Welcome Baxter 8 yr old schnauzer

[frijole]

I am writing this for my aunt and cousin who will be joining the forum later. Their schnauzer Baxter is in the hospital on IV - this is start of day 3. He is on IVs. Yesterday his fever was down but today he is jaundiced. We are very concerned.

He was vomiting and unable to eat which is why they took him to the vet. He has pancreatitis. They believe after the blood panel he is diabetic.

I am a cushings mom so I don't know much about this except that jaundice means liver is in trouble. His alk phos was 5416. when taken on Friday.

Here are other readings that were high from his blood panel.

glucose 292 (70-120 normal)
alt (sgbt) 656 (100)
bilirubin. total 11.4 (0.6)
alkphos 5416 (95)
cholesterol 849 (125-260)
ck total 388 (10-200)
amylase 11971 (300-1750)
white blood count 39.5 (5.0-16.0)
mchc 36.9 (30.0-36)
platelet count 685 (150-500)
neutrophis total 84.3 (42.5-77.3)
neutrophil absolute 33.3 (3.9-8.0)
monocyte absolute 2.6 (0.2-1.1)

These are just the high items

They are not sure how to get ahold of the vet on Sundays - we will figure that out as I am thinking they should visit Baxter and perhaps bring a blankie or something from home.

Pray and if you have any advice - I have shown my aunt and cousin how to use the board. Thanks guys.

Kim

[We Hope]

Kim,

I will change the title of this slightly to welcome Baxter and family.

A pancreatitis attack can mean the beginning of diabetes:

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Pancreatitis

I hope one of you will post here to let us know how Baxter's doing!

Kathy

[Baxtersmom]

Thanks. Our concern was that he stepped a bit back this a.m. from yesterday with the liver. We are trying to figure out how critical his condition is. Understand the vet called and spoke to Baxtersmom (Dian, my aunt) and we didn't know she had called. She didn't get a means of calling them for updates.

So we are trying to figure out if the dog is in critical enough condition that it warrants them VISITING Baxter today. (note the hospital isn't open and we have to arrange that) We don't want to stress the dog out but Baxtersmom is very upset and of course feeling guilty for not taking the dog in earlier.

Is all of this normal? Should we try to get in to see the dog today? Sorry to put you on the spot... we just don't know and you know how guilty she would feel if something happened..

Thanks! Kim (FRIJOLE) posting on behalf of Dian/Baxtersmom

[k9diabetes]

Is the vet there with him?

I wouldn't want him left alone in a closed hospital even with spot checks on him by a human... I'd want him at a 24-hour hospital.

I would say definitely take time to get in contact with the vet - maybe drive over and see if they will let you in? Having no way to check in would make me absolutely crazy.

I don't know whether a visit would help Baxter but I know if it was me it would help me to know that I could go see him. And if his survival is questionable, I certainly would want to be with him.

If you can find a way to get back in touch with the vet, s/he should be able to give you a better idea of how critical this is. Those liver values are awfully high.

Wish I could help more...

Natalie

[We Hope]

Some vets deal with emergencies via paging. Can you page the vet so someone can discuss Baxter with him/her?

[Baxtersmom]

Heh Natalie

My aunt is sitting here with me and I"m trying to give you all she can remember from the call...

1. Glucose level was up to 350 today and so she was going to give him insulin.

2. Jaundiced today. Going to do another panel tomorrow.

3. She said liver is tied into diabetes issues.

4. She did say he should make it. (sigh, I am relieved!!! go Baxter go!)

5. No vomiting since he's been there. She didn't mention fever today. He went in with one, and it was gone yesterday.

6. She was going to try to feed him very small bites of food tomorrow - he's been on IV since Friday afternoon. He is urinating but it has bilirubin in it.

7. He is on antibiotics 3 times a day and so she is going in to do those.

8. I'm crying right now because "MOM" just told me that the vet said Baxter is the best patient she has ever had... he just stands there and lets her do whatever she needs to do. Ah, bless him.

I sure hope the vet didn't try to remove his bandana because he gets real mad (for real) when you take it off of him.

This is a complete summary.... Natalie - in the Cushings world we see things that are normal at the early stages... is this all quite normal? We appreciate your honesty!

Hugs from
Kim, Baxtersmom (Dian), the DAd (Dick) and the loving Sis (Ryana)

Yes we are all typing this together. Oops, Cody the cat too.

[k9diabetes]

I'm not that familiar with pancreatitis except that I know that it can be really ugly for a while until you get it under control.

Everything you're seeing with Baxter now I believe is related to liver problems and pancreatitis, not diabetes.

So I can't be of much help as I don't think the diabetes has much to do with this right now.

Perhaps the infection was in the liver?

