It Never Ends --- Always something.......

[njean]

I got back about an hr & 1/2 ago from the Vets office. I took my little Schnauzer (Bridgette) because for the last 2 weeks, I had noticed that she was drinking water to excess! And of course, with all that water she is drinking, she has to pee constantly so, I just finished washing off the garage floor because that's where she had to go at night being that we were asleep & couldn't let her out. And, too, she will shake a lot, so I knew this was not normal for her. Her appetite is still very good, in fact, she'll gorge if I'm not careful.

Well the vet said that she has full blown diabetes. Her blood sugar level was at 400 --- normal is 60! They gave her an insulin shot right there & sent us home with syringes & insulin for a month; has to have 2 injections per day! They said that her level was so high that they were surprised that she has not had any convulsions or vomiting & that usually at that stage, they have to hospitalize them.

I'm suppose to take her back on Monday afternoon to get her blood tested to see if that is the correct dose to keep her on or if they have to make some changes.

I'm grateful that it wasn't anything worse & hopeful that her shots can be cut back to once a day instead of two. They said that was possible but she has got to lose some weight & just be watched.

Now, my concern is, what in the world am I going to do when we go to Houston next month for my checkup? My neighbor usually feeds & watches them for me, but I know she wouldn't feel comfortable having to give her the injections. Well, I guess I'll cross that bridge as it gets closer.......

Thanks for listening!

 

[Karlynn]

Norma, a good friend of mine had a dog that lived with diabetes for 6 years and died at 13 (which was pretty old for a lab.) When they went on vacation they had a boarder that was willing to give the shots. Otherwise - you may need to leave Bridgette at the vets. My friend's dog lived a fairly healthy, very happy life with diabetes. She did eventually go completely blind - but still got around very well.

 

[njean]

Norma, a good friend of mine had a dog that lived with diabetes for 6 years and died at 13 (which was pretty old for a lab.) When they went on vacation they had a boarder that was willing to give the shots. Otherwise - you may need to leave Bridgette at the vets. My friend's dog lived a fairly healthy, very happy life with diabetes. She did eventually go completely blind - but still got around very well.

Thank you Karlynn --- I left with tears in my eyes at the Vets but after reading your post, it has lifted my spirits & hopeful that perhaps Bridgette will be around for a few years yet!

 

[Marguerite53]

Norma, I'm sure your vet is accurate, but I just wanted to mention that my little Cairn Terrier (almost 9 years old) now has Cushings. Excessive thirst, and excessive (gorging it down) hunger are 2 key characteristics. I don't know if those two diseases work in tandem, or even if they manifest in the same way. Surely your pup's bloodwork showed the true nature of his problem. BUT Cushings is very hard to diagnose (and expensive!!). So if you don't see any improvement in his behaviors, please let the doctor know in case there is more trouble lying beneath the diabetes.

Also, my vet has offers boarding. Our kennel, where we take our precious little one when we go out of town, are very very responsible and comfortable about giving meds and the like. I'm sure you could find a loving place to board your schnauzer.

Good luck. Best wishes for Bridgette!!

Marguerite

 

[njean]

Norma, I'm sure your vet is accurate, but I just wanted to mention that my little Cairn Terrier (almost 9 years old) now has Cushings. Excessive thirst, and excessive (gorging it down) hunger are 2 key characteristics. I don't know if those two diseases work in tandem, or even if they manifest in the same way. Surely your pup's bloodwork showed the true nature of his problem. BUT Cushings is very hard to diagnose (and expensive!!). So if you don't see any improvement in his behaviors, please let the doctor know in case there is more trouble lying beneath the diabetes.

Also, my vet has offers boarding. Our kennel, where we take our precious little one when we go out of town, are very very responsible and comfortable about giving meds and the like. I'm sure you could find a loving place to board your schnauzer.

Good luck. Best wishes for Bridgette!!

Marguerite

Thanks Marguerite & funny you should mention Cushings because I was just talking to my former sister-in-law & she has a dog that has Cushings & has had it for 3 years! And it is very expensive.

I hope that my Vet diagnosed it correctly, not that diabetes is not that serious, it is, but I sure hope that it's not Cushings.

My vet mentioned that if worse comes to worse & I can't find a pet-sitter that will administer the shots, I can always drop her off at the vets office but I think I have a person in mind already.

Thank you; appreciate your input!

 

[Ross]

Do they have glucose monitors for pets? Maybe I need to invent this?

 

[njean]

Do they have glucose monitors for pets? Maybe I need to invent this?

Haven't heard of any so get to work on developing one! You could become a millionaire!

 

[njean]

Do they have glucose monitors for pets? Maybe I need to invent this?

I stand corrected ..... There are diabetic glucose monitors available specifically calibrated for dogs and cats. With these you will be able to take and monitor glucose levels are home to closely regulate their blood sugar.

