Hypoglycemia Insomnia - Sleep Problems Due to Hypoglycemia

One of the most frustrating symptoms of hypoglycemia is insomnia. Already severe strained and fatigues due to hypoglycemia, insomnia can literally push you into total breakdown. The constant pain, fatigue and sleep deprivation will wear anyone down physically and mentally.



Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to remain asleep throughout the night. This inability to fall asleep can be caused by stress, anxiety about sleeping or stimulants such as coffee and tea. If you are a sufferer of hypoglycemia, then it is very likely that the cause of your insomnia is due to low blood sugar. When your blood sugar drops below a certain level, your brain will become stimulated and you will be woken up - prompting you to get something to eat. This is part of the body's defense mechanism.



If your insomnia is caused by hypoglycemia, the use of sleeping pills or other remedies can never help you to overcome insomnia because the root cause of the problem is not addressed - low blood sugar. Thus, in order to overcome your hypoglycemia induced insomnia, you will need to find way to maintain your blood sugar throughout the night.



One of the best ways to go about doing this is to have a light snack 1-2 hours before bed time. The choice of the snack should high in complex carbohydrates because they increase serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that promotes sleep. In addition, complex carbohydrates are harder to break down into glucose and thus, they are absorbed slowly but constantly into the bloodstream. This property is what you are looking for to keep your sugar level constant throughout the night.



A few example of good bed time snacks are: bread (whole-grain), oatmeal, salads, etc.



Stimulants such as coffee, tea and alcohol should be avoided as they keep you mentally alert. Food high in sugar contents should also be avoided as they can raise your blood sugar level very quickly, prompting your pancreas to produce large amounts of insulin which will subsequently send you into hypoglycemic mode.

7 Ways to Know Your Cat is Having Feline Urinary Problems

Tell me, does this sound like your cat? Is he frequently urinating, grooming his genitals, and urinating in inappropriate places? These are signs of feline urinary problems and you need to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Here are 7 ways to know if your cat is having urinary problems so you can seek treatment before it is too late.



1. Is your cat whinier than usual? If your cat is crying often, this could be a sign that he is in pain. Often feline urinary tract infections are difficult to detect because cats have a high tolerance to pain but if your cat is whining more than usual and you notice other signs of infection, take your cat to the veterinarian.



2. The first sign of feline urinary problems is a change in normal urination patterns. If your cat is urinating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of a problem.



3. Has your cat stopped urinating altogether? If so, get to the vet immediately because a complete blockage can be fatal if not treated in time.



4. If your cat is constantly dripping urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Feline urinary tract infections cause frequent urination and incontinence.



5. If there is blood in your cat's urine, he is most like suffering from feline urinary problems and needs to be taken to the vet immediately.



6. If your cat is grooming his genitals more frequently than usual, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection, especially if it is accompanied by crying.



7. If your cat is urinating outside of his litter box in inappropriate places, feline urinary tract infections are most likely the cause. Your cat is probably urinating outside of his litter box because he associates the pain accompanying urination with the litter box.



Do yourself and your cat a favor by keeping these signs of feline urinary problems in mind. Quick diagnosis and treatment are important in order to keep your cat out of harm's way. Better yet, preventive treatment through the use of homeopathic remedies and implementation of lifestyle change are the most beneficial ways to keep urinary tract infections at bay. If you spot the infections early enough, you can take care of them at home and won't ever even have to go to a vet. After all, prevention is the best medicine and homeopathic treatment can maintain your cat's bladder health as well as combat infection. The ultimate goal is permanent recovery and it can be achieved most effectively with lifestyle change and homeopathic treatment.

The Problems With Diabetes And Hair Loss

The connection between diabetes and hair loss was established long ago.



Diabetes is a hormone related disorder that often leads to hair loss or thinning of the hair.



Frequent loss of hair is often considered one of the early symptoms of diabetes, which requires prompt treatment in order to avoid further complications. The growth of hair is affected by diabetes, which gradually leads to thinning of hair.



Stress is directly related to diabetes and hair loss, as the disease causes excessive anxiety, which in turn becomes the prime cause of hair loss.



