My Pets: PREVENTION

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Nutraceuticals for Dogs with Arthritis

We take a closer look at a whole range of Nutraceuticals that promise to assist with the relief of canine arthritis and joint care issues.

To learn more about the causes of canine arthritis, its progression, how to detect its first signs in your dog as well as strategies to delay its onset - ranging from adequate nutrition, regular exercise and physical therapies - please read our previous posts on "Dealing with Canine Arthritis" and "Canine Massage Therapy".

WHAT ARE NUTRACEUTICALS?

The term “Nutraceutical” is derived from the terms “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, and was originally defined as a “food that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease”. This definition becomes much more vague and more open to interpretation once it is used commercially...

In essence, there is no definitive definition of a Nutraceutical. A vague definition is that it is any dietary ingredient, including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances including enzymes, metabolites or organ tissues, which are included in a product, fed by mouth, and may provide some health benefit.

It is worth noting that nutraceuticals are not subjected to the same testing and regulations as pharmaceuticals, and this is one of the reasons why there is a lot of skepticism around the subject of their benefits and efficacy. And with this definition in mind, it can't be surprising to realise that there are a variety of different dietary supplements and nutraceuticals which are used, and claim to be of benefit in treating or alleviating clinical symptoms of arthritis in pets.

COMMON INGREDIENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF CANINE ARTHRITIS

In this article, we will take a look at the more common ones used to treat arthritis in pets and how these claim to work...

#1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine Sulphate is considered one of the building blocks of joint fluid and cartilage in joints. It is a naturally occurring compound, and is often extracted from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. It has been proposed that the product has a benefit in both alleviating pain, and modifying the cartilage structure in arthritic pets.

Certainly these effects have been measured in people suffering osteoarthritis, so it could be assumed that it’s equally effective in pets. However, it should be noted the appropriate dose and body condition for pets to receive the benefits of this supplement, aren’t defined to any accurate degree at this stage.

#2. Chondroitin Sulphate

Chondroitin Sulphate is a substance that is naturally found in the connective tissues of animals. It is a common supplement for pets showing signs of osteo-arthritis, and the results are again vague. Some studies prove a benefit in reducing symptoms of pain and reduced mobility, whilst others show less promising results. And once again, the most effective dose rate isn’t obviously known.

#3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are poly-ununsaturated fatty acids, of which 2 types (EPA, DHA) are found in marine, fish oils, and reportedly play a large role in treating and alleviating pain associated with arthritis in pets. Omega 3 Fatty acids are necessary physiologically for an animal’s normal metabolism, and are called essential fatty acids. As they cannot be produced in the body, they have to be supplemented via their diet. Just remember to use a fish oil supplement that’s specifically designed for dogs, not humans as pets prefer oil that just tastes like the fish it came from.

Multiple studies have proven a health benefit in using Omega-3 oils to treat arthritis, by reducing the inflammation in the joint, and alleviating the symptoms of pain and reduced mobility, associated with this disease.

#4. Green-Lipped Mussel Extracts

Green-lipped Mussel is a shellfish, often sourced from New Zealand. The extract from this food source, contains a combination of Glucosamine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a variety of minerals.

It is proposed that this product can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. Once again, there really isn’t a lot of evidence to support the claims, and the question you need to ask, is whether your pet is getting an appropriate dosage to make a difference.

Commercial products are often comprised of a combination of the nutraceuticals mentioned above, in addition to other ingredients.

SOME COMMON NUTRACEUTICALS OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA

1) 4CYTE Canine

4CYTE™ Canine is an oral nutraceutical joint supplement.

It is a unique advancement in joint treatment containing Epiitalis®, a plant oil extract patented for its ability to proliferate chondrocyte cells for cartilage regeneration. Indicated for use when treating mild to moderate OA, after joint damage or surgery.

It comes in palatable granules which can be taken with other medications. Safe to take long-term. Available over the counter from vet clinics and online in 50g or 100g pack sizes.

