Quote:
Originally Posted by nj234  Hello to all. I am new and wondering if there is anyone here that has a diabetic yorkie. Jake has had bouts of pancreatitis and he became diabetic. If anyone on here can help me with tips on not hurting him during injections, or any tips at all with diet, (vet insists on W/d Hills prescription diet, or what treats, anything to help me with Jake, he and I would be grateful. Vet also said he would go blind. Any opinion on this? Also he is not regulated as it has been only (?) 2 weeks. Does this always take this long? He is still at 326 glucose at the 6 hour mark after injection. What amount of insulin are any of your dogs on? Jake is receiving 2 -1/2. thanks to all of you for any help. Jakie thanks you too!  Norma Jean |
Lady has been diabetic for almost eight years. I will try to answer some of your questions here, but I will also pm you.
Repeated bouts of pancreas can lead to diabetes since the pancreas produces insulin.
Regulation can take a few weeks, but being at 326 at his peak two weeks out is way too high! He runs the risk of ketoacidosis with numbers that high.
How much does he weigh? The general rule is 1/2 unit of insulin per pound, but it's not a one size fits all dose. Infections can make them impossible to regulate. Many new diabetics have urinary tract infections. Did your vet check and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary?
I will always be thankful to my vet who hospitalizes her newly diagnosed diabetic patients. Your vet can safely get them closer to regulation in a hospital setting. They can watch for insulin overdose and constantly check blood glucose. Lady came home on 3 units of insulin and, 8 years later, still gets that amount.
The slower way, where new diabetics are sent home w/inexperienced owners and just checked every two weeks and insulin is adjusted very slowly, is one of the main reason most diabetic dogs go blind in the first 9 months after diagnosis. Lady has never lost her vision. Cataracts form almost immediately after becoming diabetic. Since Lady was regulated so quickly and I have kept her diabetes under control, they have never matured.
Injections really don't hurt them. I use a 31 gauge needle. Lady gets a treat as soon as she gets her injection. She is so used to the drill, she waits for her shot after she finishes her meal.