Tyson, a 10 year old Maltese X Shih Tzu, was normally a very active and zippy older gentleman however over a period of a few weeks, he started to gradually become slower with his walks, was picking at his food and vomiting. His owner also noticed he was drinking a lot.
On his checkup, we could also tell he was not the vibrant Tyson that we knew. He had lost a lot of weight dropping from 10kg to 6 kg and was dehydrated. Further tests were done to check him further which included bloods, urine testing and X rays.
The bloods gave us some answers. He had an increase in his glucose levels as well as a few other changes in his liver enzymes and white blood cells (inflammatory cells). He also showed to have glucose in his urine and ketones. From these findings we confirmed that Tyson was diabetic. In light of these results and the fact that Tyson had deteriorated dramatically in a short space of time, it was likely he had developed diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a medical emergency where there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugars levels. The body’s glucose levels get very high without insulin present and consequently create ketones out of fat as a fuel source. When DKA occurs, patients require intensive in hospital care to stabilize their body.
Tyson required emergency stabilization of his DKA. He was transferred to the local emergency clinic for the weekend and responded very well to treatment. Once stable, insulin injections were commenced, which Tyson’s owner will continue for the rest of his life.
Diabetes in dogs is almost exclusively Type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and cannot be treated purely with diet or oral drugs. Management is dependent on regular insulin injections and a lifelong commitment by owners. The good news is diabetic dogs and cats, once stable and managed can continue to live long happy lives.
Tyson’s owner has been administering twice daily insulin injections and after a month of starting treatment, he stabilized and responded well. We are thrilled to see Tyson back to his happy little self and loving life.
