Re: My Monster Vinny
 

at this point your pup balance's insulin with the body very well

onset of insulin for my jesse is 1.5 hours after shot

food does not have a big affect for my jesse probably the lack of carbs

your doing a great job hope things continue to stay smooth

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

6 am 199 (before food and insulin)
8 am 190
10 am 199 AT2 and 107 Prime
12 pm 229

Hmmm

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Wow that's pretty level.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

So our curve today was...
6 am 199 (before food and insulin)
8 am 190
10 am 199 AT2 and 107 Prime
12 pm 229
2 pm 192 AT2 and 132 Prime
4 pm 205 (vet AT) 246 (our AT2) 209 (our Prime
6 pm 236

We went to the vet at 4 to check Vinny, our meters and get more insulin and food. Our vet didn't think it was necessary to home test, but when I walked in with all of the info I had and explained that we had reduced his insulin and why...he was impressed! :o He asked if I was a nurse and if I had been thinking I would have said "No, but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night." :D I just told him I was anal and I do a lot of research. He wants us to bring up Vinny's dose to 18 units 2x's a day then do another curve and let him know how it looks.

Thanks to all of you for making me look so good! :cool:
Mel

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

When you are this close I would do a half unit respectfully disagreeing with your vet :). Congrats on the curve. You have graduated!!!!!!!! Yeah!

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Way to go, Mel! Sounds like a cooperative vet who hopefully will work with you.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I looked back to see what dose The Monster was on for this curve, but I agree with Peggy. I would do the increases very gradually from here on and let them settle in for a week.

Boy, I would have killed for such a flat curve.:cool:

Tara

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Good job Mel your doing great with Vinnie. He is feeling a lot better.

ditto on a half dose increase. you dont want to miss his magic number.

its been 7 days since your last change.

keep up the good work

mo

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Those are beautiful numbers!!!! I agree on the 1/2u increase! :o

Sandy

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Sweet blood sugar levels Mel!!

I absolutely would not raise the dose more than half a unit. I used to adjust our dog's insulin in quarter units using syringes with half unit marks. It can make a big difference when you have such great blood sugar already. Some dogs never get better regulation than what you have now.

Hope you will turn your vet into a home testing advocate!

Natalie

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Well, I just took the opportunity to test Vinny after some rough-housing (chasing around the yard and hard playing for 5-10 min) with our other dog Bogey. It was 52! :eek: I was expecting it to go low, but not that much! He wasn't acting wobbly or anything, but got a milk-bone anyway and a little treat for letting me test him.

So, short of not letting him be a dog, here's what I'm thinking. Whenever the dogs play, Vinny is going to get a milk-bone and be watched closely for any other signs. Does that seem reasonable? :confused:

Mel

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I think this is what some who exercise their pups have to do: small carb before / during the activity. Guess I'm happy that Annie & I are old couch potato types;)

It will be interesting to see readings later today. I'm wondering if this activity "uses up" his insulin and he will be high this afternoon? I really don't know, just wondering and if it does happen this way what can be done?

Craig

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Mel. Did you raise his insulin?

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I was just going to ask the same question .
On the 12th around 8ish he was 190 today 52. Big drop

I would also check him around 8:15 everday

Mo

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

a carby snack is definitely a good idea. I know that on weekends Jenny gets more exercise so I cut her morning insulin on days when I know that will happen.

If it is something you can plan for, that is another option.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Yes, we raised him to 17.5. I've never had the opportunity to test him right after him playing with Bogey, so I was surprised how low he went.

I won't be able to do another curve until this Friday. I guess I'll see then how he's doing.

Mel

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Hi Mel,

Just a quick confirmation on what Craig mentioned.... I have found that giving some honey on top of some small treats for Abby, prior to a walk, will prevent her from dropping too quickly (even if she is not low), and provide a more even curve.

The honey will get into the system immediately, the the small treat carrys her through the duration of the walk.

Wonderful curve, by the way!!

Barb

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

You increased a 1/2 a unit after getting these numbers above? (how many units was Monster Vinny on when the curve above was posted?)

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

He was on 17. The vet wanted to see if we could nudge the numbers down just a bit, he wanted to go to 18, but everyone on the board suggested just a 1/2 unit. If they go too low on the next curve, then we'll put him back at 17.

Do you see a problem I'm not seeing?

