Diabetes monitoring device may benefit your pet dog

WASHINGTON - A researcher is using a continuous glucose-monitoring device - commonly used in humans with diabetes - to help treat dogs and other animals.

“Our research has found that continuous glucose monitoring devices can be used in dogs, cats, cows and horses,” said University of Missouri researcher Charles Wiedmeyer.

Wiedmeyer is the assistant professor of clinical pathology in the MU College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Use of this system alleviated the need for multiple blood samples. It also reduces the stress associated with obtaining those samples.

This system may provide greater monitoring capabilities in animals with diabetes and promote the diagnostic and research potential of glucose monitoring in veterinary patients,” he added.

The device can be placed between the shoulder blades of an animal and records blood glucose data every five minutes.

“Dogs with diabetes are similar to children with diabetes,” Wiedmeyer said.

“Both rely on caregivers to manage their disease. Both have little control over their diet or when they receive insulin.”

Older, female dogs and some breeds, such as schnauzers and poodles, are more prone to diabetes.

The symptoms are also similar - excessive water consumption, increased urination, or unexplained weight loss.

The research is published in Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics and several veterinary journals. (ANI)