Diabetes In Dogs - Treatment And Prevention - Holistic Approach
How a wholesome diet and veterinary care can work together to help diabetic dogs The purpose of this article is to help dogs who suffer from diabetes and discuss why diabetes in dogs can be prevented by using holistic healing methods. What is Diabetes? Diabetes falls into the category of hormonal diseases where the body, more precisely the pancreas, loses its ability to produce insulin, or there is an overproduction of the glucose releasing hormone - glucagon. Insulin Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas (also called Langerhans islets). Its primary function is to make carbohydrates (sugars) available to the cells as a source of energy. If the insulin level is insufficient, or if it is entirely absent, sugars accumulate in the bloodstream. However, the cells are starved of energy because they can’t utilize carbohydrates directly. I visualize insulin as a fuel tank release cap in a car. If the cap is not open, the car cannot be refueled and it will eventually stop. There can be plenty of gas at the pump, but if the tank is not open when you start pumping, it will spill around the car and cause pollution or even a fire. In the case of diabetes, the fire can be compared to a process called diabetic ketoacidosis, by which the sugar-starved cells give the body a signal to burn fat to supply energy. When fat starts burning fast, it creates ketones, toxic byproducts that can cause a state of severe intoxication that can be potentially life-threatening. Glucagon The more recent opinions suggest that diabetes is also caused by overproduction of the hormone Glucagon, which has the opposite function of insulin. It releases glucose into the bloodstream if the levels are low. Glucagon overproduction by the alpha cells of the pancreas can also lead to elev Continue reading >>
Diabetes Insipidus: Causes & Symptoms + 5 Natural Treatments
Diabetes insipidus, is a debilitating and rare disease, with a prevalence of 1 out of 25,000 people. Often referred to as “water diabetes,” it is a condition characterized by frequent and heavy urination, excessive thirst and an overall feeling of weakness. It’s caused by a defect in the pituitary gland or in the kidneys. (1) The term insipidus means “without taste” in Latin, while diabetes mellitus involves the excretion of “sweet” urine. People with diabetes insipidus pass urine that is diluted, odorless and relatively low in sodium content. Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus (which includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes) are unrelated. Both conditions do cause frequent urination and constant thirst. People with diabetes insipidus have normal blood sugar levels, but their kidneys cannot balance fluid in the body. Although the symptoms of diabetes insipidus can be bothersome and sometimes even life-changing, the condition doesn’t increase future health risks when it is managed properly. It’s important to find the right treatment plan, which typically involves taking measures to avoid dehydration. What is Diabetes Insipidus? Diabetes insipidus is a condition that disrupts normal life due to increased thirst and passing of large volumes or urine, even at night. It is a part of a group of hereditary or acquired polyuria (when large amounts of urine is produced) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) diseases. It’s associated with inadequate vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone secretion. Vasopressin, which includes arginine vasopressin (AVP) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is a peptide hormone formed in the hypothalamus. It then travels to the posterior pituitary where it releases into the blood. In order to fully understand the cause of diabetes ins Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Dogs (diabetes Mellitus)
Diabetes in dogs is a common disorder and is similar to juvenile diabetes in people in which the pancreas cannot produce sufficient amount of insulin. This page looks at the symptoms, health risks, and treatment of this disease. It also discusses how to use some natural remedies such as herbs and supplements to help dogs with diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a common autoimmune disorder in both cats and dogs. Pets that are obese, as well as neutered male cats and unspayed female dogs are more prone to the disease. Most dogs that have diabetes are between 7 to 9 years old, although it can occur to very young dogs as well. Sugar diabetes is divided into Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes (similar to juvenile diabetes in people) occurs when the body attacks the pancreatic cells that make insulin. When your dog's body does not have enough insulin, the body is unable to properly utilize or store blood sugar, resulting in increased sugar levels. The excessive sugar spills over into the urine and is removed from the body. As a result, the body tissues do not have enough blood sugar to sustain a consistent energy level. This is the most common form of diabetes in dogs and is frequently referred to as insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM). In type II diabetes mellitus, insulin is still produced, but it is either not adequately produced, or the cells are not as sensitive to it as they should be. If the cells are not sensitive enough, then even though insulin is present, glucose cannot enter the cells. Type II diabetes is associated with obesity, and in many cases can be cured with weight loss and exercise. This form is uncommon in dogs and is frequently referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM). If left untreated, diabetes in dogs will lead to kidney failu Continue reading >>
