Diabetic emergencies in dogs

Emergency situations that may arise if your dog has diabetes are:

1. Hypoglycaemia - extremely low blood sugar
2. Diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic syndrome (HHNK syndrome) - caused by extremely high blood sugar

As the owner of a diabetic dog, it is important to be prepared for the above situations.

IF YOUR DIABETIC DOG HAS ANY OF THESE SIGNS:

• Excessive drinking for more than 3 days
• Excessive urination or inappropriate urination in the house for more than 3 days
• Reduction in or loss of appetite
• Weakness, seizures or severe depression
• Behavioural change, muscle twitching or anxiety
• Constipation, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Signs of a bladder infection (passing frequent small amounts of urine, straining to urinate, blood in the urine)
• Swelling of the head or neck

Contact your veterinary surgeon immediately for possible adjustment of the insulin dose or treatment of additional medical problems.