Dog metabolism explained

The metabolism controls every single process that occurs in the body. It is not surprising, therefore, that when something goes wrong, the effects can be far-reaching. Vet Roberto Baxter explains.Within the body an enormous number of chemical reactions are going on all the time, and the metabolism controls the speed at which they occur. Changes in metabolic rate enable the body to respond to an increased need for energy and oxygen when exercising, and decreased requirements during sleep. The metabolism of nutrients also ensures that the blood carries a relatively stable balance of salts and food components so that the cells around the body can function normally. This involves controlling the storage and release of various nutrients within the body, and the excretion in faeces and urine of those that aren't needed.Varied symptoms.Considering the complexity of the varying functions of the body, it's hardly surprising that a number of problems can occur. On a day-to-day basis, the metabolism is involved in regulating sleep, stimulating appropriate levels of appetite and thirst, and governing both the development of the body to maturity and the natural processes of cell regeneration and repair.The metabolism controls all the body's systems - the metabolic rate affects the speed of the heart and breathing and has an effect on every single cell in the body. This means that a wide variety of symptoms can occur when the metabolism goes wrong. Signs of problems range from depression and lethargy to loss of appetite, increased thirst and vomiting. Other symptoms may include disorders of bone growth and hair growth, and abnormalities of the reproductive systems.The main mechanism controlling the metabolism is the endocrine or hormonal system. This consists of organs around the body that release hormones into the bloodstream to affect other parts of the body. These organs are themselves controlled by hormones released from the pituitary gland which lies at the base of the brain and monitors the levels of various chemicals in the blood. It also has close connections to the parts of the brain which control the functions of the body through the nervous system. The metabolism is also controlled at a cellular level by chemical messages that pass from cell to cell.How do metabolic disorders occur?Diseases due to disruptions of the metabolism may occur for several reasons. Some result from failure of the hormonal system to work as it should, when abnormal hormone levels occur. Other metabolic disorders occur as a result of a poor diet, as a consequence of some other diseases, or following the side effects of some poisons.The hormones most involved in controlling the metabolism are the thyroid hormones. Over activity of the thyroid gland results in a speeded up metabolism with consequent increases in heart rate, breathing rate and activity levels. Weight loss is common. In contrast, dogs with an under active thyroid gland (sometimes seen in dogs following inflammatory diseases or some tumors), have a slow metabolism. Those affected tend to gain weight, have slow heart rates and activity levels, and often suffer hair loss. Metabolic problems can also result from steroid hormone abnormalities. These hormones enable the body to cope at times of mental or physical stress, by stimulating mobilization of stored foods in the body, and suppressing the digestive, reproductive and immune systems.Dogs with overactive adrenal glands (Cushing's disease) have abnormal nutrient metabolism. Fat and protein stores in the body break down and are distributed with consequent changes in energy levels and physique. Lethargy, muscle wastage, thinning of the skin and hair, reduced healing and poor responses to infection are common symptoms. Changes in sugar metabolism also predispose Cushing's sufferers to develop diabetes mellitus, a disorder of sugar metabolism that occurs due to the body being no longer able to store sugars.By contrast, those dogs with Addison's disease (under active adrenal glands) may metabolize foods relatively normally but can become unable to deal with stress and can develop abnormal electrolyte levels in the blood, which prevent normal function of nerves, muscles and heart.Abnormal electrolyte levels can also result from kidney disease when control over which electrolytes need to be saved and which should be excreted into the urine is lost. Also dogs with digestive disease can lose large amounts of potassium in vomit which then causes blood levels of potassium and sodium to change, again affecting nerve, muscle and heart function. Similar signs are seen following ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning. Disorders in calcium metabolism can also have serious results as calcium is involved in normal nerve, muscle and heart function and is needed for blood clotting. Reduced calcium levels due to increases in phosphorus levels in the blood (a balance between calcium and phosphorus normally exists), or disorders of the parathyroid gland which controls calcium absorption, can therefore cause severe problems. These include bone thinning and weakness as well as depression, lethargy, vomiting, constipation, increased drinking, and reduced heart function and kidney disease. Treatment of metabolic conditions. Diagnosis of metabolic conditions generally necessitates blood tests being carried out in addition to a thorough clinical examination. Basic blood screening incorporates checks on the levels of electrolytes and various enzymes within the body, and specific tests for the levels of various hormones are often required. However, since most hormone levels are quite variable under normal circumstances, special dynamic function tests which involve measuring changes in hormone levels in response to certain drugs are usually required to accurately assess hormone function.Specific treatments for hormonal conditions include supplementing levels of hormones in dogs with low levels, and suppressing hormone function in dogs with overactive glands and high hormone levels. Where disorders in electrolyte and fluid levels in the body occur, a dog may be given a drip containing high levels of the electrolytes he is lacking to normalize his system. Special diets can also be used to assist the body in controlling the levels of sugars and salts in the system.Avoiding metabolic conditions.Most metabolic conditions occur spontaneously and are not really avoidable, so cure is rarely an option, but diets and medicines can be used in the long term to help control them. However, regular exercise and a well-balanced diet help maintain a healthy lifestyle, which may reduce the risk of metabolic problems.

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