CARE OF THE DIABETIC PET

Diabetes is a condition in which the glucose (sugar) in the pet’s blood is not being adequately moved out of the blood and into the cells of the body. This creates a condition in which the cells are starving for glucose and the blood glucose is too high. Most case of diabetes can be controlled by the administration if insulin. Insulin helps move the glucose from the blood to the inside of the cells. Diabetic pets do better (are better stabilized) if they receive the same amount of the same food and the same amount of exercise each day. Some owners are able to monitor their pet’s blood glucose daily. This can also help to maintain the proper dose of insulin and better regulate the diabetes.

Your pet’s blood glucose can get higher due to any of the following: less insulin, more food or treats, less exercise, stress.

Your pet’s blood glucose can get lower due to any of the following: more insulin, less food or treats, less exercise, the vomiting of a meal (less food).

Diabetic pets on insulin must be monitored closely:

1. An increase in thirst and urine production is usually an indication that the blood sugar is too high: CALL US FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

2. Staggering, stumbling, glassy eyed appearance, abnormal behaviors are usually indications that the blood sugar is too low. This can occur if a diabetic on insulin: doesn’t eat enough, vomits after eating and receiving insulin, gets too much insulin, or has a sudden decrease in the amount of insulin needed. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CONDITION. If any of these behaviors are noted, give your pet some sugar solution (such as KARO syrup) by mouth. A very small pet would need a small amount (1/2 tsp). A very large pet may require several tablespoons. CALL US (757) 425 - 9426 AND THEN BRING YOUR PET RIGHT IN TO THE BIRDNECK ANIMAL HOSPITAL TO HAVE THE BLOOD GLUCOSE CHECKED AND TO BE STABLIZED. IF WE ARE CLOSED CALL ONE OF THE EMERGENCY CLINICS AND BRING YOUR PET THERE.

Bay Beach’s Emergency Number is: (757) 340 – 3913.

You can decrease the likelihood of an abnormal blood sugar by the following: If your pet does not eat or is vomiting, do not give insulin. If there is more than one person that may give the insulin, keep a check- off sheet and pen with the insulin in the refrigerator. This can prevent an extra dose being given. If you are unsure if the insulin dose went under the skin or not, do not give another dose. Keep the insulin refrigerated. Mix it by gently rolling between your palms before measuring each dose.

Please call us if you have any questions. As your veterinarian in Virginia Beach, we are here to assist you in all aspects of your pet’s health care. We care about the welfare of your pets as if he/she were our own!