Diabetes Mellitus is a condition that affects both dogs and cats, most commonly in their middle to older ages. The most common signs to watch for in your pet include weight loss, increased water drinking, and increased urination. While your pet can get diabetes despite being externally healthy, there are a few risk factors to consider. Pets that are overweight, have chronic pancreatitis, or chronic steroid use (especially for cats) are common risk factors.

The diagnosis of diabetes is made based on labwork showing elevated blood sugar values, potentially an elevated fructosamine level, and/or glucose in the urine.

Most pets need to be started on insulin therapy to quickly get the high blood glucose values under control. The quicker the blood glucose can be regulated, the better the prognosis. A change in diet may be suggested as well.

Complications associated with diabetes, in addition to the clinical signs mentioned in the first paragraph, include urinary tract infections and significant cataracts. Treating diabetes can be challenging from many aspects - if you are seeing these clinical signs and/or your pet has these risk factors, please contact us to schedule an appointment. One of our veterinarians will perform an exam on your pet, conduct diagnostic labwork if needed, and fully discuss care and concerns.