Your dog's diet, insulin, and meter used

[k9diabetes]

Hi,

To help everyone new to diabetes in their dog, please post what you use(d) for your dog:

Dog's name, breed:
Dog's weight:
Diet:
Insulin:
Number of units per injection and injections per day:
Brand of BG meter if home testing:

And feel free to add any additional information you feel would be helpful, as well as to update or add to your post as things change.

Natalie

[k9diabetes]

Dog's name, breed:
Chris (male)
mutt of unidentifiable origin (two DNA tests failed to identify)

Weight:
average of 60 pounds

Diet:
Last was Canidae canned chicken, lamb, and fish mixed half and half with cottage cheese or chicken

Insulin:
Novolin (Relion) Regular

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
average of 7 units per injection
four injections per day, every six hours

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
Mostly OneTouch Ultra, which was an average of 30 points low from lab values

[Debbie & Apollo]

Dog's name, breed:
Apollo, Yorkie

Weight:
average of 13 pounds

Diet:
Hills W/D dry and some canned (at shot time)

Insulin:
Vetsulin

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
4 1/2 units per injection
2 injections per day, every twelve hours

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
Use Urine test strips -
have OneTouch Ultra - need to get brave enough to use :)

[We Hope]

Dog's name, breed:
Lucky (neutered male), chihuahua

Weight:
9.9 lb

Diet:
W/D canned 1/3 can twice daily

Insulin(s):
Human Lente-type--worked for one week.
Compounded Beef Insulin--just as successful as the human insulin was.
Iletin II Lente (pork Lente)--regulated quickly on 2.5 units (IU) twice daily-product discontinued shortly thereafter.
Iletin II NPH (pork NPH)--used 3.5 units (IU) twice daily for about 2 months. Lucky had intolerances of the NPH suspension and preservatives.
Caninsulin/Vetsulin--regulated quickly on 4 units (IU) twice daily. U40 strength allowed us to "fine-tune" Lucky's great control using pork Lente insulin and make it even tighter.

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
4 units (IU) Caninsulin twice daily, every 12 hours.

Lucky was always professionally tested at least once a week.

Lucky had immune-mediated insulin resistance. His body recognized that the insulin wasn't his own and would react as if it was something harmful to be disposed of, such as a virus. The insulins would be destroyed by his system before they could do much about lowering his bg's. Pork insulin is a 100% amino acid match to canine insulin; when we arrived here, his body no longer destroyed the insulin, since it was just like his.

[Mickey'sMom]

Dog's name, breed:
Mickey....Bichon/poodle
Dog's weight: 16.9 lbs 6 years old
Diet: green beans, brown rice,chicken or turkey breast..some cesar dog food..
Insulin:
Vetsulin...7 units twice a day
Brand of BG meter if home testing
Accu-Chek Ultra


Mickey is also on a potassium pill once a day and Denamarin (milk thistle) once a day

[BestBuddy]

Dog's name, breed:

Buddy, Miniature Poodle, Age 15

Dog's weight:

5kg (11lbs)

Diet:

125g Science Diet Mature canned, 20g dry

Insulin:

Humulin N

Number of units per injection and injections per day:

5iu BID

Brand of BG meter if home testing:

Medisense Optium

Supplements & extras:

Glucosamine, Vitamin B, Amoxycillin, Benefiber, Lactilube & Acular for eyes

Jenny & Buddy

[Cara's Mom]

Dog's name,breed:
Cara
English Setter (Blue Belton)
Diagnosed Aug. 1, 2008
Cataract surgery and lens implantation Jan 22/09

Weight:
22.5 Kg (49.5 lbs)

Diet:
1.25 cup Iams Weight Control D, 85 gr cooked chickenbreast, 3/4 c chopped green beans / twice day before shots
AM only 1 - 20 minims capsule cod liver oil

Insulin:
Caninsulin (Vetsulin)

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
11 units/twice day every 12 hrs

Brand of BG meter:
OneTouchUltra II, AlphaTrak
Keto-Diastix Urinestrips

[eyelostit]

Dog's name, breed: Niki 11 yrs old

Dog's weight: 44 lbs

Diet: 1/3 C Ground Turkey, 2/3 C Brocolli, 1/2 C Orijen sometimes a little brown rice.

Insulin: Relion Novolin NPH 10 1/2 units AM & PM

Number of units per injection and injections per day: 2

Brand of BG meter if home testing: Alpha Trak for curves, Walmart Relion meter for daily use, will use Alpha Trak if I feel there is a problem. I have used other meters but I'm satisifed with the Alphatrak and the Relion meter.

[ladysmom06]

Dog's name - Lady

Breed - Jack Russell Terrier

Weight - 11.5 lbs.

Diet - Chicken ,Turkey or Beef, Oatmeal, Cottage cheese, String beans, Celery

Insulin - Humulin N

Number of units - 5 units twice a day

Brand of meter - One Touch Ultra

Medicine - Trilostane 30 mgs. once a day for Cushing's

Supplements - Cosequin, Fish Oil, Milk Thistle, Pet multi vitamin

[CarolW]

Kumbi Ya Sentry X. Twitch y Thunderpaws
Red Australian Terrier, neutered male
Date of birth: 19 November, 1996
Diagnosed 1 September, 2006.
His sire, Buck, had diabetes also

Kumbi is in glowing good health; has been since last winter.

weight: 20 pounds

Diet: Medi-Cal Fibre Formula, one cup dry, 4 grams canned, twice a day, 12 hours apart; small treats of broccoli, low-fat cottage cheese, and the like.

Insulin: Novolin NPH
6.5 units, twice daily, 30 minutes after meals

One-Touch Ultra; One-Touch Ultra2; will be receiving a GlucoPet for testing and evaluation and reporting, to feature on my web site

Mostly blind from diabetic cataracts; has a bit of peripheral vision; apparently sees light and dark.

Kumbi came to me as a gift at eight months and two days of age, direct from breeder. I had him neutered two weeks later (with breeder's consent).

We walk twice a day from 20 to 40 minutes, with elder companion Australian Terrier (not related), Kwali Corazon Houdini Porcupine Twinkletoes; she is 1.5 years older than Kumbi, and came to me in poor condition at age 17.5 months (returned to [the same] breeder). These two are great buddies, and Kumbi benefits greatly from the companionship (so does Kwali, who is recovering from a mild stroke), at age 13.5

Cohort VekToria TwinkelMaus invites you to investigate further at:

http://www.coherentdog.org/vek/veksitemap.php

I'm brand new here; thanks, Natalie, for the great welcome!
Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:48:33

[Ricksma]

Okay...here's Ricky's info:

Dogs name, breed: Ricky Ricardo Williams, Chihuahua

Weight: 11.1 pounds (big boy!!)

