Diabetes testing in dogs is crucial for early detection and management of diabetesa hormonal condition that causes high blood sugar in dogs. Regular testing helps monitor blood glucose, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life. Understanding the types of tests and their importance is essential for pet parents and veterinarians.
In this article, you will learn about the different types of diabetes testing for dogs, the cost of testing, and what to expect when testing your dog if they are diagnosed with diabetes.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Diabetic?
The signs of diabetes in dogs are typically very obvious in dogs. The most common signs are excessive thirst, urinationand weight loss despite normal or increased appetite. There are several other disorders that can cause similar symptoms, such as Cushing’s or certain cancers. If you suspect your dog has diabetes or is otherwise ill, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to confirm.
How to Test for Diabetes in Dogs: What to Expect
A veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your dog and check their vital signs and weight. They will also ask you about what symptoms you notice at home. After they have examined your dog, they will then ask for permission to run some tests to determine if your dog’s symptoms are due to diabetes. These tests can usually be done in the hospital the same day, and you can often have results in less than an hour.
Types of Canine Diabetes Tests
The lab tests that a veterinarian will likely order include a blood and urine lab that checks for any abnormalities in internal organ function or blood cells. This is not only to check for diabetes, but also to check for some other conditions that might cause similar clinical signs. These tests usually include a complete blood count, blood chemistryand a urinalysis. Included in this test is checking blood glucose or sugar level. If the blood sugar levels are high, or your dog has sugar in his urine and the symptoms line up with diabetes, then the vet has determined that diabetes is the cause of your dog’s symptoms.
In addition to the general laboratory tests that most veterinarians will perform for diabetes, there are also specific tests that are used to diagnose diabetic dogs and monitor their treatment. These additional tests may include the following:
Fructosamine test. Fructosamine testing checks for sugar that is bound to proteins in the blood. This test shows the levels of sugar in the blood over a longer period of time. This test often requires blood to be sent to a laboratory for testing, but some veterinary clinics can perform this test in-house.
Blood glucose curve. A glucose curve shows how blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day. This test requires multiple blood draws throughout the day. Most pet parents choose to leave their dog at the veterinary clinic during the day while the test is performed. This test is also usually done after a dog has been diagnosed and started on insulin to control blood sugar.
Cost of Diagnosing Diabetes
The cost of diagnosing diabetes in dogs varies by your geographic area, but in general, expect to pay $300-$500 for initial diagnoses that include a physical exam, office visit, and lab tests.
If your dog has already been diagnosed with diabetes, then follow-up care may include the following recurring costs:
- Recheck exams ($35-$50)
- Fructosamine test $80-$125)
- Blood glucose curve ($50-$75)
If your dog was diagnosed with diabetesthen they will need help from you and the vet to manage it. If diabetes is uncontrolled and untreated, it can cause cataractsrecurrent urinary tract infections, and can be life-threatening in some cases. It’s important to find and work with a vet you trust. At least in the beginning, you will see a lot of your vet.
The most important thing to do with diabetic dogs is to help them control their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise and medication. The most common medication used to control diabetes is insulin. Your vet will likely schedule an appointment with you to explore how to care for a diabetic dog. This may include:
- Feeding your dog a high-quality, low-carb dog food or a Therapeutic dog food designed for diabetic dogs
- How to develop a nutrition and insulin routine
- How to store and give insulin injections
- What to do with used syringes and needles
- How to recognize the signs of high and low blood sugar
- How to test your dog at home
Your vet will also treat any secondary illnesses and discuss a follow-up plan. Plan to take your dog to the vet several times, at least at first. Your veterinarian will assess how well treatment is going and make adjustments as needed to insulin therapy. Once your dog’s blood sugar is well controlled, then you will probably only need to see your vet twice a year for rechecks and other preventative care.
Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes can be emotionally difficult for some pet parents. It is important to remember that with proper care, many diabetic dogs live long and happy lives that are relatively normal. If you suspect your dog is diabetic, scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible will help get them back on the road to wellness.