Diabetes Leads To Hair Loss:



Diabetes occurs when it becomes difficult for the body to metabolize carbohydrates properly. Diabetics are highly sensitive to skin ailments, as their blood circulation and blood sugar levels are impaired.



Bruises and small wounds often take a relatively long time to heal; therefore, the recovery rate is comparatively slower and obstructs the re-growth of hair.



This causes visible hair reduction, as diabetics cannot maintain the normal cycle of re-growth process. Bacterial and fungal infections on the scalp because of diabetes could also result in hair loss, thereby making diabetes and hair loss inter-related.



Normally, a healthy person would lose around fifty to hundred strands of hair every day. Therefore, if hair loss increases rapidly, you could require medical assistance, since untreated diabetes can escalate hair loss further.



The process:



Diabetes often leads to diffused hair growth that could be a result of medical stress or side effects of certain prescribed medicines to diabetics. It usually depends on the individual's body, as each person responds differently to specific medications. The stress caused by chronic diabetes reduces the growth of hair.



After a period of seven to eight months, hair follicles undergo a resting period and are gradually replaced with the growth of new hair. The replaced strands push the old hair to the surface of the scalp, and the hair falls out, this is known as telogen effluvium.



An autoimmune problem:



The other cause of hair loss due to diabetes is an autoimmune problem, which leads to one or more small bald patches developing on the scalp. This ailment is called alopecia areata.



Other additional autoimmune problems like a dysfunctional thyroid gland, the skin rash vitiligo, pernicious anemia, or Type 1 diabetes, often accompanies it.



Generally, Type 2 diabetes occurs when a hormonal imbalance causes polycystic ovary syndrome. Both the conditions are related to insulin resistance, which refers to the reduced ability of cells in the body to react to insulin.



Early detection and monitoring:



Diabetes often remains undetected because the symptoms at the early stage are not considered significant.



This is a major problem because early detection could slow down its harmful effects. Some of the symptoms of diabetes could be blurred vision, frequent urination, acute hunger, increased thirst, unusual weight loss, fatigue and unnecessary irritation.



Early detection of any of these symptoms, and early treatment could help in early recovery from both diabetes as well as excessive hair loss.



Careful monitoring of blood sugar levels provides relevant information that helps maintain control, which would consequently delay the development of various long-term complications.



Some of these long-term complications of diabetes could be the damage of blood vessels and nerves, loss of functioning of the kidneys, loss of sensation, heart disease and strokes.



Hair loss normally begins at the onset of diabetes and gradually becomes worse after the disease takes charge of the body.



It is very important to get the hair loss symptom diagnosed, to know the root cause of hair fall.



You need to seek a qualified doctor's advice, so that you can avoid further problems, and to desist from using hair lotions and conditioners, which will not help to solve the problem.

Signs of Feline Kidney Trouble - Common Yellow Flower Provides Tonic For Cats With Kidney Problems

Thinking back to a few weeks ago you began noticing changes in your cat's normal daily habits. Now you are wondering if she is exhibiting signs of feline kidney failure. The feeling of dread closes in on you and your mind kind of tunes out the thought that your kitty is dying. Don't give up because there is a lot you can do to help your cat live longer.



I won't kid you by promising you that chronic kidney failure in cats can be completely cured. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the painful symptoms and even improve her condition. Remain optimistic, because the first big step in helping a cat with kidney disease is recognizing that she is showing the symptoms of it. Now you can take action.



The most commonly recognized sign of feline kidney problems is a marked increase in your cat's drinking and urination patterns. I mean, it feels like she just can't get enough water - you're filling her water bowls much more frequently.



Then there is the litter box. She's going in it, but she's going and going and going. She's astounding you with the baseball size litter clumps - and lots of them.



Other symptoms of feline kidney failure include weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general weakness. If your cat is older, these could be the warning signs of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF).



Your cat is drinking and urinating more because her kidneys can't concentrate the urine and she pees it out. Then she feels dehydrated and thirsty so she drinks a pint of water. If you see these problems in your cat she should be quickly brought to the vet for a blood test, because these symptoms will only show up after 75% of the kidney tissue is damaged.



