manage pet s diabetes and she manages me

Transcription

1 I my manage pet s diabetes she and manages me

2 What is diabetes? During digestion food is broken down into components that can be used by the body. Carbohydrates (starches) are converted into sugars. Glucose is the most important sugar. After absorption into the bloodstream, glucose provides the body s cells with energy. Glucose gets into cells through the actions of a hormone called insulin. If there is a shortage of insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream and a condition known as diabetes mellitus develops. Diabetes mellitus is basically a shortage of insulin. In some cases, this is a relative shortage brought about by overproduction of other hormones, which counteract the action of insulin. Can your pet be cured of diabetes? In general, diabetes mellitus is not curable but it is manageable. With your help and the care of your veterinary surgeon, your pet can lead a normal, healthy life. The keys to this are working with your veterinary surgeon and maintaining a regular diet and exercise routine, monitoring your dog s or cat s signs and treatment with Intervet s insulin, Caninsulin.

3 Diabetic pets can enjoy h Insulin Diagnosis The hormone insulin that keeps your pet s blood glucose normal is produced by special cells in the pancreas. In diabetic animals, these cells produce too little or no insulin. Diabetes is most common amongst intact bitches and castrated male cats, but also can be seen in young animals of either species or sex. Signs like those of diabetes mellitus may also be seen in other diseases. Your veterinary surgeon will confirm the diagnosis of diabetes in your pet by carrying out some examinations and tests, such as urine and blood tests. Other hormones Symptoms of diabetes Excessive glucose in your pet s blood can exceed the glucose threshold of the kidneys. When this happens glucose is excreted in the urine. This results in extra fluid loss from the body causing the animal to drink and urinate more. Glucose, an important fuel (energy source) is being lost. So, a diabetic animal may eat more than normal but lose weight. The most important signs of diabetes mellitus in your pet are: 1. urinating too much 2. drinking too much water 3. increased appetite but losing weight The ovaries produce a hormone called progesterone during the part of the female dog s cycle that follows heat. Progesterone has a negative influence on the action of insulin. Bitches with diabetes should be spayed as soon as possible to eliminate the progesterone source. Products containing progesterone-like substances, such as those used to suppress heat, should be avoided because they also counteract the action of insulin.

4 ealthy, normal lives Insulin administration Treatment and monitoring Your pet s insulin supply can be restored by regular injections of Caninsulin. This is easy, takes very little time and is not painful. Starting Caninsulin therapy Once stabilised on insulin, most diabetic dogs and cats are able to lead a normal life. Your veterinary surgeon will provide you with the supplies and instructions you need to care for your diabetic pet at home. You will learn how to administer insulin and monitor your pet s progress. Caninsulin treatment is tailored to suit each diabetic pet s individual requirements. To begin with, your veterinary surgeon will establish a starting dose of Caninsulin for your pet based on its weight and possibly its blood glucose level. Once a maintenance dose of Caninsulin has been established, your pet s signs will improve, particularly its excessive thirst and need to urinate. Monitoring your pet is critical to managing its diabetes. Your veterinary surgeon will use the information you provide, along with other data, to design an effective treatment programme for your pet. This process may include blood samples, sometimes taken throughout a whole day, and other investigations. Future adjustments It is important to realise that diabetes is a constantly evolving disease. Although your diabetic pet may have been stable for a long time, changes in dose may suddenly be required. This is why it is important to continue to monitor your pet s progress even after months or years of treatment and consult your veterinary surgeon if anything unusual occurs. Storage and administration 1. Store the Caninsulin vial upright in the fridge. 2. Remove the Caninsulin from the fridge and mix it by inverting the vial a few times. 3. Fill the insulin syringe with correct amount of Caninsulin. 4. Remove any air bubbles by tapping the syringe with your finger and then press the plunger very gently. 5. Draw the skin gently upwards and make a small hollow with your index finger. 6. Place the needle in this hollow and push it gently through the skin. Release the skin. 7. Depress the syringe plunger steadily.

