine Diabetes
Be Aware of These Five Problems Often Seen in Diabetic Dogs
May 31, 2009
Anyone who has a pet with canine diabetes must be aware of the complications that can occur in a diabetic dog. Although diabetes in canines is a very complex subject, it's important for owners of afflicted animals to learn as much as they can about this disease. Being alert to conditions as they develop can prevent problems from becoming more serious.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis In Dogs
All dog owners need to know the symptoms of ketoacidosis in diabetic canines. It can develop in as little time as a week, so it's important for pet owners be alert to any of these symptoms:
- Weight loss, accompanied by ravenous appetite
- Sudden blindness
- Weakness and lethargy
- Drinking an excessive amount of water
- Urinating frequently
- Dyhydration and vomiting
- Breath smells like nail polish remover due to high ketone levels
This is a veterinary emergency that often requires immediate and aggressive treatment if the dog is to survive. Most dogs do recover with the proper care.
Cataracts in Dogs are Very Common
An unfortunate fact of life for many diabetic canines is that they will develop cataracts and go blind within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes in dogs. High blood sugar levels cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and opaque, which leads to vision loss.
Dog owners often struggle with the idea of their pets losing their vision, but actually blind dogs get around very well, and can live long and happy lives. Cataract surgery is becoming more common in dogs. Most pets who undergo the surgery do regain their vision.
Uveitis And Glaucoma are Complications of Cataracts
Sometimes when a cataract develops, it leaks protein into the eyeball. This causes severe inflammation, called uveitis. This needs to be treated right away, as it can progress into glaucoma, or cause a detached retina. Vision loss is usually permanent if these conditions develop.
If a pet develops uveitis, cataract surgery is no longer an option, since there is a much higher chance of complications developing as a result of the surgery.
Diabetic Neuropathy in Dogs
High levels of blood glucose cause nerve damage that results in weakness in the back legs. This problem is seen more often in diabetic cats, but it does happen in dogs as well. Owners sometimes mistake this condition as a sign of old age, but it may actually be the first symptom of a diabetic canine.
This problem often reverses itself when blood sugar levels are brought under control.
Lowered Resistance to Infection
It's common for a diabetic dog to have recurring infections. High blood sugar levels create an inviting environment for bacterial growth. More bacteria cause higher blood glucose levels, so it can become a vicious cycle. Dogs with diabetes should be watched closely for evidence of infections, including skin conditions, prostrate infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia, among others.
Diabetes in canines can be a challenging condition. It's up to the pet owner to be alert for any of these common complications of canine diabetes so that the pet can be taken to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
References
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Dogs
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