Ok, I promised not to "snow" you on the prognosis. CRF will shorten your cat's life and she will die of it or complications from the disease. There is no known way to reverse its affects as it changes healthy kidney tissue to scar tissue.



I know this scares the wee out of you, but hold on! There are treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease, subdue the uncomfortable symptoms and ultimately give your cat a longer life. The progression of feline kidney problems can vary from cat to cat, some can live happy and healthy for months to years.



Cats with chronic renal failure can benefit from a special "kidney friendly" diet and watchful care. Some cats need at home intravenous rehydration too. Now a lot of vets insist on kidney specific diets, but some cats just flat out refuse to eat them.



If your cat refuses to eat the special diet food your vet recommends, ask about using something to stimulate her appetite. Certainly there are synthetic pharmaceuticals that will do this, but your cat's kidneys are already damaged - why compound the problem with costly drugs? This is exactly why parents of cats suffering from kidney ailments choose a homeopathic remedy.

Common Genetic And Non-Genetic Cat Health Problems

If you are a new pet owner or are planning on getting a kitten, you should be aware that it is pretty normal for your kitty to fall ill every once in a while. However, cats are also prone to several genetic ailments and other serious diseases. As a cat owner, it would help you to know about some of these more common diseases. Though being cautious while getting a kitten can help you avoid a few genetic disorders, there are some cat health problems that you cannot prevent.



A majority of cats are vulnerable to worms. The presence of ringworms, hookworms, roundworms or tapeworms may make your cat suffer from stomach ache and vomiting. The presence of these worms may also cause discoloration of her coat and give her a bloated tummy. But you need not worry too much about these conditions as there are various medicines that can successfully cure such problems.



Cats love to groom themselves. However this frequent grooming can also result in hairball problems. While grooming themselves, cats often gulp hairs that remain undigested. Later, cats vomit these hairs out as hairballs.



Fleas too may bother your cats. These fleas would feed on the blood of your loving pet and too many fleas can also make it anemic. This uncomfortable situation may cause it to scratch itself more often, thus resulting in skin diseases. Keep a close watch on your pet and take her to a vet before the infestation gets serious.



Genetic cat health problems may include some kinds of kidney diseases, blindness and many others. Many Abyssinian cats are born with retinal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy and familial amyloidosis. Burmese cats are genetically more prone to diabetes, glaucoma and hypokalaemic myopathy. Gingivitis is another genetic condition that is present in many cats.



Despite their adorable appearance, even Persian cats have their share of genetic illnesses. The major genetic disorders that this breed suffers from include Chediak-Higashi syndrome, dystocia, progressive retinal atrophy and corneal sequestrum.



The list of cat health problems also includes feline leukemia. Unfortunately there is no permanent medication for this terminal illness and vomiting and weakness are some of its symptoms. Cats can also develop urinary tract infections and conjunctivitis. Injuries to the inner ear and ear mites can cause ear infection in cats. You should check the ears of your cat on a regular basis during her grooming sessions.



If your cat is falling ill, do not panic and remember to consult a vet or any reputable resource as soon as possible to prevent her condition from worsening. Good luck!

The Warning Signs of Cat Health Problems, Part 1

Cat health problems are many and varied, and feline illness symptoms, like that in humans, often overlap. Your cat is at increased risk for developing illness if recently injured or debilitated by some other condition, or recovering from a procedure or surgery. In addition, your cat is also at higher risk if there is stress due to a recent life-changing event in the home. This may include the addition or removal of a family member or other pet, change of residence, or other event.



It's possible for your cat to contract viruses and bacterial infections such as a flu or a cold. She can also get parasites, diabetes, and certain cancers. In addition, there are any number of feline specific health conditions.



Some of these cat health issues will require treatment. If you suspect your cat has an illness, it's best to call your veterinarian up front and get some direction. That way, if things seem to get worse, both you and your vet will be better prepared to handle the situation.



General signs of cat illness --



Cat health problems of a general nature include some of the same things that people face when they have a cold, flu, infection, or injury. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, lethargy, and nasal discharge are common. If your cat has the flu, or an infection in the mouth, you may notice excessive drooling or fever.



