CANINE HEALTH
Knowing that dogs can get diabetes is the first step in preventing the disease, recognizing symptoms in your dog, and properly supporting him. |
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CANINE DIABETES: AFFECTED BREEDS, CAUSE, EFFECTby Barbara J. Andrews, Science Editor, SAAB
Diabetes in these breeds is all too common today but you may prevent the debilitating and costly disease by knowing this simple, free, dietary fact. To that point, the first question is...
What Causes Diabetes In Dogs and Is It Genetic?9 of 10 veterinary responses to that query state diabetes in dogs is caused by “a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate response to insulin” but those responses avoid the obvious question; why would the domestic dog lack insulin and wild canids (wolves, coyotes, foxes, etc.) do not? The answer is obvious: wild canids receive no vaccines and their diet is raw meat and partially digested or fresh green vegetables and herbs. {ref 1}
What Are The Symptoms Of Canine Diabetes?Canine diabetes symptoms are excessive thirst and increased urination. Weight loss despite normal or increased food consumption because he's "always hungry". His body demands more glucose and eating is temporary respite. He may act weak or tired. Take him to the vet because diagnosing diabetes in your pet is relatively simple. Your veterinarian will run urine and blood samples to test for glucose.
Is Diabetes More Common In Purebred Dogs?Breed-related statistics may indicate a genetic component but it is a statistical fact that owners of purebred dogs more readily take them to the veterinarian. Conversely, it is also a fact that owners of “pedigreed dogs” are more likely to spoil them with sugary treats.
While researchers speculate that development of diabetes may have a genetic component but as of late 2018 TheDogPlace.org has found no proof of a hereditary component. Absent lack of reliable data, we present this widely disseminated list...
Breeds Listed As Higher Risk For Canine Diabetes:Australian Terriers, Bichon Frise, Cairn Terriers, Fox Terriers, Keeshonds, Poodles, Pulis, Miniature Pinschers, Samoyeds, Schnauzers, Siberian Huskies, and Spitz.
How Is Canine Diabetes Treated and What’s The Cost?Canine diabetes is treated the same as in humans, with daily shots of insulin. The average owner can do this and with a meat-treat, most dogs will readily cooperate. Untreated, canine diabetes can cause cataracts and other organ damage.
Costs to treat canine diabetes varies greatly, from a low of $30 per month to as much as $150 if the veterinarian closely monitors insulin levels. Pet insurance may not usually cover the cost of insulin treatment.
Is Canine Diabetes Hereditary?Although many health problems are genetic, most canine health problems are the result of environmental factors including over-vaccination, medication practices, chemical exposure, and dietary issues.
For example, processed dog foods (unless otherwise stipulated) contain grain and are thus a contributing factor to the “epidemic” of canine diabetes. The canine digestive system is designed to handle raw meat. When overburdened with grain (complex carbohydrates made up of starch and long chain sugar molecules) the canine metabolism becomes unbalanced.
Significantly, diabetes is virtually unknown in wild carnivores. Diabetes has been reported in “wild wolves, foxes..” but only “if their pancreatic beta cells are removed.” We leave you to ponder that interesting contradiction.
How is Cushing’s Disease Connected to Canine Diabetes?ii Cushing's Disease or long-term use of steroids can predispose to canine diabetes. Strangely, we are told that coming into estrus may precipitate Cushing’s disease. In fact, there is a condition termed ii Gestational Diabetes. It is also worth noting that being overweight (in humans or dogs) can be a factor in insulin resistance because fatty deposits raise the risk of pancreatitis, a known risk factor leading to diabetes.
If you suspect your dog may be diabetic, take him to the veterinarian to be tested. Do NOT attempt to correct a condition for which you have no positive diagnosis. Home remedies, homeopathic, nutritional changes: all are valuable but seek veterinary advice on any “alternative” or natural treatment for canine diabetes.
Does Canine Diabetes Require A Special DietWith the correct ii carnivorous diet, diabetes can often be managed without medication and per its name, gestational diabetes usually resolves after whelping. Your veterinarian may offer one of the specially-formulated Prescription Diets most office carry today. Diet is as critical in diabetic dogs as it is in people. Listen to your vet but if you have the time and like to cook, implement a homemade diabetic diet which will cut cost and pleasure your dog.
Readers have asked about sweet potatoes for diabetic dogs or those who might be at risk. First let’s be clear, no vegetable replaces meat which is the natural diet for all ii carnivores. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber (better than the hard-to-digest stuff found in low-cost dog foods and as a “filler” would be a better alternative than grain, including rice, brown or white.
ii Canine Diabetes occurs when the dog’s pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin to metabolize food for energy or when the body’s cells fail to utilize insulin properly. Rare but possible is
gestational diabetes {Ref #2} but if
this form of diabetes can be managed without medication as explained below, it will usually resolve after whelping.
{Ref #1} Vaccines Produce Diabetes ~ {Ref #2} Gestational Diabetes ~ ii Legal Health Disclaimer SSI Brought to you by the NetPlaces Network
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