Water Diabetes In Dogs
Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder that affects water metabolism, preventing the body from conserving water and releasing too much of it. This condition is characterized by increased urination, dilute urine (so-called insipid, or dull urine), and increased thirst and drinking. This disease is not related to diabetes mellitus (insulin diabetes). Symptoms and Types There are two main types of DI that affect dogs: neurogenic (or central diabetes insipidus) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In neurogenic DI, the cause is due to a lack of the hormone vasopressin, which regulates the body's retention of water. The release of vasopressin is produced and regulated by the hypothalamus (in the brain), so a dysfunction in its release may be due to a head injury, or to a tumor in the brain. Vasopressin is produced in the hypothalamus into the connected pituitary gland, and is then released into the bloodstream. A lack of vasopressin may be due to a failure in the hypothalamus, or a failure in the pituitary gland. A significant number of cases is idiopathic. Nephrogenic DI, meanwhile, can be caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which functions to stimulate the capillary muscles and reduce the flow of urine, effectively conserving water for the body's various functions. The cause is found in the kidneys and their inability to respond appropriately to ADH, allowing too much water from the body to escape into the urine. This is typically an acquired condition, and may be due to amyloidosis of the kidney, cysts on the kidney, or an imbalance of electrolytes. Other common symptoms seen in dogs with DI include: Causes Inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone ADH Congenital defect Unknown causes Trauma Cancer Renal insensitivity to Continue reading >>
Diabetes Insipidus (water Diabetes) In Cats And Dogs
Overview of diabetes insipidus Most everyone is familiar with the term “diabetes;” it is a common human disease. But our four-legged friends can get diabetes, too. There are different types of diabetes, one being diabetes insipidus—an uncommon disorder that affects our pet’s ability to conserve water. Because of this disease, your dog or cat urinates and drinks water excessively in an attempt to keep up with the loss of water through the urine. There are two types of diabetes insipidus. One is due to the insufficient production of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that regulates the body’s ability to absorb water from the kidneys. The other form of diabetes insipidus is caused by the kidneys’ inability to respond to ADH. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the water in your pet’s body. So, without this hormone or the kidney’s response to it, your dog or cat can’t conserve water. Access to water is critical for pets with diabetes insipidus—without it, a dog or cat can become dehydrated in as little as 4–6 hours. Generally, diabetes insipidus is considered idiopathic, which means the ultimate cause is unknown. Possible causes include congenital issues, trauma, metabolic conditions, kidney disease, adverse reactions to certain medications, or tumors of the pituitary gland. Despite the underlying cause of diabetes insipidus, the symptoms are the same. They include: Diagnosis of diabetes insipidus Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your pet’s health. The symptoms of diabetes insipidus are very similar to other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (“sugar diabetes”), Cushing’s syndrome, liver or kidney disease, Addison’s disease, and hypo-/hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian may Continue reading >>
Water Diabetes In Dogs
Diabetes Insipidus, also called Water Diabetes, is a disease affecting dogs, cats, rats, and occasionally other animals. In this disease, a hormone called ADH is either not secreted in sufficient amounts by the brain, or is not properly recognized by specific cells in the kidneys. This results in extreme thirst and frequent evacuation of very diluted urine. Essentially, the animal’s body is trying to rid itself of more water than is needed for normal urination. This condition is not usually life-threatening, but is inconvenient for the owner and stressful for the animal. However, primary kidney disease, a much more serious condition, may display these same symptoms, and so extreme thirst paired with frequent, lengthy urination is cause for a visit to the veterinarian. Diabetes Insipidus is a disease of the urinary system, where either insufficient amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is secreted by the hypothalamus, or target cells in the kidneys have lost the ability to respond to normal levels of ADH. This lack of communication between the brain and the kidneys results in polyuria with hypotonic urine and extreme thirst. Owners noting frequent urination above what is normal for their pet should monitor the amount of water the animal consumes and the color of their urine. If this pattern of drinking and urination persists, make an appointment with your veterinarian, as the much more serious primary kidney disease could be occurring. The veterinarian will first rule out primary kidney disease, and then evaluate your pet’s ability to concentrate urine with a water deprivation test. This is done by waiting for the pet to empty their bladder, then withholding food and water for 3-8 hours, which often stimulates ADH to be produced. The animal should be carefully monitor Continue reading >>
Treatment And Prognosis Of Diabetes Insipidus In Dogs