The blood sugar is not all that high so I will be curious to see whether it drops back down when the pancreatitis is cleared. It could be that he won't be diabetic long term - no way to know until he's healed.

It sounds like the vet is staying with him... They may have, as Kathy mentioned, a pager. Have you called the clinic to listen to the after hours message? That often gives you direction for what to do when the clinic is closed.

I'm SO glad to hear that the vet thinks he will be okay. That is a huge relief!!

Natalie

[Baxtersmom]

This is Ryana Baxters big sis thanks for your response .were relieved that she thinks he will be ok we did try to get a hold of her no word back yet. but we do plan on visiting him as soon as we can . thanks again

[BestBuddy]

I just wanted to say a big hi and welcome to Kim's extended family especially Baxter. I am embarrassed to say that when Buddy was first diagnosed with diabetes we didn't get any test numbers because at the time I didn't know they would be important, boy do I know now. I still have the guilts that I was away and only came home in time to rush Buddy to the vet, he had bad pancreatitis and became diabetic. He was on a drip for several days and stayed in the hospital for about 5. Without knowing Buddy's test results from back then I really don't know what is "normal" but I do know that Baxter has a fight but with the right care and time it can all work out.
Good luck
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

Hey Jenny thanks for your thoughts .this is Ryana my mom is still getting used to this so bare with her as she responds later lol anyway I have the day off tomorow so I am going to go visit baxter with a list of questions and concerns. I am going to ask about the Gall bladder.so hopefully things will work out I guess its true things always get worse before they get better. anyway Jenny my mom was the same way she felt guilty about waiting I guess we both hoped he would get better. but we all learn is tha a pic of Buddy? he sure is cute I cant wait to use this site more and get to know everyone on here Kim says all kinds of wonderful things about everyone on here. so we all look forward to knowing you .

[BestBuddy]

Hi Ryana,
Yes the pic is of my boy Buddy. Buddy passed away January 2009 and I do miss him so but he was diagnosed with diabetes in June 2002 and had another 6 1/2 years with us. After the initial guilt and shock it was really no problem and it was just part of our lives to be feeding and injecting twice a day. Buddy also had cushings the last 3 years so things became a little more difficult but he made it to age 15 leading a fairly normal happy life.
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

Aww, truly sorry for your loss its very hard to lose a pet, I have lost them before and even though time heals you never forget them,and when your ready to get another dog even if its the same kind they all have their own unique personality.well I am off to see Baxter and the vet tomorrow . so I will let you know if anything new comes up thanks

[eyelostit]

Hi Baxters mom,

Welcome to our forum !! :)

[Baxtersmom]

thank you very much this is Ryana her daughter I will be doing alot of the posts my mother is still learning how to use the computer so I will be posting more then her for a while until she can get used to it lol

[BestBuddy]

Ryana and Baxters mom,
Just wanted to say I hope Baxter is doing better and I am sure he will be so pleased to see you. There are probably so many questions going through your heads right now but really you just have to take one step at a time. Once you get Baxter home you can start worrying about what needs to be done and I can guarantee most of us have been through it so we all have lots of little hints to help you through.
Jenny

[Margaret Boyle]

Hi Baxter's Mum,
Just to say welcome I also have a black miniature schnauzer called Lucy also the same age as your Baxter she will be 8yrs in July she has been diabetic for 16months. You will get plenty of support here from the experts they certainly know their stuff.:D:D

LOL

[Baxtersmom]

Hey everyone this is Ryana.

I am excited to say that Baxter is doing just great we all went and visited him today. it was really funny .we went and checked in the minute he heard us say his name he was just Howling at first I thought it was some porr odg getting a shot then we realized that that it was him lol he was super excited to see us.

The vet confirmed it was Diabetes so this will be a challenge but I am sure with the help of you all we will get all the help and answers that we need and that we are all greatful for. she wanted to see how he responded to food before she reomved his IV so hopefully tomorrow he will get to come home to us we all miss him very much My cat Cody really misses him they are the best of freinds they are soo cute together anyway I did mention about the Gallbladder she did say that wasn't it. so I will definately keep posting on here about him and get a pic of him so you can all see him at his very best especially with his scarf he thinks he is a stud with his scarf on so talk to you all soon and thanks so much for the warm welcome and prayers for our baby Baxter if he could talk he would tell u thank you as well.

[Baxtersmom]

aww she is soo cute . thanks for the welcome this is Ryana I am Baxters moms daughter I will be on quite a bit I am a computer junkie . its unfortunate but the vet did say that schnauzers tend to get Diabetes but at leat its manageable its good to meet everyone

[Rusty's Mom]

Baster can talk - and we hear him loud and clear!!!

I'll keep you in my prayers as you enter this chapter in your lives.

