Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is an increasingly common disease in people and is being recognised more frequently in older pets. It is a serious disease that must be treated as the complications can kill your pet. However, treatment of most diabetics is straightforward and with treatment they can live normal, happy lives. For treatment to be successful you must be prepared to invest time and money in your pet's care.

Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin and diabetic dogs require daily insulin injections to keep healthy. Early recognition of diabetes allows treatment to start before the disease causes serious damage. Your partner in caring for your pet should be your veterinary surgeon. Regular visits to a vet for routine health checks and preventative health care such as vaccination allow you and your pet to build a relationship with your vet and gives your vet a chance to recognise early signs of illness in your pet. If you are concerned that your pet is losing weight or is drinking more than usual then ask your vet for an appointment.