Welcome to the journey of managing diabetes in your beloved feline or canine companion.
This handout aims to provide you with essential information on understanding and caring for pets diagnosed with diabetes. Learning that your pet has diabetes can be scary and stressful and may necessitate changes to your lifestyle to help them. We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body’s inability to effectively use insulin. Insulin is crucial for regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. In diabetic pets, maintaining proper blood glucose levels becomes challenging.
Common Signs of Diabetes in Pets:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Changes in appetite
- Cloudy eyes (common in dogs)
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your veterinarian suspects diabetes, they may conduct blood tests and urinalysis to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the primary goal is to regulate blood sugar levels, typically through a combination of insulin therapy, diet management, and regular exercise.
Insulin Therapy
Administering insulin is one aspect of managing diabetes. Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate insulin type and dosage. It’s essential to follow their instructions meticulously, administering insulin as close to the same time each day as possible.
Monitoring Therapy
Veterinarians measure the success of insulin therapy in a variety of ways, including a test called a glucose curve. This helps look at how your pet’s blood sugar responds over time and how effective their insulin therapy is. Glucose curves are also used when pets are first diagnosed with diabetes to determine the appropriate insulin dose, when the insulin type or dose is changed, or to monitor a pet’s response to diet or exercise changes. Your veterinarian can gain a large amount of information from this test, such as:
- Trough: the lowest blood glucose where the insulin is most effective
- Duration: how long it takes the blood glucose to return to normal
- Baseline: the blood glucose level before the next dose is given
Glucose Curve Process
- Before your scheduled appointment, feed and administer insulin as normal. If your pet is on additional medications, administer them as usual.
- Note the time that your pet eats and when and how much insulin is given.
- Arrive at the hospital and let the team know when your pet was fed and insulin given.
- Your pet will spend the day with us. We will collect blood samples at specific times throughout the day.
- Pick up your pet in the afternoon. The veterinarian will be able to provide details about the results of the test and the success of insulin therapy.
Dietary Management
A consistent and balanced diet is key to diabetes management. Specialized diabetic pet foods may be recommended by your veterinarian. Please do not make any major changes to your pet’s food or feeding schedules without consulting your veterinarian. Monitoring your pet’s food intake and maintaining a regular feeding schedule is crucial.
Regular Exercise
Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar levels. Engage your pet in daily exercise routines, adjusted to their fitness level. This can include walks for dogs and engaging in play for both dogs and cats. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the right exercise plan for your diabetic pet.
Monitoring and Home Care
Regular monitoring is vital for successful diabetes management. Your veterinarian may recommend home glucose monitoring, and it’s helpful to keep a log of your pet’s daily activities, meals, and insulin doses.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups
Scheduled veterinary visits are crucial to assess your pet’s overall health and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Your veterinarian will monitor blood glucose levels and provide guidance on any necessary adjustments.
Emergency Preparedness
Familiarize yourself with signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and have a plan in case of emergencies. Signs of hypoglycemia can include:
- Sudden behavior changes
- Altered mentation
- Extreme lethargy
- Trembling
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Coma
Untreated hypoglycemia is fatal. In diabetic pets, hypoglycemia can occur if they receive their insulin but do not eat or if too much insulin is given such as being given a dose twice. If you suspect your pet is experiencing hypoglycemia, contact us at 704-889-7387 or contact the nearest veterinary emergency facility (please look up this information prior to an emergency). If your pet is conscious and responsive, feeding them a meal or rubbing karo syrup on their gums may be helpful until you can get them emergency care. Do not try to feed a pet that has an altered mental state.
Administering Insulin to Your Cat or Dog
Before You Begin:
- Wash your hands to maintain a clean environment.
- Select a quiet, well-lit space.
- Keep treats or a favorite toy nearby to reward your pet afterward.
Equipment Needed:
- Insulin vial
- Insulin Syringe
- Prescribed insulin amount
Steps for Administering Insulin:
- Prepare the Insulin by shaking or rolling the bottle as directed on the bottle. Different types of insulin will have different instructions!
- Check the insulin for any abnormalities, such as discoloration or particles. If present, consult your veterinarian.
- Remove the cover from the plunger and needle.
- Insert the needle into the insulin vial.
- Draw the prescribed insulin dose by pulling back on the plunger.
- Calmly approach your pet, offering positive reinforcement.
- Lift the loose skin on your pet’s neck or flank.
- Insert the needle, ensuring it is under the skin but not in a muscle.
- Inject the insulin slowly.
- Withdraw the needle.
- Reward and comfort your pet. This can be with praise, attention, treats, toys, or play.
After administering insulin, dispose of the needle using the needle disposal clip. Press on the sides of the device to open, insert the needle into the opening and snap the device closed, clipping off the needle. The syringe and caps can be disposed of in the trash. Once your needle clip is full, either dispose of it in the trash, in accordance with your local laws or return it to Friendship Animal Hospital for disposal.
If you need to make a needle substitution, please be aware that insulin syringes are not all interchangeable. Different types of insulin use different syringes.
Remember:
- Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding insulin type, dosage, and administration.
- If you miss a dose and it is almost time for the next dose, do not administer the missed dose. Give the next scheduled dose at the regular time.
- If your pet got part of a dose, such as they jumped when the insulin was being injected, give the next dose at the regular time. Do not administer additional insulin.
- If your pet’s eating habits change, it may change their insulin needs. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance.
- Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring your pet’s overall health and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.
- For Cats Only: Diabetic cats sometimes revert to non-diabetics.
- For Cats Only: New therapies including oral medications for diabetes may be an option for your pet. Your veterinarian can discuss this with you.
Managing diabetes in cats and dogs requires commitment, but with proper care, your pet can lead a happy life. Work closely with your veterinary team, stay informed, and provide the love and support your furry friend needs on this journey to a healthier and happier future.
