Diabetes in dogs

Recently I've had a number of clients animals dignosed with Diabetes
Here is some general information regarding Symptons, Diagnosis and Treatment

Diabetes is a common ailment in dogs, it seems to be more common in obese dogs and there are some breeds that seem to be predisposed to diabetes mellitus, those breeds are: Poodles, Schnauzers, Keeshounds, Cairn Terriers, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, and Beagles. A diagnosis of diabetes sounds scary, it is scary, but it is not a death sentence. Diabetic dogs can live for years once their blood sugars are regulated. Don't feel that diabetes equals euthanasia, because it doesn't have to.
What is diabetes? Cells in the pancreas make the hormone insulin, if the cells stop producing enough insulin or if the cells in certain body tissues become resistant to the action of insulin, Diabetes mellitus will be the result. Diabetic animals are unable to control their blood sugar, they have hyperglycemia (blood sugar is to high). The cause of the disease is a mystery but chronic pancreatitis and heredity have been suggested as possible causes.
Symptoms: Symptoms include but are not limited to: Drinking more, urinating more, weight loss, increased appetite, dehydration, and sudden cataract formation. If diabetes remains uncontrolled the animal may become ketotic - cells begin to use fat as fuel for energy production, ketone bodies then begin to accumulate in the blood. If your dog is ketotic it may have these additional symptoms: depression, weakness, vomiting, rapid breathing, and the breath may have an odor of acetone to it. If your dog has any of these symptoms see your veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosis: Diagnosing diabetes is done through a series of blood tests and urine tests. Your veterinarian will want to check your pets blood sugar, normal levels for a dog will be 70 - 150 mg/dl, a diabetic dogs blood sugar will be greater then 200 mg/dl. Your veterinarian will check your dogs urine for glucose, a diabetic dog will be spilling glucose into its urine. These tests are necessary to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms to diabetes.
Treatment for Diabetes: The treatment for diabetes in dogs is similar to the treatment for diabetes in humans, through diet and insulin therapy. Your dog will need to be kept on a strict regimen of feedings and insulin injections. Your dog will probably be switched to a diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, like Science Diet w/d or r/d, your veterinarian will probably recommend a diet to use.
This kind of a diet will help avoid elevations of glucose after eating and help with regulation of blood glucose. Insulin therapy is done through injections that are given under the skin. Insulin needs to be stored in the refrigerator, if exposed to direct sunlight or warm temperatures it can become damaged and ineffective.
The insulin should be rolled gently in your hands (never shaken) before each use. Insulin is drawn up in syringes that are made specifically for that type of insulin, generally you draw up more then what is needed and tap the syringe (just like on ER) and expel any air that is in the syringe. Make sure what is left in the syringe is the exact amount of insulin prescribed with no air. The injection is made under the skin, first tent the skin with one hand then insert the needle horizontally with the other hand making sure the needle does not go through your tent. Push the plunger in and remove the needle. The syringe used for insulin has a small needle, most dogs are not bothered by the needle at all.
Change your injection site with each injection. If you give the injection in the same spot your dog may start to build up scar tissue and the insulin will not be properly absorbed by the body. Do not reuse your syringes, you could cause an infection, also do not use syringes that have been washed with cleansers. Your veterinarian will teach you how to give the injections and how to properly handle and store the insulin.
Additional Information: Your dog will need regular blood test confirm the correct insulin dosage.