Diabetes is not a curable disease, but with proper insulin administration, this disease can be controlled.

Blood and urine sugar must be monitored very carefully until your pet’s condition is stabilized. Once your pet’s insulin requirements are determined and blood-sugar levels are stabilized, only urine sugar needs to be monitored.

Diet and exercise play important parts in managing your pet’s diabetes. Your pet should eat a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Exercise decreases the need for insulin. For proper regulation, the amount of daily exercise should be kept consistent.

During a diabetic pet’s maintenance therapy, there can be episodes when the body is getting too much insulin and the blood-sugar drops too low. This can happen at times of stress or when there has not been enough food intake to counteract the effects of the insulin. When this happens, your pet may become groggy, listless, cold, uncoordinated, or possibly unconscious. If this should occur, and your pet is conscious, immediately offer food. If your pet will not eat, repeatedly rub Karo syrup or honey on your pet’s gums. Swallowing is not necessary as the sugars are absorbed directly through the mucous membranes in the mouth. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Hormones present during “heat” and pregnancy antagonize the effects of insulin. Diabetic females should be spayed as soon as their insulin levels are regulated.

During the early weeks of treatment, several medical progress examinations may be necessary with your veterinarian. Call your doctor when questions or problems arise. Make sure you fully understand all aspects of your pet’s home care.

Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:

• You cannot give the insulin as directed, or urine-sugar levels increase.
• Your pet’s thirst and urination increase.
• Your pet has diarrhea or vomits.
• Your pet acts weak or depressed.
• Your pet has repeated bouts of low blood-sugar.

November is National Pet Diabetes Month. To learn more about this disease, visit www.petdiabetesmonth.com or call us at 317-257-5334.

Despite all the fun, we can’t let down our guard when it comes to our pets’ health. Halloween candy can pose a serious health risk to cats and dogs alike. Dr. David Lee, of Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center says, “If your pet gets into your Halloween candy, contact your veterinarian immediately.”

In most cases, accidental ingestion of candy causes an upset stomach and perhaps bouts of diarrhea. But there are a number of other things to keep in mind.

• Chocolate can be toxic if eaten by your pet. Depending on the amount consumed, your veterinarian may need to induce vomiting with activated charcoal, hospitalize and observe your pet while offering supportive care. Dark chocolate is MORE toxic than equal amounts of milk chocolate.
• Some types of candy, especially suckers and lollipops can be quite dangerous. Your dog may eat the stick (or handle) of the sucker, causing a foreign body obstruction. In these cases, x-rays are in order, with a possibility for surgery to remove the stick.

Chocolate contains caffeine, so your dog may be displaying the same symptoms you might expect of a person who has consumed too much caffeine. They may act jittery, have tremors, or even begin to have seizure activity. If you see any of these warning signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The Doctors and Staff at Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center wish you and your pets a safe and Happy Halloween!