Some other more serious signs of illness are excessive vomiting, blood in the vomit, evidence of worms, or signs of pain. If you notice that your cat has trouble breathing, walking, jumping, or faints or falls down, get her to the vet immediately. Also of concern is rapid weight loss or gain, or a bloating or tightness in the abdomen.



Eating and drinking --



A classic sign of a health problem in animals is refusal to eat, so loss of appetite is usually a sign that your cat isn't feeling good. Difficulty in chewing or eating, of course, is an obvious problem. Increased thirst is a sign of a number of diseases, including diabetes. Failure to drink can lead to dehydration, which can be life threatening. Hovering over the drinking bowl but refusing to drink is a definite sign of trouble if it happens for an extended period.



Defecation and urination --



Any indications of problems with urination or defecation may be a sign of disease. These behaviors should be watched closely, including any failure to use the litter box, as there may be a physical cause. Occasional constipation is common in cats, and is most often caused by hairballs, but if left untreated may develop into a serious condition. One of my readers found out that her cat had impacted anal glands and required medical treatment. In male cats, blockage of the urinary tract is life threatening, so difficulty urinating is a warning sign.



Other things to look for are evidence of blood in urine or feces, including black tarry stools, or crying out while using the litter box. Diarrhea may indicate intestinal disease and can lead to dehydration.



Keep alert to any changes in your cat's routine, and keep a journal. If you see warning signs of cat health problems, notify your vet and get advice on how to proceed. In part 2 of this article, we'll cover problems with the eyes, mouth, skin and hair, as well as behavioral changes that may indicate cat illness.

Common health problems in cats

All animals, like people, are prone to health problems. Cat owners should be aware of a number of conditions that can affect their animals because they recognize the symptoms of common cat illnesses is the key to ensure that your pet is treated promptly and effectively.



The five most common diseases in cats



Of course, there are a large number of health conditions that concern the cat owners. However, the five most widespread illness among domestic cats are: upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, kidney failure, diabetes and feline panleukopenia, otherwise known as feline distemper.



Fortunately, all these conditions are preventable or treatable. Also, if you know what to look for, these diseases are easy to spot.



Urinary tract infection



Sometimes known by the acronym FLUTD (Feline lower urinary tract), urinary tract infections are more common in male cats, but is found in both sexes. Symptoms include an increase in the amount and/or frequency of urine, blood in the urine and increased thirst.



A veterinarian usually diagnose a urinary infection with a urinalysis. He or she may also be able to hear an enlarged bladder during a physical examination. If your cat is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, treatment includes antibiotics and an increase in fluids. You may also find that a diet designed to lower magnesium and phosphorus is helpful.



Upper respiratory tract infection



Any respiratory problem should be taken seriously, as it can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection include coughing, increased respiratory rate and discharge from the nose. In some cases, a minor respiratory infection can be solved with steam inhalation, rest, increased fluid intake. However, more severe infections require a course of antibiotics for bacteria is killed.



If your vet suspects an upper respiratory tract infection, he or she will perform a chest x-ray to make sure that the infection has not spread to the lungs of the cat. It is wise to remember that even a minor respiratory infection can be fatal if left untreated.



Renal insufficiency



Renal failure or chronic renal failure, can be mistaken for FLUTD. In fact, the two conditions are often co-morbidities. Cats with kidney failure can also experience a loss of appetite, lethargy and the owners may notice sunken eyes, vomiting and diarrhea. Another symptom to be mindful of is a smell similar to nail varnish on the cat's breath and urine.



In order to diagnose kidney failure, a veterinarian will take a blood sample. Treatment require antibiotics and intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. A cat with chronic renal failure requires a diet low in phosphorus and protein. In addition, he or she requires regular veterinary checks.



Diabetes



Feline diabetes is a growing problem among domestic cats. Often, it is caused by overeating and lack of exercise and is therefore preventable in most cases. Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, loss of appetite, vomiting and dehydration.



A veterinarian takes samples of blood and urine to check glucose levels. If a cat is diagnosed with diabetes may require insulin injections and dietary changes for managing blood sugar. If a cat you must have insulin intravenously, must be wary of overdose of insulin, which is rare, but can occur.