For more information, please visit www.4cytevet.com

2) Ceva Animal Health - Joint Guard

Joint Guard for Dogs is a formula containing key ingredients that have been shown to work together to maintain healthy joints in dogs.

It contains purified Glucosamine Hydrochloride which is the raw material for new cartilage growth plus an easy-to-absorb form of Chondroitin Sulfate to help reduce ongoing cartilage damage.

Joint Guard also contains MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), an organic sulfur compound that is claimed to reduce pain and inflammation.

Available in three pack sizes: 200g, 400g and 750g.

RRP: from $53.35 (200g) at vetshopaustralia.com.au

3) Glyde Mobility Chews

Glyde Mobility Chews can help maintain healthy joints and cartilage and may also aid in the improvement of joint health and function in dogs.

The chews contain three ingredients in a one-of-a-kind TREATment:

NZ green-lipped mussel provides clinically proven anti-inflammatory efficacy and is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, protein, glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine HCl increases protective joint fluid
Chondroitin which helps rebuild cartilage.

Glyde Mobility Chews contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and no shark cartilage. The soft, heart-shaped chews are easy to break with dosing that is convenient for large and small breeds. Available in 2 pack sizes (60 or 120 chews) from vets or online.

RRP: $65.00 (60 chews) from storeanz.parnell.com

4) Nature’s Answer - Pernaease Powder

This a 100% natural joint health supplement for dogs composed of a combination of three freeze-dried marine extracts: green shelled mussel, shark cartilage and abalone – with no added fillers or chemicals.

These extracts provide a natural source of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Omega 3 fatty acids and a range of important minerals. Pernaease Powder is registered as a veterinary medicine in Australia with a claim for providing relief of arthritic symptoms in dogs.

Nature’s Answer Pernaease Powder is palatable to most dogs and is simply sprinkled on the food once a day. It comes in two convenient pack sizes – 125g and 250g and is available through your local pet store, produce store or vet clinic.

For details, please visit www.mavlab.com.au

5) PAW Osteosupport - Joint Care Powder for Dogs

This is a natural green-lipped mussel powder Perna128®, manufactured using lower temperatures for a highly concentrated product.

It contains high levels of Omega 3 (EPA, DHA & ETA) providing joint care relief plus a natural source of glycosaminoglycans (Chondroitin 6 Sulfate) that are key nutrients required for cartilage production to aid joint care.

Osteosupport comes in a convenient capsule which provides a daily dose ready to give to your dog: most dogs take it sprinkled over their food.

Available in two pack sizes: 80 and 150 capsules.

RRP: from $50.95 (80 capsules) from www.blackmores.com.au

6) Technyflex Canine

This is a natural product for dogs that may relieve sore and inflammed joints and arthritic symptoms.

The product is derived from 100% Enriched NHNZ^TM green-lipped mussel (meat only, not the shell) from New Zealand.
It is also high in Omega 3s and 6s and contains GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), minerals and vitamins.

Technyflex Canine is available as a powder (100g-200g) or capsules (80 or 240 pack).

RRP: from $39.95 (80 capsules) at www.comvet.com.au

7) Total Pet - JointPower®

JointPower® is a high-quality powder that promotes joint health in dogs and cats. It is easy to use - just add it to your pet's food.

It comprises a number of active ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Vitamin C and Turmeric. Each of these ingredients plays a role in joint health and each occurs naturally, with all but turmeric (from plants) found within the animal body.

Treatment is most effective
as a prevention strategy to protect joint cartilage in animals at risk of developing joint problems including highly active animals and ageing animals but also for animals with existing mild, low-grade osteoarthritis.

RRP: $69.95 (160g) from www.totalpet.com.au

8) TuffRock K9JF

K9JF is designed to support normal healthy joint and muscles.

It is a holistic joint support formula from organic vitamins, micro anti-oxidants, super phyto-nutrients synergised with TuffRock’s ancient volcanic minerals that naturally support gut health and collagen generation. It contains no seafood, animal products or drugs and no added flavouring.

K9JF comes packaged in powder form (ready to mix with your dog's main meal) in a handy 275g or 500g bucket.

