Determing diabetes
A vet can run a simple blood test to determine whether a dog has diabetes. If the disease is already at an advanced stage, a urine test can also provide the diagnosis. It is then necessary to lower the blood sugar level using medication as otherwise various organs, including the eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth, could be harmed and, sooner or later, if the problematic sugar metabolism is uncontrolled, life threatening complications connected with this disease may ensue.
If a dog is diabetic
Therapy for a dog with diabetes involves regular doses of insulin which, after a short adaptation period, can usually be administered without any difficulty by the owner. The vet will explain how it is to be administered. What is crucial is that doses are given regularly and followed directly by feeding. Occasionally, after some time, dogs can manage without any treatment at all e.g. if they have lost excess weight or when female animals have been castrated. Even if lifelong treatment is required, however, life expectancy is not affected by the disease provided that insulin is administered regularly. As the dog is fed after the insulin is given, an easy routine usually develops in which the animal itself also comes to “expect” the treatment. Diabetes, therefore, never has to be considered a death sentence.
Signs of illness in dogs
As the owner, you are generally the first to notice when your dog shows signs of illness. These can manifest, for example, as unusual behaviour, a reduction in food consumption or a change in appearance.
Gastric torsion in dogs
As hunters and pack animals, dogs have a highly adaptable stomach: Wolves, which are closely related to dogs, often have to fast for a considerable length of time after a successful hunt.
Dog's eyes
Healthy eyes are important for a dog. If any changes or problems arise, consult a vet as soon as possible as many eye disorders can only be treated effectively if treated early enough.