Diabetes on the rise among cats and dogs
Felix Paige
About 10 per cent of Hongkongers suffer from diabetes, according to the Hospital Authority, and the figure is increasing. The condition is also on the rise in our pets.
"Diabetes is the second most common endocrine disorder in cats, with an estimated incidence of 0.5 per cent [one in 200 cats] and is also common in dogs, with one in every 500 dogs affected," says Dr Jamie Gallagher, assistant senior veterinary surgeon at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong).
Gallagher says obesity is a contributing factor, especially in cats. "Overweight cats are four times more likely to develop diabetes than their healthy-weight counterparts so, with obesity on the rise, it's no surprise the incidence of diabetes is also increasing."
If your cat or dog is overweight, you should seek advice from a vet on the best dietary plan, and research the most appropriate way for your pet to exercise more.
Diabetes is an endocrine disorder of blood sugar (glucose) metabolism, which is normally controlled through the hormone insulin, which acts to reduce blood sugar. With feline sufferers, the body does not respond effectively to the insulin it produces (type 2 or insulin-resistant), while in dogs, the body does not produce enough insulin (type 1 or insulin-deficient).
"This causes too much sugar in the blood, which can make the animal much more likely to get infections and have other negative consequences, including kidney failure and cataracts. Left untreated, diabetes can affect multiple organ systems resulting in ketoacidosis [DKA], when toxins [ketones] build up in the body; this is a life-threatening emergency and can be fatal," Gallagher says.
The vet says that the most common symptoms are increased thirst and urination, increased appetite despite weight loss, and lethargy. Dogs may develop cataracts, and cats can show weakness in their hind limbs. "In more severe [DKA] cases, the animal can have the above symptoms, plus be very weak or lethargic, even collapse, and exhibit vomiting or diarrhoea."