Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladymom  That's a really old meter. It took a lot of blood. They don't even make them anymore. The new meters only require the tiniest drop of blood which is especially helpful if you want to try the tail stick method.
I have the Ultra One Touch Mini for Lady. It is really easy to use. One Touch Ultra Mini Blood Glucose Meter Kit Jet Black at Hocks.Com
Lady is also an epileptic. Seizures are no fun. Did you know that the seizure itself lowers blood sugar? Dogs can experience a drop in blood sugar right before they seize. That might be what is happening with Winston.
This is from my "bible" on seizures:
Ice Cream After Seizures
The reason behind this is that blood sugar levels often drop drastically before or during seizures and the ice cream will bring the blood sugar level back to normal. The way it works is the sugar in the ice cream will bring the blood sugar level back up to normal while the butter or fat holds the sugar in suspension so that it doesn't cause a sugar rush which plain sugar or honey or molasses would. Bringing the blood sugar level up too quickly is not good which is why we recommend ice cream. Also, bringing the blood sugar level up to normal can help to prevent additional seizures. Low blood sugar itself can cause seizures. If your dog has very obvious pre-seizure behavior and you give a little ice cream before a seizure happens, this can sometimes stop the seizure altogether. Please be sure to thaw the ice cream a bit by letting it sit out on the counter or "zapping" it in the microwave briefly - you don't want to chill your dog too much or have him gulp down frozen ice cream. Canine Epilepsy and Dog Seizures Table of Contents - Canine Epilepsy Guardian Angels |
Darn...I liked the idea of using the strip without it being in the meter. I do know quite a bit about diabetes and glucose monitors...I was a Medical Assistant in a doctors office for over twenty years, I've done my fair share of finger pokes. So I know how to use the meter and I know the newer ones require a very small amount of blood. The vet suggested checking his sugar at the very first sign...in order to help us figure out which comes first the low blood sugar or the seizure. I've also heard about giving ice cream...but there is no way he will eat anything...I mean he's seizing...he can't even stand let alone eat anything. The only thing I can do is rub NutriCal on the roof of his mouth/gums/tongue...LOL sometimes all over his poor little face, after 10 to 15 minutes he comes around...still wobbly but able to stand and then try to get him to eat something to keep his sugar up. We are already feeding him at least 4 times a day, with treats given in between if he's particularly active. I know I have to do it...check his sugar that is...I just can't handle a seizing dog and trying to poke him and get a drop of blood on the strip at the same time...I only have 2 hands!!! When this first started, I took him to the vet each time...his sugar was always dangerously low...in the 20's and 30's. But the act of having a seizure could also do this. So which came first the chicken or the egg?
Again, thanks for your input...I've been dealing with this for a couple years now, seen numerous vets. Still don't have any answers. What causes an adult well fed Yorkie to all of a sudden have low blood sugar's?