At Eden Park Veterinary Surgery, our vets receive visits from Bromley residents whose pets are diabetic. They may have been adopted diabetic, or purchased from a breeder and have only recently been diagnosed as such. We help these clients manage this treatable condition, ensuring that their furry friends can enjoy long and happy lives with minimal impact to their day-to-day existence.
In this blog post, we’ve looked to provide a fixed resource that answers some common queries around animal diabetes – specifically found in cats and dogs – that will prove useful to clients in and around Bromley, and internet users who’ve stumbled across us while Google searching. For one to one advice from our highly experienced team of vets, on this subject or any other relating to pet healthcare, call Eden Park Veterinary Surgery on 020 8658 2300.
Which pets are most likely to suffer from diabetes?
Both cats and dogs are at risk of diabetes, which is fairly age indiscriminate, but there are some demographics more at risk than others that Bromley pet owners should be aware of. A high proportion of diabetic cats are overweight, middle-aged and restricted to indoor environments. Male dogs are less likely to be affected by diabetes than female dogs, and those over 7 years of age are also a higher risk. Vets have also found particular breeds are more susceptible, including poodles, spring spaniels, cairn terriers and dachshunds. If your cat or dog falls into one of these categories and you have concerns around diabetes, call Eden Park Veterinary Surgery near Bromley at your earliest convenience.
How does diabetes in animals differ from diabetes in humans?
It’s in fact very similar: a condition in which the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. This can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar level, due to insulin’s role in regulating it. Hyperglycaemia can then occur, with serious health risks attached – including complications like heart disease, kidney damage and nerve damage. But don’t fret, once diagnosed by vets it can be easily treated, though a number of factors will need to be monitored (often as part of regular check-ups at Eden Park Veterinary Surgery, a short drive from Bromley in Beckenham). Type 2 diabetes is fairly uncommon to encounter in dogs, but this is not the case in cats. Type 1 diabetes is regularly found in both cats and dogs.
What are some symptoms I should be aware of?
A noticeably increased appetite for both food and water, and needing to go to the toilet more often than usual, are both symptoms that can signal diabetes. Significant weight loss is also linked to animal diabetes. During regular check-ups, our vets will ask Bromley clients if they’ve noticed any abnormal behaviour, even if somewhat subtle; diagnosing issues like diabetes is a big part of why these questions are essential.
Should I change my diabetic pet’s diet?
Yes. It is important to carefully consider and plan out a healthy diet plan that will keep blood sugar levels at an even keel all throughout the day. Daily insulin injections and regular visits to a veterinary surgery for check-ups are the other two essential aspects of on-going treatment.
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438 Upper Elmers End Road
Beckenham
Kent
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