Dog Diabetes Test - Information on Tests For Dog Diabetes and Diagnosis
Diabetes is a fairly common condition among dogs.
Female dogs and dogs that are obese are prone to getting this disease. Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are both common among the species. Dogs that are diabetic consistently show a higher range of sugar in their bodies. The blood glucose is elevated consistently and there is glucose in the urine as well.
Dogs that have diabetes can be heading towards a health crises and may develop severe conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Since diabetic ketoacidosis is a life threatening condition, it is important to ensure that you get your dog checked periodically.
Dog Diabetes Testing
Dog diabetes test is an important part of the diagnosis of the condition. The doctor may have to perform several blood tests as well as a urine analysis.
Here’s what you should expect when your dog needs a dog diabetes test.
• The first thing required of you to proceed for a test for dog diabetes is detailed information about the dog. You should tell your doctor about any changes in the recent behavior of the dog. Increased thirst, increased hunger, and lethargy are some of the signs that you should watch out for. Frequent urination is another common sign of diabetes in dogs. Dogs with diabetes are listless, lethargic and may develop vision problems or experience progressive vision loss as well.
• If you can, weigh your dog. A rapid weight loss is an indication of the condition. Before your vet begins dog diabetes testing, you will need to ensure that your dog is in fact experiencing the symptoms of diabetes. Sudden weight loss, despite an increased appetite, is usually a sure indication of diabetes in dogs.
• The most important dog diabetes test is a blood test. This is the test where the dog’s glucose levels will be checked. A diabetic dog would have glucose level more than 200mg/dl, whereas the normal range is within 70mg/dl to 150 mg/dl.
• There are home tests and dog diabetes test strips that can be used to check the glucose levels in your dog’s urine. Spilling of glucose in the urine is a sure shot way to know that the dog is diabetic. If you cannot test the urine sample at home, you can take it to a doctor who will perform a simple lab test and give you the results in 24 hours. Dogs may also have ketones in their urine, if the diabetes is very severe.
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