Diabetes Mellitus

Image of puppy eating out of a dog bowl.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a life long disorder of dogs and cats that results when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's needs. Insulin is a hormone needed to transport glucose (blood sugar) into the body's cells. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, blood glucose rises to abnormally high levels. Over time, this causes damage to body tissues and produces the symptoms commonly seen in animals with DM.

Early symptoms, such as weakness, weight loss, change in appetite and depression can be mild and may go unnoticed by the owner. Increased thirst and frequent urination more commonly results in a visit to your Veterinarian where tests can be done to identify what may be affecting the family pet. Urinary tract infections are more common in diabetic pets than in normal animals.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be designed to meet the individual needs of your pet and you. The plan will address the type and amount of insulin, how it is to be administered, dietary restrictions and exercise for your pet. Dogs are Type I diabetics in that they require insulin injections. Cats are usually Type II diabetics. Insulin injections are usually used initially, but when fed a special diet, as much as 70% of cats can eventually be maintained without the insulin.

There is no cure for DM, but through your commitment of time and management of their life style, your pet can lead a happy comfortable life.

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Our Regular Schedule

Tutu Location

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Red Hook Location

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Reynolds and her team take excellent care of all five of my pets. I have two dogs and three cats and they always receive exceptional care. My pets range from a six pound cat to a 100 pound dog. I know that whenever I bring them in they will be well cared for by a staff who truly likes fur babies..."
    Anna C.
  • "Dr. Reynolds and her staff saved our puppy, Chombo's, life. After finding him abandoned on the street in front of our house, we noticed he was very sick. We immediately brought him to the Veterinary Centers, and he was diagnosed with parvo. We thought it was a death sentence, but after just four days with Dr. Reynolds, Chombo was stable. Eight months later, he's thriving, happy, and very healthy. We know it is all because of the care he got with Dr. Reynolds and her caring team!"
    Cara W.
  • "February 24, 2018, I had an emergency with my dog, Flake. I would like to once again give a great thank you to Dr. Laura Boshulte and her staff at the Weymouth Rhymer Clinic for the exceptional and professional services that I received. Flake was very sick and I was so afraid he would die, but thanks to Dr. Laura Boshulte and her staff he's alive today. I highly recommend Veterinary Services of the VI!"
    Debbie D.