Dogs, Cats Can Get Diabetes, Too

BOSTON -- Diabetes is a risk for dogs and cats, not just people, WCVB-TV in Boston reported.

One animal with the condition is Duffy. Before she can head outside to play every day, the yellow Lab has to take medication.

"She's insulin dependent," said Mary Montione, Duffy's owner.

Duffy needs two insulin shots every day, because she has type 1 diabetes. She was diagnosed about two years ago, shortly after she developed the very same warning signs associated with diabetes in people.

"She was having accidents, drinking a lot and she lost about 15 pounds in about two weeks," Montione said.

The symptoms are common, and so is the diagnosis, according to Dr. Patricia Walters, a veterinarian at New England Animal Medical Center.

"I tend to see a fair number of diabetics," Walters said.

Walters said the danger of diabetes is more common in cats than dogs.

"In cats, because of obesity and the lack of exercise is so prevalent, they tend to be type 2 diabetics," she said. "Dogs are generally insulin dependent, type 1."

Certain breeds have a higher risk, including smaller dogs like Yorkies, some poodles and small terriers. For cats, diabetes is more common in Siamese cats and domestic shorthairs.

The good news is that once it's diagnosed, it can be treated.

"Most of the time, insulin injections are what we use," Walters said.

Duffy's family is so grateful they wrote a book about her story to help other families faced with the same diagnosis.

"It can be managed and treated, whether you're an animal or a person," Montione said.

Duffy's family happens to own a biscotti bakery. They now make baked goods that are in low in carbohydrates for people with diabetes. They also donate Duffy's book to local libraries and share their time reading to the children.