It all started with an “accident” on the sofa. Zak, a Miniature Schnauzer owned by Fran Stepps of Mesquite, Texas, had always been a frisky yet well-behaved dog. True, he had been a bit thirstier than usual lately but that didn’t seem like cause for alarm. It was only when the normally well-trained Zak urinated on the furniture that Stepps grew concerned. Zak’s veterinarian performed tests that revealed diabetes mellitus—sometimes called “sugar diabetes”—and prescribed daily doses of human insulin. But even after a year on the medication, Zak’s blood glucose levels were not fully under control. Not only that, he grew listless and lost a lot of weight, dropping from 26 pounds to 17. Determined to help her beloved pet, Stepps researched the problem and found information about porcine insulin zinc suspension, the only form of injectable insulin made specifically for dogs. After consulting with Zak’s vet again, he agreed to prescribe the new drug. The result: Zak’s blood glucose level quickly stabilized and his condition improved. The story underscores the importance of early diagnosis and prompt, effective intervention to treat diabetes.
Raising Awareness
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health (ISP)—with the support of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)—is sponsoring Pet Diabetes Month in November, as a way to raise awareness of the disease and educate pet owners on the warning signs and appropriate care. The Pet Diabetes Month Web site is an excellent source of diabetes information for owners of both dogs and cats.
Randy Lynn, DVM, MS, DACVP, Manager-Technical Services for ISP, said: “This campaign is designed to help pet owners understand the condition, its risk factors and what to do if they notice a change in their pet’s behavior or appearance that might indicate diabetes. Detection and management can help prevent serious medical complications, including heart disease and kidney problems, which can occur when the disease is left untreated.”
A Common Malady
Diabetes in pets is not uncommon. Approximately one dog in 500 develops the disease and that number is on the rise. “Diabetes in dogs is almost always insulin-dependent and veterinarians don’t really understand the reasons for the increase,” Lynn said . “In cats, the disease is seen in those who have many of the same risk factors often seen in people with diabetes: obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and a high carbohydrate/low protein diet. Fortunately, we know that a significant percentage of diabetic cats can return to a non-diabetic state if they are diagnosed early and treated appropriately with diet and insulin.”
