Diabetes

Diabetes affects many cats and dogs and occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to utilize blood sugar (glucose).

Symptoms include:

• frequent urination
• increased thirst
• weight loss despite an increase in appetite
• sometimes poor coat condition
• general lethargy

These symptoms could be signs of other diseases as well; therefore blood work and a urinalysis may be performed to determine if your pet has diabetes. Diabetes is usually treated with insulin injections and proper diet. Proper monitoring is also required to keep the disease under control. Diabetic pets' blood sugar can often go too high or too low fairly quickly, in either case prompt veterinary care is needed.

Contact us if you notice any of the above symptoms in your pet.