While it might seem surprising, our canine friends are susceptible to most health problems that we as people do. Diabetes in dogs (canine diabetes) is a good example of this and for the most part it is very similar to that in humans, even when it comes to effects.
According to Dr. Allison O’Kell, DVM, MS, DACVIM, canine diabetes is amongst the most common endocrine illnesses in dogs. In fact, it is predicted that anywhere from 1 in 100 to 1-500 dogs will develop diabetes in their lifetime. But what is canine diabetes anyway?
What is Canine Diabetes
Scientifically known as diabetes mellitus, canine diabetes is a disease that results from the failure of the pancreas to generate adequate insulin to control blood sugar. So, when your canine friend eats, the food is broken down into its constituents, including glucose (sugars), fats, and protein. The pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that helps the doggie’s body to process the glucose.
Types of Canine Diabetes
On the one hand, the pancreas may sometimes stop producing the insulin which is called Type I diabetes. On the other hand, the dog’s body cells might fail to respond to insulin, which is referred to as Type II diabetes. These two types of diabetes are extremely severe and eventually manifest in the body’s inability to process glucose correctly.
Type I diabetes: It is the most common type in our canine buddies. While the exact cause of this disease remains a mystery, it is believed to ensue when an autoimmune malady strikes the insulin, thus producing cells in the pancreas. It has, however, shown a resilient hereditary link.
Type II diabetes: This type of diabetes is mainly linked to some factors such as obesity. The body essentially generates too much insulin that the cells become insensitive to the hormone.
If left untreated, diabetes can result in extremely serious problems such as impaired vision or even life threatening. There is no cure for diabetes.
Symptoms of Canine Diabetes
Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes in canines include:
- Excessive water drinking
- Excessive urination
- Sudden or rapid weight loss
- A greedy appetite
Seizures, recurring infections, cataracts, poor coat quality, and weakness are also some of the less obvious symptoms of diabetes.
Dogs can live with diabetes as long as they are properly treated. Treatment for diabetes in dogs generally includes a combination of insulin injections and a special diet. Dogs with diabetes can still enjoy a good quality of life if their owners take the time to care for them properly.
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How Long Do Dogs Live with Diabetes?
Dogs can live for many years after being diagnosed with diabetes, depending on their co-morbidities and how easily controlled they are. Some research, however, indicated a mean survival time following diagnosis of between 18 and 24 months.
signs your dog with diabetes is dying
There are a few signs that your dog may be nearing the end of their life with diabetes. These include a sudden decrease in weight, loss of appetite, and an increase in thirst and urination. If your dog is showing any of these signs, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
Below are some early signs;
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Urinary tract infection
- Cloudy eyes or changes in vision
How long do older dogs live with diabetes?
No more than 2 years
If your canine friend is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, do not freak out! After all, it is not an indication that they will die tomorrow or next month. There are many factors that come into play on how long your dog will live with diabetes, such as the age.
How willing you are to give daily insulin injections and how they will respond to the insulin are critical factors though. If a dog lives past three months after being diagnosed with diabetes, they do very well. With the dogs that do not make it in the mentioned phase being unaccounted for, old dogs can utmost live up to two years.
Diabetes Complications
As we mentioned earlier, diabetes is a severe condition. As such, you must adhere to your vet’s counsel if you wish to keep your canine friend a lengthier, healthy life. Some diabetes complications include:
- Urinary tract infections – Diabetic dog’s urine contains high-level sugars and some canines have complications emptying their bladders fully. This results in urinary tract infections.
- Cataracts – Over time, diabetic canines develop cataracts which may lead to either partial or complete blindness. The good thing is that your pooches’ eyesight can be restored via surgery.
- Insulin Overdose – Pumping too much insulin into your canine friend can increase blood sugar levels leading to seizures and perpetual brain damage.
- Diabetic retinopathy – It is a condition that occurs when a doggie’s diabetes activates changes in the blood vessel that offer blood flow to the eyes. Treatment is sometimes possible.
Other complications such as high blood pressure, low blood calcium levels, and rear-leg weakness can also occur, especially if not well managed.
In canine diabetes final stages, more stern problems such as ketoacidosis can strike. This is a state in which the body begins using reserve energy stores and can lead to other problems such as heart failure or brain swelling.
How long do dogs live with diabetes when untreated?
If a dog survives the first 60 days after diabetes diagnosis, you can take them home and they will be successfully treated. A dog that receives diabetes treatment can live as long as other non-diabetic dogs of a similar gender and age.
Can dogs live with diabetes without insulin?
Yes, they can. The only problem with this is that your canine pal will develop life-threatening conditions like ketoacidosis that can lead to multi-organ failure. This can even happen within 1 or 2 months after having diabetes.
How it is treated
Diabetes is treated using insulin, in order to restore the deficiency caused by insufficient functional pancreatic beta cells.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