Diet: Baked chicken breast, baby food green beans, (2) patties of baked W/D

Insulin: Humulin N 3 1/2 u 2 x day, Humulin R 1/2 u 2 x day (R not given if bg is under 100).

Meter: Accucheck Aviva- I also have an Alphatrak, but I find it difficult to use, and the strips are very expensive.

Supplements: Milk thistle, CoQ10, multivitamin, digestive enzymes

[Dollydog]

"Dollydog" LADY is an Australian Terrier, 12 years/4months, almost 15lbs, usually almost 16lbs(normal before diabetes was 17.5lbs)
Presently taking 14iu's Caninsulin twice daily and 35mgs Trilostane daily for her Cushings.
2 cups of food per day, 1 cup dry, 1 cup wet and is a mixture of Hill's t/d small bites, Canidae Senior and Science Diet Senior: plus Medi-Cal High Fibre, cooked chicken, broccoli, some dry moistened with Cosequin, fish oil and Milk Thistle.
Meter....AlphaTrak
Almost blind from cataracts but is just another game to her!! :D

AND LETTUCE TREATS MAKE ANY DAY MUCH BETTER! :D :D :D :D

[eileen]

Mildred, 9 yo. Border Collie mx, 31.5 pounds.
receives both Novolin N and Humalog morning and night
meals consist of extra lean ground hamburger, brown rice, pumpkin, egg white
supplements include milk thistle, salmon oil, vit-E, multi vitamin
has hypothyroidism so requires Levo taken twice daily.
had cataracts removed with lens' implanted in each eye in 2005
gall bladder removed also in 2005
monitor blood glucose no less than 4 times daily with Accu Chek Aviva meter.
-Eileen-
***I switched from using R to Humalog as I was seeing afternoon insulin overlap and lingering. Since switching I am having much better results with the Humalog gone from her system in 4-5 hours.

[Soaphie's Mom]

In regards to the blood glucose meters that everyone is using - can you tell me the pros and cons of each? Ease of use? Amount of blood? etc etc etc?

[Soaphie's Mom]

Dog's name, breed:
Soaphie, spayed female, border collie/bernese mountain dog mix.

Weight:
59 lb

Diet:
Wellness Venison & Rice with a little pumpkin. Bite of tomato as a treat after getting insulin. Tomato or green beans as snack before bed

Insulin(s):
dx end of July 2008. Have been struggling to get her regulated (had a seizure - hypo - mid/end October so we have been rebuilding). Vetsulin initially - finally moved on to NPH at Christmas time. In process of regulating. 10/10 a.m. / p.m.

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
15/15 every 12 hours.

[eyelostit]

I use the Glucopet meter, this seems to work best for me.

http://www.animaldiabetes.com/

[peggy0]

Dogs name/Breed: Forbin Lab/Border Collie Mix

Weight: 77

Diet: blue lamb and Rice; chicken protein strips for treats

Insulin: Vetsulin 2x a day 15 at the moment; just started this; nerve racking

I just found out forbes is diabetic. He's 9 and a big boy. Not fat, but long legs/shaped more like a shepard. He has cataract in one eye and starting in another.

My vet started him at 20 Units 2 x a day and he came up negative on urine strips for 6 hours so he dropped him to 15 yesterday. Today he is again negative for 6 hours. He is acting perfectly normal. Gave him a few extra treats. Have to see what the reading is at 6p to determine if I give him a shot tonight.

I know I have to have patience, but this is very stressful :(

[EllasDad]

Dog's name, breed:
Ella, Greyhound

Weight:
About 55 pounds and a little too thin

Diet:
Purina DCO, 3 cups twice a day - looking for a better fit for her

Insulin:
Currently trying Vetsulin since mid Decmber; had used Humulin NPH since May 2008

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
Had been on 6 U of NPH; up to 6.5 U Vetsulin and increasing slowly
2 injections of above doses per day, every 12 hours

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
Use AlphaTrak (Abbot); also tried AccuCheck Advantage (Roche) but did not like it as much (larger blood volume, not specifically for dogs, less confidence)

Ella has an unnusual BGL curve and we continue trying (as yet unsuccessfully) to get her into a good consistent BGL range.

Regards,
Dan

[PattiIvie]

:)Name: MOlly

Breed; Brittany Spaniel High energy dog!!!:D
age 3yrs.

Weight before Diabetes 38lbs
now 30lbs. Can't seem to get her to gain:(
we've been trying to regulate since before
Thanksgiving;; this is really tough.:confused:

food; Am and Pm 1 1/2 cups dry

Vetsilun 2x aday just changed to 6 units every 12 hours. we were at 5-5 1/2.am and Pm.. can't seem to consistently get below 300. Tried higher doses and went into rebound...:(

Meter --Reli-on Ultra... test Am - noon and Pm.. We have done curves weekly...

We are very frustrated>>>

[Lawless' Mommy]

Breed: Chihuahua almost 10 yrs old
Diet: Hills Presc. Diet w/d
Insulin: Humulin N
Haven't used a glucose meter yet.


I have not ever posted in a forum, but my baby "Lawless" was diagnosed 12/22/08. I have not been having an easy time with him. His first 3 injections went smooth then when he realized that it was gonna happen everyday, he has been resisting. I just got back from the emergency Vet at 2:00 am with a possible pancreatitis (not sure if I spelled that right) attack. I found him on the floor laying in a pool of vomit. They tested him and I will get the results back tomorrow. How long does it usually take until everything is stable. I am very scared that he will have a hard time adjusting. He seems to traumatized when he comes back from the vet. I can use any and all advise, hope, help.... I want him to live a happy life.

Thank you

[Fishslayer]

Great idea. I'm keeping a log on Lucy but always nice to have stuff stored online.

Also nice to have info posted where experts can have a look.

Dog's name: Lucy
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
Dog's weight: 1/12/09 28#

Brand of BG meter if home testing: One Touch Ultra 2
Tested during Lucy's spay. It reads 41 points low.

