
Canine Diabetes And Its Causes
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is required for the body to efficiently use sugars, fats and proteins.
Diabetes most commonly occurs in middle age to older dogs and cats, but occasionally occurs in young animals. Certain conditions predispose a dog to developing diabetes. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Animals that are overweight or those with inflammation of the pancreas are predisposed to developing diabetes. Some drugs can interfere with insulin, leading to diabetes. Glucocorticoids, which are cortisone-type drugs, and hormones used for heat control are drugs that are most likely to cause diabetes. These are commonly used drugs and only a small percentage of animals receiving these drugs develop diabetes after long term use.”
The conventional treatment of choice for diabetes is insulin. Most dogs are also prescribed a veterinary formula processed food.
“Your veterinarian will recommend a specific diet and feeding regimen that will enhance the effectiveness of insulin. If your pet is overweight, s(he) will be placed on a weight-reducing diet. As the pet loses weight, less insulin will be needed. Only feed the recommended diet..NO table scraps or treats that are not part of the recommended diet.”
These veterinary formulas for diabetes are low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Here is the ingredient list for one of the more popular veterinary prescription foods for diabetes:
Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken by-product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken L
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