MJ

[Fishslayer]

Welcome to Baxter & family. Thoughts & prayers for Baxter.


Rick

[Baxtersmom]

thank you guys. for the nice welcome

[KramiesSister]

Hi Baxter and Family!

I'm relatively new to this site, but not so new to pancreatitis and diabetes.

My schnauzer Kramer had pancreatitis when he was 7, and we were told that he probably wouldn't make it. A week later we took him home alive and well!

Kramer now has diabetes (diagnosed when he was 9) and has had it for 3 years...its definitely manageable...but diabetic schnauzers will always keep you on your toes!

With pancreatitis its really important to always watch for symptoms, as Baxter will be very susceptible in the future (Kramer had a number of smaller attacks after his stint in the hospital) and make sure his diet is low in fat.

Ask lots of questions and do lots of research...there are a lot of resources on the web, even sites dedicated to diabetes in schnauzers that are really helpful.

Breanne and Kramer

[Baxtersmom]

Kramer is adorable I am glad he is still with you and is doing ok it must have been hard . I know we are about to face a huge challenge with him but he is soo worth it . so this will be a learning experience .for us all but I am glad my cousin introduced us to this site I guess I never realized how many people had dogs who had diabetes .thanks for your response. Ryana

[k9diabetes]

What a joy to read that Baxter is doing so much better!!! Please pass on my cheers for Baxter to your mom.

Natalie

[BestBuddy]

Ryana,
I am so glad Baxter is doing so well. This is a great site for support and it sure does help to know you are not alone. Before Buddy was dx I had never even considered a dog getting diabetes so the shock was pretty big.
Jenny

[Cara's Mom]

Just stopped by to say "Welcome Baxter and family"! Have been following your posts and am very happy that Baxter seems to be doing a lot better.
Yes, it's a shock when diabetes is diagnosed, but you find out very soon that it's not a death sentence and your fur-baby can live a happy, full life! And the treatmentment will become part of you daily routine:)

Hope he'll be home soon!

[Baxtersmom]

Hey everyone, thanks for stopping by and than you Caas mom for following my posts we all apprecaite it very much. unfortuantely Baxter could not come home today his wbc's were still kind of high so the Vet wants to try a different Antibiotic. but she said Baxter is still doing pretty good so hopefully tomorrow he can come home.anyway thank you guys very much for the warm welcome and support group. were all still kind of numb yet but I am sure soon the questions will come and were all so happy to have a wonderful bunch of People to come too.

Thank you Natalie for this wonderful Forum . and Jenny how are things with you ? hope everything is ok with all of you .

Ryana

[BestBuddy]

Hi Ryana,
I am doing fine. I am sorry Baxter is still in hospital but that is where he needs to be at the moment. Hopefully another day or two and you will be able to get him home. Buddy was in hospital about 5 days and all I wanted to do was get him home and then when that day finally come it was "Oh dear" (substitute other applicable words) how am I going to manage the injections and care. I was petrified and had a real needle phobia so hubby had to give the first few injections until he was late home and I just had to do it. It really did get easier and I think back now and realize we gave over 5000 injections! We will all be here when Baxter gets home even if it is just moral support you need.
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

thank you Jenny.I am sure it was pretty scary to you to have him home. I am thankful for all your support on here. thank god my mom is anurse so she will be doing most of it of course I will need to learn.but in the mean time I will let her do it lol well 5 thousand wow that is alot. but of course its so worth it for your baby.I know it will bere here as well. hopefully Baxter gets to come home today we are calling around 4 the vet said that he is off the IV and looks good tests are normal the wbc still high and he did throw up his food but she thinks its because she may have given him to much so we shall see. so I will post later . hope everyones days is going well?

Ryana

[Baxtersmom]

:) its finally here Baxter is home . YAY!!! so far so good still kind of on food and water restricition. he goes in tomorow and fri for a cbc. before he left he left a nice yellow surprise at the vets floor I guess he was saying piss on you lol so he is back .

[frijole]

Yeah! I'm so glad that Baxter is home where he belongs. What instructions did the vet give you? Remember to ask questions of those with experience here - they can save you time, money and grief.

What did Cody (cat) do when he came home? :D Hugs, hugs, hugs,

Aunt Kim

[Baxtersmom]

Hey, well he still cant have a full meal he gets 2 tablespoons every 2 hours and about 12 laps of water . he does go in on friday to get a cbc count and we are giving him his shot tonight at 9 so going to watch and learn how to do that. he has been pouting because he couldn't eat eat anything we ate so basically when we got done eating he finally ate his food lol , but we will do all the rsearch on this. but were glad he he is home . lol Cody kind of sniffed at him at first like who is this but back to friends as normal.