Curve by vet 12/26/08

1 - 442 @ 10:30 AM
2 - 406 @ 1:30 PM
3 - 450 @ 4:30 PM
4 - 454 @ 2:30 PM
5 - 300 @ 4:30 PM

HUH?:eek: OK. They totally hosed the time entries. What else did they screw up? I'm guessing the times should be every two hours, but which is which?

Vet initially advised 5 units twice daily on 12/20/08. This was the curve that made them advise going up to 7 units twice daily. No check was done after that.

Not confidence inspiring...

Diet: 1/12/09 1.5 cups W-D/1.5 cups Kahoots x twice daily


Insulin: 1/12/09 Vetsulin
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 7 x twice daily

Vet visit 1/13/09

1/14/09 Vetsulin increased per vet instructions after lab test: 8 IU x twice daily

Lab test: BG - 399
Fructosamine - 631

Weight: 30#

Began home testing

Meals are at 8:00 AM & PM

1/16 6:30 PM.... BG 283
1/17 10:00 AM.... BG 351
1/17 6:00 PM.... BG 363

Note: Lucy's energy level has been noticeably higher since increasing dose. Keta-Diastix reading have gone from consistent 2000 to consistent 500-1000.


Lucy's home test curve 1/22/09

7:50 PM 296
6:08 PM 282
4:24 PM 334
2:07 PM 375
12:22 PM 402
10:03 AM 420

8:00 AM Injection 8 IU Vetsulin

7:45 AM Meal 1 Cup Kahoots dry/1 ½ Cup Science Diet W-D dry
7:38 AM 343
7:00 AM Keta Diastix 1000 Ketones Negative


1/23/09 Diet change: 1 cup Kahoots/ 3/4 cup W-D/ 3/4 cup Science Diet Lite x twice daily

Weight still 30-31 pounds


1/26/09 Lucy's Vetsulin increased to 9 IU x twice daily per vet's instructions


1/31 BG Curve.... meals at 7:45 AM & PM...Injections at 8:00 AM & PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3243420450_7580c35603.jpg?v=0


2/11 Weight 30 pounds.

2/11 Vetsulin dose increased to 10 IU x twice daily per vet instructions

Still getting 500-1000 Ketadiastix readings... Ketones Negative

2/17/09 Lucy got spayed today!


3/03/09 Insulin change: Started Relion N Nph @ 8 IU x twice daily

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3342663851_14fd559bbf.jpg?v=0

3/12/09 Rabies vaccine today. Lucy weighs 32#

3/30/09 Parvo, distemper, kennel cough vaccines today. Lucy weighs 32.8#

[bontemp]

Name: Black Magic
Breed: Minature Schnauzer - 11 y.o.
Weight: 28 # before diagnosis, 24.5 # currently
Diet: Science Diet R/D, 1 cp twice a day
Insulin: Vetsulin U-40
Injections: Started at 6 units once/day, now at 10 units twice/day and BG at 400 last week - returning to vet

Black Magic did the norm, drinking excessively and urinating in the house, vet started him on Vetsulin in early November 2008. His weight dropped rapidly as did his muscle tone and at Thanksgiving he was so weak in the hindquarters that he could barely walk. Continued weekly testing and insulin adjustment - now his weight has stabilized and his energy level, alertness, and strength are improving every day. Blood glucose remains above 400 even with the twice per day insulin. More testing this next week. Two kinds of Cushings tests were negative. Looking forward to getting the B.G. back into normal ranges.
1-21-2009 update - B.G. tests showed 400 AM, 280, back to 400 in PM so vet said to go to 12 units Vetsulin 2X/day - energy level and alertness are good
5 - 2009 update - B.G. under control with 13 units U-40 twice a day, just had SUCCESSFUL double cataract surgery

[pgcor]

Dog's name, breed: Pip, Miniature Pinscher

Dog's weight: Right around 23 lbs.

Diet: He will be getting 8 1/4 oz. of turkey or chicken
5.5 oz. of both green beans and zucchini, 2.5 oz. of pumpkin, and 1 oz. of chicken hearts - twice per day

Insulin: Humulin N

Number of units per injection and injections per day: 6 units twice per day

[KittyDog]

Dog's name, breed:
Lily..Chihuahua

Weight:
Currently 6.6 pounds...was 12 pounds 3-08 at DX

Diet:
Gerber Meat sticks with carrots, home cooked chicken, hamburger, Bill Jac puppy dry,

Snacks: Pup-peroni lean, Dingo Bones

Insulin:
Humlin N

Number of units per injection and injections per day:
1 units per injection
twice a day

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
Freestyle...have not had luck drawing blood but once.

Trilostane 2.5mg twice a day for cushings

[janspack]

Dog's Name: Dazzle

Breed: Border Collie (10yrs)

Weight: 15.6Kgs (34 lbs)

Diet: Tripe, chicken, wholemeal biscuit.

Insulin: Caninsulin 6 units twice a day.

Meter: Will be using an AlphaTrak

Dazzle diagnosed on 6th Feb 09. She has concurrent EPI. chronic pancreatitis which has damaged her pancreas so it now no longer functions at all.

Jan & Dazzle (UK)

[BaileyBear]

Dog's Name:
Bailey (male - 7 years old - diagnosed 1/09)

Breed:
Lab Mix - mixed with what...who knows
(looks like a yellow lab, with shorter legs & an upward curling tail)

Dog's Weight:
60lbs

Diet:
Currently 1 1/2 cups DCO dry with 1 scrambled egg & cucumber chunks added.
One Newman's Own Organic Chicken Dog Treats after each injection and as a "bedtime biscuit".

Insulin:
NPH (Humulin N from Walgreen's, or Walmart ReliOn labeled version)
26 Units, twice a day

Meter:
TrueTrack from Walgreen's (generally within 15 points of vet's readings)
26 Gauge Lancets
He's super easy to test with the lip method.

Meds:
Thyroxine for low thyroid

[rickrev]

Dog's Name: Kui (Female, 10 years old, diagnosed four years ago)

Breed: Lab Mix (Lab/Springer Spaniel)

Weight: 62lbs

Diet: Chicken thighs (2) and slightly more broccoli with 1 1/4 cup Hill's W/D dry--so roughly equal amounts. She gets the same in the morning and evening and a noon time snack of about 5 broccoli florets and periodic dried chicken snacks.

We buy bulk frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs and frozen broccoli florets and prepare three days portions of chicken at a time. In the summer we don't thaw the broccoli--especially as snacks.

