Infections and
Healing
| Infections and
Healing |
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|
| Both dogs and cats with diabetes are more prone to
infections than non-diabetic animals. Infections of any kind place a stress on the body
and may disrupt blood glucose regulation. Urinary tract infections are not uncommon. In a poorly controlled diabetic, there is often a large quantity of sugar in the urine and bladder. This creates an environment that is favorable to the growth of bacteria. Gingivitis is also a common problem with diabetic pets. Gingivitis or other signs of gum disease should be looked at by your vet. Antibiotics, antiseptics, or tooth cleaning, may be needed. Infections can be more difficult to treat. It may take a stronger than normal antibiotic, or a longer treatment period to fully eliminate the infection. Infections can effect your pet's diabetes. It is not uncommon for the bg to be elevated or more difficult to control when an infection is present. Many owners have also learned that when their pet's diabetes is not regulated, it is because of an infection. This may be anything from chronic gingivitis to a recently started bladder infection or other infection. It is also common for animals with diabetes to have slower wound healing than a non-diabetic animal. The only experience we have had with Barney was a small corneal ulcer (a small wound on the surface of the eye). The vet prescribed an antibiotic eye ointment. It took about 3-4 weeks for the ulcer to heal. This is quite a bit longer than was expected.
Updated October 2000 |
