It can be stressful for both owner and pet when a dog with diabetes has to endure continual blood sampling to monitor glucose levels.
However, a device which continuously monitors the glucose levels of humans is being used by Charles Wiedmeyer, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology in the Missouri University College of Veterinary Medicine to monitor the glucose levels of diabetic dogs and other animals such as cats, cows and horses.
The device, adapted for use with animals, is not yet for sale to the general public. It is placed under the skin between the animal’s shoulder blades and is capable of recording the blood glucose data levels every five minutes.
Advantages of Continual Monitoring Device for Dogs with Diabetes
The monitoring device is made by Medtronics and would be ideal for dog owners whose pets suffer with diabetes. It has several obvious advantages:
- It would enable the owner to monitor glucose levels over several days, without the guilt of having to cause unnecessary stress to an animal that is dependent on its owner for managing the situation.
- In addition, the very act of extracting a blood sample can cause stress to the animal which means obtaining a truly accurate glucose level is less likely. Using the continuous glucose monitoring device will cause no stress to the animal as, after its insertion, it is accessed non-invasively and therefore will give a more accurate reading.
- There will also no longer be any need to use a blood glucose meter (glucometer). This is a portable device which tests the drop of blood that has been taken, usually by lancing, from the dog's ear. The blood glucose concentration then shows up on the meter’s digital display.
- Nor will there be any need for blood glucose strips. After the blood is extracted from the dog, usually from the ear, it is dropped onto the blood glucose strip. This results in the strip changing colour, which is then checked against a chart.
All these present systems are vital. However, there is no denying they are invasive, time-consuming and often stressful to both dog and owner
Brief Checklist for Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs
The following symptoms often occur in a dog with diabetes:
- Drinking excessive amounts of water
- Urinating frequently
- Weight loss that can’t be explained, often accompanied by increased appetite
- Unnatural lethargy
Any of the above symptoms should be reported to the vet. If diabetes is confirmed he or she may then decide to set in motion a regime of insulin injections, glucose level monitoring and diet changes which will ensure the dog continues to have a fulfilling life. Complications can occur, but they are usually less severe than those which occur in humans.
It can be a challenging time for both pet-owner and animal, but with a calm, reassuring approach and loving kindness the procedure will soon become routine.
Dogs with Diabetes May Soon Benefit From Glucose Monitoring Device
Anyone who is responsible for a diabetic dog or other pet will be under particular stress, and the thought of causing one's beloved animal any kind of pain is hard to take. Obviously, anything that can alleviate the situation is welcome. Wiedmeyer is hopeful that the continuous glucose monitoring device, specifically designed for animals, will soon be on the market, in which case caring for a diabetic dog will be much less stressful.
After all, as Science Daily has pointed out, in 1922 insulin, through scientific research and testing, was isolated from dogs to the great advantage of the human population. Now perhaps science can show its appreciation.
Source:
- University of Missouri-Columbia. "Diabetes Monitoring Device Benefits Not Just People but Dogs and Other Animals, Too." ScienceDaily 24 July 2010.
- Pet Diabetes
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