RRP: from $35 (275g) at tuffrockk9.net

9) Vetalogica Joint Formula

Vetalogica's Joint Formula for dogs combines natural ingredients into a great tasting powder for pets.

It comprises Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Manganese, Vitamin C, Zinc & Copper (as amino acid chelates), Vitamin E, Fructose, Silica-colloidal anhydrous, Povidone, Cellulose-microcrystalline.

Use by simply sprinkling the powder on your pet's food or mix it into the food. This product is not recommended for use in acute or infectious joint conditions so always speak with your vet first to ensure it is appropriate for your dog's condition.

RRP: $32.95 (150g) at www.vetalogica.com.au

10) Vet's All Natural - Joint Support Powder

This powdered supplement has been developed by Dr Bruce Syme of Vets All Natural. The holistic formula aims to improve your dog's joint health and function with long term use.

With a combination of ingredients including Boron, Calcium, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Omega 3, Ginger, Vitamin C, Sulphur and Magnesium, it supplements a healthy diet. The boost of these nutrients provides broad skeletal support for joints and arthritis (not recommended for use in acute or infectious conditions).

This product has been tried and tested over many years and is registered by the APVMA.
There are 4 sizes available 250g, 500g, 1kg and 3kg.

RRP: from $34.99 (250g) at www.mypetwarehouse.com.au

So where does this leave us? We have come to the conclusion that all of the above mentioned Nutraceuticals may or may not provide a health benefit in treating arthritis in pets. And assuming they do, what dose rate is necessary to achieve the desired effect? To our knowledge, there really isn't a good answer to this question.

Should you therefore supplement your arthritic pets with Nutraceuticals?

Personally, I think there’s enough information out there to suggest it may make a difference, but not enough information to feel 100% confident you are appropriately treating you pet with the correct combination of supplements, and dose rates.

So, frustrating as it is, it comes down to a personal choice. If you think it makes a difference, then certainly give it a go. In my opinion, any product which alleviates your dog's arthritic pain, to any degree, is worth pursuing. What are your thoughts?

Important: The information provided in this article is for general information only and is subject to change. Always verify the accuracy of the above first with your primary care veterinarian or in the case of a product, by reading pack and prescribing information before administering it to your pet. The specific needs and circumstances of your pet have not been taken into account.

Australian Dog Lover does not endorse or recommend any of the products mentioned in this article and they are listed for information purposes only.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS PREVENTION

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Treatment

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Dogmentia? Dogzheimers? Is it true? Unfortunately, yes, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a form of dementia that has been found to affect up to 14% of dogs over 10 years of age, with the risk significantly increasing with age. Dogs with CCD share a similar pattern of symptoms as human patients with Alzheimer’s disease, develop similar brain changes, and react to new drugs in a similar way.

WHAT IS CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION?

CCD is a specific medical condition caused by physical and chemical changes in the brain. Structural changes include a reduction in brain size, a loss of functional neurons and the deposition of Alzheimer-type plaques in the brain tissue. Chemical changes also occur such as a reduction in essential neurotransmitters. Blood vessels to the brain are constricted, cutting down its supply of oxygen, making the problem worse.

While dogs do decline physically with age and their hearing and eyesight deteriorate like ours, not all behaviour changes can be attributed to just old age. Medical conditions need to be ruled out first, such as cardiac disease, arthritis, incontinence, cataracts, dental disease and chronic pain.

Not all aging dogs will develop CCD but it is essential to recognise the behavioural signs of cognitive decline early as there are treatments available to manage the disease and improve the dog’s quality of life. Just like with human Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms can be very distressing and it can be extremely difficult for an owner to cope with a beloved pet that no longer recognises or interacts with them as it used to.