Insulin:
27 units of Vetsulin, twice a day (after each meal).

Exercise:
A walk of about 20-40 minutes a day in the morning. Sometimes a short walk of about 15 minutes in the evening. (Without the walks she starts to show some wear.)

Prior to her current menu she was at her weight recommendation of just W/D cut in half portions for AM/PM with 28 units of Vetsulin after each meal. She was coping but had periodic accidents.

Since partially substituting on the W/D in the last year, she has actually gained weight with no accidents at all. This is such a big difference from when she was first diagnosed with diabetes and pancreatitis. She went down to about 38lbs from 68lbs. The vet thought she was a goner. (She recovered from the pancreatitis on a diet of just lean chicken meat.)

Balancing diet, medicine, and exercise is tough but worth it for our whole family.

[BrtWooster]

Dog's Name: Hailey

Breed: Husky - female

Age: almost 15 years old

Diagnoised: 1 April 2009

Weight: 46 Lbs. (she lost weight cos of her diabetes)

Diet: Hill's W/D It is canned atm, but going to get dry from the vet on Mon

Insulin: 13 units Vetsulin every 12 hours

BG Meter: Precision Xtra (one of my old meters - sometimes it is handy being a diabetic yourself! :D

So far, I have had NO success in getting a BG reading. I am getting frustrated. :(

[forloveofandy]

Dog's name, breed: Andy, Dachshund

Dog's weight: 19 lbs

Diet:Home cooked Eye of Round Beef or Fish - green beans chopped fine and long-grain brown rice. All the ingredients are mixed together in a large mixer once a week so his food remains consistent. Vitamin supplement.

Insulin: NPH N

Number of units per injection and injections per day: 6U 2x a day

Brand of BG meter if home testing: AlphaTrak

Andy has always had allergies. As a young dog his many trips to the Vet consisted of steroid injections and prescriptions for prednisone. At the age of 6 he developed diabetes, probably as a result of all the steriods. Now we manage allergies without steroids or predisone. It can be done.

[Barbara Erwin]

Dog's name, breed: Harriet, West Highland White Terrier, 8 years old
Diagnosed: March 2009
Dog's weight: 15.9 pounds
Diet: Orijen adult, 1/2 c. twice daily
Insulin: Caninsulin
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 6 iu twice daily
Brand of BG meter if home testing: Alpha Trak

Harriet also exhibited some signs of Cushings while on prednisone (for almost seven years), but those symptoms are subsiding. She may have to go on Atopica for atopic dermatitis, since I won't put her back on prednisone.

[FoggyOaks]

Dog's name, breed: Nana, Chihuahua
Age: 9
Dog's weight: 7.5 pounds
Diet: Science Diet Mature Small Bites mixed with w/d
Insulin: Vetsulin
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 5 units twice daily
Brand of BG meter if home testing: nothing yet

Nana was turned over to the vet clinic that I work for. Previous owner was not good about keeping up with her injections and wanted her euthanized because she was peeing all over her house.

[snow]

Dog's name, breed: Devon, shepalabragoldendobierottachow.

Dog's weight: depends on the vet - 110 - 117

Diet: Mr Fussy is still making it up as he goes along HELP

Insulin: Today Vetsulin - Later today it's' NPH or a new vet. I figure it's my call because they aren't shoving food and Karo into their dog at 12 AM 4 nights a week. (I'm so bitter can you tell :-) )

Number of units per injection and injections per day: 12u 2x on Vetsulin

Brand of BG meter if home testing: was an IPET which I liked until I started getting bonker readings. I called them and whined and they sent me a new one and it just did the same thing. Well at least they were nice and shipped the replacement 2nd day with lots of supplies.

What do you suggest?

[minpinlover]

Dog name and breed: Daygo, miniature pinscher
Age: 7 years
Weight: 17-18 lbs.
Diet: Science diet adult light with a small amount of canned light mixed in
Insulin: Vetsulin 7 units twice a day (just changed dose from 8 units)

Daygo was just diagnosed on April 29, 2009, so we're still really new to this.
I did his first glucose curve last week and his readings were really good, but he started getting too low around 9 hours post insulin dose. We just started him on the 7 units a few days ago. We give green beans as his treat and he loves them! I use a Reli On ultima meter (Walmart) for his glucose testing.

[lab lover]

Dog name and Breed: Baby, Yellow Lab

Age: 7 years
Weight: 91 lbs
Diet: Milleninum Solid Gold dry, 3/4cup, 1/2cup chopped chicken, 1/2cup string
beans, 1/2 cup Wellness Chicken canned dog food. (lower canned food on 7/2)
Insulin: NPH Walmart, Relion
Dosage: 17 units am 18 units pm (just changed on 7/2)
Diagnosed January, 2009
Brand Of Meter - Alpha Track - I liked having the true readings but, is costly
buying the strips.

Baby, is still not regulated gets highs mostly in the am. but, doing much better within the last two months. I test her on her elbows - that is the easiest place for me and she does not mine it at all.

[harley's mom]

Harley, Shiba Inu, 5 years old, Diagnosed 3/2009

Diet: Blue Seal Low Calorie Adult (for now) with 4oz of whatever moist he'll eat prior to injection

Insulin: 11 units Humulin N twice daily

Meter: iPet (Love it!!!) Test inside of lip

Other medications: Soloxine 0.2mg twice daily

Weight: 38 pounds:p

[sofar]

Pepper, 11 years old, Miniature Schnauzer, Diagnosed 4/09.

Weight: She is 20 lbs now, lost about 7 pounds.

Insulin: Vetsulin, 10 units 2x a day

Diet: I just started making my own with lean meat, grain, raw broccoli, carrots, green beans and cottage cheese

Meter: Walgreens Tru-Tech

No other meds

She went blind a couple of weeks ago. I am having a hard time regulating her sugar. She has huge spikes. After reading the info here I think I may be giving her too much insulin. I would like to switch to NPH so I can buy it OTC.
Does that cause additional problems when you are trying to regulate?

[Margaret Boyle]

Name : Lucy

Breed : Miniature Schnauzer

Diagnosed : December 23rd 2007

Weight : 22 lbs (lost weight at beginning )

Diet : Burns High Oats (was On Bakers Complete up until June 2009)

Insulin : On Insuvet Lente for nearly a year. ( Now on Caninsulin since Jan 2009)

Caninsulin 9iu Twice a day.