[BestBuddy]

Welcome home Baxter.
It will be slow going for a while until he is back to eating normal meals but I'm sure now that he is home he will recover quicker. I'm not sure what Baxter was eating before but you may need to look at something different if it is too high in fat. Just remember that you can buy the most expensive food out there but if Baxter doesn't like it he won't eat it. We don't have the choices here in Australia but I had a list of about 4 foods that I though fitted the bill. It had to be good quality, not overly expensive, readily available, worked well with the insulin and of course something Buddy would eat.
I am waiting to hear what insulin Baxter will be on and how many units.
Good luck.
Jenny

[k9diabetes]

Yay!! I'm so glad Baxter is home and in a mood to literally and figuratively tell the vet he's PO'd about it all! LOL

Natalie

[Baxtersmom]

Hi all, Don't know if I am doing this right, but will make attempt. Ryana did a lot of return messages, but I wanted everyone to know that Baxter is home and we are doing pretty good. He had a small emesis this a.m., don't know if I gave him a little bit too much to eat or what. He slept right beside his dog dish last night, so guess he is trying to say something. I've been giving him an ice cube in between his feeding, and he really likes that. I am going back to the vet today to have his blood sugar checked. Then I will run out to Walmart and get a glucometer., so I can do my own checks. Ryana gave the insulin shot this a,m,glad it wasn't my neck she poked. lol. Will keep you posted. Baxtersmom

[Margaret Boyle]

So glad Baxter is home you will feel 100% better and so will Baxter home to all his familiar surroundings. I remember when Lucy came home after being in the university hospital for 4 days she just sat in the hall and howled like a wolf she was so glad to be home (she sure let everyone know that she was glad to be home). I am so glad he is home. :D:D

LOL

[Baxtersmom]

So glad Baxter is home you will feel 100% better and so will Baxter home to all his familiar surroundings. I remember when Lucy came home after being in the university hospital for 4 days she just sat in the hall and howled like a wolf she was so glad to be home (she sure let everyone know that she was glad to be home). I am so glad he is home. :D:D

LOL


well thank you were glad he is home as well . lol so she actually Howled thats awesome . :D

[Baxtersmom]

Yay!! I'm so glad Baxter is home and in a mood to literally and figuratively tell the vet he's PO'd about it all! LOL

Natalie



lol oh yea he left his mark there. it was awesome . he went and got hs blood sugar checked today and the vet was impressed that after all he has been through he jupmped up on her when he saw her.

[frijole]

Hi all, Don't know if I am doing this right, but will make attempt. Ryana did a lot of return messages, but I wanted everyone to know that Baxter is home and we are doing pretty good. He had a small emesis this a.m., don't know if I gave him a little bit too much to eat or what. He slept right beside his dog dish last night, so guess he is trying to say something. I've been giving him an ice cube in between his feeding, and he really likes that. I am going back to the vet today to have his blood sugar checked. Then I will run out to Walmart and get a glucometer., so I can do my own checks. Ryana gave the insulin shot this a,m,glad it wasn't my neck she poked. lol. Will keep you posted. Baxtersmom

Good job on the first post BMom. Oh poor guy slept by his dog dish. :( Was he able to keep food down today? How did the blood sugar come out today? Give him a big hug from Aunt Kim!!

Thanks for the update!

[BestBuddy]

You are posting fine. Baxter sounds like he is well on the mend. Keep us updated!
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

Welcome home Baxter.
It will be slow going for a while until he is back to eating normal meals but I'm sure now that he is home he will recover quicker. I'm not sure what Baxter was eating before but you may need to look at something different if it is too high in fat. Just remember that you can buy the most expensive food out there but if Baxter doesn't like it he won't eat it. We don't have the choices here in Australia but I had a list of about 4 foods that I though fitted the bill. It had to be good quality, not overly expensive, readily available, worked well with the insulin and of course something Buddy would eat.
I am waiting to hear what insulin Baxter will be on and how many units.
Good luck.
Jenny

well not sure of the insulin I need to ask mom but tonight he had 10 and this morning 15 . aww is your buddy picky? Baxter isn't to bad we will find him something. right now he is on what the vet gives him .he sitll waits to eat after were done eating praying that we will give in and give him something sson as he realizes its not going to happen he eats lol I will let you know what insulin were giving him. its to bad Australia doesn't have that many options. :( thanks for the well wishes

[Baxtersmom]

well thanks everyone for thee warm welcome home for Baxter he apreciates it . so as my mom posted earlier I am learning the great skill of giving Baxter his shots lol I swear he didnt suffer lol tonight I did alot better . he is a trooper . I will have to get a picture of him soon so u can all see him anyway Baxter gives you lots of kisses . one of his favorite thing is that I kiss him on his cheek and he will just lean right in its very cute. thanks again :)

[Baxtersmom]

