Diabetes in dogs and cats

Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal diseases in dogs and cats. It occurs when the body stops producing enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively. The result is rising blood-sugar levels, which can have serious consequences for organs, nerves and blood vessels if left untreated. Still, with a timely diagnosis and consistent treatment, affected animals can lead a largely normal life.

Causes and particular issues

In dogs, diabetes is usually similar to type 1 diabetes in humans. So, the pancreas produces too little insulin or no insulin at all. The only method of treatment is to inject insulin. Certain breeds (e.g. terriers, schnauzers, retrievers) are more prone to the disease, as are middle-aged to elderly females.

Symptoms in dogs

Early signs are often nonspecific, but can be observed in everyday life:

• increased drinking and urinating
• weight loss despite increased appetite
• fatigue, dull coat
• in advanced stages: vomiting, weakness, clouding of the eyes (cataracts)

Diagnosis in dogs

Diagnosis is made through a combination of blood tests (to detect elevated blood sugar) and urine tests (to detect sugar and possibly ketones in the urine). It is important to determine whether the elevated blood-sugar levels are not just temporarily caused by stress.

Treatment and everyday life giving dogs insulin

Diabetes is always treated with insulin injections. It has to be administered under the skin twice a day. For owners, this means sticking to a strict daily routine, as insulin doses and meals must be timed.

• Feed management: special feed with a high fibre content and steady energy release is most suitable. The quantity and composition of the feed must be maintained.
• Blood-sugar monitoring: blood sugar can be monitored at the vet’s surgery or at home with special devices. Regular monitoring helps to avoid under- or overdosing.
• Exercise: Regular, steady exercise supports treatment. Try to avoid sudden changes in how much or how hard your dog exercises.

Causes and particular issues

In cats, diabetes is often like type 2 diabetes in humans. In other words: your cat still produces its own insulin, but it has become insulin-resistant, which means the body’s cells no longer respond sufficiently to it. Being overweight is a significant risk factor. Some cats can even go into remission if they are diagnosed and treated early enough – that is, they no longer need insulin after some time.

Symptoms in cats

Cats also show typical symptoms:

• increased drinking and urinating
• weight loss despite having a good appetite
• fatigue or a swaying walk (neuropathy due to nerve damage)
• coat in poor condition

Since cats are very discreet in their behaviour, the symptoms frequently only become apparent quite late.

Diagnosis in cats

As with dogs, cats are diagnosed by doing blood and urine tests. In cats, you need to bear in mind that stress can raise their blood-sugar levels in the short term, though. Therefore, vets also measure the long-term sugar molecule fructosamine to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment and everyday life giving cats insulin

As with dogs, cats almost always need to be given insulin injections, usually twice a day. Everyday life requires a lot of routine and discipline.

• Feed management: a low-carb, high-protein diet is crucial. Special diabetes feed can help stabilise blood sugar. In overweight cats, controlled weight loss is particularly important.
• Blood-sugar control: many owners measure their cat’s blood sugar at home by taking a drop of blood from their ear or paw. This enables individually adapted therapy and increases the chance of remission.
• Remission: with early diagnosis and optimal treatment, insulin sensitivity can improve again, so that some cats stop needing insulin after a few months.

Oral treatment with Velagliflozin can be an option. It blocks renal glucose reabsorption, eliminating more sugar in the urine and lowering blood-sugar levels. However, this treatment is unsuitable for cats that are already receiving insulin or have certain comorbidities. Since it is not the standard treatment, it should only be used after careful consultation with your vet.

• Type of diabetes: Dogs → usually lack insulin (type 1, insulin is always required). Cats → usually insulin resistance (type 2, chance of remission).
• Prognosis: dogs need insulin for life, but can live very well so long as they are consistently treated. Cats have a chance of going into remission under favourable conditions.
• Risk factors: being overweight plays a greater role in cats, while hormonal influences and genetic predisposition play a more important role in dogs.

Getting a diabetes diagnosis changes the everyday life of any dog or cat – but not necessarily their quality of life. A clear daily routine, consistent insulin therapy, careful food management and regular blood-sugar control allow many animals to lead an active and happy life. It is important that owners learn to handle syringes and monitoring devices, and closely coordinate their pet’s treatment with their vet.

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