Hormonal Disorders: Signs and Treatment

Signs of Diabetes in Dogs:

Though diabetes is a chronic disease, its onset is usually spontaneous. Middle aged dogs may show dog diabetes signs at once, and thereafter signs become more pronounced and progessively worsen if not treated.

For diabetes mellitus, glucose or sugar levels in blood is the key to all signs. A dog’s pancreas may fail to secrete sufficient levels of insulin or cells may become resistant to the action of insulin, which controls sugar levels in the blood. In either condition glucose level elevate in the blood and cause frequent urination; the renal system itself starts to manage excessive sugar in body by secreting it in the urine. Therefore, dogs show signs of not only polyuria (frequent urination in large volumes) but also excessive thirst due to the above normal excretion of fluids from body.

Along with these primary signs of polyuria, polydipsia (Increased thirst), there are several other signs associated with diabetes mellitus. Progressive weight loss, polyphagia (Excessive eating), weakness, cataracts in the eyes and frequent infections are some common signs a diabetic dog exhibits. Dogs will eat more then normal and eat many times a day, weight loss is noted as a progressive event and the lenses of both eyes develop clouding and dullness resulting in weakened eye sight.

Diabetic dogs possess decreased resistance to various bacterial pathogens. Recurring infection like cystitis, prostatitis, bronchopneumonia & dermatitis are more common. If a dog gets a wound of any kind, is very hard for the dog t recover due to the reduced ability of the immune system.

Diabetes insipidus on other hand is a less frequent condition in dogs. It is reduced secretion of anti diuretic hormone (ADH). Anti diuretic hormone (ADH) controls the rate of urination and the volume of urination.. A reduction in ADH triggers frequent urination and large volumes of urine each time. With increased levels of urination, a dog will take in a large volume of water.

Signs of any injury and compression at the back of the head may also represent the destruction of nerve tissues, stalk and supraoptic nucleus in hypothalamus (part of the brain), which is responsible for releasing ADH.

Treating Diabetes:

A detailed treatment plan including diet and nutrition and insulin regimin will be developed to help wtih dog diabetes signs. Along with an anti–diabetic therapy and care, signs should be carefully handled and treated. Dogs with diabetes should never be allowed to exercise or toy play for long durations. Diabetic dogs should be provided with plenty of drinking water, available every time to drink.Injuries and wounds should be prevented by taking extra care of dog activities. Diabetic dogs will eat more and frequently, so should be fed foods that contain more fiber and complex carbohydrates. There is also a homeopathic remedy avaialble called GlucoEnsure which can help provide an added layer of support for the liver and pancraes while helping to sustain normal sugar levels.