Despite its name, diabetes insipidus is not related to the more commonly known diabetes mellitus, and it does not involve insulin or sugar metabolism. The name comes from Greek, where it is roughly translated to mean the “excessive discharge of bland urine.” This is in contrast to diabetes mellitus, which can be translates as the “excessive discharge of sweet urine.”

Diabetes insipidus is caused by problems with antidiuretic hormone (ADH or vasopressin), a pituitary gland hormone responsible for maintaining the correct level of fluid in the body. Either the pituitary gland does not secrete enough of this hormone (called central diabetes insipidus), or the kidneys do not respond normally to the hormone (called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus).

Affected dogs urinate in large volumes and drink equally large amounts of water. The urine is very dilute even if the animal is deprived of water (normally, urine becomes more concentrated when an animal is dehydrated.).

Increased urination may be controlled using desmopressin acetate, a drug that acts in a way similar to antidiuretic hormone. Water should not be restricted. Treatment is usually life-long.

Źródło: animalendocrine.blogspot.com

The holidays have gone by, but many of us still have candies lying around the house. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many chewing gums and other candies, and it is extremely toxic to dogs. We add xylitol to candy because it tastes like sugar, but our body does not digest it – it contains no calories. While it is safe for us, it is very dangerous for dogs.

How does xylitol hurt my dog?

Unlike us, when a dog ingests xylitol (such as by getting into a pack of gum), the dog’s body falsely recognizes it as a tremendous amount of sugar. This causes the dog’s pancreas to release a lot of insulin, as if the dog’s blood sugar were very high. Because it is not actually high, this increase in insulin causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). While some dogs merely develop temporarily elevated liver enzymes, suffer from acute liver failure, hemorrhage, blood coagulation, and death.

How much xylitol is dangerous?

It takes only one or two pieces of gum to cause toxicity in a 10kg dog (about 22 lbs). If your dog eats chewing gum or a candy containing xylitol, you should immediately call Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or contact your veterinarian / an emergency clinic.

Is xylitol dangerous to cats?

We know little about how xylitol affects cats, but it may not be toxic. If your cat ingests xylitol, you should watch your cat carefully, but you do not need to call animal poison control.

Źródło: animalendocrine.blogspot.com

Diabetes mellitus (often called simply diabetes) is a disorder in which the level of sugar in the blood is too high. In dogs, it is usually caused by a deficiency of the hormone insulin. During digestion, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (a simple sugar), which is absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, glucose must enter the body?s cells in order to be used for energy. Insulin signals the body?s cells to absorb glucose from the blood.

A lack of insulin creates two dangerous conditions. First, the body?s cells cannot absorb glucose without insulin; they begin to starve despite the abundant glucose. Second, because the body?s cells do not absorb glucose, the blood glucose level remains dangerously high.

With its cells starving for energy, the body begins to break down its protein, stored starches, and fat. As muscle is broken down and carbohydrate stores are used up, weakness and weight loss occur. As fat is broken down, substances called ketones are released into the bloodstream where they can eventually cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of unregulated diabetes.

Meanwhile, the excess glucose circulating in the bloodstream can have harmful effects as well, including development of cataracts, pancreatitis, and skin and urinary tract infections. The excess glucose is eventually excreted from the body through the kidneys. As the glucose passes through the kidneys into the urine, it pulls water with it by diffusion. This causes increased urination, which leads to increased thirst.

Diabetes often develops gradually, and owners may not notice the signs during the initial stage of the disease. Common signs include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetic animals often develop chronic or recurrent infections. Dogs with poorly controlled diabetes often develop cataracts, which commonly leads to blindness.

A diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on finding high levels of sugar in the blood and urine.

To successfully manage diabetes, you must understand the disease and take daily care of your pet. Treatment involves a combination of weight loss (if obese), diet, and insulin injections generally twice daily. Usually after being diagnosed with diabetes, dogs are hospitalized for a day or two, and multiple blood samples are taken to measure the blood sugar level throughout the day. This information is used to determine the amount and timing of your pet?s meals and the dosage and timing of insulin injections. After this initial stabilization, your veterinarian will provide appropriate instructions on managing this regimen at home. Periodic reevaluation is necessary to ensure that the disease is being controlled. Based on these reevaluations, you may have to change your pet?s treatment regimen over time.

Źródło: animalendocrine.blogspot.com

We are an overweight society and our pets are no different. By far, the most common explanation for an overweight pet is simple: lack of exercise and too much to eat. But what if you feed your dog sensibly, exercise adequately, and your dog still has a weight problem?

There could be a number of reasons your dog is still overweight, including heredity, temperament, and overall activity level. However, a disease may be causing your dog to become overweight or obese. Hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing?s syndrome commonly cause weight gain. Hormone pills or tablets with cortisone-like drugs could also be contributing to the obesity.

Hypothyroidism is deficient thyroid hormone, and it causes alterations in cellular metabolism that affect the entire body. The dog may not feel like exercising and may gain weight because calories consumed are not matching calories expended. The weight gain then makes the dog feel like exercising even less. Hypothyroidism is usually inherited and a common genetic illness in dogs. Untreated hypothyroidism means a lower quality of life for your dog, but with the proper thyroid supplementation, this condition can be easily controlled, allowing your dog to enjoy a good quality of life.

Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) is chronic excess of a glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol. This hormone is essential for functions such as maintaining blood glucose levels, metabolizing fats, keeping major organs functioning properly. There are different types of Cushing?s with many symptoms and causes, so it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, its onset is slow, so its symptoms are often mistaken for signs of age. Cushing?s syndrome can cause reduced activity, change in appetite, and hair loss. Other symptoms include an increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, and obesity. The cause of the Cushing?s syndrome determines the treatment, which is also influenced by the overall health of the dog.

Adequate exercise and proper diet are essential for all animals, but if your dog is overweight and you suspect an underlying disease, see a veterinarian for a thorough physical exam including laboratory tests.

Źródło: animalendocrine.blogspot.com

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Źródło: vetpol.org.pl

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