Meter : On Call Plus (uses small drop of blood) Did use One Touch Ultra 2.

Testing: Inside of both lips, Carpal pads.


Meds : Optimmune Eye Ointment for Dry Eyes

Cranberry powder for repeated UTI's.

Lucy has very limited sight due to cataracts.

Lucy had implants in both eyes on the 15th September 2009
(with good results)

[flgal64]

Dog's name, breed:Rani, 10 year old rottweiler
Dog's weight: 86 lbs
Diet: Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
Insulin: Vetsulin
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 25 cc's 2x's a day
Brand of BG meter if home testing: not home testing yet


She is healthy except for the diabetes which was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago.

Geri & Rani

[crazydayz]

Dog's name: Kai
Breed: Weimaraner
Dog's weight: 85lbs
Diet: Taste of The Wild Dry & Spoon of Merrick or Evo Can
Insulin: Humulin N
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 33U 2x a day
Brand of BG meter if home testing: One Touch Ultra 2

Kai is doing so much better! He has lost his eye sight but recently learned to rely on his other senses. :)

[bpinsly]

Hi:
I am new to this forum.
Bradi 6 years 8 months
16 lbs.
Humulin N 5 units 2x day

Bradi was just diagnosed with diabetes. She went into ketoacidosis and was hospitalized for 2 days. We have her home but she wasn't eating the WD. We saw a post that someone baked the food. We did this and she is now eating it. We've been mixing some chicken or egg and some rice and veggies and she's eating well now.

[debbie]

Buster
Diagnosed in March 2009
Insulin: Vetsulin - 16 units 2Xs a day
Food-science Diet W/D
weight- 90 lbs
Age- Will be 10 in November
One touch Ultra 2 - Test on his elbows

[seurat]

my child's name:binx
shepard mix
wt 70lbs
diet DCO purina prescribed diet
vetsulin 28units 2x at feedings 2cups dry 2x
alpha trax meter only one that is perfect close to lab test
has been diabetic for three years sugar was so high developed cataracts overnight since then I've kept him regulated do my own curves to keep cost down but vetsulin prices have gone from 27.50 a bottle to 49.50 in just the last 2 weeks they make it hard to keep your child alive!

[cynsmith]

Name : Lizzie

Breed : rat terrier

Diagnosed : 10/9/09

Weight : 17.5 lbs

age: 5 yrs

Diet : Hills prescription diet dry w/d

Insulin : vetsulin 4 u twice a day

Meter : havent started to monitor from home yet--new @ this and to be honest was too scared but this forum gives me hope.

[MyNaj-a-Poo]

Name : Naj

Breed : Lhasa Apso / Poodle

Diagnosed : 10/15/09 and Confirm by Urine 10/18/09

Weight : 18.8 lbs Now --
His weight loss is what made be take him to the vet and urination inside house
25 lbs prior to diabetes

age: 7 yrs 8 months

Diet : Previously Bil-Jac before diabetes
Now: Boiled Chicken / Green Beans and 1/2 cup Organic Blue All Natural

Insulin : vetsulin Once a Day 9 units
I take him back to the Vet in 1 week to retest and see if the insulin dose is working for him.

Meter : No meter yet, but intend to purchase the alphatrak next pay day

[Mesquito]

Changed to Humulin N

Dog's name, breed: Ginger Shih Tzu
Dog's weight: 16 lbs

Diet: Ginger develops large bladder stones unless she is fed Royal Urinary SO to prevent bladder stones. She has had surgery twice to remove stones. We tried Hills C/D for a year but it never dissolved the stones. Royal does a good job. Our Vet says
Royal SO may be fed to a diabetic dog.

Changed diet" 1/2 Royal urinal SO food
1/4 green beans
1/4 steamed carrots


We feed twice a day: 7AM and 7PM

Insulin:Vetsulin

Twice a day after feeding

Number of units per injection and injections per day:

generally level 5.5 if a full meal is eaten

Brand of BG meter if home testing:

IPET, works well with small amount of blood. The blood enters the end of the test strip rather than the side like our Vets meter.

We also use Bayer diastix glucose strips to check for glucose in her urine. We have to ask for the strips at the pharmacy as they are not stocked on public shelfs.

Changed to Humulin N about a month ago under our Vet's guidence as regulation using Vetsulin was impossible to achive.

Ginger started with 2 units on Humulin N twice a day for around 5 days.
Then 3 units twice a day for another five days.
Then 5 units twice a day for two weeks.
As Ginger was generally high I then slowely raised her shots 1/4 of a unit over several more days. We are now at 7 units twice a day and finely her blood suger levels are in range. A quarter unit using a Humulin syringe is hard to set.


I changed from a IPET meter to a Walmart Micro meter. The Micro meter only requires 0.03 microliter. Micro meter cost is $12 and change and the strips are $22 and change for 50 strips. I add +35 to the Micro meter readings to get closer to a canine reading.

[Tori]

Name: Tori, Scottish Terrier
Age: 8 yrs. 6 months
Weight:25 lbs.
Just diagnosed a week ago
Novolin N, 13 units twice a day.

[frankie]

Name : Frankie

Breed : Dachshund
Diagnosed : in October by urine and blood test

Weight : 21 lbs.

age: 12 1/2 yrs.
Diet : Hill's W/d
Snacks: green beans, califlower, and baby carrots. Sometimes get some beef (cooked, no seasoning).

Insulin : vetsulin twice a day 14 units now.

Meter : I have the alphatrak and do curve about every 10 days.

His diabetes is not in full control yet, but almost there I believe.
Sometimes his glucose level peaks higher than 500 right before the injection.

[tabathasmom]

Name: Tabatha
Breed: Yorkie
Age: 11
Weight: 12 pounds
Food: WD and carrots for snacks.

Tabatha has had diabetes for about 5 years now. First year she lost her sight and we had surgery done on her eyes. HER SIGHT IS GOOD NOW. She was on Vetsulin for 5 years until just recently. I posted her experience on this site. Right now she has been changed to Hummulin N. She was started out at 7 units 2X aday.But that is to high now. Yesterday We went to the vet and while we were there she became hypoglycemic. (27) ended up with food, sugar water anything to get her blood suger up. So, now I'm doing her blood sugar testing and calling the vet to report the numbers. So now we are working on the dosage. I found taking blood from her arm is much easier then getting it from her ear. Hopfully things will get better. I will do what ever needs to be done to keep her healthy.

