Although people and animals with diabetes have some things in common, researchers have yet to classify different types of diabetes in animals the way we do in people, such as Type 1 and Type 2. However, the most common similarity is that dogs and cats with diabetes are like a person with Type 1 – they depend on insulin injections. Cats with diabetes strangely, after a period of several years, will never require further insulin and continue to lead a good quality of life. 

Derek is in great health for a dog his age, although he developed hypothyroidism and hypertension about 18 months ago, but his medication for that is keeping his condition under control. Having had gestational diabetes when she was pregnant with both of her children, Louise knew a little about diabetes. “I noticed he was urinating and drinking heaps and I took him to the vet, it was on his birthday. It was only because I had diabetes myself that I was able to pick up his symptoms, apart from that I would have just thought ‘it was old age’” says Louise. 

In general dogs are diagnosed as having diabetes in middle to old age, that’s seven years plus. Common symptoms of a dog with diabetes include excessive drinking and urinating, weight loss and increased appetite or, if the owner does not notice, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapse associated with a ketoacidotic crisis. Diabetes has been diagnosed in virtually all breeds of cats and dogs, however research is yet to show family history of diabetes among animals. 

Louise says that the Esprit glucometer which she purchased from DAV saved Derek’s life on several occasions, but, unlike humans, dogs cannot be registered on the National Diabetic Services Scheme. This makes the cost of testing strips expensive plus Derek’s diet consists of Pal Professional Chicken and Rice which is available at the vets for $3 per can. Dogs with diabetes should have a diet high in fibre, low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates. Having a dog with diabetes is expensive. 

Derek went blind in the first four days of being diagnosed, but he had both cataracts surgically removed by a veterinary ophthalmologist. An operation such as this costs $1500 for both eyes and Derek’s vision returned although he can’t see close up. 

“I have to read the newspaper to him every morning now,” jokes Louise,
“he used to be able to read that himself.” 

To Louise, looking after Derek is like having a third child. There is constant monitoring morning and night to be there to give him insulin. Louise also has to watch Derek when he’s outside in the backyard. Hypos for dogs are very similar to the behaviour of humans although they can’t tell you. 

“If Derek does collapse I immediately give him some honey or sugar in water. I have been told by the specialist that if he is comatose I have to find a syringe without a needle and inject it in his bum because a dog having a seizure could bite you.” 

According to Dr John Inns, from the Karingal Vet Hospital, approximately one in 500 patients, that’s combined dogs and cats, have diabetes. Dr Inns is serious when he says that diabetes management for a pet is quite intensive, requiring a high degree of owner commitment. 

It’s estimated that 80 - 90% of owners are happy to give this commitment and, 
although initially concerned, soon find the diabetes isn’t a major problem. 

“Derek is like looking after a third child, it’s hard enough to keep him out of the food cupboard and watch his exercise, let alone a three-year-old child with Type 1 diabetes. I pray for a cure for diabetes in the near future for the sake of children with diabetes.” 

Links: Pet Diabetes: http://www.mnsi.net/~queenie/