Feline panleukopenia



Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral infection. If you suspect that your pet may have feline distemper, that it is essential that he or she is quarantined. Symptoms include abdominal pain (the cat may arch their backs in case of pain), vomiting, dehydration and loss of appetite.



If not treated quickly, feline panleukopenia can be a killer, so it is important to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Treatment includes antibiotics, increasing fluids and antiemetics.



Of course, there are simple steps, such as immunizations, regular checkups and good diet, which will keep your cat at low risk from these and other feline diseases.

Diabetes and Blood Sugar Problems in Dogs

Sugar diabetes is a common problem in a number of very popular and beloved breeds of dogs; with all breeds being susceptible to this disease. It is also notable to point out that female dogs make up over 70% of all cases of diabetes in dogs with the initial onset occurring from 6 to 9 years of age.
 
The 5 breed most at risk are:
 
* German Shepherds
* Golden Retrievers
* Miniature Schnauzers
* Keeshonden
* Poodles
 
As with humans diabetes results from an insufficient production of insulin by the islet cells in the pancreas with genetics being a contributing factor.



Damage to the all so important islet cells can occur from pancreatitis or other pancreas related illnesses. Insulin enables glucose to pass into cells, where it is metabolized to produce energy for metabolism. Insulin deficiency results in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (high urine sugar). Glucose in the urine causes the diabetic animal to excrete large amounts of urine creating chronic dehydration. Just as with humans animals will seek out water when they start to feel dehydrated.
 
The relationship between appetite and diabetes is quite interesting. Initially dogs who fail to metabolize enough sugar have an increase in appetite and a desire to consume large amounts food. Later, with the onset of malnutrition their appetite wanes, leading to weight loss.
 
In summary, when making an evaluating for the possibility of blood sugar problems in dogs or diabetes you should look for:
 
* Frequent urination
* An insatiable desire for water
* An overly healthy appetite
* Unexplained weight loss
* If laboratory test are run a high glucose level in the blood and urine will be found
 
In more advanced cases of dog diabetes such symptoms as chronic fatigue, dehydration, vomiting, weakness, and even coma can be observed. Cataracts are another common warning sign that your dog may be suffering with diabetes. In the end diabetes, both in humans and dogs, can have a devastating effect on internal organs, weaken the immune system, and increase your dogs' chances for developing neurological problems.
 
If you feel your dog could have a blood sugar problem or diabetes a visit to your veterinarian may be a wise and necessary course of action. There also are homeopathic dog blood sugar and diabetes remedies which have been shown to be helpful both in supporting healthy blood sugar levels and under the proper circumstances reversing this dangerous condition. These natural formulas are considered by some to be a safe alternative treatment for dog diabetes [http://homefunbiz.org/Vetionx-Dia-IonX.html] and dog blood sugar problems.

Yorkshire Terrier Health Problems - The Most Common Diseases And Illnesses In Yorkies

A Yorkie has a life expectancy of fourteen to sixteen years. They don't suffer any major health problems if they maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, this breed of dog can suffer from the following health issues:



Canine Diabetes in Yorkies



Just like humans, Yorkies can become diabetic. In most cases this is the result of a lack of exercise or a poor diet. The main symptoms of canine diabetes include excessive drinking and urinating. This disease has the potential to shorten your dog's life and lower its quality of life.



However, if Yorkshire Terrier diabetes is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully with the proper medication and help from your veterinarian. Once this health problem is addressed, your pet stands a much better chance of living a relatively normal life when this disease is treated in time.



Yorkie Eye problems



A number of Yorkie eye problems are common amongst this breed of canine. A Yorkie can suffer from a range of eye disorders including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) degeneration, Keratoconjuctivitis Sicca and Entropion. Some of these problems are hereditary, while others can be acquired as your dog gets older. In most cases blindness can be prevented, so long as the problem is treated early.



If your pet develops diabetes, this can also cause loss of vision because of cataracts. When this condition is left untreated, it eventually leads to blindness.