[Julie]

My greyhound is also hypoglycemic and I take blood from the paw, it seems to be easier for both of us

[debbie]

Where on the paw do you take it. I take it on busters callous on his elbow but I would like another spot since I think he gets sore there.

[jbyork]

Dog's name: Chuy
Sex: Female
Breed: Chow Mix (but looks like a small dingo)
Age: 13
Dog's weight: 28 lbs currently (was 34 lbs about 3 months ago before being diagnosed)
Diet: 1/2 cup Iams Proactive dry (with a little bit of Iams canned wet) 2x daily
Insulin: Just switched to Humulin N (Vetsulin results were extremely inconsistent, and we recently switched due to the Vetsulin FDA alert)
Units per injection: started at 3.0 units, slowing increasing by 0.5, currently at 5.0 units
Injections per day: 2
Brand of BG meter if home testing: True Track (primary), and Bayer Breeze 2 (backup)
Test location: carpal pad. I found this web page which shows the procedure (http://www.caninediabetes.org/tuggerblood.html)
Date Diagnosed with Diabetes: 12/07/2009

Her glucose levels are not under control yet (wide glucose range throughout the day, highs 300-400+ mg/dL, lows 150), but we are only 1 month into treatment (1 week on Humulin N). We have no issues with Hypoglycemia. However, the problem is Chuy has extreme anxiety when I take her blood. I have recorded multiple glucose readings (5 minutes apart) where her Glucose level spikes as much as 150 points on the first reading (300-500s), then drops dramatically on subsequent tests shortly after... This is causing me some difficultly getting trustable glucose curves. For the first few weeks on insulin (Vetsulin), I actually thought she was having severe Somogyi rebound day after day, but now know that the glucose spikes are most likely from anxiety. Also, the Vetsulin could have also been the cause as the results were very similar to the Vetsulin FDA warning.

Has anyone else seen or her of this before? My vet says it's possible but highly unlikely to have such a large glucose, adrenalin jump due to anxiety... but my dog is rather emotional.

[debbie]

I switched to NHP for buster and so far he has been doing great. He went from 16 units on vetsulin to 14 1/2 NPH.

[vyvyen]

Bear
Rotti x Lab
6yo
52kg
Accu-chek meter
Diagnosed 9/11/09
Caninsulin 20u am and 26u pm

3 cups Hills WD Bisc, 2 cups steamed veges (broccoli, green beans, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, mushrooms), 1 sardine in mineral water with Chinese herbs) and minerals - twice per day.
Bowen therapy and acupuncture.

Check BG twice per day on calous on legs. Do blood curves when necessary or extra checks when worried.

Cheers, Sandra and Bear
xxx

[bogeysmom]

Dogs Name: Bogey

Breed: Dalmatian

Weight: 81 lbs.

Diet: Merrick Dry Food (usually Grammys Pot Pie, Turducken or
Cowboy Cookout), canned merrick food (low glycemic), cottage
cheese, or will add a ground turkey, barley and green bean
squash mixture in place of canned.

Treats: Squash

Insulin: Humulin NPH

# of Units: 24ux2

Meter: Accuchek Aviva
Test on the inner lip

[Julie]

Ibe is now on the insulin, started 9 units, now up to 11, his bg is in the 400s, very high, do not know what to do except curves and keep trying to regulate it. He is a 7 yr old greyhound, ground turkey, vegies, Evo.

[connieandgypsy]

Dog's name: Gypsy Belle
Sex: Female
Breed: Australian Smokey Kelpie (Kelpie x Australian Blue Heeler)
Age: 10
Dog's weight: Currently 21.5kg. Was 23.9kg on Jan 29 2010(diagnosed). Before getting sick always maintained 19-20kg.
Diet: Morning- 350g (Half of the 700g can) of Advance Pet Nutrition Adult All Breed Chicken and Rice.

Night- Other half of the same can as morning.

Snacks/Treats- 1x Natures Gift Mini Treat as I give morning Insulin

Also some Julienne Carrots 2 or 3 for being such a good girl. I use the frozen Vegies as its hot here and Gyp has always loved frozen Vegies.

Insulin: Caninsulin 27 units, currently 30 units.

Injections per day: 1

BG Meter- None at this stage, we are only 2 weeks in.

Date Diagnosed with Diabetes: 29/01/2010

[PeteandWoody]

Woody is a 10 y o female black lab / golden retriever mix.
Before the onset of diabetes (Dec. 2010) she weighed just around 100 lbs. She now weighs about 93. We feed her 2 cups of Purina One Adult Lamb/Rice with about 4 oz. of diced chicken breast :D X 2
Her insulin is Humulin N
Right now her dosage is 23.5U X 2
Her 14 day BG avg. is over 400
We use an AlphaTrak meter
Her BG is rarely under 300
I have raised her dosage to 23.5U I have just recorded only her second reading below 250 since onset.
Does it normally take this long to get regulated?
I have read about Somoygi and I am worried that I may be causing that by giving her that much insulin

contact me with your comments PeteandWoody (pgaworec@twcny.rr.com)

[CoolGram]

Dog's Name: Gretel
Sex: Female
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Age: 8
Current weight: 18.8 lbs.
Weight when diagnosed: 17.5 lbs.
Average weight: 20 lbs.
Diagnosed with diabetes 1/21/10

Insulin: NPH - currently at 9 units twice a day

Food: w/d canned and dry mixed
1/2 can and 2/3 cup dry at 6:30am and 6:30pm

Treats: Hill's Veterinary Treat (compatible with w/d dog food)
She gets one small treat after her morning and evening injection

Still working on getting regulated. Not yet doing home testing.