Jenny I am soo sorry Kim just told me that you lost Buddy and your other dog I am sooo sorry I just assumed Buddy was alive please forgive me :( sorry for your loss

Ryana

[BestBuddy]

Hey Ryana,
Don't be sad, it's okay, you were not to know. Buddy was a very special dog and so was Nelson. They both had good long lives and although I wish they were still here it was time for them to move on. Buddy wasn't really a picky eater but I wanted a food he really enjoyed so that he would eat it for both meals without any problems. It made it much easier to get him regulated keeping him on the same food.
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

Hey Ryana,
Don't be sad, it's okay, you were not to know. Buddy was a very special dog and so was Nelson. They both had good long lives and although I wish they were still here it was time for them to move on. Buddy wasn't really a picky eater but I wanted a food he really enjoyed so that he would eat it for both meals without any problems. It made it much easier to get him regulated keeping him on the same food.
Jenny


well I am glad they both had nice long lives with you.one of the hardes thing in life is to lose a pet child . but u have the memories .so thank god for that. and now u can move forward and they are at piece

[frijole]

I'm looking for a Baxter update! How is he doing? Is he still on the 2 TBS of food every 2 hrs w/12 licks of water? Is his tummy ok? How is his blood sugar? How is he adjusting? Please let us know. Hugs, Kim

[Baxtersmom]

Hey all sorry for being MIA for the last few days I hope everyone and their fur kids are doing good? Baxter is doing wonderful he was on a regular food schedule every 8 hours no more water restriction. his blood sugar the other day was 63. he did have some loose stool so mom did give him some Pumpkin it did the trick.WBC is normal. Jenny you asked about his insulin its Humulin N sorry for the absence but I will be on here more to see how everyone else is doing. talk to you guys soon.

[BestBuddy]

I was hoping to hear how Baxter was doing and so glad it's good. Once you get the right food and insulin they can bounce back really quickly. When you see how normal their lives (and yours) can be you realize how much of a lifesaver insulin is.
Insulin Rocks!
Jenny

[Baxtersmom]

Hey Jenny, yes Baxter is doing just great.still begging for treats and table scraps I am sure it will take time for him to get used to it but right now he is wonderful, so how are things are your side of the world Jenny?

[CarolW]

Dear Baxter,

You surely have a great Human-family! I just read all the stuff they typed about you. Glad you're home from the hospital, and feeling better! I went through all that stuff too, but these days, I feel really great! You'd never know I was ever sick, except that I can't see right in front of my nose. I can see just a bit to the sides, but only light, dark, and a bit of motion (I have diabetic dogaracts).

I"m so glad you have a kitty-buddy too. I used to have one, but she died a few years ago, really old. I do have my older Dog-Buddy, Kwali, so I'm not alone. Our human-mum loves us - as yours does you! But we don't have human-Aunties the way you do - though a couple of the neighbor humans are pretty good Aunties!

Just wanted to welcome you here!

Licks and wags to you,
Kumbi Ya Sentry X. Twitch y Thunderpaws

ME TOO!

Kwali Corazon Houdini Porcupine Twinkletoes

Sat, 2 May 2009 22:34:41 (PDT)

[CarolW]

This is a P.S., from Kwali.

Are you a Standard or a Mini Schnauzer? Not a Giant Schnauzer, are you? Kumbi and I are Australian Terriers - big for our breed!

More licks and wags to you, Baxter, and our Human-Mum sends hugs to your HumanMum and your Aunties

Sat, 2 May 2009 22:39:26 (PDT)

[eyelostit]

Hi, was reading your posts and I am so glad Baxter is doing better.

[Margaret Boyle]

Hey Jenny, yes Baxter is doing just great.still begging for treats and table scraps I am sure it will take time for him to get used to it but right now he is wonderful, so how are things are your side of the world Jenny?


Hi Ryana,
So glad Baxter is a lot better I have never known a Schnauzer who does not beg for scraps my Lucy sniffs them out even outside that's why we call her Lucifer :rolleyes:
Never mind she does not get table scraps or anything like that now. I watch what I give her. Just glad too hear Baxter is doing well. :D:D

LOL

[Baxtersmom]

Hey well thats what I need to nick name Baxter is lucifer . thats so cute. isnt it funny how they can sniff treats out a mile away not to mention a dog walking by even before we see them or they see them they seem to know. do you give Lucy anything special? we give Baxter an ice cube .

[Baxtersmom]

thank you . very much he is doing wonderful thanks for your warm wishes

[Baxtersmom]

He is just a standard mini schaunzer and baxter sends licks and hugs to everyone out there. what a cute doggy you have there Carol.

[Baxtersmom]

aww. thanks you guys.yes Baxter is very lucky he does have a wonderful aunt. LIke Kim we all love our doggies very much. I am sorry Carol about your Kitty I love my kitty as much as I love Baxter .thanks for all the warm welcome.

