Library
-
Diabetes is an inability of the body to regulate blood sugar caused by an abnormality of the pancreas. It causes increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. Most dogs have type 1 diabetes, caused by total or near destruction of the insulin-producing cells, and insulin injections are required for treatment. Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring increased levels of glucose in the urine and blood. Diabetes treatment includes insulin injections and dietary manipulation with regular blood sugar monitoring. Financial costs can be high during the regulation period, or if a complication arises, and twice-daily insulin injections are a lifelong commitment.
-
Diabetes mellitus results from an inadequate production of insulin from the pancreas. The primary treatment is replacement by insulin injections. The body's response to the injections needs to be regularly monitored using an at-home glucometer or continuous glucose monitoring system. Insulin must be stored and reconstituted carefully to ensure dosing is accurate. Giving subcutaneous injections of insulin can seem daunting at first, but by following the directions in this handout, it will quickly become second nature to both you and your pet.
-
Dogs usually have insulin-dependent diabetes (also called Type 1 diabetes), and require insulin injections to stabilize their blood sugar levels. This handout outlines the basics of treatment and monitoring, and also discusses the importance of diet.
-
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is important for your veterinarian to perform appropriate tests in order to diagnose this disease as similar signs can occur with other medical conditions. Treatment involves hospitalization with IV fluids, short acting insulin and electrolyte replacement. The most important step in prevention is ensuring proper insulin dosing is being administered.
-
The diaphragm is the muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest. Tearing or disruption of this thin muscle is called a diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic rupture. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is blunt force trauma.
-
Diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying problem that may be minor or very serious. Some cases may resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, while other cases require in-depth diagnostic testing and more aggressive treatment to address the underlying condition. The possible causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment protocols for diarrhea in dogs are numerous and are explained in this handout.
-
If your dog is having diarrhea, please complete this questionnaire as accurately as possible before your appointment. This information will be very helpful to your veterinarian in determining the cause of diarrhea.
-
Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.
-
Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, ferrets, and other small mammals to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Diazoxide is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or compounded capsule.
-
Dichlorphenamide is used off label (extra label) to treat glaucoma in dogs, cats and rabbits. This medication also acts to change the pH of the urine to an alkaline state, so it may also be used to treat urinary crystals and stones that form in acidic urine.