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If your pet has been diagnosed with canine diabetes, you need to be aware of diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA. This is a very serious complication seen in dogs with diabetes who have high blood sugar levels. If you have a canine in your life, you must be aware of this life-threatening condition.
What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis occurs when too many ketones build up in your pet’s system. What are ketones?
Ketones are used by your pet’s body to produce energy. When fatty tissues are broken down, fatty acids are produced. These fatty acids are then sent to the liver, which produces ketones from them. If blood glucose levels are too high, the liver makes too many ketones, which leads to ketoacidosis. This condition is fatal, if left untreated.
DKA can be the first symptom of canine diabetes, although it can also occur in pets who aren’t receiving enough insulin. All pet owners should be alert for the symptoms of this dangerous condition.
*Drinking large amounts of water *Having to urinate more often than normal *A ravenous appetite, accompanied by weight loss *Sudden loss of vision *Lethargy and weakness *Vomiting and dehydration *Breath that smells like nail polish remover (which is what ketones smell like)
DKA is a veterinary emergency, so if your pet is showing these symptoms, take her to the vet as soon as possible.
How Is DKA Treated?
Treatment depends on how severe a case your diabetic pet has. Sometimes, in mild cases, IV therapy and insulin is all that’s needed. But most cases are more severe, and require aggressive treatment as complications arise. These complications include kidney failure, pancreatitis, bacterial infections, anemia, and brain swelling that causes neurological problems.
Once your pet is able to eat and drink on her own again, your vet can decide what kind of insulin treatment is needed. The good news is that 60 to 70 percent of pets with DKA will get to go home with their owners. Your vet will teach you how to check your companion’s blood sugar, and how to give her insulin injections.
Can You Prevent Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
If your pet is a diabetic, it’s important to carefully monitor her blood sugar levels, and give her insulin shots as required.
The best way to prevent DKA is to prevent canine diabetes in the first place. If your pet is overweight, she has a much higher risk of developing diabetes in dogs. Your first order of business is to get her on a diet. Cut out the treats and table scraps, and feed her a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Regular exercise will help to keep her fit and trim. Show her how much you love her by playing with her and taking her for walks, not by overfeeding her. Exercise is also a natural way to keep her blood sugar levels under control.
Some pet owners use natural remedies for dogs to regulate their pets’ blood sugar levels. Research has shown that herbs, including goat’s rue, fenugreek, and astragalus, along with the mineral chromium, are very effective in controlling blood sugar levels in pets.
Don’t wait for DKA to strike your pet. Now that you have this information, you’ll want to start taking steps to prevent diabetes in dogs right away.
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