Diabetes...

[Cesca1958]

I'm new to this site. My Yorkie, Cody, just turned 10 on the 12th. He's been through a tough last 4 years. Beginning with bladder stones that could only be resolved through surgery, then 2 bouts of pancreatitis...and now, this last month he was diagnosed with diabetes. He started on 1 unit of insulin, twice daily, and has been upped regularly to the point where he is now at 7 units twice daily. Can't seem to get him regulated. This has been a quite a whirlwind for me....from the word of diagnosis, to sticking him with a needle twice a day, to him not being entitled to his daily treats anymore (which, seems to be the part of all of this that bothers him the most - I think he believes he's being punished!), and cleaning up urine constantly....
Anyone have any experience with diabetes? I'm so worried for my little boy
Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you....

[Maximo]

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. I'm sorry Cody and you are going through this.

I do not have first-hand experience with diabetes but a few members here have. Hopefully they will post some words of advice.

For the treats, try substituting his approved food. I use my boys' kibble as rewards for performing tricks and good potty habits. The act and the praise make them happy.

Extra loving and new activity also may help. When one of my boys had to be kept from the things he enjoyed most, I substituted other forms of attention and it helped.

Sending best wishes for Cody.

[anneclaire]

I have a little Jack Russell terrier I found 8yrs ago. She has dabetes to the point she is now blind. We had a terrible time getting her curve regulated!
After almost a year we got it. But just last week I had to up it a little. I give her homemade treats I found on google. It is liver and they are baked.Just google diabetic homemade treats and several will come up.
She also gets 2 shots a day.

[Cesca1958]

Thank you so much for your responses....
I've tried giving him his kibble as a treat - he looks at it, then looks at me as if to say "really?", and walks away! I've also tried cutting his wet food into chunks and baking them at 200 degrees for an hour to dry them out and resemble a treat - he's not interested in them either. He's used to getting a slice of fresh apple or pear daily - but, he can no longer have that. Due to the history of bladder stones, which he has signs of again, and the pancreatitis, he is now on a Hill's Prescription diet (GD). The vet strongly suggests he gets absolutely nothing but that for now. He seems to be enjoying it - although he never seems to get enough because the diabetes has given him a voracious appetite.


I'm sorry to hear your Jack Russell suffers from the same disease - I've heard it can take up to a year for the sugars to be regulated. I'm just concerned about his sugars running too high and causing him to lose his sight also. From what I understand that can happen rather quickly.


Thank you anneclaire and Maximo for your input and suggestions...much appreciated....bless your little pups.....

[anneclaire]

Yes the blindness was kind of a shock to me and has left her depressed at times. My little yorkie -Spice- scares her. I have had to keep them separated almost all the time . Sugar is ok once she knows it is Spice ,but since she cant see Spice she will be startled when Spice jumps on her.So I hover over them when I let them play together.
I feel so bad for my sweet little Sugar as I imagine she had a terrible life before I rescued her,she was only around a year old then.
Diabetes is a nasty disease. I joined a FB page about diabetic dogs and that can really scare you. They talk about how they check the blood count to determine how much insulin to give them etc. I wont do that. I do as my vet says and once a year we do another curve to see if anything has changed and in the meantime I give her 2 shots a day of a tiny bit over 5. And it did take about a year for her blood curve to be steady. She started out 5 yrs ago at 3 and now up to 5 so I think she has done well.
Her food is SD GS like you are giving your baby and a little canned SD ID mixed in. Instead of putting syrup on her gums if I see her blood sugar getting wacky I will give her half a can of SD AD and that brings her out immediately. I always keep a couple cans on hand. It doesnt happen very often at all.
Also for her treats I either give her the liver snaps I make or the SD ones at the vets.She is very content with that.
I wish you well with yours.♥

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Cesca1958

Thank you so much for your responses....
I've tried giving him his kibble as a treat - he looks at it, then looks at me as if to say "really?", and walks away! I've also tried cutting his wet food into chunks and baking them at 200 degrees for an hour to dry them out and resemble a treat - he's not interested in them either. He's used to getting a slice of fresh apple or pear daily - but, he can no longer have that. Due to the history of bladder stones, which he has signs of again, and the pancreatitis, he is now on a Hill's Prescription diet (GD). The vet strongly suggests he gets absolutely nothing but that for now. He seems to be enjoying it - although he never seems to get enough because the diabetes has given him a voracious appetite.


I'm sorry to hear your Jack Russell suffers from the same disease - I've heard it can take up to a year for the sugars to be regulated. I'm just concerned about his sugars running too high and causing him to lose his sight also. From what I understand that can happen rather quickly.


Thank you anneclaire and Maximo for your input and suggestions...much appreciated....bless your little pups.....

Poor little guy, missing his favorite treats. I understand. Glad he likes his food though. I can imagine it is very hard for you with his appetite and wish for his treats.

Keeping you and Cody in my prayers.

[Wylie's Mom]

Hopefully MauiGirl will see this thread as she does have some experience with diabetes. So sorry your baby is sick .