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Diabetes mellitus is an inability to regulate blood glucose caused by a loss of insulin production (Type I) or inadequate insulin supply or resistance (Type II). In cats, diabetes mellitus is most often type II. This type of diabetes usually results from obesity, creating insulin resistance. Cats with type II may be treated with oral medication, but some cats may ultimately require insulin injections. Diet is also important. This article discusses various treatments and monitoring regimens.
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Diabetes mellitus is an inability to regulate blood glucose caused by a loss of insulin production (Type I) or inadequate insulin supply or resistance (Type II). Dogs need insulin injections to manage diabetes. Sometimes special diets may help manage the disease. Response to insulin needs to be monitored to ensure adequate dosing and to avoid hypoglycemia caused by insulin overdose. Blood glucose curves are most commonly used for this including: in-clinic blood glucose curves, home glucose curves with hand-held glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Urine glucose testing and fructosamine testing may also be used to manage the disease. Hypoglycemia is the consequence of administering too much insulin compared to the amount of food ingested. Signs can range from lethargy to seizures and coma. It can be managed acutely with administration of sugar syrup to the gums but more severely affected dogs will need IV dextrose solutions.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin, or the available insulin isn’t effective enough to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. Your veterinarian needs to perform appropriate tests to diagnose this disease, as similar signs can occur with other medical conditions. Treatment involves hospitalization with IV fluids, short-acting insulin and electrolyte replacement. The most important step in prevention is ensuring careful insulin dosing and disease monitoring.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is important for your veterinarian to perform appropriate tests in order to diagnose this disease as similar signs can occur with other medical conditions. Treatment involves hospitalization with IV fluids, short acting insulin and electrolyte replacement. The most important step in prevention is ensuring proper insulin dosing is being administered.
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Diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying problem that may be minor or very serious. Some cases may resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, while other cases require in-depth diagnostic testing and more aggressive treatment to address the underlying condition. The possible causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment protocols for diarrhea in dogs are numerous and are explained in this handout.
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If your dog is having diarrhea, please complete this questionnaire as accurately as possible before your appointment. This information will be very helpful to your veterinarian in determining the cause of diarrhea.
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Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious and often fatal condition in medium to larger breed dogs. Signs may be sudden or progressive in onset. Some signs include rapid breathing, increased effort with breathing, restless sleeping, coughing, or gagging, among others. Early and proper diagnosis is key, followed by treatment to give the best quality of life.
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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune condition that causes skin sloughing particularly around the nose causing scabbing and erosions that can become infected with bacteria. It can also affect the ear flaps, genitals and rarely spread through the entire body. DLE is diagnosed by submitting skin biopsies of affected areas for histopathological analysis. As well as antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, treatment involves suppression of the immune system including tacrolimus or steroid ointments/creams applied to the affected area. Some dogs will need tetracycline and niacinamide or stronger anti-inflammatories such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids. These treatments can be weaned once lesions resolve but flare-ups will likely occur, needing rechecks and repeat therapy. Sun exposure must be minimized as UV light can worsen the disease. If untreated, lesions can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
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Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disks and the adjacent vertebral bones. It primarily affects dogs, though rarely can affect cats. It affects large breed dogs more often and generally starts clinically as back pain. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are outlined in this handout.
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Common conditions of pet ferrets include diarrhea, intestinal foreign bodies, parasites, heart disease, and various tumors. This handout outlines the causes, clinical signs, and treatment options for each of these conditions. Any variation from normal should be a cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.