The goals of treating dogs with diabetes insipidus are to find and address the underlying cause of the condition and to correct the excessive water intake and urine output. Treatment Options If the dog has central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and is not producing or secreting sufficient antidiuretic hormone (ADH), exogenous ADH can be administered either orally in tablet form, or into the corner of the eye (conjunctival sac) in liquid drop form. The actual synthetic drug is called desmopressin acetate, or DDAVP. Dogs with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) or psychogenic polydipsia will not respond to this treatment, because the cause of their condition is not abnormally low circulating levels of ADH. Certain diuretic drugs can be administered orally to increase sodium and water reabsorption by the kidneys and decrease urine output. A low sodium diet can be extremely beneficial as well. All of these treatment options should be discussed thoroughly with the dog’s veterinarian. If the dog’s elevated thirst, increased water intake and increased urine output are well tolerated by and not overly disruptive to the dog’s owner, it may not be necessary to treat the condition. Any dog with diabetes insipidus must have free access to fresh water at all times, with the exception that it may be wise to restrict access to water for a very short period of time after DDAVP is administered, to help prevent cellular overhydration. Prognosis Dogs that have either congenital or idiopathic diabetes insipidus, and many with central diabetes insipidus, typically respond quite well to oral treatment with DDAVP and go on to live full, normal lives. Dogs with central diabetes insipidus caused by pituitary tumors have a more guarded prognosis. Dogs with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus also ha Continue reading >>
Diabetes Insipidus: The “other” Type Of Diabetes
Download Interview Transcript Diabetes insipidus, often called the “other” type of diabetes, is different from the more common diabetes mellitus, though they share some symptoms. Diabetes insipidus, or DI, is a metabolic disorder in which the kidneys aren’t able to reabsorb normal amounts of water. That’s why one of the chief symptoms of DI is the production of large quantities of very dilute urine. There are two primary types of DI, central diabetes insipidus, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. There’s also a less common third type called psychogenic diabetes insipidus. Symptoms of DI besides excessive urination include extreme thirst with increased water intake, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, house soiling, weight loss, poor coat condition and disorientation. Treatment for a pet with DI will depend on its cause. Some forms of DI can be cured, while others will be with the animal for life. Caring for a pet with diabetes insipidus includes insuring the animal has access to fresh water at all times, as well as constant access to a potty spot. By Dr. Becker Diabetes insipidus, or DI, is also referred to as water diabetes. The more common form of diabetes, diabetes mellitus, is known as sugar diabetes. The two conditions are actually very different, though they have some symptoms in common. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of sugar metabolism involving the hormone insulin. Diabetes insipidus is a metabolic disorder in which the kidneys aren’t able to reabsorb normal amounts of water, so the dog or cat eliminates large quantities of very dilute urine. The word “insipid” describes this colorless, tasteless characteristic of the dilute urine. DI is also called the “other type of diabetes.” There are two forms of DI: central diabetes insipidus and neph Continue reading >>
Canine Diabetes Insipidus
Natural dogs health can prevent and treat every disease under the sun. It can do this because the focus is on the immune system rather than the disease or condition. With a strong immune system, your dog is able to sail through any problem unscathed, including canine diabetes insipidus. People know the more common diabetes mellitus, which is normally a direct result of poor nutrition and excess weight. This is the sugar diabetes, when not enough insulin is produced. When the nutrition and weight problems are rectified, the diabetes mellitus can be successfully treated. Diabetes insipidus is the less common version. Essentially it is an imbalance of water in the body. There are two types – the central type and the nephrogenic type. The central type involves malfunction of the pituitary gland. The nephrogenic type involves kidney malfunction. In both types, your dog will have an increased thirst and an increased urine output, much like diabetes mellitus, but also similar to renal and liver problems as well as Cushings disease. If your dog is an outside dog, these symptoms can go unnoticed. Common causes can be diet, medications, inbreeding or a metabolic disorder. Diagnosis is normally by eliminating other conditions, so is not definitive. Veterinary treatment involves eye or nasal drops or constant injections. These are often toxic, creating the need for stronger or more frequent medication over time. The best way to treat (or prevent) diabetes insipidus naturally is to feed your dog a quality, healthy, natural diet, one that will boost his immune system, and to ensure all his health treatment is toxin free. Natural dogs health covers both a healthy diet and a natural approach to health care. Homeopathy probably offers you the deepest and most effective treatment there Continue reading >>
Diabetes Insipidus In Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
