Animal Hospital of Cornelius

Information may not be reliable

Our goal and policy is to treat our clients as we would treat our families and to treat our clients pets as though they were our own. Our clients and patients are the heart of our practice and the reason we are here. At all times our clients will be treated with respect, dignity and compassion. Being of service to our clients and patients is the definition of or purpose and the mission of our practice.

• Our clients will be highly satisfied with the personalized care of their pets
• They will continue as a part of our practice family

Our goal is to provide outstanding service to our clients by administering to their pets the highest quality of veterinary care to live a longer, happier, and healthier life. As a part of our goal we have chosen to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 1994. We are one of approximately 3,000 hospitals in the United States and Canada that are AAHA-accredited and have made a commitment to meeting the highest standards of veterinary care. To be accredited by AAHA, our hospital must demonstrate an exceptional level of medical care and client service. AAHA's standards cover every aspect of our hospital to assure your satisfaction with the level of care both you and your pet receives. We are proud to be an AAHA-accredited practice and believe this helps keep us on the leading edge of veterinary medicine. It helps us stay focused on continuous improvement to assure we can offer the quality and range of services you expect and deserve for your pet.

For after hours emergency care, please call the Emergency Veterinary Clinic @ 704-949-1100

We are promoting the importance of having your pet Spayed & Neutered by offering 20% off the price of having your pet spayed or neutered. Call today to schedule your pet's appointment.
Offer expires October 31st.

Jett is a 10 1/2 year old male castrated terrier. Jett was diagnosed in May of 2009 with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). DM is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats in which there is a decreased insulin function. This decreased insulin activity may be the result of decreased insulin production by the pancreatic Beta Islet Cells, or by decreased insulin action in the body tissues. Either way the result is increased blood glucose (sugar) levels and glucose in the urine (glucosuria). The most common clinical signs in our patients are similar to those in humans: polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphasia (increased hunger) and weight loss. While treatable, DM can be dangerous or fatal if not treated.
In dogs the cause of DM is often multifactorial. We see it more often in females, but males, like Jett can also have the disease. There are also certain breeds with increased likelihood of the disease, so there is likely a generic component as well. Some breeds with increased risk include Samoyeds, Australian Terriers, Mini Schnauzers, Mini Schnauzers, Mini Poodles and Pugs. Immune mediated processes and certain drugs may also stimulate the condition. We generally see Diabetes Mellitus in middle age to older dogs and cats.
Diagnosis of DM in dogs and cats is based on persistent elevated blood glucose levels with glucose in the urine as well. Complete blood counts and full chemistry panels are needed to ensure there are no other diseases causes the DM, or that will make treatment difficult.
The general treatment for Diabetes in dogs is insulin therapy. Insulin can control the disease, but is not a cure. Therapy is needed life long (although occasionally in cats this is not the case) and frequent follow up appointments are needed. We try and control our blood glucose to levels below 250mg/ml in the dog, which will prevent urine glucose. This will allow us to improve or eliminate the clinical signs and stabilize the weight. It is very important not to overdose our pets, as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may result. Diet is also very important in diabetics. Food with lower carbohydrate and higher protein levels are needed.
There are several variations of insulin on the market with varied rates and lengths of activity. Typically, dogs are started on a twice daily dosing of an intermediate acting Humulin insulin. Sometimes dogs can go to once daily dosing (cats can not). Insulin should be given with, or shortly after, meals. Monitoring is done with clinical signs at home, and exams and bloodwork in the office. We monitor weight as well as glucose levels over the course of a day. We can also use some tests such as fructosamine evaluation to suggest how glucose has been controlled over a week or two.
Jett has been fairly well controlled on his twice daily insulin for over a year. There have been some adjustments to his dosing needed. We also found that switching insulin types was not effective for him. jett has developed cataracts secondary to his DM. This is not uncommon, and is a complication that can occur no matter how well regulated the blood sugar is. Despite his Diabetes Mellitus and his cataracts Jett continues to be one happy loving boy. We enjoy the days he spends with us for his monitoring. We like to think he enjoys all his days, here in the office, and especially at home with his loving family!

Featured Article

FEEDING YOUR ADULT CAT Ed Kane Nutrition WHAT CATS NEED TO EAT Good nutrition and a balanced diet are essential elements for good health. The ideal diet for your cat includes a good quality food and plenty of fresh water. Your cat should be fed amounts sufficient to meet energy and caloric requirements. Inadequate or excess intake of nutrients can be equally harmful.