Did you know that dogs can also suffer from diabetes mellitus? Just like humans dogs can develop this endocrine problem which is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce enough of the insulin hormone. As the rate of obesity in pets continues to increase, there is also a consequent increase in the number of dogs diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Affected dogs generally exhibit excessive water intake and urination, commit urinary accidents, weight loss and muscle wasting, increased appetite, exercise intolerance, frequent and urinary tract infections. Serious complications include nerve problems and cataracts that can eventually lead to blindness.

Diabetes mellitus occur when the body fails to make adequate amounts of insulin, a hormone which helps facilitate the entry of sugar into the cells of the body. With inadequate levels of insulin, the body cells soon starve for sugar, stimulating the body to produce more and more sugar in an attempt to feed the starving cells. This can eventually lead to hypeglycemia. Serious cases of diabetes mellitus may require the administration of insulin at least twice a day to ensure that sugar can get into the body cells and utilized. If your dog has been diagnosed with the problem, you should work closely with your Myrtle Beach, SC veterinarian to ensure proper management of the disease and protect your pet from serious complications. Click here to know more.