[Baxtersmom]

Hello , everyone I want to say thank you all for the warm welcome , from each and evryone of you . Baxter and all of us appreciate it soo much.. quick update . mom and I do farmers market on Sundays she makes all of these wonderful deserts well our wonderful Baxter in the middle of the night got into the pies lol omg he he the Cherry pie crust and the Rhubarb crust so it goes to show u that even the animals love her crust lol anyway he is fine nothing bad happened . thank god . but what naughty boy he is getting desperate and he has never done that before so the only bad thing is that well she wa sout of 2 pies . so u have all heard about Baxter . and I would love to here about more of you and your fur kids. if you all could tell us a lil about all of them it would be great. just what going on with them ? anything funny stories ,I would love to get to know all of you and your fur kids better . thanks everyone

RYana.

[Margaret Boyle]

Hey well thats what I need to nick name Baxter is lucifer . thats so cute. isnt it funny how they can sniff treats out a mile away not to mention a dog walking by even before we see them or they see them they seem to know. do you give Lucy anything special? we give Baxter an ice cube .

Hi Ryana,
Lucy gets a piece of boiled turkey when she has her blood tested and she loves this. She gets the odd Milky bone now and then but not anything she should not have. Something funny she does is plays peek a boo if you say to her when she is laid down Peek a boo she covers her eyes with her paws and pretends too hide. :rolleyes: I have never tried her with an ice cube I must try it and see if she likes it.

LOL

[Baxtersmom]

aww that is soo cute cute that she palys peek a boo. I love it. so they can have Boiled turkey ? Baxter loves his Ice Cubes did you try the ice cube with LUcy? they think they are getting something special. lol

[Margaret Boyle]

aww that is soo cute cute that she palys peek a boo. I love it. so they can have Boiled turkey ? Baxter loves his Ice Cubes did you try the ice cube with LUcy? they think they are getting something special. lol

Ryana,
As long as you take all the skin of the turkey and boil it I do it in the microwave in some water. I do not give her much a small piece and she is quite happy. I buy the turkey pieces they use for stir fries there is no skin on it at all. I do it all in the one lot and put it in small bags in the freezer.
I have not tried the ice cube yet but I will.
Baxter looks cute I just love the Schnauzers one of my friends has got one as well and he is a cutie too. He is a year younger than Lucy and he is a fit wee dog she has had no problems with Max. :D
LOL

[CarolW]

Dogs - cats - they are all, our beloved animal companions - so wildly CUTE and WONDERFUL! I wouldn't survive wihout mine!, BaxtersMom and Ryana and Baxter! - and all the rest of you who make this such a lovely forum!

I do have a remark about treats, though. If your stir-fry size is like ours - about the size of one or two of my fingers - to me, that's a HUGE treat!

My background is, 20 years of behavior/training studies, then, in 1995, I "met" clicker-training, and soon found Bob and Marian Bailey, the renowned animal trainers. THEY use tiny treats; for dogs, say, it would be 10 treats, each the size of a small pea, in about 30 seconds, 10 "trials" - that is, 10 repetitions of a particular small bit of behavior. Each successful one is followed instantly by one of these tiny treats. The training session lasts about 30 seconds - so you can see, that's a SMALL bit of behavior. You might have two more of these sessions, wihtin a total training period of about 3 minutes, so the dog will have ingested 30 treats in that time, if s/he succeeded with every trial.

That's where I learned about treat size! Even before that, though, I was using tiny tidbits, as treat after my meals, as a reward for my dog remaining quiet and not begging till human food was cleared away.

My poor Kwali and Kumbi went completely treatlses for FOUR MONTHS after Kumbi was diagnosed with diabetes. They were puzzled, but they adapted; dogs DO adapt! FINALLY my vet gave me permission to give treats after injections, and on my own, I added treats after BG readings, often enough - not always.

For those, I still use tiny ones. Nowadays, I just take bits of canned dog food - the stuff that's good for diabetic dogs - and use that as treats! I might also use bits of cut green beans (usually cooked frozen ones), or steamed broccoli - again, just tniy bits.

With dogs, these treats, seems to me, are more symbolic than anything else! It's a matter of "sharing food," in a way, or of "earning a treat."

I'm delighted Baxter is doing better. It does seem the Mini Schnauzers are strongly represented among diabetic dogs! I think it's rarer in Australian Terriers. We got the luck of the draw! But Kumbi is doing REALLY well, and so is Kwali, despite her stroke a bit short of a year ago.

