Accidents, Weight Loss May Signal Diabetes

Excessive drinking, excessive urination and weight loss may signal a diabetic pet.

Posted: Fri Nov 7 00:00:00 PST 2003

Excessive drinking, excessive urination and weight loss may signal a diabetic pet, says Thomas Schermerhorn, an assistant professor of clinical sciences at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. "It's not until pets have made an accident in the house or lose weight, for instance, that owners come in," Schermerhorn said.

In more severe cases, symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, he said. For dogs, diabetes is mostly similar to Type 1 diabetes in humans. It is typically insulin-dependent. In cats, diabetes is more like Type II diabetes, typically linked to obesity in humans.

In either case, the disease is usually treated by home-administered insulin shots.

"The disease will never be addressed until we do species-specific research," Schermerhorn said. "The cure will come years down the road, but probably will come in the form of transplantation."

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Laurie Kimball, NE

11/16/2008 6:43:32 PM

Our beagle, Romeo, was showing signs of excessive drinking, accidents, and weightloss. After a trip to the vet, and some blood work, his blood sugar level was 519! He now receives insulin twice daily, and since we now have it under control, we only have to check his urine every couple of days. It's scary to find out, but easy to manage and take care of. He's a happy guy. But the cost can add up with the insulin, needles, test strips and going to the vet every few months for blood work. But he's worth it!

greg portland, ME

10/13/2008 1:47:34 AM

my brandi wasgaining weight ,sometimes she would leak vt charged close to 400 bucks to run tests and food she dosen't have diabetes or thyroid problems i asked about slim trol vet never heard of it insdtead he sold me a 30 pound bag of rd at 55 bucks