Diabetes in Pets

Most people have the misconception that only humans can develop diabetes.

This however is not true. Dear Hamlet, your mongrel can be diabetic. Pets to develop diabetes. This definitely can be downheartening but the pet owner should not think all hope is lost.

Many pet owners upon finding out that their pet is diabetic immediately wonder whether the animal would be put to sleep. This need not be necessary. It all depends on the age and the overall health of the pet in question.

Many pets diagnosed with diabetes have gone to lead very long and pleasant lives and yours should not be an exemption. You however have to put in time and a lot of commitment to achieve this.

Pets diagnosed with diabetes can live as long as non-diabetic animals and to achieve this simply means that appropriate attention is given to the pet when due. The pet owner must therefore be commited to the regimen and treatments provided by a skilled and equally commited veterinarian.
Feeding regimen must be adhered to strictly. The old practice where the cat or dog be fed one day and perhaps forgotten until a convenient time is no longer permissable nor acceptable. This can endanger the pet. The cat can not be "abandoned' at home when going on a long trip. She has to be taken along. Dear Hamlet can not be left with the neighbours casually again. The pets at this stage need a lot of extra care. You have to make sacrifices.

You can at this stage no longer take things for granted. It does not mean you have to give up your job or end your marraige. It requires that you pay attantion to any strange developments and take note of these changes and attaned to them immediately. Any sloth on your part can lead to serious complications and perhaps death. This ugly scenario can be prevented by simply adhering to the instructions already given.

Note that a diabetic pet means more money for the vet and the pet stores. This should also be put into consideration. Knowledge of this and its cost implications may determine whether you cut down on some of your expenses, or even buy a Do-it-Yourself health handbook or perhaps put the pet out of her misery. This last option should really be a last option!

Let me relate to you a story why vigilance counts.

There was a this man who had a monkey that he loved. He had a chain round its abdomen parmanently to keep it from running off.

Unfortunately, this chain at one point had been bound to tight and it began to cut the skin. The owner ignored it. The wound later turn light green but by then, the owner was too busy with other commitments.

Within a short time, the poor animal developed locked jaw. It had contacted tetanus. The poor thing eventually died.

Such trajedies start innocently and hence that is why great vigilance is needed from all members of the family.