Is diabetes common?

[LaRogue]

Out of curiosity, I'm wondering if anyone knows if diabetes is common in corgis. One of our vet techs is a huge fan of the breed, has wanted a corgi for years, and plans on getting one as her next dog. While we were chatting yesterday, I asked how many corgi's they have had as patients. She told me since she's been there, they have only seen two corgis, other than mine. Both (different owners) had diabetes. This is the first I have heard of corgis and diabetes and it semed a little strange to me that the only other corgi's they've treated, granted not many, have had the disease. I know it's becoming more common in the general dog population (as with people), but I am wondering if it is a breed specific thing that needs to be looked/tested for.

[Michael Romanos]

Diabetes is a concern to some specific breeds as a possible inherited problem but generally speaking any dog of any breed can get diabetes and, yes, the disease is as common to Corgis as to any of these non-specific breeds. Diabetes is a growing problem world wide as two of the causes are overweight/obesity and dogs who get treats and other food that is not suitable for dogs (or humans to a lesser or greater extent) because of sugar etc content.

[Louwants]

That's another reason I am after my husband about feeding Duncan and Chloe so much snacks. They go to the vet this Monday and I hate to even think how much they weigh!!!! Chloe doesn't look too bad, but Duncan probably could lose about 10 with no trouble.

[Michael Romanos]

Buddy, a Jack Russell in the USA has cost his owner US$10,000 so far in contracting diabetes. The disease was only uncovered recently and action included emergency vet, regular vet, 'hospitalisation,' tests, songram, insulin, urinalysis, special food etc
Pet insurance would have taken care of these bills.