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Originally Posted by djs2053  Just spoke with the vet's office and found out his glucose level is at 400 but should only be between like 75 and 135. Apparently, it's very high. Bringing him in for another blood test today. The doctor said the results from this takes several days to get back. Can't remember the name of it though. She also talked about another test where Riley would be there all day and they take some blood every 2 hours to test his levels all day long. The doctor said that test, tough, could be very expensive (around $200) and it was up to me.
Told her nicely that I did want to seek out a second opinion and she understood and is actually referring me to an internist and they'll send them the results of their tests. I've also made an appointment with another doctor for tomorrow to see what they have to say. They can take urine and blood too if they need. Just want to be really, really sure we're on the right road.
When Riley was a puppy, he was misdiagnosed by a vet as having collapsing trachea. Brought him to a much better, more experienced vet and it turned out he had pneumonia. Was treated for that but now has asthma for the rest of his life as well because of the damage the pneumonia did to his lungs. Just don't want to go through that again.
As for your other questions, yes, he has been overweight for awhile. He has managed to lose almost 5 lbs over the last 3 weeks. Changed his food and cut back on the treats. He has used albuterol for his asthma but only on an as-needed basis. I believe there is a steroid in that. Funny enough, three weeks ago we went out on our balcony for two minutes and he laid down for just a minute. He got some slight burns on his belly from the concrete. We brought him immediately to a hospital and the inflammation was almost gone by the time we got there. He was given some benadryl and another steroid because of his reaction to the burn. He has always been sensitive to dirt and grass and stuff like that. Can't tell you how many time he's been to the vet for that stuff. And each time he's been given steroids to help with the irritation or inflammation he's had. So, who knows, maybe that all contributed to this. |
Diabetes is not life threatening. As I mentioned before, Lady has been diabetic for eight years and still doing well.
The blood test every two hours is called a glucose curve. Curves will need to be done every couple of weeks after he starts insulin until he is regulated. It will tell your vet how his body reacts to insulin and food during a 12 hour period. He will need curves regularly after unless you learn to test him at home like I do.
I am glad you are seeing a specialist. Just to warn you, diabetes can be expensive upfront until they are regulated. It was close to $1,000 for Lady eight years ago. It's not that expensive to maintain after that. I pay about $22 for a bottle of NPH insulin which lasts three months. A box of 100 syringes last about six weeks and is about $13.
I'd really recommend getting him on colostrum to boost his immune system. Just like human diabetics, canine diabetics are prone to infections, especially UTI's. That's where the big $$$$ can go.
This website is a wealth of information.
Pets with Diabetes: Home Page
Please feel free to pm me with any questions, concerns, etc.