Jane Pocklington VN, Pet Health Counsellor.

Forerst Vet. Clinic,
5 Forest Road,
Mansfield,
Nottinghanshire.
Tel: 01623-623061
Fax: 01623-427967.
If I can help with anything please do not hesitate to contact me, Diabetes is a condition which we need to treat as a team. We will be happy to help you.



 
 
 

Caring for a Diabetic Pet.

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common hormonal conditions seen in dogs and sometimes cats. It is especially common in middle aged animals usually between 7 and 9 years old.

The initial diagnosis may require the animal to be hospitalized, but normally the diabetes can be stabilized within a week and the animal returns home where the owner takes over the careful monitoring and treatment of their pet. The condition can at first be very frightening for you the owner and the thought of injecting your pet may be daunting. Most owners are very anxious, however, the staff at the vet clinic are always contactable and willing to help with difficulties.

   In a diabetic animal the pancreas which is a gland situated in the abdomen next to the stomach has impaired or no function. In normal animals the pancreas produces insulin in response to raised blood glucose levels, for example when the animal eats a meal. Therefore the diabetic patient requires daily injections of insulin and strict dietary management.
 

Treating a diabetic pet at home.

The key to maintaining stabilization in a diabetic animal is to carry out the same routine, at the same time every day. This is especially important when we consider
* The strict dietary regime, feeding a high fibre diet in exact quantities at set times.
* Collection of urine, and measuring the levels of glucose.
* Injections of insulin.
* Daily exercise.

Keeping careful records of urine glucose levels, diet consumed, amounts of insulin injected and timing of such procedures also noting any abnormal occurrences is essential.
 

Diet.

Diabetic animals need a diet which is high in fibre, this helps to bulk the diet and slow down the absorption of the food. This means the food stays in the digestive tract for longer, giving the insulin something to act upon. The animal still requires a complete and balanced diet with no need for supplementation.
Special "High Fibre Diets" are available from certain manufacturers.
The prescribed diet for your pet must be the only food he/she eats. It is essential that everyone who has contact with your pet understands the importance of not feeding any treats, this will ensure that your pets daily intake of sugar is kept constant and can be monitored.
 

Hypoglycaemia.

Hypoglycaemia occurs when the circulating blood glucose is reduced below the normal range. It can occur for a number of reasons including, change to normal routine e.g.. eating a meal later than normal, missing a meal, not eating the full ration, vomiting or diarrheoa, additional exercise, excitement, prolonged exposure to extreme climates, incorrect dosage or administration of insulin.
Hypoglycaemia begins with signs of
* depression
*Behaviour changes
* Drowsiness.
* Ataxia (unsteady on legs)
* Muscle twitching.
* Trembling and shivering.
* Unrest.

Unless glucose in some form is administered, the animal may develop more serious signs:
* Weakness
* Collapse.
* Coma.
Early recognition is important, if in any doubt always administer a glucose rich solution such as honey, jam, sugar or a chocolate biscuit. Oral glucose should not be given if the patient is collapsed. In the case of such severe hypoglycaemia the animal should be taken to a vet. clinic straight away as a glucose drip may be required intravenously.
 
 

Urine Glucose Measurement.

Testing the urine daily provides us with the relevant information for correct dosage of insulin. The level of glucose should be maintained between Negative and 1/4%.
The urine sample must be collected in  a clean container at the same time every day preferably the first urination of the day. It must be tested immediately with the reagent strips called "Diastix" When using the strips it is essential that you use a watch with a seconds hand and count precisely 30 seconds from the moment the square pad at the tip of the strip contacts the urine, The result must be read on the stroke of 0 seconds. You will notice how the pad continues to darken after reading which is why it must be done precisely. Please read the manufacturers instructions within the box before use.

The urine glucose result will allow you to determine the dose of insulin.

Urine Glucose %:                Insulin Does:
Half%                                    Previous days insulin + 1 i/u
Negative                               Pervious days insulin - 2 i/u
1-2%                                     Previous days insulin dose +2 i/u
1/4%                                     Previous days insulin dose.

Always feed the animal before injecting them with insulin. If the patient will not eat, administer only half the daily insulin dose, leave the food available and observe the animal all day for signs of hypoglycaemia. However, if the patient has been ill and this is the reason for not wanting the food, please contact the vet. clinic for individual advice.
 

Injecting your animal.

The insulin must be kept in the refrigerator at all times.

Always inject the animal by using the insulin syringe from the vet. clinic, which is graduated in international units (i/u).
* Take the insulin from the fridge and invert the bottle 7 or 8 times Do not shake the contents.
* Remove the cap from the needle end of the syringe and draw up the amount of units , filling the syringe with air.
* Insert the needle into the rubber part of the top of the insulin bottle, and depress the plunger, inserting air into the bottle. This avoids creating a vacuum.
* Gently pull down the plunger until you have the required volume of insulin in the syringe, check very carefully for any air bubbles and remove them by tapping the side of the syringe and then pressing the plunger to expel them back into the bottle. Draw back until you have the exact amount with no air bubbles.
* Remove the syringe from the bottle and replace cover.

Before injecting the animal it is often easier to clip a small amount of fur away from the scruff of the neck, this is the area of the neck where you can feel loose skin. It is easier to inject the animal with someone else holding him/her. The needle is incredibly fine and the animal tends not to feel the injection.
* Pull the scruff upwards, and form a depression with your finger, this is the place to inject.
* Remove the needle cover.
* Watching the needle, carefully slide it under the skin, when you are sure the needle is in, depress the plunger completely and then withdraw the needle.
* Rub the area to check there are no lumps, if you do feel a lump where you injected, massage the skin gently.
* Praise the animal.

If the injection was for some reason carried out incorrectly, DO NO inject the patient a second time as this may lead to insulin overdose. it is better for the animal to be slightly "hyperglycaemic" ( having a higher than normal blood glucose level) for a day than to risk a coma due to insulin overdose.
 

Hyperglycaemia.

Hyperglycaemia is characterized by:
* Increased thirst
* More frequent urination
* Persistent sugar levels in morning urine samples.
* Increased appetite.

If any of these symptoms persist the patient should have a health check with the Vet. Surgeon. It is generally a result of faulty management which may be rectified if necessary. For example, incorrect feeding, quantities, timing or titbits!! Incorrect storage of insulin or injection technique, under dosing of insulin, faulty interpretation of urine result, all of which are easily overcome.
 

Exercise.

Diabetics should be encouraged to take regular moderate exercise. It is important however that exercise be managed carefully, particularly with regard to avoiding large day to day variations in amount and duration.