Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

Diabetes is increasingly common in Indian pets, largely tracking rising obesity. It is manageable, but it is a daily commitment.

The early signs

Drinking and urinating much more, a big appetite with weight loss, and lethargy. Cats may develop a plantigrade stance, walking on their hocks.

Diagnosis

Blood glucose plus fructosamine, since stress alone raises a cat's glucose sharply and can cause a false positive.

Management

Insulin injections, usually twice daily at fixed times with meals, plus a consistent diet. Cats do best on low-carbohydrate high-protein food; dogs on consistent, moderate-fibre meals.

Cats can go into remission

With early, tight control a meaningful proportion of diabetic cats stop needing insulin. That window closes with delay, which is the argument for acting quickly.