Canine Diabetes

[ScubaPunk]

My dog has just been diagnosed with Canine Diabetes. He will be hospitalized for two days while the Vet gets his sugar levels under control, and then he will need insulin injections every day when I bring him home. He is a miniture pincher and used to weigh about 23 pounds. He was at 14 pounds yesterday at the Vet. He still eats, but he drinks water continuously and keeps losing weight. I feel so sorry for the poor thing, you can just tell he doesn't feel good.

Has anyone gone throught something like this with their pet?

[Mariah]

My dog has just been diagnosed with Canine Diabetes. He will be hospitalized for two days while the Vet gets his sugar levels under control, and then he will need insulin injections every day when I bring him home. He is a miniture pincher and used to weigh about 23 pounds. He was at 14 pounds yesterday at the Vet. He still eats, but he drinks water continuously and keeps losing weight. I feel so sorry for the poor thing, you can just tell he doesn't feel good.

Has anyone gone throught something like this with their pet?
Diabetes is certainly not a death sentence for animals. I am a veterinary technician with over 7 years experience. Although diabetes is far more common in cats it can occur in dogs as well. Weigh loss and PUPD (drinking more and urinating more) or common signs associated with pets that have diabetes. Which is why you noticed that your dog was drinking more water. Usually bloodwork and a urinalysis are used to diagnose diabetes. It is also not uncommon when the animal is first diagnosed to be hospitalized. More then likely they put an IV catheter in you dog and are just regulating him to see what dose of insulin is necessary for him. Giving your dog insulin twice a day initially may sound like alot of work but usually the dogs adapt to the situation pretty well. The more you become familiar with giving the shots the easier it will become for you also. Dont get me wrong depending on your lifestyle you may have to do some adjusting of your schedule to allow yourself to be available to give the injections. If you like to travel special needs will have to be made for your four legged friend so that he is left with someone who is experienced with this disease. Expense is also another issue. Be prepared to spend money on possibly a prescription diet food that your vet may recommend and routine bloodwork and testing that your pet will also need throughout its lifetime. Be sure to have the number to your local Veterinary Emergency clinic handy just in case you need it when your vet is closed. Some of these facilities are open 24 hours a day and the ones that are not usually open when regular vets close. Like between 5pm and 8am. If you have any additional questions be sure to ask your vet. There is no such thing as a stupid question. Besides that is what you are paying him/her for anyway. Good Luck!