Tue, 5 May 2009 22:15:32 (PDT)

[BestBuddy]

Buddy went treatless for 4 years! He was on Caninsulin and the brochure I was given said meals and injections 12 hours apart and definitley nothing in between. It wasn't until I started BG testing and changed (because of other issues) to NPH that I started giving a few treats. Buddy thought a treat was anything I had in my hand so I usually just gave him a piece of his normal kibble and he thought that was pretty special.

All dogs are different and you will learn what Baxter can and can't have. I am guessing that pie crusts are a no no.:p

Jenny

[Dollydog]

Hi to you and Baxter,
Lady is an Australian Terrier and she loves lettuce...she'll do anything for a piece of lettuce! I was told that she loves vegetables because she's a terrier. She also gets some broccoli or cauliflower when they just happen to "fall" from the counter while supper is being made!
We had to find a treat for her after the diabetes showed up...life was too cruel for both of us without it...her quality of life is important here.
Take care,
Jo-Ann & Lady :)

[Margaret Boyle]

Dogs - cats - they are all, our beloved animal companions - so wildly CUTE and WONDERFUL! I wouldn't survive wihout mine!, BaxtersMom and Ryana and Baxter! - and all the rest of you who make this such a lovely forum!

I do have a remark about treats, though. If your stir-fry size is like ours - about the size of one or two of my fingers - to me, that's a HUGE treat!

My background is, 20 years of behavior/training studies, then, in 1995, I "met" clicker-training, and soon found Bob and Marian Bailey, the renowned animal trainers. THEY use tiny treats; for dogs, say, it would be 10 treats, each the size of a small pea, in about 30 seconds, 10 "trials" - that is, 10 repetitions of a particular small bit of behavior. Each successful one is followed instantly by one of these tiny treats. The training session lasts about 30 seconds - so you can see, that's a SMALL bit of behavior. You might have two more of these sessions, wihtin a total training period of about 3 minutes, so the dog will have ingested 30 treats in that time, if s/he succeeded with every trial.

That's where I learned about treat size! Even before that, though, I was using tiny tidbits, as treat after my meals, as a reward for my dog remaining quiet and not begging till human food was cleared away.

My poor Kwali and Kumbi went completely treatlses for FOUR MONTHS after Kumbi was diagnosed with diabetes. They were puzzled, but they adapted; dogs DO adapt! FINALLY my vet gave me permission to give treats after injections, and on my own, I added treats after BG readings, often enough - not always.

For those, I still use tiny ones. Nowadays, I just take bits of canned dog food - the stuff that's good for diabetic dogs - and use that as treats! I might also use bits of cut green beans (usually cooked frozen ones), or steamed broccoli - again, just tniy bits.

With dogs, these treats, seems to me, are more symbolic than anything else! It's a matter of "sharing food," in a way, or of "earning a treat."

I'm delighted Baxter is doing better. It does seem the Mini Schnauzers are strongly represented among diabetic dogs! I think it's rarer in Australian Terriers. We got the luck of the draw! But Kumbi is doing REALLY well, and so is Kwali, despite her stroke a bit short of a year ago.

Tue, 5 May 2009 22:15:32 (PDT)

Hi Carol,
No the turkey is not as big as that even if they were she would only get a small bit they are stopping soon as I have decided to start her on Burn,s High Oats from today so the turkey treats will be out. It will be veg for treats now.
I spoke with the Burn's nutritional adviser and she gave me guide lines.
Glad Kumbi and Kwali are doing well.:)

[We Hope]

I do have a remark about treats, though. If your stir-fry size is like ours - about the size of one or two of my fingers - to me, that's a HUGE treat!

My background is, 20 years of behavior/training studies, then, in 1995, I "met" clicker-training, and soon found Bob and Marian Bailey, the renowned animal trainers. THEY use tiny treats; for dogs, say, it would be 10 treats, each the size of a small pea, in about 30 seconds, 10 "trials" - that is, 10 repetitions of a particular small bit of behavior. Each successful one is followed instantly by one of these tiny treats. The training session lasts about 30 seconds - so you can see, that's a SMALL bit of behavior. You might have two more of these sessions, wihtin a total training period of about 3 minutes, so the dog will have ingested 30 treats in that time, if s/he succeeded with every trial.

I think it's worth reminding people that treats, whether they are large or small, need to be taken into consideration when working with diabetes, and also that small treats can add up to the equivalent of large ones when there are enough of them handed out. ;)

Kathy

[Baxtersmom]

that is so very true with treats , even for us 2 legged animals they can add up so fast. everything in small doeses we havent given him anything but his food and ice cubes.so far .

[Baxtersmom]

Hi Carol so you do give some veggies I heard u can give them frozen Broccoli and that kind of things . I am glad your babies can get treats. it is heartbreaking seeing their faces when you cant give them . what they were used too.I'm glad your fur babies are doing good. wow a stroke that must have been super scary?what adjustements did you have to make after the stroke? any diet changes ?