12 BEHAVIOUR CHANGES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN SENIOR DOGS

The signs to watch out for in older dogs’ with CCD typically include one or more of these behavioural signs:

1. confusion and disorientation

2. decreased interest in food (anorexia) or not being able to find food

3. staring at the wall or floor

4. getting stuck behind objects, walking into walls or doors

5. decreased ability to recognise places and people

6. disruption of the normal sleep/wake cycle

7. excessive licking

8. repetitive pacing, circling or wandering

9. persistent barking or whining, especially at night

10. loss of learned behaviours, such as toilet training

11. irritability and aggression

12. reduced interaction with the owner, general apathy

DIAGNOSIS OF CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION

These changes in behaviour are usually readily recognised however, whilst 75% of the owners of aged pets notice at least one of the above signs, regretfully, most don't realise the problem is often treatable and that's unfortunate because the condition is progressive. Once the signs are seen, dogs get worse without treatment.

Before diagnosing CCD, a thorough physical and neurological examination of the dog is performed to ensure that there are no other likely 'old age' causes of the changes, such as arthritis, a reduction in vision and hearing, diabetes, liver disease, cardio-vascular disease, neoplasia or anxiety disorders. There is no specific test for CCD: it is a diagnosis of exclusion based on the clinical signs and excluding other diseases.

7 TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTIONS

While there is yet no cure for CCD, treatment options currently available for CCD include medications, dietary changes, behaviour modification as well as changes to the pet's environment.

#1. Medications

Medications are available for treatment of some forms of cognitive dysfunction in dogs. These drugs help to normalise neurotransmitter levels, increase blood supply and protect against nerve cell deterioration. If you recognise any of the above problems in your dog, it is worth trying treatment as many dogs show marked improvement and become more attentive, playful and interactive. Seleginine, which is a derivative of a medication used in people to treat Parkinson's disease, is approved by the FDA to treat canine cognitive dysfunction.

#2. Synthetic Pheromones

The synthetic pheromone analogue Dog Appeasing Pheromone (Adaptil) - available as a plug-in diffuser or collar - can also be useful in decreasing concurrent anxiety.

#3. Behaviour Treament

Sometimes drug therapy needs to be combined with behavioural treatment, for example, urinating indoors may have become a habit which will require rehouse-training.

Like in humans, our dogs need to 'Use it or Lose it' - so provide a rich environment designed to stimulate their brain.This can be achieved by using enrichment toys, simple brain challenges and brain games involving simple training routines (e.g. sit, drop, fetch) are ideal because many older dogs are chronically bored.

#4. Environmental Changes

Changing the pet's environment may also help. Because many old dogs are arthritic, please ensure that your dog has comfortable soft bedding and that the stairs they have to climb are not too steep or slippery.

Ensure he/she can easily negotiate the back door and the steps so that when the call of nature beckons, your dog can easily get to the garden to relieve itself. Don't forget a 'wee' walk before bed time. Keep household furniture changes to a minimum, though, so as not to confuse your dog and stick to his or her normal routine.

#5. Prescription Diets

A prescription brain diet is available specifically for CCD which contains increased levels of antioxidants to reduce the free radicals produced in ageing brains. Antioxidants used include Vitamins E and C, also a special mix of fruit and vegetables that gives increased levels of the antioxidants known as Carotenoids and Flavenoids.

Other ingredients are included to promote cell function and durability. Research has shown that this form of dietary management improved the learning ability of older dogs by 58%.

#6. Nutraceuticals

There are a number of Nutraceuticals and other complementary therapies available in the marketplace.

The formulations are based on the addition of Antioxidants, B Vitamin complex, Choline and essential fatty acids, all of which have attributions which may help with signs of brain ageing. It is best to speak with your veterinarian first to ensure there is some data to support their use and they aren’t harmful in combination with other medications your dog may be taking.

#7. Stem Cell Therapy

Due to the similarity between CCD and human dementia, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction has been a major research focus of the Regenerative Neuroscience Group of the University of Sydney's Brain & Mind Research Institute.

Researchers set out to discover whether brain engraftment of the dog’s own skin-derived neural stem-like cells can help cure dogs of CCD. Recently, RNG researchers had a world-first breakthrough by successfully reversing the signs of dementia in a 13-year-old dog called Timmy by injecting him with his own stem cells.
You will find more details on this project at http://rng.org.au/timmy/

Video credit: VETtalk TV (2015)

This is only one documented case, but it paves the way for further clinical trials in dogs and potentially in humans with dementia.

