The pancreas is a small organ located in the abdomen. In addition to being part of the endocrine system and producing the hormones insulin and glucagon, it produces digestive enzymes that are necessary for the proper digestion of food. This aspect of the pancreatic function is called the exocrine pancreas. The digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are normally inactive until they are secreted into the small intestine. Once in the intestine, the enzymes become active and aid in the digestion of food.
Pancreatitis means the pancreas is inflamed. The inflammation can become severe, and the digestive enzymes that are normally inactive can become active and the enzymes cause damage to the pancreas. This causes a cycle of increasing inflammation.
Diabetes has become a common diagnosis amung pets, while diabetes occurs less commonly in cats, some research indicates an increase in the incidence in cats.
Pet owners should be aware of the potential threat to their pets. There are two types of Diabetes that can affect your pets: Mellitus and insipidus.
If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, the kidney has either become insensitive to ADH, or it no longer produces a sufficient quantity of the hormone.
Without the hormone, the pet's urine volume becomes very high and diluted. Common symptoms associated with Diabetes insipidus are excessive drinking, excessive urination and sometimes a well trained pet will start urinating in the house. Such symptoms can be easily mistaken for behavior problems so it is important to see your Veterinarian for proper diagnosis. When you see your veterinarian it is important to share with them any changes that you have noticed in your pet including changes in behavior, or eating and drinking patterns.
Diabetes Mellitus is known as sugar diabetes, diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency of insulin. Insulin is secreted by the pancrease and is the hormone that regulates sugar absorption. The occurrence of diabetes mellitus is seen more commonly in dogs particularly females and cats between the ages of 5 to 7.
When your pet's body can no longer produce insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream, causing a multitude of health issues.
The signs and symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus are often gradual and can be easily overlooked. The majority of pets diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are overweight and obesity is often a precursor and sign. Similar to diabetes insipidus, this diabetes mellitus also causes an increase in urine production, thrist and appetitie.
Diabetes is not a death sentence for your pet. Diabetes can be managed successfully with insulin therapy and attention to diet and exercise. Effective diabetes treatment of pets, will restore the quality of life of dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus. VetApprovedRx offers the most common treatments for diabetes and pancreatic care, the same products that your veterinarian will offer in their clinic. If there is a medication or treatment that your pet requires that we do not currently offer please call 1-877-849-7389 and we will do our best to locate the product and offer it at the best possible price.
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