Diabetic Ketoacidosis And Canine Diabetes - A Dangerous Combination

If your pet has received a diagnosis of diabetes in dogs, your pet’s life may depend on your knowing about diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA.  This is a very serious complication seen in diabetic dogs who have high blood sugar levels.Anyone who has a canine friend needs to know about this dangerous condition. 

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis?

Ketoacidosis occurs when too many ketones build up in your pet’s system.You’re probably wondering, what are ketones?

Ketones are part of the process your pet’s body uses 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 the blood sugar levels are too high, the liver responds by making too many ketones, which causes 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 Does The Vet Treat DKA?

Treatment depends on how severe a case your diabetic pet has.In a mild case, the only treatment required may be IV therapy and insulin.But in more severe cases, aggressive treatment is required to treat complications that may develop.  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.About two-thirds of dogs with DKA will recover and 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 diabetes in dogs 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.

Need to learn more about a natural remedy that can help dogs with diabetes?  Just click on any link in this article for more information.