What is diabetes insipidus in dogs? Diabetes insipidus (DI) in dogs is a rare medical condition that is characterized by increased thirst and urination. Because of increased thirst, dogs with DI will drink large amounts of fluids. If dogs with DI do not drink enough fluids to compensate for the lost fluids via urine, they can become dehydrated. Despite sharing the same name, diabetes insipidus is not related in any way to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels because the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it properly. Insulin is a natural hormone, which helps process glucose to be used by the body’s cells for energy. DI, however, is a result of problems with water metabolism, not sugar. Therefore, dogs that are diagnosed with DI can still have normal blood sugar levels. DI in dogs occurs when the antidiuretic or ADH hormone is not secreted in sufficient amounts by the brain. It also sometimes occurs if kidney cells do not properly respond to these hormones. This results in excretion of dilute urine and increased thirst in dogs. Usually, the kidney works by removing excess fluids from the bloodstream. The fluids are then temporarily stored in the bladder in the form of urine. When the fluid regulation system is working properly, the kidneys will store fluids and excrete small amounts of insulin when the dog is dehydrated or thirsty. This normal regulation of body fluids in dogs is achieved by the release of the ADH hormone. The antidiuretic hormone is normally released when the dog is dehydrated. This natural hormone works by triggering the kidney to release body fluids into the blood rather than excreting it as urine. However, in dogs with DI, the ADH hormone does not properly regulate the fluids in Continue reading >>
How To Cure Diabetes Insipidus Naturally
It is most likely a lot more accurate to believe of variety 2 diabetes as being controlled rather than cured. Even although prescription medications do a good job in helping to manage diabetes, many would rather cure sort 2 diabetes with a more all-natural strategy. The root lead to of a yeast infection is a fungus referred to as candida albicans fungus. How To Cure Diabetes Naturally Also recognized as yeast, this fungus is present in tiny amounts with other bacteria in the genital places, and in warm and moist locations of the body, like the armpits and the mouth. Each, guys and women are susceptible to this condition. Girls get vaginal yeast infections and guys get penile yeast infections. It is estimated that nearly 80% of girls have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime. Around 50% of females have two yeast infections in their lifetime, and a extremely tiny number endure from recurring infections. If you cure diabetes naturally, your approaches of living will increase. Your life span will be longer, as the bodys aging process slows down. Moreover, the other diseases that are identified to be complications of the illness will prevented as effectively, such as coronary heart ailments and hypertension. The Holisticare herbs for diabetes treatment is the ideal remedy choice that you have is also clinically established to work. It is time that you end worrying and start living again. Holisticare is all you need to have. The quotes are from this cost-free booklet: Outstanding RECOVERIES FROM Severe Overall health Issues by Dr. Bass download and study it for examples and inspiration. Dr. Bernstein had Kind I diabetes, and when no physician could support him started studying his own insulin mechanism, and located a way to use nutrition and exercising to reverse h Continue reading >>
Natural Treatments For Diabetes Insipidus
When you think of the word diabetes, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of insulin injections, since type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of the body being unable to create insulin. Or perhaps you think of controlling high blood sugar through a low glycemic index diet? What if I told you that the name diabetes has nothing to do with blood sugar control or insulin injections? Let me explain… What is Diabetes Insipidus? In general, diabetes is a term that causes the body to produce a large amount of urine. Excessive urination is a symptom that is highly characteristic of all types of diabetes, especially diabetes insipidus. It is a chronic endocrine disorder that is distinctive of intense thirst—known as polydipsia. In other words, this form of diabetes has absolutely nothing to do with blood sugar or insulin. Ad There is a cancer-killing nutrient in your kitchen, right now, that acts like a "smart bomb" against cancer cells. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm Dr. Victor Marchione and I'm revealing this and 16 other amazing "healing foods" in my newest report that you can see here. Causes of Diabetes Insipidus There are two main types of diabetes insipidus—nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and central diabetes insipidus (neurogenic diabetes insipidus). Central diabetes insipidus results from a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)—also called vasopressin—it’s basically a hormone that promotes the retention of water by the kidneys. It can be characterized by pituitary gland damage caused by inflammation, surgery, a tumor, a head injury, or an illness such as meningitis. The cause is usually genetic with children. Also, in some cases the cause of central diabetes insipidus is not known. On the other hand, your body will often make enough vasopressin with neph Continue reading >>
Canine Diabetes Insipidus