In conclusion, your dog’s prognosis will depend on how early the disease is caught. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and implementing a strict treatment program can slow the decline and extend your dog’s life.

Dr Julia Adams, BVSc, is a veterinarian and animal behaviour consultant in Cootamundra, NSW.

She is passionate about educating pet owners and helping them overcome behaviour issues that negatively affect their lives and the relationships they have with their pets.

www.petsonthecouch.com.au

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS PREVENTION

More Dog Blood Donors Are Needed

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Many of us will be travelling over the school holidays and sadly some of our dogs may require a blood transfusion for a variety of reasons. We spoke to Rebecca Charteris, the founder of the Australian Animal Blood Bank to learn more about this unique community-based donor program and how your dog (just like Milo, pictured above) can make a difference in the lives of others.

"Having worked in an emergency clinic for over fifteen years, we would average about three transfusions per week in our clinic, maybe more." explains Rebecca. As it is, the clinic is a multi-specialty clinic comprising of Surgery, Medicine, Oncology etc. where multiple patients with different issues may require a blood transfusion.

WHAT SITUATIONS WOULD TYPICALLY REQUIRE A BLOOD TRANSFUSION?

Just like us, our dogs can suffer from the same accident, illness and emergency situations that will require a blood product intervention. Whole blood contains red blood cells, platelets and plasma and each component can be used to treat particular situations.

Situations that can arise where a dog would need one or more of these components include an acute blood loss from trauma (such as motor vehicle accidents) or blood loss during surgery. Unfortunately, dogs can sometimes be exposed accidentally to toxins like snail or rat bait or snake envenomations.

Patients with cancer can also at times require blood transfusions whilst going through their cancer treatments. As well as autoimmune diseases (such as haemophilia) where the body, for some reason, destroys its own red blood cells making the patient anaemic.

The Australian Animal Blood Bank collects a whole blood unit from the donor dogs and then separate the red blood cells from the plasma. Therefore, we create products that can be used to treat more than one patient and sometimes up to three patients.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO SET UP THE AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL BLOOD BANK?

Rebecca Charteris from the Australian Animal
Blood Bank, with regular donor Cooper the Boxer

When I started the process of setting up this blood bank there was only one other “commercial” blood bank in Australia" explains Rebecca. "We are currently the only community-based blood bank where are donors are pet owned dogs and live within the community.

Clinics, in the past and still now, run their own in-house blood donor programs to help patients who require blood products. This is necessary and most practices function in synergy with a commercial blood bank as sometimes pets need after hours or emergency transfusions.

The difference with in-house blood donor programs and commercial blood banks in Australia is that commercial blood banking is regulated by the government.

The APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) is like the TGA but for animals. This means that blood banks have very specific criteria that must be adhered to in regards to stringent testing of their donors, quality collection processes, production and testing of the products before it can be distributed. Also, not many clinics have the means to separate the whole blood units into components.

It took many years to set up our blood bank and the process included testing of the products and ensuring proper approval processes with the APVMA before we could start recruiting donors.The initial set-up, licencing and registration of products was funded by myself. The AABB is now able to continually operate as veterinarians are always in need of transfusion products and are purchasing our products for their patients.

WHAT ARE THE DONOR CRITERIA AND WHY ARE THEY SO STRINGENT?

Skoota the Greyhound is recovering after giving blood

The amount of blood collected must be done so safely so we need to have dogs in the program who can donate the 450ml of blood needed to make the blood components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. This requires the dogs to be between 25kg and 70kg in order to have the adequate blood volume that we can safely collect.

The blood that is collected needs to be from dogs who are current on vaccinations, up to date with flea, tick and heartworm control as well as intestinal parasite control. This helps to minimise the risk of disease exposure including Vector Borne Diseases, which can be transmitted by internal and external parasites.

Much like in human blood transfusions, the donors need to be in optimum health in order to make sure that no further risks are imposed on the recipient from the transfusion they receive. Dog blood donors must be between the ages of 1 and 6 years (donors are retired at 8 years of age). You will find more details on the donor criteria and exclusions here.

