As diabetic cataracts progress, it is important to know that they often cause inflammation within the eye – known as “lens induced uveitis”
. This inflammation is often the cause for other related complications such as the development of glaucoma or retinal detachments.
What are the signs of high blood sugar in dogs?
- Wounds not healing; infections worsening.
- Depression.
- Enlarged liver.
- Urinary tract or kidney infection.
- Bloodshot eyes.
- Cataracts.
- Extreme fluctuation in weight, gaining or losing.
- Obesity.
How does diabetes affect a dog's eyes?
One of the most prevelant side effects of diabetes in dogs are
cataracts and eventual blindness
. In fact, about 75% of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts within the first year of diagnosis. Contrary to popular belief, a cataract isn't a clouding of the eye lens–it's a clouding of the sack that holds the lens.
Should I worry if my dogs eyes are red?
Red eyes aren't always a sign of something bad, but eye injury and disease can progress rapidly, so
it's better to be safe than sorry
. If you see something new and unusual in your dogs' eyes, if she's scratching or rubbing her face, and/or if you notice discharge or squinting, it's time to call the vet.
What causes the white of a dog's eye to turn red?
Dr. Stephanie Everidge. Your pet's eye or eyes appear red in color due to
increased inflammation
. This inflammation can be on the eyelids themselves leading to the red appearance or even due to the blood vessels becoming enlarged on the whites of the eyes known as the sclera.
What complications can diabetes cause in dogs?
- Cataracts (leading to blindness)
- Enlarged liver.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Seizures.
- Kidney failure.
What is the lifespan of a dog with diabetes?
The median survival for dogs with diabetes is
two years
, and there are many who live much longer than that, provided that they receive proper treatment and are regularly assessed by the vet. Thus, dogs with diabetes generally live a full, happy life that is free of symptoms when given the proper treatment.
What happens if my dog is diabetic?
Symptoms of Diabetes
Generally speaking, diabetic dogs
drink a lot of water and have big appetites
. Even with all that eating, some dogs start to lose weight because their bodies can't use the nutrients in their food. If undiagnosed, diabetic dogs eventually lose their appetite. They may refuse to eat or even throw up.
What are 3 symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?
The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include
increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger
. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).
What happens if a dog with diabetes goes untreated?
If left untreated, the condition can lead to
cataracts, increasing weakness in the legs (neuropathy), malnutrition, ketoacidosis, dehydration, and death
. Diabetes mainly affects middle-age and older dogs, but there are juvenile cases.
What are the first signs of diabetes in a dog?
- Frequent urination (polyuria)
- Drinking more water than usual.
- Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
- Sudden unexplained weight loss.
- Vomiting.
- Recurrent infections.
- Poor coat.
- Seizures.
What can I do for my dogs red eyes?
If your dog's eyes are red,
call your veterinarian and try to schedule an appointment for that same day
. When you schedule the appointment, provide a brief history of the redness, including when the redness started and what other symptoms you see. Do not try to diagnose and treat the eye redness yourself.
How can I lower my dog's blood sugar quickly?
Walk the Dog
Regular exercise will also help your pooch lose weight and lower blood sugar levels. It's best to have your dog exercise for the same length of time and at the same intensity every day. An unusually long or vigorous workout could cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
What should a dogs blood sugar be?
Normal blood glucose levels in dogs and cats are similar to those in humans, about
80-120 mg/dl (4.4-6.6 mmol/L)
. Animals whose blood glucose levels are in this range will look and act normal.
What should a diabetic dog not eat?
Avoid giving
any treats or table scraps that contain sugar or sweeteners such as corn syrup, as well as high glycemic foods that quickly boost blood sugar, such as white rice and bread
.
Should you euthanize a dog with diabetes?
Without proper treatment, your dog or cat will ultimately die. Sadly,
some owners even choose to euthanize their pets because of the commitment required to manage diabetes
. However, many people find the effort worthwhile and rewarding, as the animal can enjoy a high-quality life as a controlled diabetic.
Are eggs good for diabetic dogs?
Yes, eggs are good for a diabetic dog
because they are a good protein source and won't cause a rise in blood sugar levels. A healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is one of the keys to overall health.
How much water should I let my diabetic dog drink?
Most need about
an ounce of fluids per pound of body weight per day
, so a 10-pound dog needs a bit over a cup of clean water daily.
Can dogs recover diabetes?
Unfortunately
diabetes is not curable in dogs
, and the vast majority of diabetic dogs require insulin injections for life once diagnosed.