5 Managing your pet s diet and activity. The daily dose of Caninsulin is adjusted to match your pet s daily energy requirements. So, your pet s diet and activity are critical. Always feed your pet the same amount of the same food at the same time each day. Your veterinary surgeon will advise on a commercial diet. Diets low in fat and with the right protein source are favoured for most diabetic pets. Don t worry if your pet will not eat the special food. Although less ideal, a diabetic pet can be fed other types of food. The activity level of your pet should remain unchanged and regular. If an animal is suddenly very active (e.g. longer walks, excitement about visitors, etc.) it uses more glucose (energy). This can result in very low blood sugar levels. In fact, very low glucose levels can deprive the brain of energy and your pet could lose consciousness. If this happens, you will need to administer glucose immediately (see Be prepared for hypoglycaemia ). Dogs Cats Caninsulin is formulated in such a way that, after the insulin is absorbed from the injection site, there are two peaks of insulin activity. Diabetic dogs are usually fed at least twice daily once to ensure that they are feeling well and able to eat and once to make sure they have enough glucose available to match the insulin they have been given. To ensure a uniform diet, it is preferable to use commercial diets only. However tempting, never give your pet any titbits or treats unless these have been approved as suitable for a diabetic dog by your veterinary surgeon. This will require the co-operation of your family and friends too! Diabetic cats must be fed regularly. Some cats prefer eating small amounts throughout the day. If this is your cat s habit, your veterinary surgeon probably will not try to change it. Many cats simply refuse to eat different food. If your diabetic cat will not eat the diet prescribed, your veterinary surgeon will advise you on another suitable diet. If your cat is overweight, your veterinary surgeon will advise a weight management programme to help reduce its weight gradually. Weight loss will make your cat s diabetes easier to manage.

6 Be prepared for hypoglycaemia. One of the most important complications seen in diabetic What to do if you see these signs pets on insulin treatment is an unduly low blood glucose level, called hypoglycaemia. Situations where this may 1. Provide food immediately Your cat has diabetes mellitus. occur include: 2. If your pet refuses to eat or cannot eat, administer a glucose source as quickly as possible. Always keep Your dog has diabetes mellitus. It s not alone. An estimated 1 out 1. If your pet has received its usual dose of insulin but has not eaten its normal quantity of food. a ready source of glucose to make a solution quickly, for example glucose powder which can be mixed with It s not alone. An estimated of 500 cats develops diabetes. It 2. If your pet has been abnormally active, leading to an abnormally high use of energy (glucose). tap water. Give one gram of glucose per kilogram body weight. Administer the solution very carefully, 1 in 500 dogs develops diabetes. occurs most often in elderly cats, 3. If your pet has received too much insulin for its current needs. particularly if your pet is unable to swallow properly or is unconscious. Make sure the solution does not It occurs most often in middle-aged especially neutered males. With Although hypoglycaemia is not a frequent complication, go down the wrong way. If your pet is unconscious or unable to swallow, rub the glucose solution onto the to older dogs, especially intact insulin therapy and diet you can it is important for you to know what to do. If the blood sugar level is too low, the brain does not receive enough gums and especially under the tongue. Watch your fingers to avoid an accidental bite. bitches. With insulin therapy, diet successfully manage your cat s glucose. This can lead to a potentially fatal situation. 3. As soon as your pet shows signs of recovery, feed it a small amount of its normal food. Watch your pet and exercise you can successfully health. Your veterinary surgeon Watch out for these important signs: restlessness, trembling or shivering, unusual movements or behaviour, closely for several hours to make sure that the signs do not return and feed small amounts of food regularly. manage your dog s health. Your will help to make this possible loss of consciousness (coma) and unusual quietness or sleepiness. 4. If your pet s condition worsens or you are unsure, telephone your veterinary surgeon will help to with Caninsulin. veterinary surgeon immediately. make this possible with Caninsulin.

7 Get more information about Caninsulin online Visit the Caninsulin website for owners of diabetic pets at Notes from your veterinary surgeon about your pet s diabetes treatment: DOSE DIET EXERCISE REMARKS What you will need to treat diabetes 1. Caninsulin (insulin for dogs and cats) 2. Insulin syringes 40 IU (International Units) 3. Complete commercial food 4. Glucose source for emergencies 5. A place to record your pet s progress (signs of diabetes, weight) 6. Home monitoring equipment, if advised by your veterinary surgeon Your veterinary surgeon s contact details No part of this brochure may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Intervet International. Intervet International bv P.O. box AA Boxmeer The Netherlands Phone: Fax: info@intervet.com