[Noodle]

Name: Noodle
Sex: Male
Breed: Lab Mix
Age: 8 (diagnosed 1/09)
Weight: 52lbs (trying to put a few back on)
Diet: 1 1/2 Cups Blue Buffalo Dry - AM & PM
Treats: Newman's (the little cheese flavor hearts - after injections), Blue Buffalo Health Bars (bacon, egg, & cheese flavor) & Big Bark Bakery Bare Bones (oatmeal cinnamon flavor) as carb treats before walks or if he's running low, Cucumber Chunks
Insulin: Humulin N
Injections: 30 Units - AM & PM
Meters: TrueTrack & OneTouch UltraMini

Noodle is well regulated but needs to put a few pounds back on. We are going to try adding some canned Blue Buffalo to each meal. :)

[ankh1972]

Name: Tucker
Sex: Male
Breed: Basset Hound
Age: 4 (diagnosed 3/17)
Weight: 100 LBS.
Diet: 1 1/2 Cups of Homemade (Chicken,Lean Ground Turkey,Rice and Peas - AM & PM
Treats:Dried Chicken from Wal-Mart Pet Dept
Insulin: Vetsulin
Injections: 10 Units - AM & PM
Meters: Accu Check

I just got Tucker to eat solid food yesterday and today he's giving me issues...His Levels are all over the place and trying my best..It's been 6 days since his diagnosis and have another Vet appt on Thursday to update vet on levels...I hope we discuss curves and possibly increase his injection...I always check his levels before giving insulin and what scares me is that his levels are so high like an 1-2 hour before 2nd injection...366-463 and that scares me....I need him regulated quick....Any advice anyone?

[O'Riley]

I'm new also, and I'm learning that there are only baby steps when it comes to safe insulin dosing. One quick fix that lowers blood glucose levels is exercise. Since there is a specific time slot that you're particularly worried about, could you walk Tucker at that time every day?

Riley's blood glucose levels are higher in the evening. I wonder if there's a circadian timing thing going on?

"Time in the biological sense is measured by cycles that range from milliseconds to years. Circadian rhythms, which measure time on a scale of 24 h, are generated by one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied timing systems. At the core of this timing mechanism is an intricate molecular mechanism that ticks away in many different tissues throughout the body. However, these independent rhythms are tamed by a master clock in the brain, which coordinates tissue-specific rhythms according to light input it receives from the outside world." (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12198538).

~Rosey

[CarolW]

On circadian rhythms - Rosey, thanks so much for mentioning this and providing a link.

I think it's helpful to any Human Diabetic-Dog Parent to understand that such a thing is involved in our dogs' physiology and neurology. I think it helps us comprehend that day and night are different (! - haha!), and so, come to understand why blood glucose levels differ, day from night.

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:34:26 (PDT)

[ankh1972]

I'm new also, and I'm learning that there are only baby steps when it comes to safe insulin dosing. One quick fix that lowers blood glucose levels is exercise. Since there is a specific time slot that you're particularly worried about, could you walk Tucker at that time every day?

Riley's blood glucose levels are higher in the evening. I wonder if there's a circadian timing thing going on?

"Time in the biological sense is measured by cycles that range from milliseconds to years. Circadian rhythms, which measure time on a scale of 24 h, are generated by one of the most ubiquitous and well-studied timing systems. At the core of this timing mechanism is an intricate molecular mechanism that ticks away in many different tissues throughout the body. However, these independent rhythms are tamed by a master clock in the brain, which coordinates tissue-specific rhythms according to light input it receives from the outside world." (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12198538).

~Rosey

WOW!!! tHATS fascinating....I can take him for walks when he's high..thanks for the advice...

[rschwank]

Dog's name, breed:
Samson, lab mix 11 yrs

Weight:
80 lb

Diet:
Hills W/D dry and canned

Insulin:
Humulin N 17 units 2x day
every twelve hours

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
Use Urine test strips -
ReliOn ultima


3-15-2010 diagnosed new to this hopeful. completed some curves 180 to 450

[tardischan]

Dog's name, breed:
Fuzzy (or FuzzButt, whichever works at the time) , black lab mix 15 yrs (16 in August)

Weight:
52 lbs, 65 before her medical problems began

Diet:
Whatever she’s willing to eat. She’s a very picky eater. Fuzzy has had IBD digestion issues for at least 6 months before being diagnosed with hyperglycemia last Saturday. She ate half a can of w/d and then refused to touch it. Some nights she’ll eat Blue Buffalo Wilderness dry and canned, other times I microwave oatmeal and chicken thighs with broccoli, or will scramble eggs and serve with ground turkey, oatmeal and some cottage cheese. She gets a multivitamin, SAM-E and standardized milk thistle capsules to control elevated liver enzymes. I’ll give about 3 oz of greek yogurt or cottage cheese with half a teaspoon of probiotics and enzymes powder. This morning, the yogurt was the only thing she would eat, which worried me greatly. I discovered slippery elm bark powder, and read that it’s good for pets and people with sore digestive tracts. I trekked out to the health food store this morning and got about 5 oz of the stuff. One teaspoon of the powder cooked with diluted chicken broth made a gooey “soup”, and can be given 4 times a day. She lapped it up readily. I’m hoping that it will help soothe her intestines enough to eat higher protein meals. Her regular vet is out until May.

Insulin:
Vetsulin, 6 units 2X a day.

Brand of BG meter if home testing:
None yet, still researching possible meters.

“And feel free to add any additional information.”

How much time do you have? LOL. Here's the short, short version. ;)

I got Fuzzy as a 5 month old puppy when I was 11 years old. Except for a 4 year absence when I lived out of state, she has always been there for me. While I was away, she lived with my Grandma and developed large tumors and cancers on her legs and shoulder. We’ve had them removed, and other then that, has been pretty healthy her entire life.

December 2009, I found her laying in diarrhea and vomit. I thought she was dead, but as soon as I saw her breathing I got a harness on her and gently lifted her on her feet. She could barely walk, so I had to get her on a towel and pick her up and carry her. Once her vitals stabilized, she went in to surgery. The surgeon said she had the largest gallbladder he’s ever seen. Gallbladder, spleen, and a portion of her stomach were removed. Biopsies found no cancerous materials, but found she had inflamed an inflamed liver and intestines, and e coli in her gallbladder. The e coli found was resistant to most antibiotics except gentamicin and trimethsulfate or something like that. The TMS was prescribed for a couple of weeks, and then prednisone would be started after that for 3-4 months. An insane, bumpy ride with the prednisone and other issues would soon follow.

The side effects of these medications did more harm then good. The TMS made her anemic. The prednisone did strange things to her blood and enzyme levels. Not only has she refused to eat on and off again, she's got elevated liver enzymes and now hyperglycemia to worry about. I was poking around 1800 pet meds to find a multi-vitamin for Fuzz and discovered Marin. My vet told me that it was mostly silymarin, or milk thistle extract. SAM-e could also be used together, and both supplements have shown to reduce bad liver enzymes. I got those off Amazon.com, along with a probiotics and enzymes powder to try out.

