Three Types of Canine Diabetes

Humans commonly suffer from diabetes. There are different forms that can affect people, but most people know about the form that causes an imbalance of sugar in the bloodstream. Dogs can also be affected by one of these three types of diabetes.

The three different types include mellitus, insipidus, and gestational. The most common form is diabetes mellitus when it comes to both people and dogs. Let's take a look at these three forms of diabetes that can occur in dogs.

Diabetes Mellitus

Canine diabetes mellitus is a condition in which your dog's body is either insensitive to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. Insulin. If the pancreas is functioning like it's supposed to, then it will secrete insulin, which is the hormone responsible for regulating glucose. There are various symptoms of canine diabetes mellitus include increased urination and thirst, dehydration, and loss of appetite.

The main treatment for this form is a daily or twice a day injection of insulin. You will also need to change your dog's diet. A diet that is high in protein and fiber is usually best. Your dog will also need less carbohydrates and fats. It is also important that a dog with diabetes mellitus gets plenty of exercise.

Diabetes Insipidus

Canine diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by your dog's inability to retain water. This rare disease comes in two forms, namely central and nephrogenic. The central form occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough of the anti-diuretic hormone called vasopressine. Central canine diabetes insipidus can be caused by congenital defect or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It can be treated with desmopressin in the form of nose drops, eye drops, or injections.

The nephrogenic form of diabetes insipidus occurs when the kidneys are insensitive to vasopressine secreted by the pituitary gland. This condition can be caused by medications, kidney disease, kidney trauma, or congenital defect. It's usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.

Gestational

The last form of canine diabetes is the gestational variety which only occurs during pregnancy. This condition occurs when the female dog's body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use the produced insulin properly. Dogs with this form of canine diabetes display the same symptoms as dogs with diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes can be treat with a proper diet, exercise, and insulin injections. The condition usually goes away after she has given birth to her litter.