Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus results from inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas. Insulin is the essential hormone that enables the blood glucose obtained from digesting food to enter the cells where it supplies all cells with energy. Without insulin, the blood glucose levels rise higher and higher, but the body continues to feel as if it is starving since the cells cannot derive any benefit from the glucose. Your pet’s appetite increases in his/her frantic attempts to satisfy hunger and energy requirements. High levels of blood glucose spill over into the urine so that the urine also exhibits high glucose levels. These, in turn, cause the production of large volumes of urine and an intense thirst. Without adequate insulin, the body seeks alternate energy sources and ketosis may develop in later stages of this condition. Affected animals start with an increase in appetite, thirst, and urination, and progress to vomiting, depression, and severe dehydration if not diagnosed and treated soon enough. Bladder infections, pancreatitis, ketoacidosis, and insulin reactions can complicate this condition and its treatment.
Treatment is given by injecting insulin under the skin using a special syringe and needle. It is helpful to keep a log book during treatment to enable us to follow trends in your pet’s therapy, This log should include the date, urine test strip results, time and amount of the insulin given, appetite, water consumption, and behavior changes. By reviewing your log, we can help to adjust insulin dosages as needed after reviewing LONG TERM trends. Well-regulated pets may not need daily urine dipstick checks, but new diabetics should be checked daily until a consistent pattern is established. Check the urine at least once weekly to be sure that ketoacidosis does not develop.
Step one: urine glucose monitoring should be done with the first morning urine sample and the use of Ketodiastix. If you can’t obtain the first morning sample, note the time of collection of your daily sample in the log and try to get future samples at the same time each day. To collect urine samples from cats, try using shredded newspaper or aquarium gravel instead of litter, or put saran wrap over your regular litter. You may be able to find special cat boxes in pet stores to collect urine. If you find ketones present on the urine dipstick, please call us immediately!
Step two: Feed your pet half of its daily food intake. If he/she eats and doesn’t regurgitate it, gently roll the bottle of insulin to mix its contents and withdraw the correct dosage. Administer the insulin as demonstrated by our staff. Feed the second half of the daily food intake 12 hours later: if your pet eats it and doesn’t regurgitate, administer the second dose IF your pet is on a twice-daily injection schedule. If vomiting occurs, skip the insulin dosage and call us for instructions. Food is needed in the body before the insulin can be given.
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Insulin should be kept refrigerated (not frozen) between uses. Insulin bottles should be replaced every 3 months, regardless of the amount left in the bottle. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Try to refill supplies (including syringes and needles) well in advance before running out.
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If you inadvertently squirt some onto your pet’s skin rather than beneath it, DO NOT attempt to give another injection. Simply wait until the next dose is due and give it as usual. If you are having difficulty with your injection technique, call us for additional training and support.
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If your pet receives too much insulin (either by an incorrect overdose or by having an empty stomach so that there is too little glucose in the bloodstream), he/she may experience an insulin reaction. The signs include weakness, a wobbly uncoordinated gait, sleepiness, seizures, and eventually, coma. If these signs occur, give some karo or pancake syrup by mouth or rub it on the gums if your pet is unable to swallow. Feed your pet as soon as possible. Call us or the Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic (785-1094) for further instructions. Your pet may require hospitalization if the blood glucose level is too low. DO NOT GIVE MORE INSULIN until you have checked with us first, even if your pet seems to be back to normal.
Notify us if you see any of the following:
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insulin reaction
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vomiting, diarrhea, or any unexpected illness
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persistent high glucose readings on the urine dipstick for 14 or more days
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ketones on the dipstick
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recurrence of excessive urination and thirst