The Truth About Three Types Of Dog Diabetes
June 28, 2009 by
Filed under Dog Care
Your dog can develop three different types of diabetes. They include mellitus, insipidus, and gestational. The most common form is diabetes mellitus. Here’s a look at the different types.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus in dogs is a condition in which your dog’s body is either insensitive to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. The level of glucose in the body is regulated by insulin. Symptoms of canine diabetes mellitus include increased urination and thirst, dehydration, and loss of appetite.
Dogs with this condition need daily insulin injections. 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. Dogs with this condition also need daily exercise.
Gestational
The next form of canine diabetes is the gestational variety which only occurs during pregnancy. The mellitus and gestational forms develop for the same reasons. The mellitus form produces the same symptoms as this form of diabetes. Gestational diabetes can be treated with a proper diet, exercise, and insulin injections. After the pregnancy is over, this form of diabetes usually goes away.
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus in canines is the final form. Dogs develop this condition when they can’t retain water. It comes in two forms. They are nephrogenic and central. An anti-diuretic hormone called vasopressine isn’t produced enough when the central form occurs. Central canine diabetes insipidus can be caused by congenital defect or disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Desmopressin given in the form of eye drops, nose drops, or injections is used to treat this form.
If the kidneys don’t respond to vasopressine, the nephrogenic form occurs. Your dog can develop this form if he’s taking certain medications, has kidney problems, or has a congenital defect. It’s usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and diuretics.
All owners should know their pet can fall victim to various health problems in their lifetime. You can read up on many different potential health problems at dog-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.
Access valuable experiences about house train dog – your personal guide.