Dexter is proudly wearing his dog bandana

This does make it more challenging, however we also help educate donor owners about the importance of internal and external parasite prevention and vaccinations because - donors or not - these provisions are essential to keep our pets healthy.

There are eight major canine blood groups - with more being discovered - and one is a universal donor, like the human O negative.
Each unit of blood collected is also quality tested for bacterial contamination: this is part of the ongoing quality control and reassurance with the product.

The Australian Animal Blood Bank currently has about 40 dogs in the program but we always need more. We would like to see this number triple over the next 12 months. Sometimes our regular donors may not be able to donate as they may be away at the time, they could be moving away or need some unexpected surgery themselves which cancels them out until such time as they are cleared to donate again.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP IF A DOG OWNER WANTS TO GET INVOLVED?

Xavier the Greyhound reporting for duty

Anyone who believes their dog meets the criteria or would even just like to come in and meet with myself and the team can contact us through our email and we can set up an appointment time.

At the moment we have had a lot of success recruiting donors through our approved donor site at Newbridge Animal Centre, Moorebank.

All our locations must meet both the APVMA and Australian Animal Blood Bank criteria to be involved.

In time, we would like to expand to other areas and we will keep the public updated through our website and Facebook page. A mobile donor centre is also part of our plan once the funding becomes available.

WHAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN DURING THE COLLECTION PROCESS?

Prior to each donation the health status of the donor is evaluated by one of the Blood Bank Staff. A small sample of blood is collected to ensure that your pet is able to donate. The dog donor is then placed on his or her side on the collection table and the owner is allowed to sit next to their dog's head to alleviate any anxiety and provide reassurance.

Ash enjoying some tasty chicken after the procedure

Hair is clipped from a small area on the neck and the skin is cleansed with using a skin disinfectant. A unit of blood (approx 450ml) is collected from the jugular vein in the neck area.

The collection process procedure takes approximately 5 minutes. Following the collection the needle is removed and pressure is applied to the collection site.

And the best part? Our dog donors are being rewarded with lots of yummy treats and praise!

WHAT IS THE MAIN MOTIVATION OF DOG OWNERS INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM?

People who are genuinely interested in having their dog as a blood donor tend to not ask straight away about the benefits. It is a wonderful thing to come across dog owners who just want to help other pets in need. People are keen to sign up and then, they are pleasantly surprised about the benefits includded in our blood donor program such as:

Comprehensive blood screening and health check upon entry to the program. The donors are tested annually for every year they remain in the program. This includes testing for heartworm disease, Blood Typing, organ function, blood cell evaluation, coagulation evaluation (clotting tests) and Vector Borne Diseases which can be transmitted by fleas and ticks.
Physical exam, red blood cell and haemoglobin testing every 3 months prior to each donation making it more likely to pick up early issues with pets if they were to arise.
Complimentary parasite prevention for fleas and ticks. Helping save owners some costs with their doggies, our donors receive a Seresto collar each time they donate, which is provided to us by Bayer Animal Health to minimise the risk of our donors being exposed to Vector Borne Diseases.
A goodie bag for our donors from a range of supporters of our blood bank e.g. Dermcare shampoo products, Love’em pet treats and Black Hawk pet food.

If you're in a position to help other canines in need with dog blood donations, please visit www.aabb.com.au

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS PREVENTION

Diabetes in Dogs - Causes & Treatment

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A significant number of diseases that dogs and cats get are unique to those species, which is why you take your dog to the vet not to your local GP. However there are others that are similar to the diseases that humans get. Diabetes is one of these diseases.

There are many different causes of diabetes in dogs, but almost all require treatment in a similar fashion. Diabetes (or Diabetes mellitus, to give its full name) is a failure of the regulation of sugar in the bloodstream.

(There is another form of diabetes called Diabetes insipidus which is caused by an upset in the adrenal gland). For this article, we shall refer to Diabetes mellitus as “Diabetes”.

