Complications & other illnesses
Eyes, weight, other illnesses, medicines and getting older.
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
- My dog has diabetes and Cushing's. How does that work?3 minYes, a dog can have both, and your vet will treat them as one plan.
- Insulinoma: what is it and how is it different?3 minAn insulinoma is a tumour that releases insulin and can cause dangerously low blood sugar.
- My diabetic dog also has cancer or another serious illness.3 minHis diabetes plan will need to fit around the other illness, so ask the vets to plan both together.
- My diabetic dog has kidney problems or protein in the urine.3 minProtein in the urine or an odd kidney result doesn't automatically mean kidney failure.
- Will steroids or other medicines affect my dog's diabetes?3 minSome can, including steroids, so tell your vet about everything your dog takes.
- Weak back legs or neuropathy: is it the diabetes?3 minWeak back legs aren't always caused by diabetes, and sudden weakness can be an emergency.
- My diabetic dog's behaviour has changed. Is it the diabetes?3 minSometimes, but a sudden change can also mean low blood sugar, pain or another illness.
- Red, painful, dry or cloudy eyes: what else can happen to the eyes?3 minIf your dog's eye is red, sore, squinting or suddenly cloudy, get it checked by a vet soon.
- Do eye drops or supplements prevent cataracts?3 minDon't rely on an eye supplement or advertised drops to protect your dog's sight. Ask an eye vet first.
- My diabetic dog has diarrhoea or an upset stomach.3 minIf an upset stomach is putting your diabetic dog off his food, tell your vet the same day.
- Are pain and arthritis medicines safe for a diabetic dog?3 minAsk your vet to check any pain medicine against your diabetic dog's whole health and his other medicines.
- Skin infections, hair loss or ear yeast: is diabetes involved?3 minDiabetic dogs can get skin and ear infections, but itching or hair loss still needs a proper vet check.
- My diabetic dog has high liver enzymes.3 minHigh liver enzymes on a blood test can sound frightening, but they don't mean liver failure on their own.
- How do surgery, dental cleaning and anaesthesia work for a diabetic dog?3 minA diabetic dog needs his own plan for any operation, covering food, insulin, checks and recovery.
- Are allergy medicines like Apoquel safe for a diabetic dog?3 minWhether an allergy medicine suits your diabetic dog depends on the exact medicine, why he needs it and what else he takes.
- Should my diabetic dog still be vaccinated?3 minMost diabetic dogs still need their vaccines, so talk to your vet about what yours needs.
- Are flea, tick and heartworm products safe for a diabetic dog?3 minAsk your vet which flea, tick and heartworm product suits your diabetic dog's health and other medicines.
- My diabetic dog also has an underactive thyroid.3 minHaving two conditions to manage can feel like a lot, but they're handled together, with one plan.
- My diabetic dog has pancreatitis. What does that mean for diabetes?3 minPancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, the same organ that makes insulin. Vomiting and not eating make diabetes harder to manage.
- Is cataract surgery worth it for a diabetic dog?3 minSurgery is a decision for a veterinary eye specialist, and diabetes or age alone don't settle it. Ask whether your dog is a good candidate.
- My diabetic dog is having accidents in the house.3 minComing home to puddles is upsetting, but your dog isn't being naughty. New accidents are a health sign.