liesi

Question
My dog died while I was on vacation l week ago, The clinic said she had pancreatitis and was in late stages of diabetes. She gets regular check ups and the vet never picked up on this.  Is that possible to be diabetic and not noticed? I have told him many times she drinks alot of water.  I feel I did't do enough for her.

Answer
I am not sure you should blame yourself too much.  I am certainly disappointed the vet didn't follow up on your comments about the water.  It would be worse yet if the dog was overweight as is common.  I frequently send people to http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  I am not sure where the average dog owner is supposed to be educated about many issues.  I am afraid many vets aren't telling the dog owners much of what they need to know.  You may not have ever been told things you needed to know.   

There was an extensive discussion of weight in a recent newsletter from a service dog school.  Most dog owners don't have the sources of info I have.   

''Obesity is the number one nutritional disease affecting dogs. It's estimated that 25-45% of dogs in the US are obese. Studies have shown that joint and locomotive problems increase by 57%, circulatory problems by 74%, respiratory problems by 52%, skin problems by 40% and cancer by 50% in animals that are overweight.

Large breed dogs that are overweight also are more prone to developing hip dysplasia. Obesity is especially dangerous for young puppies, as their underdeveloped frame cannot support the extra poundage that it must carry.''

Obesity