WHO IS AT MOST AT RISK

Diabetes tends to affect middle-aged dogs, mostly about 6-10 years old, though it can be seen in younger and older dogs. Female dogs are about twice as likely to be affected as males, and it is more common in un-desexed dogs. Certain breeds are more susceptible. We see many cases in Poodles, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Beagles and Cocker Spaniels.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DOG HAS DIABETES

In a healthy dog, there is a hormone called insulin, which is made in a gland near the stomach called the pancreas. This hormone is a facilitator of blood sugar use and transport. The pancreas makes insulin on demand, and the insulin helps the blood sugar “glucose” to pass out of the blood stream and into cells all over the body giving those cells the energy they need to function. Active cells call out for more energy, the liver releases more glucose, more insulin is produced and the glucose moves into the cells where it powers the cell functions. This is all part of the wonder of life that goes on inside our bodies every hour of every day.

When a dog develops diabetes, there is insufficient insulin around so glucose cannot pass into the cells, so the cells run out of energy. The cells call out for more energy, the liver responds and releases more glucose into the bloodstream, but as the lack of insulin means glucose cannot get into the cells to nourish them, the cells call out again for more energy. The liver responds and speeds up its release of glucose, often breaking down stored energy in a rather haphazard way trying to satisfy the cells’ demands, which still cannot be met as the all-important insulin is not present.

As a result, the cells run out of energy, the liver works overtime breaking down energy stores and releases ever larger amounts of glucose into the bloodstream. This high level of blood glucose is of no use to the cells without insulin to help it enter the cells. The very high blood glucose level overloads the kidneys spilling over into the urine, dragging water with it into the urine. The energy depleted cells make the dog feel tired and hungry. The haphazardly broken down energy stores makes the dog lose weight. The excessive glucose level, and the extra water dragged with it, in the urine, makes the dog urinate more, and so it wants to drink more to replace the water lost as it urinates.

So now we can see what signs we might expect in a dog with diabetes. A typical diabetic dog is hungry but despite its increased appetite it loses weight.

It is thirsty and it urinates a lot. It might have accidents on the floor, and these puddles are often quite sticky and are attractive to ants because of the high level of glucose in the urine.

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY CAUSES OF DIABETES

Some dogs can develop diabetes due to a so-called “auto-immune reaction, where the dog’s own body defence system, - its immune system - attacks and destroys the pancreas. Mostly however, diabetes in dogs is due to one of two other types of disease. Either the pancreas makes insufficient insulin, or the cells in the body cease being able to respond to the insulin (“insulin resistance”).

REDUCED INSULIN PRODUCTION

The pancreas can become damaged in a variety of different ways, all leading to reduced insulin production. The pancreas is a very fragile organ and it can be damaged by infection and by inflammation. Repeated bouts of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can wipe out the insulin producing cells, as would most pancreatic cancers. One of our dogs, a Cocker Spaniel, was a real garbage guts. We had some long renovations at home and she sought out the fatty chicken carcasses that our less than tidy tradies would leave lying around, despite our repeated pleas for them to use the bins. She had several bouts of pancreatitis and later in life developed diabetes.

Some hormones made naturally in the body are antagonistic to insulin production. Typically the hormones released around the time a bitch is on heat will affect insulin secretion. All the hormones in the body are interdependent, and other conditions like an underactive thyroid and overactive adrenal glands (“Cushings disease”) can affect insulin secretion.

As vets we have a fantastic array of medications we use every day. Our training makes us well aware that wonderful though these drugs may be, the same drugs almost invariably have side effects. Over the years, my clients have often asked me for more of the wonderful blue (or green, or white) pills to stop their dog scratching. Whilst they do indeed stop a lot of itches, repeated doses of cortisone can lead to the development of diabetes.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

A common cause of insulin resistance is obesity. Overfeeding a dog can not only lead to a variety of mobility problems, and reduced quality of life and reduced longevity, but obesity and a continually high blood glucose level stops the cells from responding to insulin. They cannot absorb the energy and so the glucose demand-oversupply cycle gets going, leading to diabetes.

