Meika~Diabetes

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Just wanted to drop off some good thoughts and hugs as you're going through all of this . Meika is in such good hands - and I know she'll soon be feeling much better than she has recently. You will get her back on track. And her vet(s) sound just wonderful. The fact they even thought of Cushings right away is quite amazing, and speaks volumes as to the depth and breadth of their knowledge.

I've heard nothing but great things about Dr. Remillard. Otherwise, there are tons of high protein kibbles you could go with...I'm not sure if you have a brand you prefer or not, but there may be one in whatever line you're already feeding too.

Hang in there, and puppy smooches to Meika!

Puppy smooches are much appreciated

The 2 vets that saw Meika are very young, and licensed only about 3 years. Time will tell whether recent education or more experience is more beneficial, and this is just a starting point.

The gal (Dr N) that saw Meika first picked up on all the Cushings symptoms, (impressed) and ordered blood and urine tests that also checked for diabetes & UTI. When labs came back she was off and guy (Dr C) came up with diagnosis of diabetes based on glucose of 558, and ordered insulin. He said he wouldn't be testing for Cushings unless glucose can't be regulated with insulin. Ok, I'll wait on that.

Reviewing her records, Meika's glucose 6 months ago was 143 and now 558 (norm=70-138). Wow. Wondering if that spike could have been caused by granddaughter feeding her marshmallows over the weekend? Still wondering if Cushings is the causing high glucose too.

So for this week we are keeping same diet and adding insulin 2 x/day. Next Monday she will spend the whole day with Dr N, doing the glucose curve test, to see if dose needs adjusting. After that I'll look a diet changes, and I've ordered the canine Glucometer & supplies, so I can check her glucose at home.

Many of you know the frustrations of diagnosis and fine tuning treatment plans. I am trying to be patient, and just be happy like Meika is.... she just walks around smiling and exuding pure love.

[Patti]

Keeping you both in my prayers. I am glad Meika is happy. She knows she is loved and in great hands.

[dawn27]

So sorry that you and your pup are experiencing this, I know that it is the not knowing for sure that can be the worse part. Dealing with one disease is bad enough but two is just overwhelming which make treatment very difficult. Once you know for sure what is going on be confident that your vets can get you on the right cores of action to better treat her. I pray that that day comes sooner rather than later and that she will be ok!!

Keeping her in my prayers !! {HUGS}

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Many of you know the frustrations of diagnosis and fine tuning treatment plans. I am trying to be patient, and just be happy like Meika is.... she just walks around smiling and exuding pure love.

I wish I had the constitution of a dog. We love our babies so much though, we just want to fix everything right away.

Very happy to hear Meika is a happy and enjoying her day.

[MauiGirl]

Meika has always been my happy girl. Here are a couple of my fav pic of her, before I got tired of brushing and gave her the "Joey" haircut. She loves watching turtles and sunsets and surfers in the back yard.

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Meika has always been my happy girl. Here are a couple of my fav pic of her, before I got tired of brushing and gave her the "Joey" haircut. She loves watching turtles and sunsets and surfers in the back yard.

THAT's your backyard?! It is soooo beautiful, so is Meika!

[Island Girl]

Praying that Meika will be ok! She is lucky to have a great Mommy to love and take care of her!

It is always so stressful for us when we know there is something wrong with our furkids. We would do anything we can to take away their suffering. You have lots of people here that care for you and we are all sending good thoughts your way!

[MauiGirl]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

THAT's your backyard?! It is soooo beautiful, so is Meika!

Yes it is & thank you. Maybe that's why Meika is smiling all the time.

[MauiGirl]

Thank you all for your concern and your prayers. Thank goodness Meika doesn't have a clue anything is wrong, she is not suffering, and she is just enjoying all the extra kisses and attention.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Just seeing this about Meika and thinking you probably feel you've been hit by a Mack truck having her with two pretty serious medical conditions. To look at her, you could never tell she's got a thing wrong. Thankfully, she's going to do as well as possible with you for her mommie, access to the best vet care, medication and diet and won't have to want for anything she needs and that's got to make you feel better. She's a lucky girl and very, very blessed to have you and vice versa. She's just beautiful in those pictures and she looks happy and contented there in her home in paradise and wonderfully cared for.

[MauiGirl]

Thanks Jeanie, she is a sweet girl just as my other 3 are. She is the clown of the pack, always wanting to play.

Just to clarify, at this point only diabetes has been diagnosed, so just one disease confirmed so far. There is a possibility of Cushings, but maybe not, so they are holding off further testing for that to see how she responds to insulin. It gets confusing because both Cushings and diabetes have some similar symptoms, yet very different causes.

[wemple2]

Aw Meika is gorgeous!!! The thing I have always stressed with new diabetic patients (human) is to control the disease, so it does not control you. My only thought regarding diet is her kidneys. I'm a little worried about a high protein diet being rough on her kidneys. So be sure to get the vets approval on that before changing. Yes, you will want something lower in carbs...but watch the protein as well. I may be wrong, but better safe then sorry. Maybe it would be wise to get a dietary consult? My thoughts, my prayers are with you both...bless her sweet heart.

[Connie]

What a beautiful baby Meika is as is your back yard and the view! Thinking of you both and sending get well wishes!

[MauiGirl]

Kathy and Connie, thank you for your sweet compliments. I loved Meika's beautiful full coat, but brushing her twice a day to maintain it was just too much. I need to take updated photos of her "Joey" cut, which is easier and cooler for her, and still cute and perky.

Kathy, you are right about her diet, and I will use caution and follow advice of the vet and a pet dietitian in slowly making changes. I did order Wellness Core grain free kibble/low fat, just to have on hand to try in the future, and I think the protein is 33% rather than the 25-28% in most of the other high quality foods. Luckily Meika will eat absolutely anything without gastro issues. After her glucose curve testing Monday, I will be able to tell better what she needs, and at what time.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MauiGirl

Meika has always been my happy girl. Here are a couple of my fav pic of her, before I got tired of brushing and gave her the "Joey" haircut. She loves watching turtles and sunsets and surfers in the back yard.

Gorgeous pictures of happy Meika!

I cut Teddy's beard recently. We decided he is cuter with the shorter beard. I can see his little smile better.