Site Navigation Signs And Symptoms Cataracts And Treatment Prescription Food Diabetes Mellitus Gestational Diabetes Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes Diets Canine Diabetes Guide Special Offers First-Aid Handbook The main symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus are an abnormal increase in urine output, fluid intake and often thirst. It causes your pet to urinate frequently because the urine output is not as concentrated as normal and instead of being a yellow color, the urine is pale, colorless or watery in appearance and the measured concentration (osmolality or specific gravity) is low. Canine Diabetes Insipidus resembles Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs because the symptoms of both diseases are similar, increased urination and thirst. However, in every other respect, including the causes and treatment, the diseases are completely unrelated. Sometimes diabetes insipidus is referred to as "water" diabetes to distinguish it from the more common Diabetes Mellitus or "sugar" diabetes and comes in two flavors; Treatment: Diabetes Insipidus is treated using desmopressin, also known as DDAVP. This medication can be given as eye drops, nose drops, or injected subcutaneously. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus is treated with prescribed medications such as thiazide diuretics, chlorothiazide, chloropropamide and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Salt is also restricted. Canine Diabetes Management Guide When a well-loved pet is first diagnosed, we often allow our hearts to rule our thinking, without realizing the full implications of our decision. Having a family pet destroyed is not an option for many of us yet it can take several years before the full implication of commitment to treatment becomes apparent. The Canine Diabetes Management Guide walks you through the process, from the symptoms and fir Continue reading >>
How To Treat Diabetes Insipidus In Dogs
Edit Article Diabetes insipidus is a rare disease that affects young dogs that are less than a year old. The condition causes a dog’s body to become unable to concentrate urine, so the dog has a hard time retaining fluid. If your dog has diabetes insipidus, it is very important that you can spot the signs of dehydration, which are discussed in Method 1. 1 Understand why it is important to check for dehydration. A dog with diabetes insipidus who is denied water will initially be agitated and restless, as he seeks water but can't find any. As he becomes dehydrated there are relatively few warning signs, unless you specifically look for things such as dry gums and test his scruff for hydration. Unfortunately, if the dehydration is undetected the blood supply to major organs will be reduced and those organs (of which the kidneys are especially sensitive) will go into failure. The first signs of this could be vomiting and collapse. 2 There should be moisture present; if the gums are dry this could point to early dehydration. 3 Use the scruff method. You can also use your dog’s skin as a way to check for dehydration. Lift the scuff of skin located in between his shoulders; lift it away from his body and then release it. A well hydrated dog’s skin will fall back into place immediately. A dog who is dehydrated will have skin that “tents”, which means that after you release it, it stays peaked and very slowly returns to its original position. 1 Troubleshoot your dog’s need to urinate frequently. A dog with diabetes insipidus pretty much needs constant access to an outside area. Installing a doggie door is a good way to handle this.[1] Another might be the canine equivalent of a cat-litter box, perhaps utilizing the large type of tray used by garage's to collect oil d Continue reading >>
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes Insipidus Types Signs Diagnosis Treatment Personal Stories Ziggy, Puff, & Simone the cats Sonny the Samoyed Ferris Resources References What is Diabetes Insipidus? Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a disorder of water balance. The animal is unable to concentrate urine, so the urine volume is very high and the urine is dilute. "Insipid" means tasteless -- referring to the dilute urine. This disease is rare in both dogs and cats. The condition is usually permanent, and the prognosis is good. Without treatment, dehydration leads to stupor, coma, and death. This is a completely different disease from Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a disorder of sugar metabolism involving the hormone insulin. We include the information here because people are often looking for resources and we had some owners of pets with DM who also have experience with DI. Types of diabetes insipidus Central Diabetes Insipidus - caused when the pituitary gland does not secrete enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) [also called vasopressin]. This type of DI may be the caused by a congenital defect, trauma, a tumor on the pituitary gland, or unknown causes. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus - caused when the kidneys do not respond to the ADH that is produced by the pituitary gland. This type of DI may be caused by a congenital defect, drugs, or caused by other metabolic disorders polyuria (excessive urination) polydipsia (excessive drinking) Diagnosis includes ruling out other diseases such as hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease), diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism (in cats), renal failure, liver disease, pyometra (infection of the uterus), and other disorders. Images of the pituitary gland may be taken to determine if there is a tumor. A water deprivation test or an ADH trial with DDAVP may be done. These tests det Continue reading >>
