Full range of
pet care and emergency services

Cats
Dogs
Avian and
Exotic pets

Serving the
Los Angeles
Community
Since 1969


10737 Venice Bl.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
 (310) 559-3770

Our Services
Clinics
About Our Staff
New! Pet Care Info
Ask Dr. Baum
Pre-Op FAQ's
Post Op FAQ's
Save on Vet Bills
Pet Eulogies
Client Testimonials
Center-Sinai Animal Hospital  
Serving the Los Angeles Community since 1969

10737 Venice Blvd.  
Los Angeles, CA 90034 
 
(310) 559-3770  Full range of pet care and emergency  veterinary services available




New! Follow us on Facebook -- Share your photos and experiences with your furry friends, find the latest money-$aving coupons and $pecials at CSAH!

CONTINUED BY
POPULAR DEMAND!

Be sure to take advantage of our special:
50% off your pet's first grooming visit with our talented groomers!

Check our
Low Cost Clinics
Dental, Spay-Neuter, Vaccination

 


 


Read below to find answers to a pet care question you and your pet(s) may have.

And, for more articles that might help, you might also want to check the Ask Dr. B  and Info on Pet Conditions buttons -- for answers to pet care questions from visitors, and a place to submit your own. Click the "cat" for reading music!



WHERE HAS ALL THE WATER GONE?
PART TWO: DIABETES IN PETS

If you notice that your pet is consuming large amounts of water coupled with frequent passing of large amounts of urine,  he, or more frequently she, may have diabetes mellitus.  This aptly named disease literally means sweet water, and is called so due to the large amount of sugar that is passed in the urine.  This excess sugar actually pulls the water out of the body leading to an almost insatiable thirst in an attempt to replace the lost fluid.

The cause of this disease is a failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin.  Understanding the function of insulin is key to understanding the symptoms of diabetes.  Insulin allows a sugar (glucose) which is circulating in the blood to enter into the cells of the body.  Glucose is the food that all cells use for energy.  Without enough insulin, this energy is not available to the cells; they literally are starving in the midst of plenty.  As more and more glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, it gradually spills over into the urine -- the only means of escape.  In an attempt to feed itself, body fat is used as an alternative energy source.  It is easy to see why our diabetic pets show symptoms of increased thirst and urination coupled with a healthy appetite and weight loss.

Treatment of diabetes involves supplementing the body with injectable insulin as well as regulating diet.  Most diabetics do best on diets which are high in fiber content - a Pritikin type of diet which allows a continual and even absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract.  The more consistent the daily routine, the more effective is the regulation of the blood sugar.  Feeding the same quantity and type of food at the same time each day will contribute to a successful regulation of diabetes.  Some patients require insulin injections to be given once a day, but most patients will require twice a day administration.  It is important to always feed a meal just prior to the injection of insulin to insure that there is enough glucose in the system to prevent hypoglycemia -- a condition where the blood sugar drops too low, thus triggering seizures or collapse.  Administering honey or Karo syrup orally easily remedies this complication by supplying the glucose necessary to restore the blood level to normal.  Monitoring the patient's water consumption is one of the most reliable ways in which you can gauge the effectiveness of the insulin dosage.  As a diabetic patient becomes better controlled, water consumption will drop.  If water consumption starts increasing, it may be a sign that more insulin is needed.

Diabetes is a very serious condition and if not treated properly will result in the death of the patient.  Your veterinarian will advise treatment based on the findings of blood and urine tests.  Diabetic pets that are effectively regulated can lead normal and productive lives.

 

Back to
cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, bunnies and other pets       

    

Center-Sinai Animal Hospital is a member of:
 

California Veterinary Medical Association

Southern California Veterinary Medical Association
 


American Veterinary Medical Association

  Ask us about
Pet Well Care, our own preventative health care plan


Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon
Email News you can trust  
 

CSAH Doctors' Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sat.: 8:00 am-4 pm
Sun.: 10 am-4 pm

Drop-Off's, Pet Pick Ups, Medicine/Food Pickups
Not Requiring Doctors' Attention

Monday-Friday:
7:30 am - 9 pm
Sat.
: 7:30 am - 4 pm
Sun: 10 am - 4 pm

Continuing Features
Videos, Photos and Stories of Remarkable Pets and Wild Critters We Wanted to Share with You
...
Pets and Critters Video


NEW! CSAH Funniest Pet Photo Contest

Pet Eulogies

Please check our
Pet Rescue Listings.
Trusted partners to find or place a loving furry or feathered friend.

 
Providing Care for Your Cats and Kittens. Dogs and Puppies, Birds, Bunnies, Rats, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises, and more!
     

Story Time w/ Dr. B l Pet Sitting Plus l View/Post Pet Photos l Adopt a Pet! l Pet Rescue Groups l New! Pet Videos l Links
 

New! Follow us on Facebook!  

Animated graphics from AnimationFactory.com. Not to be used without permission.
Website designed by a...@inaspawprints.com
Website © Center-Sinai Animal Hospital 2006. Updated regularly. All rights reserved