[Baxtersmom]

Hey JO-Ann and Lady . it is quite an adjustment so lettuce . thats awesome.I think Baxter would like Lettuce. its funny how they can like things that I dont excited about. Baxter loved Banana's , sweet Potatoe he liked pretty much anything I remember once when we were eating chicken and, I offered him a Potaote chip instead well he turned his cheek on me . he wanted chicken instead lol. thats when we knew we had a super spoiled fur kid on our hands.

[Baxtersmom]

Buddy went treatless for 4 years! He was on Caninsulin and the brochure I was given said meals and injections 12 hours apart and definitley nothing in between. It wasn't until I started BG testing and changed (because of other issues) to NPH that I started giving a few treats. Buddy thought a treat was anything I had in my hand so I usually just gave him a piece of his normal kibble and he thought that was pretty special.

All dogs are different and you will learn what Baxter can and can't have. I am guessing that pie crusts are a no no.:p

Jenny



wow treatless , for 4 years that would have been hard but you know its whats best for buddy and you do it because they love them.i'm still learning what all of this means could explain what BG and NPH means lol kind of slow well hey that works about the piece of Kibble what ever it takes and u make them feel special I know Baxter loves his ice cubes. lol. no the pie crust big no no lol. luckily nothing happened to him.and it turned out good. :)

[Baxtersmom]

Dogs - cats - they are all, our beloved animal companions - so wildly CUTE and WONDERFUL! I wouldn't survive wihout mine!, BaxtersMom and Ryana and Baxter! - and all the rest of you who make this such a lovely forum!

I do have a remark about treats, though. If your stir-fry size is like ours - about the size of one or two of my fingers - to me, that's a HUGE treat!

My background is, 20 years of behavior/training studies, then, in 1995, I "met" clicker-training, and soon found Bob and Marian Bailey, the renowned animal trainers. THEY use tiny treats; for dogs, say, it would be 10 treats, each the size of a small pea, in about 30 seconds, 10 "trials" - that is, 10 repetitions of a particular small bit of behavior. Each successful one is followed instantly by one of these tiny treats. The training session lasts about 30 seconds - so you can see, that's a SMALL bit of behavior. You might have two more of these sessions, wihtin a total training period of about 3 minutes, so the dog will have ingested 30 treats in that time, if s/he succeeded with every trial.

That's where I learned about treat size! Even before that, though, I was using tiny tidbits, as treat after my meals, as a reward for my dog remaining quiet and not begging till human food was cleared away.

My poor Kwali and Kumbi went completely treatlses for FOUR MONTHS after Kumbi was diagnosed with diabetes. They were puzzled, but they adapted; dogs DO adapt! FINALLY my vet gave me permission to give treats after injections, and on my own, I added treats after BG readings, often enough - not always.

For those, I still use tiny ones. Nowadays, I just take bits of canned dog food - the stuff that's good for diabetic dogs - and use that as treats! I might also use bits of cut green beans (usually cooked frozen ones), or steamed broccoli - again, just tniy bits.

With dogs, these treats, seems to me, are more symbolic than anything else! It's a matter of "sharing food," in a way, or of "earning a treat."

I'm delighted Baxter is doing better. It does seem the Mini Schnauzers are strongly represented among diabetic dogs! I think it's rarer in Australian Terriers. We got the luck of the draw! But Kumbi is doing REALLY well, and so is Kwali, despite her stroke a bit short of a year ago.

Tue, 5 May 2009 22:15:32 (PDT)



thank you Carol its very nic eof you to say all of those nice things I know I love coming in here and meeting everyone so far I have met the nicest people I have never met lol I am glad your babies are doing well I asked someone earlier in here my appologies I think I got confused on who worite it about the stroke. did u have to change the diet alot? what adjustments did you have to make? thank you. Ryana

[k9diabetes]

I sure wish Chris would have liked vegetables... he never met anything green he liked! Tried to give him a green bean and flipped it across the room and looked at me with disgust!

Was cracking up about Baxter and the pie! I'll bet he thought he'd gone to heaven!

Glad to hear things are going well with Mr. Baxter.

Natalie

[Baxtersmom]

I sure wish Chris would have liked vegetables... he never met anything green he liked! Tried to give him a green bean and flipped it across the room and looked at me with disgust!

Was cracking up about Baxter and the pie! I'll bet he thought he'd gone to heaven!

Glad to hear things are going well with Mr. Baxter.

Natalie

OMG Natalie that would have been so funny to watch your Chris flip it across the room . Baxter eats pretty much anything unless he thinks there is something better lol yea it was super funny, Boy did he know it was wrong too he kind of Saundered in the room walking very slowly with his head down lol .