Sorry Ross!

 

[Eva]

Norma, I am so sorry for this, yet proud that your cat has learnt to be strong like you!! I ask your neighbor now in advance to b prepared, and show her how easy it is to give her the injection. Good luck, my friend

 

[Tbone]

Alot of kennals are use to giving animals medacine just call them in advance to see if they are ok with it. Also, who knows your neighbor might surprise you but return the kindness in the process

 

[designlady]

Hey Norma!

Everything will be fine sweetie! Bridgette won't even feel the tiny needles they use for insulin. I give my 7 dogs all their shots except rabies. They don't even pay attention! You should be able to see a quick turn around in your little one. Keep an eye on her...her water intake should go down...however in the true spirit of a dog, her appetite will probably remain! How can you resist feeding such a cutie as a schnauzer? If you can't tell any difference in her actions and water I agree with testing for Cushings.
I fostered American Eskimo (Spitz) dogs before my OHS. I would estimate that my husband and I have had around 200 or more dogs pass through our home. I usually did the special needs dogs. In fact I still have Ms. Magoo...a three-legged, blind spitz and Sheepie...a one eyed epleptic spitz. I've had dogs with brain tumors, various cancers, heartworms, broken legs etc. I loved taking care of each of these guys! I really miss fostering but husband had enough. So now I have 7 dogs and 3 cats. There are the two mentioned dogs plus Popcorn, Special, Daisy, Jefferson, Sophie and Mama Kitty, Batman and Spiderman. Oops sorry! I digress! My point is that medicine for animals has come a long way in the last few years. Bridgette should be able to continue her happy life with her loving family! Bring her by Tn. while you're in Houston and I will be glad to take care of her! LOL! Take care my friend and give Bridgette a hug for me!

 

[catwoman]

Norma:

Play it safe while you're in Houston: Board Bridgette at your vet's clinic. The staff will be able to monitor food & water intake and urine output, and give the insulin injections.
You'll have peace of mind.

 

[kfay]

Norma, I'm sorry that your dog is sick. I also vote for leaving the dog at the vet while you are gone. It will give you peace of mind while you are in Texas and you will be able to concentrate on what you are going there for versus wondering if your dog is ok.

Kim

 

[njean]

Difficult Injection

Difficult Injection

Well, last night's injection went smoother than I thought. I grabbed a chunk of her skin around her neck area & all went well ---she didn't flinch when I stuck the needle in; only a little flinch at the end of the session but all the solution went in.

This morning's session, NOT so successful! I grabbed some skin but I guess I didn't grab enough & when she felt the needle go in, she jerked & cried & the needle came out with solution still in it. I grabbed skin from another area & she cried again & flinched so I'm almost sure that she did not get the full dose of 10 units that she's suppose to get.

I let it go at that & I'll see how this evening's session will go but I foresee trouble because NOW she see's me as an object that causes her pain so I know I'm in for a difficult time!

Thank you again to all of you for your kind thoughts & advise & wish me luck --- I'm going to need it!

 

[Jackie]

So sorry to hear this, poor baby, Norma you are such a caring person, you will work it out. My prayers go out for you.

 

[Bina]

Norma, I'm sorry to read this news about Bridgette.....It's all so new still, but I'm sure that a routine will fall into place soon just like with diabetic humans.
How about after you give her the needle, immediately reward her with a little cookie and a hug.
I used to do that with several of my fussier dogs and they started to love ear cleaning, nail clipping, etc.
Keep us posted.

 

[njean]

Yes, I'm going to have to try different techniques, that's for sure! Perhaps my bedside manner is NOT exactly that great so I'm going to have to work on that!

This evening, I think I'll try injecting her while she's eating & see if that goes any better. The vet told me to try to keep her distracted by giving her some treats or something while I inject her so I'm going to give that a try & see.

Thanks my buddies!!!

 

[hensylee]

wishing you all success because this is so important. daughter has a new shihtzupoo and she tried trimming hair around her eyes and needed several extra hands. We who have pets know the difficulties of administering anything strange because they just plain ol' don't like it. when it's urgent for their health as yours is we try harder. Blessins......

 

[catwoman]

Norma:

You might try giving her a treat AFTERWARD. Go to a pet food store and get something like what I bought yesterday. It's freeze-dried chicken breast treats, called Purebites (www.purebites.com). Many people who show cats give similar tidbits after judging rings and those who show in agility (yes, at cat shows!) use the same. The protein would be very good for a diabetic animal.

You can probably find something else that's pretty tasty and have it ready for an immediate reward after the shot.

You are going through a learning phase right now. I went through that when I learned to give injections or fluids sub-q to my cats. As long as I don't poke the needle all through the other side of the skin (with vaccine squirting out!), I'm OK.

 

[Bina]

Benny Bully's has dehydrated liver treats. yummy.