Diabeetus

So now that I have a bit of spare time waiting for job interviews and people to reply and people to advertise, I decided to do some more study and revise all my university notes.
I decided to study diabetes mellitus in cats and dogs.
However all I could think about was this:

This is a video about Wilford Brimley and his experiences with Diabetes. Now diabetes is not a funny disease at all. However Diabeetus is slightly funny. And unfortunately for the poor chap the internet went to town on it.
Here is a favourite rap remix of Diabeetus:

But seriously people, don't let your animals get fat as obesity is a major contributor to developing Diabetes Mellitus (and diabeetus).
Obesity leads to an induced carbohydrate intolerance and reversible insulin resistance.
Insulin is the hormone which allows uptake of glucose, amino acids and triglycerides into the cells, essentially providing them with energy.
Now there are two ways that diabetes can occur:
 1. The pancreas stops making insulin - due to damage and destruction of cells (primary beta cells) that create insulin. Thus there is no insulin available to provide uptake of energy components into the cell. This is often referred to  Insulin Depedent Diabetes Mellitus as the cells in the body still respond if insulin is administered.
 2. Cells in the body become resistant to insulin . Thus if insulin is administered there will be no response. This makes it a Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Now because the cells aren't getting any nutrients they send out "distress signals"and so the pancreas creates more insulin thinking the cells aren't getting enough This goes into a never ending spiral of constant insulin production until primary beta cells in the pancreas get exhausted, and toxicity from the high levels of glucose in the blood help to damage them and thus it becomes an Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.

So basically in the end cells aren't getting the nutrients they need, which leads to cell death.
So while you may think your fat cat is cute, you are not doing him any favours. This also goes for dogs!

NO!

NO!

NO! NO! NO!

NAUGHTY!
Obesity not only leads to developing Diabetes Mellitus, but many other diseases, such as urinary tract problems, heart problems, joint problems....the list goes on! So in the long run it is more expensive to have a fatty companion than to not!
Fat pets = higher vet bills and higher food bills!! 

So if you notice your pets, eating more, drinking more, peeing more and losing weight without reason (they can still be fat, but used to be fatter), then get your pet into your veterinarian to get checked out. These signs don't necessary mean your pet will have Diabetes Mellitus, but there is a large range of,  disorders (quite often endocrine, but not necessarily) that can contribute to these clinical signs.

If left, diabetes can lead to cataracts and blindness (in dogs), urinary tract infections, ketoacidosis, liver problems, pancreatitis, bacterial infections, neurological problems and problems with the retina.

So lets get our animals fit and healthy!
This may mean entering your dog into agility:

They don't have to be big border collies to do it either. This little guy is having a go:

It's great for both owner and dog:

For cats you can play with them using toys. This not only keeps them fit but helps with a lot of behavioural problems as well:

Fitness is a big component. But also an appropriate diet and appropriate amounts is VERY important. I have found a lot of pet owners give too many treats and they don't realise that they are doing it. So be vigilant with you and other members in your household.
If you feel your pet is overweight and want them to lose weight, consult your vet and they will help you to help your furry friend lose weight safely and most clinics will let you weigh your little friend for free.

Tata for now.
Love you and your fatties.