NewsPet diabetes on the rise?
There are thought to be over one million people in the UK who are diabetic
but are simply unaware they have the condition. Proportionally, there could
be a similar number of undiagnosed diabetic pets out there too.
Dogs and cats do suffer from diabetes mellitus (‘sugar diabetes’) in the
same way people do. It is thought that approximately 1 in 300 dogs and cats
have diabetes – making it the most common hormonal disease in dogs and
second most common in cats. Like other diseases, early diagnosis and
treatment is beneficial so it is important to look out for signs of diabetes
in your pet. An increase in their drinking is usually the first sign seen
(although this can be hard to spot in outdoor cats). Other signs to watch
out for include weight loss despite a hearty appetite, increased urination
and lethargy. Whilst older animals, overweight animals and certain breeds of
cats and dogs are more predisposed to the condition, any pet can be at risk
of developing diabetes.
Not all diabetic pets show all these signs however, so if you’re worried
that your pet may have the condition, please let us know. A simple urine or
blood test is usually all that is required to confirm if your pet has the
condition. If your pet does, we can treat this disease successfully with
insulin.
If you’d like further information on diabetes or would like you pet checked
for the condition, please contact us at the practice.
|
