06/30/2025
Last week’s segment features Harley the 9 year old mixed breed dog!!! 🐾🐾 Harley came to us several months ago for increased thirst, urinating in the house and severe weight loss. In older dogs that begin with these symptoms, we frequently diagnose diabetes mellitus, as was the case for Harley. After performing some lab work, we found that Harley had a severely elevated blood glucose level in addition to glucose in the urine. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t properly use the insulin it does make. Without enough insulin, a dog’s body can’t regulate blood sugar levels properly, leading to serious health complications if left untreated. Long term side effects of diabetes can include cataracts, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), and kidney disease. Thankfully in dogs and cats, diabetes can be treated similarly to how humans are treated for diabetes. Dogs and cats can be treated with a variety of different insulin options and the needles to administer the insulin are very small. With some training and support from our staff, management of diabetes in your pet is easily obtainable! Harley and her owners are adjusting well to her new diagnosis and with the help of her insulin she is well on her way to management of her diabetes!! 💉
