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Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are two different types of diabetes in dogs and both can be serious if left untreated.
Diabetes insipidus is also known as “water diabetes” and is the more rare form. It affects water metabolism and prevents the body from retaining water, leading to increased urination and dilute, almost clear urine.
It is not related to canine diabetes mellitus, otherwise known as “sugar diabetes.” Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas that affects the body’s ability to convert food into fuel.
Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatments for diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus.
Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
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Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus in dogs
Diabetes insipidus comes in two forms in canines, and both are related to the pituitary gland and result in similar symptoms.
Central diabetes insipidus occurs when the pituitary gland does not release enough of a hormone called vassopressin, an antidiuretic. Birth defects, head injuries, or tumors can cause central diabetes insipidus.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is the other form. It happens when the kidneys fail to respond to the vassopressin that the pituitary gland produces. Birth defects, drug exposure, metabolic disorders, or kidney failure can cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Both types result in the following symptoms in dogs:
- Excessive urination
- Excessive drinking and thirst
- weight loss
- Less urination due to dehydration
- Poor coat health
- Accidents at home
Causes and Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
diabetes mellitus is a pancreatic disease that also occurs in two forms in canines.
Insulin deficiency diabetes mellitus is when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that tells the body’s cells to take glucose, a type of sugar, from the bloodstream to use as fuel.
Insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus occurs when the body makes enough insulin, but the cells don’t respond well to it and don’t take up glucose.
Obesity, pancreatitis, steroids, other health problems and genetics may all play a role in causing both types of diabetes mellitus, and both result in the following symptoms:
- Increased urination
- Excessive drinking and thirst
- Breath smells sweet or fruity
- dehydration
- Change in appetite
- weight loss
- lethargy
- vomit
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Skin infections
- Cataracts or blindness
Treatment for Diabetes Insipidus and Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
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Treatment for Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs
Diabetes insipidus is rare, but it should be addressed with medical treatment.
Treatment of central diabetes insipidus This is usually done by giving your dog synthetic hormones similar to those produced by the pituitary gland called desmopressin acetate.
This also reverses the symptoms of dangerously frequent urination and most other symptoms associated with the condition. It is administered through the eyes or nose and must be given for the rest of the dog’s life.
Treatment for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus may include synthetic hormones, but usually this is not enough. A dog may also be given diuretics, oral saline, and chlorothiazide, which can make the urine more concentrated and reduce the risk of dehydration.
Some pet parents may choose not to medicate their dog; however, a dog with diabetes insipidus should have water available at all times and urinate frequently.
Dehydration becomes a serious risk and can lead to death.
Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs
diabetes mellitus is on the rise in canines. Whether the numbers are due to an increase in canine obesity or better screening is up for debate. What is clear is that this disease is quite common. But the good news is that it is also treatable and manageable.
The average age at which dogs develop diabetes mellitus is between six and nine years. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, poodles, keeshonden and Miniature Pinschers are more vulnerable to the disease, although all breeds can get it. Women are three times more likely than men to develop diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus can be serious. If left untreated, it can lead to: stare, liver and bladder problems, weakness and coma. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and have your dog teste
d
if you suspect diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is treated with daily insulin injections and diet. If your dog has diabetes, your vet will teach you how to give the injections and how to store the insulin.
It is essential to know exactly when and how much insulin to give, and to stick to the schedule. Otherwise, you could have an overdose of insulin or a bout of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).
Nutrition also plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy. It is much more difficult to control the disease in an overweight dog, even with insulin injections. If your diabetic dog is overweight, you need to control his diet and make sure he gets plenty of exercise. Your vet can help you get your dog to a healthier weight.
Does your dog have diabetes? How do you treat it and keep them healthy? Let us know in the comments below!
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