It such a tragedy when an owner comes to us with a fat dog that has diabetes and we have to explain that the obesity may be an owner induced malady. Other diseases can also lead to insulin resistance.

DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES

In the early stages of diabetes, there are few signs to warn us that anything is wrong. Over time, more clues become evident. Sometimes diabetes can develop very quickly, other times it is more insidious.

Many owners assume that their dog is just getting a bit slower, less enthusiastic about walks and is losing weight because it is older. The hunger and thirst may pass unnoticed.

Some dogs are presented because they have gone blind suddenly, with bright white centers to the lens in one or both eyes. These cataracts are quite common in diabetic dogs.

When we are suspicious of diabetes, we will perform a thorough clinical examination and will always try to get blood and urine samples at the same time, looking for high levels of glucose in both. A single high blood glucose level does not necessarily indicate diabetes. False diagnoses can occur if the dog has just eaten or if it is very stressed. If in doubt, there is a blood test for “fructosamine” that shows that a dog has had sustained high blood glucose levels. Our suspicions may also be raised if a dog has had repeated infections, or a history of other diseases.

TREATMENT OF DIABETES

So, what can be done if a dog has diabetes? Firstly we confirm the diagnosis. At this point I run through everything above with the dog owners. I explain that we all have amazing bodies, which try every day and every meal to even out the excesses that we throw at them.

When we eat a big meal we get a spike in blood glucose and all the internal mechanisms in our bodies do their best to sort it all out. When we exercise our cells make demands on our bodies for energy. When a pet has diabetes, however, a lot of this fine internal balancing is lost. So as vets and pet owners, we have to try to balance things out.

Most diabetes in dogs is caused by insufficient insulin and so we have to supply more insulin. This means injecting our pets, usually twice a day. In 36 years, I have only ever had one dog owner who could not face injecting her dog. It does take a bit of getting used to, but we encourage you to practice injecting oranges and bananas to get the technique!

In essence, the insulin we inject has to match up with the food the dog eats. So regular measured feeds are paired with regular measured insulin. It will take several days for your vet to work out the correct dose of insulin for your dog.

We work out a starting dose on a dose per kilogram basis, and then refine it to get the desired blood glucose level. This will be a dose for your dog and for a particular feeding strategy for your dog. No two diabetic dogs are identical. Each dose of insulin will cause a reduction in the blood glucose level.

It is really important to ensure your dog is eating adequately. If you inject a dog with insulin and it has not eaten, then it is possible to lower the blood glucose level too much and the dog has a “hypo” crisis which can be fatal. So if in doubt as to whether your dog has eaten the Golden Rule is: DO NOT INJECT!

Your vet will also advise you to exercise your dog, and will suggest ongoing weight loss if it is obese. Once more, regularity of exercise and weight reduction is critical to the successful management of the diabetes. Avoid sudden changes, without close consultation with your vet.

SUMMARY

Diabetes is a relatively common condition in dogs. It can be successfully managed, but this will require close cooperation between dog, owner and vet.

You will have to adhere to regular feeding and insulin injection schedules. However, it you are committed to the process, there is every chance that your dog will live out its life happily and healthily.

Inca (left) is on insulin and a regular diet and still loves to run all day chasing balls.

In terms of prevention, keep your dog active and slim – oh!, and make those tradies put their chicken carcasses in the bin, every time…..

Dr. Gordon Heslop, 2016
Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. B.Vet. Med., M.R.C.V.S.

Gordon qualified as a vet from the Royal Veterinary College and after five years in practice in the UK he migrated to Australia. He now owns two veterinary hospitals in Sydney. Gordon has special interests in surgery and medicine in dogs and cats, and also in communicating veterinary matters to pet owners. He is a great believer in demystifying science, making it understandable to dog and cat owners.

He was the resident vet on the Channel 10 morning TV show. Gordon is a co-founder of the VetPost online discount animal health website, bringing pet owners more affordable products for treatment and prevention of parasites, nutrition and health care.

Gordon has been a vet for over 35 years, and happily embraces every day at work and all the new challenges that each day brings.