CARE FOR THE ELDERLY DOG (continued)

CANINE DIABETES
Well, some weeks ago, I started writing about diet management of the elderly dog. I discussed the subject of obesity last week. Immediately, the response from “Pet Care” fans was for further information on non-communicable diseases (NCD), the foremost of which is Diabetes.

What is Diabetes?
Scientists, being scientists, have researched (and are still investigating) this NCD. In terms of a definition, they have differentiated two types of Diabetes – one called D. insipidus (D.I) and the other D. mellitus (D.M).
The first one (D.I) has to do with the animal’s inability to adequately concentrate urine, because of an insufficient secretion of a special hormone. This D.I affects dogs (and cats) with no particular breed/sex/age predisposition.
The signs would predominantly be:
* Frequent urination
* Frequent exhibition of thirst
* Disorientation
* Incoordination of movement
* Seizures

Diabetes mellitus (D.M)
This is more complex manifestation of Diabetes – so much so that definition of D.M is itself complicated. Some scientists see D.M as a complex syndrome identified by the presence of too much sugar in the blood stream. Other researchers argue that D.M must not be seen as one disease, but rather as a result of one or more primary disease processes.
For the Veterinary Clinician, it would (in practical terms) be better to recognise that many factors can play a role in the development of D.M – including the patient’s genetic background (i.e. breeds like Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and to a lesser extent Boxers and German Shepherds) – and take it from there.
This means that the treatment protocols would differ if the animal is suffering from either, or a combination of (i) variation in the level and availability of Insulin (the hormone that regulates sugar levels in the blood stream) in the body; and (ii) the actual high levels of sugar in the blood because the pancreas (that organ which produces the hormone Insulin) is malfunctioning.

Symptoms
– Increased frequency of urination, and thirst.
– Vision impairment (dogs);
– Gait changes (cats).
– Listlessness.
– Loss of appetite. Sometimes the dog does eat well, but yet loses weight (emaciation). In some cases, the dog becomes obese.
– Vomiting.
N.B:
* Breath smells sweetish, like nail polish remover.
* The caregiver must be prepared to answer questions related to (i) medication(s) given to the animal prior to the visit to the Vet’s Clinic (ii) any other ailments that the animal might have suffered recently or over the past year.

Treatment
Home “remedies” administered by the caregiver may not be appropriate or helpful in the treatment of DM.
Dietary controls and daily injections of Insulin can help, but I must mention that the amount of Insulin to be administered (dosage) cannot be easily predicted (definitely not solely on the basis of weight). It must be established for each individual. The dog would have to be hospitalised so as to determine accurately its daily insulin requirement. After the dosage rate is established, the patient can be sent home. Veterinary and domestic monitoring will follow.
Oral Insulin substitutes (such as those used for humans) have been relatively unsuccessful in treating diabetic dogs.