Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes, is the inability to regulate blood glucose, or sugar, in the blood stream after eating a meal. This regulation of blood glucose is essential for life and health, and must be managed carefully or a diabetic patient will die. Sometimes this condition occurs spontaneously, may be associated with obesity and certain foods and overeating, or may be triggered by a bout of pancreatitis.

Common symptoms of new-onset and developing diabetes are:

• Frequent urination

• Increased volume of urine

• Increased drinking and thirst

• Frequent urinary tract infection

As diabetes progresses, you might see:

• Rapid weight loss in spite of good appetite

• Weakness, trembling, shaking

• Cloudiness in eyes, or cataracts

• Seizures

• Episodes of collapse or inability to stand

• Death

A few simple tests performed quickly right here at Alpine Animal Clinic can determine if your pet is developing diabetes ​​by taking ​a blood sample and urine sample.

If your pet is a diabetic... relax. You've come to the right place. We can show you how to care for your dog or cat with a one-on-one demonstration by our trained staff until you're comfortable caring for your family member. And, we have lots of information we can share with you to answer all your questions.

We understand how scary it can be to think about injecting your pet with vet insulin, even if the needle is tiny, and we know how confusing this condition can be. We're here to help you and your pet. You can relax, knowing you've come to the right place for help.

Fortunately, most cases of diabetes are managed fairly easily with insulin and careful meal control. Insulin comes in several forms that can be tried to get the best outcome for your pet. Vetsulin Insulin is easily given with a very tiny needle under the skin, and pets (and their owners) tolerate this really well with practice.

Insipidus is a much more rare form of diabetes and does not involve blood sugar or insulin. Diabetes Insipidus is the inability to regulate water within the body from lack of a hormone. Fortunately, this condition can also be treated by a simple drop of medication in the eye to replace the lacking hormone. Alpine Animal Clinic can diagnose and treat this condition, too, and get your pet the needed medication. Click here for more information about Diabetes.

How to help your diabetic dog or cat:

• Get an accurate diagnosis with blood and urine testing

• Work with your Alpine Vet right here in Helena to choose the correct insulin and syringes for your pet's needs

• Be careful to not use other types of insulin or syringes without asking your veterinarian first! Many types exist and it can be dangerous, even life-threatening to your pet, to change types.

• Carefully feed measured meals of prescription food and avoid giving snacks, treats, or other foods that are not prescribed by your veterinarian.

• Be sure to store insulin in the refrigerator and do not shake the bottle. Gently roll the bottle to suspend the insulin just prior to drawing up the prescribed dose accurately.

• Give the insulin dose at the same time each day with meals. If your pet is not eating it is time for a recheck with your veterinarian to be sure your pet is not having problems.

• If your pet is overweight, reduction of calories and weight loss can be a very big help in controlling diabetes. Be sure to plan a goal weight and timeline for your pet's body type.