Southern Cross Vets in Port Elizabeth
DIABETES

Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin and so sugar builds up in the blood and eventually appears in the urine.

Signs that your pet may be a diabetic include: increased thirst, increased and frequent urination, lethargy and weakness, change in appetite - increases then decreases, weight loss, cataracts (dogs), and vomiting. Overweight pets are more likely to develop diabetes.

A routine is the key to keeping a diabetic pet healthy.

Feeding a diabetic diet, exercise and giving insulin (if necessary) should take place at the same times each day. This helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. In addition it will be important for your pet to have regular check ups at Southern Cross.

DIABETIC MANAGEMENT

AIM

The aim of diabetic management is to stabilise your pet’s weight and to control the clinical signs ie increased thirst and increased urination.

ROUTINE

The key to controlling diabetes is developing a routine and then sticking to the same routine every day. Decide on times which suit the daily routine of the family.

EXAMPLE

Feed at 8am and give insulin injection once your pet starts to eat
Feed again at 6pm and give second insulin injection once eating.
Feed the same amount of diabetic food at each meal and at the same time every day.
Have the same amount of exercise every day and at the same time.
Give the insulin injection at the same time every morning and evening.


HYPOGLYCAEMIA

Hypoglycaemia can be caused by:
Accidental overdose of insulin
Not eating or not eating at the correct times
Too much exercise

Signs of Hypoglycaemia:

Restlessness
Inco-ordination
Staggering
Twitching
Collapse

If you see any of the above signs, then rub some jam or honey onto your pet’s gums and make sure your pet has something to eat.

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