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Lower blood sugar levels in your dog or cat and
help control type II diabetes mellitus
Pets get diabetes
too by Nick Carmichael
Just like humans pets can suffer from diabetes mellitus
too. By a simple blood test, called fructosamine, thay can be diagnosed,
and then under the care of your veterinary surgeon, often treated
succesfully.
Fructosamines are stable complexes of carbohydrates
and proteins that are produced by an irreversible, nonenzymatic
glycosylation of serum proteins. Fructosamine (glycated serum protein)
measurements are useful in diagnosing and monitoring diabetes mellitus
in both cats and dogs. The test is highly sensitive and can be used
to distinguish non-diabetic transiently hyperglycaemic cats from
diabetics with chronic hyperglycaemia. A single measurement of fructosamine
indicates the average glucose concentration over the previous 1-3
weeks and its assay can therefore be used to assist in the diagnosis
of diabetes mellitus as well as monitoring the effectiveness of
insulin therapy in diabetic patients. Fructosamine values are not
influenced by acute fluctuations in blood glucose making them more
useful than single glucose measurements taken from stressed or anorexic
patients, or animals on glucose containing IV fluids. In some cases
however they can be used in conjunction with serial glucose curves
to assess the short and long term response to insulin administration.
Please contact your veterinary surgeon for further
details or if you have any concerns about your pets.
Further information on fructosamine can be found at:
http://www.ctdslab.co.uk
About the Author
Nick graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary School in 1980 with an
Honours degree in Pathological Sciences and in 1982 as a Bachelor
of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. In 2003 Nick became a diplomate
of the Royal college of Pathologists in veterinary clinical pathology.
Glipizide is an oral medication prescribed to control
type II diabetes mellitus. It has been shown to lower blood sugar
in animals.
Glipizide
FAQ
Generic Name
Glipizide
Manufacturer
Various
Brand Name(s)
Glucotrol (Pfizer)
What is Glipizide used
for?
Glipizide is used to lower the blood sugar level in diabetic cats.
Availability
Glipizide is a prescription medication available as tablets.
How Glipizide should
be used
Glipizide is not FDA approved for use in animals; however, it is
a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication
in cats. Give this medication as directed by the veterinarian. Dosages
can vary based on the severity of the disease. Give this medication
with food.
What are the side effects
Side effects of glipizide include transient vomiting, loss of appetite
and jaundice. Hypoglycemia may occur with symptoms including weakness,
wobbling, inability to stand, extreme hunger, shivering, lethargy,
shaking, seizures or coma may occur. Hypoglycemia is treated by
applying ¼ teaspoonful of Karo syrup to the cat’s gums.
What special precautions are there
Glipizide should not be used in animals allergic to it or sulfa
drugs. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use in
animals with untreated diseases of the adrenal or pituitary glands
or those with liver, kidney or thyroid disease. Use with caution
if taken with chloramphenicol, sulfa drugs, NSAIDs and warfarin.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI’s), diuretics and cimetidine
may alter the effectiveness of glipizide. Always tell your veterinarian
and pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking.
In the event of overdose
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms
of overdose may include signs of hypoglycemia. Overdose may also
affect the liver with symptoms of vomiting, depression, loss of
appetite and jaundice.
How should I store this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed.
Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is
outdated or no longer needed. Keep out of the reach of children
and pets.
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