Dear Dr. Dog: I’ve just learned that my 9-year-old Corgi, Molly, has diabetes and I am worried and confused. What can I do to make sure she still enjoys a long, comfortable life?
Dear Worried Mom,
Your concern and confusion are justified. Diabetes is a complicated, potentially life-threatening disease, and learning that your dog is diabetic can be terrifying. Do not despair! Despite the challenges diabetes presents, careful blood sugar monitoring and management allow many pets to remain happy and comfortable for years after they are diagnosed.
The most common form of diabetes in dogs is caused by a decrease in insulin secretion by specific cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, the body is unable to absorb glucose from the blood stream into its cells, so a patient’s blood sugar can increase to dangerous levels, while the cells of the body are simultaneously starved for nutrients. The symptoms that develop as a result of this defect include an increase in thirst, an increase in urination, and an increase in appetite accompanied by weight loss. If the disease is left untreated, severe complications, such as cataracts, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, and organ system failure may develop.
Your girl is going to need you now, more than ever. You will need to work very closely with your veterinarian until Molly’s blood sugar levels are well-regulated, and she’s going to be depending on you to provide her daily treatments and to learn to recognize the symptoms that may indicate an unacceptably high (or low) blood sugar level so that appropriate action can be taken quickly.
First, you’ll need to learn to give insulin injections. Your veterinarian will let you know how much insulin to give and how often to give it, and will recommend dosage adjustments as indicated by clinical signs and blood test results. Don’t panic about having to give injections. Your desire to help Molly stay healthy will get you through the toughest part and before you know it, giving the injections will be easy. The insulin needles are very thin and most dogs barely notice when they get an injection. Your veterinarian will also recommend a special diet, which Molly must strictly adhere to. This will probably be more difficult for her than receiving her shots!
Initially, Molly will need to visit her veterinarian frequently (every three weeks or so) to have glucose curves performed. This test requires that a blood sample be taken first thing in the morning, prior to feeding and insulin administration, and then additional samples pulled every two hours throughout the day. The curve results allow your veterinarian to determine how long and how effectively the current dose of insulin is working. Once Molly’s blood sugar is well controlled, she will require these curve less often and you may even be able to perform the test at home. Glucose meters are available at most drug stores. Once Molly is stabilized, you can discuss this option with your veterinarian.
In between veterinary visits and blood tests, Molly may be able to warn you when things just aren’t right. If she reverts to drinking more, urinating more, or acting hungry all the time, her blood sugar may be too high again. She needs a check up soon to determine if her insulin dose should be increased. Immediate veterinary care is required if Molly suddenly becomes disoriented, wobbly, or unable to walk. These symptoms may indicate a dangerously low blood sugar which, if untreated, can lead to seizures and coma. Your veterinarian may recommend that you give Molly Karo syrup to keep her blood sugar up as you make your way to the hospital.
Be sure to monitor Molly’s eating habits closely. If she’s not eating well but getting her normal dose of insulin, her blood sugar could drop quickly. If she’s prone to skipping meals, discuss a back-up plan with your veterinarian. He may advise you to decrease Molly’s insulin dose when this happens.
Diabetes demands that we remain cautiously optimistic. You must accept the possibility of serious complications developing, while maintaining the hope that, in Molly’s case, everything’s going to go the right way. A positive attitude does make a difference.
I wish you and Molly the very best possible outcome. Remember – any day you spend with your dog is a good day.
Kelley McNair is a native of Novato and a graduate of U.C. Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. She has practiced at the Country Vet in Novato since 1998 and particularly enjoys caring for working dogs – police, therapy, assistance, agility, tracking, and herding dogs. Dr. Kelley spends her “free” time at agility practice or competitions with her Goldens, Jordyn and Kamdyn, or training her Mustang colt, Tommy.
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