From diabetes to Addison’s disease, a variety of disorders can affect your dog or cat’s endocrine system. This two-part article looks at the most common endocrine diseases affecting our animal companions.
Your dog or cat’s endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones to affect her body in various ways. The glands of the endocrine system regulate a range of functions, including metabolism, hair growth, muscle strength, digestion, and reproduction. Like other systems of the body, your dog or cat’s endocrine system can develop several common disorders. The first part of this article covered hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Cushing’s disease. Now let’s take a look at Addison’s disease and diabetes.
ADDISON’S DISEASE (HYPOADRENOCORTICISM)
Addison’s disease is more common in dogs, but can affect cats as well. In this condition, the adrenal gland does not produce enough cortisol and/or mineralocorticoids (hormones that regulate salt and water balance). Middle-aged female poodles are most affected, although it can be seen in almost any breed. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, kidney failure, muscle weakness, tremors, and collapse. When in crisis, these animals need to be treated immediately or face certain death. Electrolyte imbalances, including high potassium levels, will slow the heart rate and can cause it to stop. Causes of Addison’s include autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks the adrenal glands, or the overuse of steroids for treating other diseases. Constant stress and bombardment with dietary and environmental toxins can cause the adrenal glands to shut down.
Fast Fact: The best way to prevent Addison’s disease is by avoiding stresses on the immune system. Wherever possible, avoid situations like boarding or crowded events.
Treatment
- A healthy, species-appropriate diet with no artificial preservatives, dyes, or chemicals; include secreting organs such as liver, kidney, and spleen in the diet.
- Minimal vaccinations, medications, and parasiticides, which all stress the immune system.
- Glandular products, antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E), and herbals help keep the immune system in the best shape possible.
- Colostrum and medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Maitake, Cordyceps, Chaga) support the immune system.
DIABETES MELLITUS
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. The levels of glucose in the blood are primarily controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Without insulin, the sugar stays in the blood and is useless to the cells.
Risk factors associated with diabetes include sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diets high in carbohydrates, and concurrent diseases such as pancreatitis and Cushing’s disease. Female dogs are twice as likely to be diabetic as male dogs, while male cats are 1.5 times as likely to be diabetic as females.
Fast fact: Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, dry coat with dandruff, recurring skin and urinary tract infections, cloudy eyes or cataracts, muscle atrophy, and weakness.
In advanced stages, symptoms include lack of appetite, vomiting, a sweet odor to the breath, ketones in the urine indicating ketoacidosis, dehydration, and weight loss. Diabetic neuropathy can affect the hind limbs; the dog or cat will walk flat-footed on her hind legs.
Treatment
Once a pet is diagnosed as diabetic, treatment will generally involve daily injections of insulin. The goal is to administer enough insulin to drive the glucose into the cells to be utilized as energy, but not so much that the blood sugar drops too low. The brain is very dependent on glucose for its nutrition, so any changes in mental state could mean low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include tremors, weakness, seizures, and coma.
If you suspect your dog or cat is suffering from low blood sugar, offer food or sugar water on the gums. Low blood sugar is an emergency. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels often when your animal is first diagnosed. Glucometers can be purchased for monitoring at home; your veterinarian can instruct you on obtaining blood samples.
There are also glucose-monitoring devices that can be attached to your animal — these make it easier for dog or cat parents to monitor diabetic control at home.
A diet that promotes ideal blood glucose levels is also important. It should be low in starch, since starch breaks down to sugar and increases the “glycemic” or sugar load. Diets high in meat, along with insoluble fiber and low-glycemic vegetable matter, will help keep blood sugar well maintained. Raw or freeze-dried diets generally work very well for dogs and cats; canned low-glycemic foods would be another option if they will not eat raw or freeze-dried food. Avoid any foods that contain added sugar or those that fall into the semi-moist category. Keep in mind that your animal’s body will thrive on routine, preventing spikes and drops in blood sugar, so he should be fed every 12 hours. If he will not eat or is vomiting, check with your veterinarian before giving him an insulin injection, if he’s on insulin.
BE SURE TO WORK WITH A VETERINARIAN
If you suspect your dog or cat might have one of the endocrine disorders discussed in this article, it’s vital to take her to a holistic or integrative veterinarian for a proper diagnosis, and to follow his or her guidance when it comes to treatment. Do not give your dog or cat any new supplement or remedy without first discussing it with your vet.
Fast fact: Having slightly high blood sugar for a day or two is much better than a drop in blood sugar that results in hypoglycemia.
Your dog or cat’s endocrine system is a vital, multifaceted system that impacts many other organs and systems of his body. An understanding of the most common diseases that can affect his endocrine system, along with their symptoms and integrative treatment options, is a crucial part of his overall healthcare regimen.
Veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan is certified in acupuncture, food therapy and chiropractic care for dogs and cats. A sought-after speaker and blogger, she integrates Eastern and Western medicine at her two practices in New Jersey (drjudymorgan.com). She has authored two books — From Needles to Natural: Learning Holistic Pet Healing and What’s For Dinner Dexter? Cooking For Your Dog Using Chinese Medicine Theory.
