Diabetes hos hund
en uppföljning av behandlade hundar ur ett djurägarperspektiv
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common endocrinologic disorders among
dogs. The disorder has a complex background, and successful treatment requires a
well-functioning co-operation between pet owners and the veterinarian. The
purpose of this study is to investigate the owners? perspective of diabetic
treatments offered, and to estimate expected length of survival post-insulin
therapy. The research findings are based on a survey mailed to 77 pet owners,
whose dogs were diagnosed with diabetes between 1999 and 2003 at the small
animal clinic of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
The median survival for the dogs that underwent insulin treatment was 31 months,
i.e. 2.6 years. The calculated one-, two- and three-year survival outcome, with
administered insulin, was 73, 60 and 36 per cent, respectively.
In 64 per cent of the cases, the dog owners estimated their involvment as
significant, or very considerable, during the treatment period, and the life quality
of their dog as good, or excellent, in 81 per cent of the cases. More than half of
the pet owners in this study would today choose to initiate insulin treatment of
their dog, should they be faced with the same situation again.
The response of the pet owners in regards to communication and information
demonstrates a desire for enhanced contact with their veterinary clinic during the
extent of the treatment. A way to enhance the routines at the small anmial clinic
would be to introduce a standard follow-up procedure of all diabetic patients in
addition to establishing a team of veterinarians with diabetic specialties, and
appoint a nurse with diabetes expertise to care for those particular patients.
Whenever possible, a specific veterinarian should be assigned to follow the
procedures and care for the duration of the patient?s treatment. It would also be
advantageous if the pet owners could be provided with general information, in
print or online, about diabetes and diabetic treatment options.