Features
November is National Pet Diabetes Awareness Month
EDMOND — Today 50 percent of our pets are overweight or obese, which certainly can predispose them to developing diabetes. Both dogs and cats develop the same two types of diabetes seen in humans. The greater majority of dogs develop Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus where the body simply does not produce any insulin.
Most cats, on the other hand, develop Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. In cats the disease is due either to not producing enough insulin or an inability to utilize the insulin that is produced in the body — the same as Type 2 diabetes in humans. We know the obese cat is certainly more prone to developing diabetes. This type of diabetes also may develop secondary to another disease such as pancreatitis.
With either form of diabetes, and in both cats and dogs, insulin is the primary means of control. Oral hypoglycemic medications may work in a few cats but only in 25 percent to 30 percent of cases. Giving a once or twice daily pill to a cat is way down the list of fun things to do for most cat owners.
It is essential to achieve good control of blood glucose levels as soon as possible and to maintain them by checking on a regular basis. Injectable insulin, professional care and in-home monitoring can help ensure a good maintenance of blood glucose levels. Your veterinarian will want to initially regulate your pet, but easily can teach you how to better maintain your pet’s glucose level at home on a daily basis. This is a disease that will require close contact and an open channel of communication between you and your veterinarian.
Treating and caring for a diabetic pet takes a huge commitment in both time and dollars. Regular administration of insulin is a must, so sacrifices may need to be made to get the pet an injection at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. everyday, or 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or just once in the morning but on a regular basis. This is another reason that in-home monitoring can be so helpful in that exact insulin needs can be met. There is a new in-home kit made by abbott that is specific for cats and dogs, has a lancet that can be used on the ear vein and does not have to be converted over from the human glucose meters.
Initial symptoms of diabetes are excessive thirst and urination, possible sudden weight loss and frequent urinary tract infections. Lack of energy and listlessness also are on the list. If you are having your pets checked by their veterinarian every six months as is recommended, the odds are you will find out about the disease early and be able to provide for a longer, more comfortable life with great diabetic control. Remember, pets age about seven years for each calendar year, so a once a year examination is like us waiting seven years for a check-up. A lot can happen during this time. As with all diseases or bodily changes, the earlier we detect a problem, the better chance we have of fixing it.
The ounce of prevention applies here also in that you must find ways to keep your pets’ weights down in a normal range. A change in diet to lower calories, fewer treats, a feather on a stick for playing, a laser light to chase or a good walk around the block for your special canine buddies will help a lot. Simple changes in lifestyle can make a huge difference with time and by making it a habit, it is good for you and for your pet. If you need help with any of these preventive measures just ask your veterinarian.
DR. M. MARGARET KING, a longtime Edmond veterinarian, is a guest columnist. If you have any questions for her, send them to 1900 S. Bryant, Edmond, OK 73013.
- Features
-
-
Money as a god becomes a tyrant
We sometimes hear that America is a Christian nation, and certainly there is a sliver of truth in this statement since our republic was undeniably founded on Judeo-Christian principles.
-
Denounce extremism, not religion
There’s an e-mail floating around the Internet claiming to show that Barack Obama is a Muslim.
It shows video evidence of Obama speaking, and it uses what it portrays as his own words to show that he is somehow less than a loyal American. -
Pets require proper dental care for health
STILLWATER — There may be cause for concern if pet owners notice their four-legged friends have yucky doggie breath.
If you notice your pet’s breath is offensive, it might signify a serious health concern, said Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian.
“Responsible pet owners take care of their pets by feeding them, exercising them and taking them to the veterinarian for an annual checkup. Unfortunately, some pet owners overlook the care of their pet’s teeth,” MacAllister said. “Proper dental care is just as important for pets as it is for humans.” -
Behavior modification for the bored dog
Q: We have a 2-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd named Sally that is home alone for eight to nine hours every day. She finds something to get on or chew up almost every day. She gets on the window seat and chews on the blind cords or cushions, or on the coffee table and chews on or breaks whatever she can get to. I do worry about her getting bored during the day, but we both work. What would you recommend we do to help her pass the time without getting bored?
-
Enough of all this winter weather
No more nice guy. My pansies and I have had all the global warming we can take. It’ll be a miracle if they survive another ice storm, and my own longevity’s not all that secure either.
-
Retreat ideal for scrapbookers
If you’re a cut-up, have I got a place for you! The Scrappin’ Pad south of Tahlequah was created with scrapbookers in mind.
This is a bed and breakfast with a niche. Christi Bowlin caters to the gals who glue. (OK, I know most scrapbookers wouldn’t touch a glue stick, but that phrase was just too euphonious to pass up.) -
Teens don’t ring bells, they TOA (text on arrival)
NEW YORK (AP) — Planet Teenager, where I unfortunately live, is a busy and surprising place.
On this planet, kids come and go at all hours, but nobody ever rings a bell or knocks on a door. Nobody calls to warn, “I’m on my way.” Nobody beeps a horn to say, “Your ride is here.” -
No more saying no!
Dear Mr. Dad: I feel like when I spend time with my 2-year-old, I’m constantly telling him “no!” Is there some way I can enforce boundaries without being so negative?
A: It’s no wonder that one of the first words kids learn to say is, No. After all, it’s the word they hear the most — even more than mommy, daddy, or their own name. -
Officials urge caution on tree repair
The ice and snow has not yet gone away, but already state forestry officials with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry have heard that out-of-state private contractors are on their way to solicit jobs pruning or removing damaged trees.
-
Online directory targets eastern red cedar
OKLAHOMA CITY — A new directory for eastern red cedar, one of the most challenging plant species in Oklahoma, was announced this week.
The eastern red cedar is a native tree of Oklahoma, but the tree that was once limited to rocky bluffs, deep canyons and other fire-free areas has now grown out of control. - More Features Headlines
-
Money as a god becomes a tyrant
