Skip to main content

Articles

Dogs + Medical Conditions

  • Diabetes insipidus results in excessive drinking and urination. As many conditions cause these signs, a number of diagnostic tests including bloodwork and urinalysis need to be performed to rule out other causes. After more common causes are ruled out, a modified water deprivation test can confirm disease and an MRI or therapeutic trial can be performed. Diabetes insipidus results from reduced production of ADH from the brain or reduced sensitivity to ADH in the kidney. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease either replacing the lack of ADH with a synthetic replacement or using a hydrochlorothiazide and a low salt diet to decrease urine production.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs: Overview

  • Diabetes is an inability of the body to regulate blood sugar caused by an abnormality of the pancreas. It causes increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. Most dogs have type 1 diabetes, caused by total or near destruction of the insulin-producing cells, and insulin injections are required for treatment. Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring increased levels of glucose in the urine and blood. Diabetes treatment includes insulin injections and dietary manipulation with regular blood sugar monitoring. Financial costs can be high during the regulation period, or if a complication arises, and twice-daily insulin injections are a lifelong commitment.

  • Diabetes mellitus results from an inadequate production of insulin from the pancreas. The primary treatment is replacement by insulin injections. The body's response to the injections needs to be regularly monitored using an at-home glucometer or continuous glucose monitoring system. Insulin must be stored and reconstituted carefully to ensure dosing is accurate. Giving subcutaneous injections of insulin can seem daunting at first, but by following the directions in this handout, it will quickly become second nature to both you and your pet.

  • Dogs usually have insulin-dependent diabetes (also called Type 1 diabetes), and require insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels. This handout outlines the basics of treatment and monitoring, and also discusses the importance of diet.

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is important for your veterinarian to perform appropriate tests in order to diagnose this disease as similar signs can occur with other medical conditions. Treatment involves hospitalization with IV fluids, short acting insulin and electrolyte replacement. The most important step in prevention is ensuring proper insulin dosing is being administered.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Diarrhea in Dogs

  • Diarrhea is not a disease, but rather a sign of many different diseases that may be minor or serious. Some cases may resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, while other cases require in-depth diagnostic testing and more aggressive treatment to address the underlying condition.

  • Bloat: Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus in Dogs

    Este término, mucho más descriptivo que otros utilizados en el pasado, se emplea para definir una alteración en la que el estómago del perro se distiende con gas y puede además girar (torsionarse) sobre sí mismo dejando el gas atrapado en su interior.

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious and often fatal condition in medium to larger breed dogs. Signs may be sudden or progressive in onset. Some signs include rapid breathing, increased effort with breathing, restless sleeping, coughing, or gagging, among others. Early and proper diagnosis is key, followed by treatment to give the best quality of life.