Liver Shunt



This illness is also known as Portosystemic Shunt (PSS) and is a disorder associated with the blood flow in a Yorkshire Terrier. Your pets blood gets diverted away from its liver. This leads to a build-up of toxins in the blood, and can result in serious illness for your dog. Liver Shunt is a canine health problem that can be acquired or present in Yorkies when they are born.



Luxated Patella



Many Yorkies suffer from a kneecap problem called Luxated Patella or Trick Knee. You're pet may have this health issue, and you as an owner, may not realize it exists. If you believe your dog has this health problem, you should pay a visit to your veterinarian as soon as possible. It does not sound like a serious condition, but Yorkshire Terrier Luxated Patella can become a serious health problem and restriction to you dog, if it's not treated early.



These are just some of the Yorkshire Terrier health problems that can occur, but most can be treated and even avoided by keeping an eye on, and taking care of your Yorkies health.

Canine Chronic Bladder Infections - Help Your Dog Now to Prevent Problems Later

Canine chronic bladder infections refer to those ailments that keep coming back time after time. This is not the same as those classified as acute. An acute infection comes and then goes away after proper treatment has been given. When the problem returns, even after treatment has been given, the ailment becomes known as a chronic bladder infection. These chronic bladder infection in canines can run from simply annoying to the serious.



In many cases the reasons for the return of the problem is due to the urinary tract not being able to fight off harmful bacteria. Once the bacteria sets-up in the tract, and this means anywhere along the entire urinary system, it can produce irritation which leads to inflammation, and this inflammation is one of the main symptoms in chronic bladder infection in canines.



There can be other causes as well for the canine chronic bladder infections. Some of the more common causes include bladder stones, diabetes, physical defects in the urinary tract that allow urine to pool, kidney infection, cancer, and tumors. All of these, as you might imagine, require a diagnosis from your vet.



Another cause of canine chronic bladder infections is when pets are prescribed antibiotics and the owner does not continue with the medications until the prescribed end of treatment. This often happens when an ill dog begins to look and act better and the owner assumes the problem is resolved. It is important to always continue the antibiotics until the full course has been reached, regardless of how well your dog begins to look.



Canine chronic bladder infections can also be a result of the dog being overweight. Excessive weight can also be linked to diabetes and joint pain or arthritis. As you can see,chronic bladder infection in canines requires a visit to your vet to determine the underlying cause.



While all of this may sound disheartening, the good news is most causes of canine chronic bladder infections can be diagnosed with some simple lab tests. A complete urine test will identify what types of bacteria are present, if any. Blood tests may also be called for, and in some cases, X-rays may be needed. X-rays can be especially useful if the problem is associated with stones. In some cases, stones may be too large to pass naturally, and the vet may need to schedule surgery in order to get them out. Stone large enough to block the urinary passage can be very dangerous, even life-threatening.



If your dog has a past history of urinary tract problems that never seem to go away, you should consider the possibility that he or she has canine chronic bladder infection issues. Assuming your veterinarian doesn't find any structural issues such as a blockage or narrowing of any of the tubes that carry urine, you might want to consider changes in diet and supplementation with natural remedies. Special urinary diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d are formulated to help the body generate urine with the PH balance needed to naturally fight bacteria. You might also might consider a switch to a canned dog food. These foods have 80% more moisture than dry and should cause an increase in urination. A dog's stomach is sensitive, and your dog may not like dietary change, so gradually introduce any new food by mixing new and old together until the transition is complete. This should take approximately 7 days.



Natural remedies are also something that can't hurt and possibly worth a try. Chronic bladder infection in canines can be prevented if the bacteria never gets to take hold in the first place. Like dietary approaches, several herbs are known to support the urinary system. Several products on the market combine many of these ingredients such as Arctostaphylos uva urs. Discuss natural remedies for canine chronic bladder infections with your veterinarian who can help you track progress and let you know if other patients have had success with this approach.



Beyond all else, make sure your dog that is suffering from canine chronic bladder infections is getting enough fresh water. By drinking more often, your dog will urinate more, which will help to keep the urinary tract free of canine bladder stone causing crystals, bacteria and fungus.