Your dog’s been acting strangely for a while now. He’s drinking a lot and needs to urinate frequently. He’s lost some weight and he’s acting tired and out of sorts. His coat’s lost it’s luster and he’s vomited more than once in the last few days.
You’ve taken him to the vet and the doctor wants him tested for diabetes. To do so he’ll need to draw blood and get a urine sample. When dogs (or people) develop diabetes they have an abnormally high level of glucose (sugar) in their blood stream. Your dog’s blood and urine will also be tested for ketones and a creatinine level. All of these things will help confirm the suspicion of diabetes.
If these tests come back abnormal the vet will need to keep your pet for a few days. His glucose levels will need to be drawn every few hours. He may also need IV fluids if he is dehydrated, a very common side effect of untreated diabetes.
If his glucose levels remain elevated he will need to be started on insulin. At this point the vet will talk to you about beginning treatment and it will be up to you and your vet as to what course of action you wish to follow.
Diabetes is a life-long disease in canines and will require a significant commitment from you. While there are oral medications for human diabetics there are none for animals. Your dog will need insulin shots at least once or twice a day. He will need his sugar levels checked several times daily. Your vet will decide how often.
If you decide to begin treatment your dog will spend a few more days at the vet’s getting his insulin treatment regulated. Once this happens he will be sent home. If he is overweight you will be given a strict weight-loss diet plan to follow. There are some dogs who, after losing a significant amount of weight, are eventually able to come off their insulin. Your doctor will educate you on the storage, usage and administration of insulin. You’ll be given a glucose meter and taught how to check your dog’s sugar levels.
Your vet will teach you how to handle any problems which may arise such as hypoglycemia (when the blood sugar falls too low) and what to do in case of emergencies. A good relationship with him is essential.
The prospect seems daunting but there are millions of owners across the world who have successfully raised animals with diabetes. While complications can occur you need to be aware that they do not always happen and most well-cared for animals with diabetes are capable of living long, happy and productive lives.