One night, she began eating, drinking, and peeing like a horse. It was really, really scary. I took her in the next morning to get a full blood test, just like before. My regular doctor was out until May, but I went in anyway because I was afraid for my poochie.

Turns out, I had every right to be concerned. Her blood glucose level was so high it was off the charts, and was checked twice just to make sure the first test was a fluke. Off to the emergency vet again late in the afternoon. Her BG did not start to come down until 7 am the next morning, and was at 400. As that specific vet was only open 7-8 AM during the weekdays and 24 hours weekends, I had to go back and forth from the ER vet to my regular vet to get her BG lowered. Last Saturday, Fuzzy stayed about 24 hours to get a curve, and is due for another one in a week.

While my regular vet is awesome, she is not going to be back until May. I got to talk to the nurse when I got the Vetsulin and needles. She appeared to try to talk me out of doing at home blood monitoring, and if I’m worried I should just bring her in to the office. Pfft, please. I thought this was rather odd. Besides telling me how to administer the insulin, I’m pretty much on my own. I was told not to give any insulin if she would not eat. I tried to tell her that Fuzzy has had a history of not wanting to eat anything due to IBD. I figured out that cooking chicken, broccoli, eggs, and a small amount of oatmeal together would be the best thing for her before an insulin shot.
I am still looking in to the best lancet, monitor and strips to use. Stress, stress, and more stress all around. All of this is overwhelming to me.

However, one thing still keeps me going and that’s my dog. Yeah, she’s pretty old for a dog her size. But, she’s strong, and always has been. She’s not ready to go yet – there are still a lot of squirrels to bark at.
If you’ve read all of that, I thank you. :)

- Lynnie and Fuzzy

EDIT: Now I realized I posted a reply to one person, and not the OP. Oops. :P

[Bagel's Mom]

Bagel ( AKA Miracle Dog)

10 yr old Beagle/Basset

weight now 34 lbs. Down from 41 which was a good thing to do!
Back surgery in 2004. Doing fine since then with that.

Diagnosed with Cushings March 09
Bladder stone in August 09..dissolved hopefully.
Diagnosed with Diabetes Nov 09

Switched from Vetsulin which was never stable to Relion N ( Walmart brand of Novolin ) 3 months ago.
Currently 17 Units 2X a day ...BG averages 300...has gone to mid 200s but not in a couple of weeks.
meter: One Touch Ultra
VERY healthy...much more mobile now that she lost the weight
takes Lysodren for the Cushings 3 X a week...1375 mg total
SAM-e daily to protect her liver
1 daily Synovi for joints
10 mg pepsid generic to protect stomach from the Lyso
food: each meal 1 C Purina DCO and 1/4 cooked chicken breast
treats: one small milkbone at shot time
occasional steamed broccoli.
BATHED IN MUCH PRAYER DAILY
Sande;)

[claire81]

Dog's Name: Jess or J-Dog
Sex: Female
Breed: Staffy / Ridgeback cross
Age: 10, we think..maybe 11.. haven't had her all her life.
Current weight: 22kg
Weight when diagnosed: 21kg
Average weight: 25kg
Diagnosed with diabetes June 14th 2010

Insulin: Caninsulin, 10.8 units twice daily

Food: w/d dry with some chicken & home made broth (water added to pan to gather juices) - 1.5 cups of food with the chicken added, twice a day.

Treats: 4 small liver chips a day (1 before and 1 after needle).... i tried a veg ear today and she enjoyed that, but i'm watching her closely at the moment because she's newly diagnosed.

Still working on getting regulated. Not yet doing home testing.

[efmarek]

Hi all. New to this forum, but not new to K9 diabetes.

Dog's name: Darla
Dog's breed: Black Lab
Dog's age: 11 years old
Dog's weight (pre-diagnosis):101 lbs
Dog's current weight (following diagnosis and treatment): 66 lbs
(Boy how I wish I could lose 35 lbs :))
Date Diagnosed: May 2005

Diet: Hill's Science Diet Light dry (Upon comparing w/d to the Light, it is very similar in makeup and saves me alot of $$$) and can food; 1 1/2 cup dry and 1 can wet in the AM; and 1 cup dry only in PM
Insulin: Vetsulin
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 36 units in the AM after meal
Brand of BG meter if home testing: Previously Accu Chek Active, but recently changed to the ReliOn Ultima when my Accu Chek stopped working. I don't like the ReliOn because the stick must be inserted into the machine when you collect the sample. With the Accu Chek, I could collect the sample on the stick, then insert it into the machine. I will probably be changing meters again shortly. Any recommendations????

So glad I found this forum. It definitely helps to find some support from those who actually treat and manage this disease with their sweet pets.

Lisa

[Rudy]

Name: Rudy
Breed: Shitzu
Age: 11
Weight pre DX (4/10): 23
Weight now: 22
Diet: Hills WD
Insulin: Humulin NPH 6 units x2 - moving to Relion
Testing: Urine test strips
Treats: Chicken nibbles - Rudy runs to get his shots so he can have his treat afterwards

[Frannie03]

Dog's name, breed: Frannie, lab mix
Dog's weight: 81 lbs
Diet: DCO 2 cups 2 times daily
Insulin: Humulin N
Number of units per injection and injections per day: 16 units 2 time daily
Brand of BG meter if home testing: Bayer Contour

[kimcita]

Dog's Name: Kya
Sex: Female
Breed: Shitzu/Chihua mix
Age: 10-1/2 (11/1999)
Current weight: 13lbs.
Diagnosed with diabetes April 2009
Diet: Hill's Science Diet W/D dry (I mix it with water and let it sit). Feed twice a day.
Treats: Liver crackers (about a handful), chicken stripes with glucosamine
Insulin: Was Vetsulin (6 unites/twice/day) up until Saturday July 10 when I ran out. Now she was given an Rx for Humilin N (NPD), but I was given NO info about this insulin from her vet.

Home testing: just strips but she ALWAYS reads high (the last color on the strip). I would like to purchase a Glucose Meter but do not know which one to purchase, ANY SUGGESTIONS =)

Health history: She is a producer of bladder stones and has had 2 surgeries to-date.

When Kya was diagnosed last summer I was not given any educational material, so I know VERY little about how to maintain her levels. Her vet just pretty much wanted me to bring her in all the time and I'm sorry but I'm not trying to empty my pocket book and fill his bank account. I don't much like the vet and if I could afford to switch to a new one I would.