Zuckerkrankheit · Canine Diabetes Mellitus · Sugar Diabetes · Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus · IDDM · Canine Diabetes · Zuckerharnruhr
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas, which fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that allows the body's cells to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream to use as energy. Without sufficient insulin, sugar builds up in the blood while the body's cells are starved of fuel.
Owners typically notice their dog drinking significantly more water than usual, urinating more frequently, and losing weight despite having an increased appetite. These symptoms, sometimes accompanied by a rapid clouding of the eyes due to cataracts, most commonly appear in middle-aged to older dogs.
While diabetes is incurable, it is manageable with lifelong therapy consisting of daily insulin injections, a strict diet, and regular veterinary monitoring. Managing this chronic condition over a dog's lifetime requires a consistent routine, with overall treatment costs typically ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 EUR.
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
More conditions affecting the General / metabolic.