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

:) I thought the numbers you posted at 17 units were absolutely spectacular and I wouldn't have changed them a bit (insert jealous diabetic dog mom ;))

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I will be interested to see a curve at 17.5 units. If the monster is really active(I am figuring a 7 yr old lab is still pretty active), then you might not want to get the numbers so tight that there is no room for error. You want great numbers - the best you can get, but you don't want to worry about him going low from doing regular "fun dog stuff" like playing. Remind me, are you able to be home with him all day?

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

No we aren't, but Bogey (our other dog) is crated during the day...he can't be trusted! ;) So the only thing Vinny gets excited about while we're gong is people passing by or mailman...that kind of thing.

I don't want his numbers to be too low either...I want some room in there. Friday, I'll be able to do another curve.
Mel

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

So, I could use some input.

So, about a month before Vinny was diagnosed, we went on a camping trip. It was actually to a friends property, but definitely tent camping. Now, Vinny and I were done and ready to leave by about 8pm...Vinny let us know this by jumping into my van, laying down and refusing to get out! :D I had to be more subtle...in fact, I had to suck it up. :p (In my own defense, I never grew up camping, John asked me what I thought we needed for our camping trip and I said "A hotel room." :D )My daughter, husband and Bogey all loved it!!

So John comes home last night talking about the idea of another camping trip in a month or so and I'm wondering "How do we do this with Vinny?" We basically let them go off chain from the time we got there till the time we left the next day. There was an extraordinary amount of physical activity...I can tell this because the dogs slept the entire next day and a half.

So, how do we do this with Vinny? Advice needed!!
Mel

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

So are you looking for the 'you should find a hotel and stay there with Vinny' answer - LOL!

Vinny sounds pretty great, but I have to be honest and say I think I'd like your Bogey dog a lot too!

I'm a big believer in letting a dog be a dog when the circumstances fit. We did take Decker for a 'playdate on the lake' shortly after he lost his vision and before his hypothyroidism had been diagnosed. My daughter's bff lives on the lake and we were invited for the day so the girls could play. The family knew Decker's circumstances so Kinser & Decker were invited to come play as well. We were there from probably 10a to around 10p. Decker had been fasted that morning and his bloodwork had been drawn to send out for his full thyroid panel. We packed his dinner, meter, lots of test strips, karo, extra food, biscuits, water dishes, etc... Got there and John helped him out of the car and he was so excited he took off running. Blindly running. Got going down hill so fast (his legs did not have a lot of strength at the time) that he nearly took a header into a tree as he could not stop himself. I wanted to be scared but when I looked at him I swear he was smiling the whole time - he was so happy!

He had no love of water and we were bad and took advantage of his loss of sight and did walk him along the shore line to help cool him off. He even played some tuggie with the husband trying to free himself from his leash. After both dogs had a bit of 'free time' we gated them up on the deck. Sneaky boy decided there was way too much to explore and found a way around the gate and took off exploring on his own. Thank goodness he did not get far before we discovered he was missing. Our sighted dog remained on the deck. I still don't want to know how he made it down the deck steps.

Temps were probably 75-80 degrees and not too humid. About two hours before dinner his bg was dipping lower than I was comfortable with so he got some food/karo. His fasting was decent but he started to drop after his food and he ended up eating most of Kinser's food (Kinser typically does not eat when he is not at home - just picky that way). I know they all thought I was a bit crazy because I did test him a lot that day and did intervene a few times. Didn't really bother me though, knowing he was safe allowed me to relax, let me have some fun and I enjoyed some good drinks. Being 'that crazy lady' was totally worth it to me.

He never quite got to the point where we could exercise him like that again. But if that chance had presented itself, I would have reduced his insulin and brought extra food/karo/biscuits, along with the testing supplies, and let him smile as he did that day. And yes, having some drinks to enjoy doesn't hurt either :)!

Totally forgot to mention the insulin. He was on levemir and up to 10u at the time. We packed it in a cooler - had about an hour drive. Then transferred it to their fridge when we arrived. Left myself several notes so I didn't forget it. At 136.00 per vial I had no desire to forget or have it go bad. Also packed a few extra needles, just in case.... It was kind of like traveling with a baby. Always have way more than you likely need but you are well prepared for just about anything.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

i have done this with jesse we camped before diagnosis and after

for us we just cut the dose . when first starting out with trips i cut more than what was needed and overtime and more trips i figured what is appropriate .

i tested her at her low point and physical activity

gave extra treats which some were the forbidden fruit so she was happy about that

just got back from san diego and the beach and her numbers mostly high 100s and 200s . i tested her when she seemed a bit out of it but no lows and that was our goal

i would say go enjoy your family and let vinny have some fun bring your meter cut the dose a bit . you will be a bit on guard nobody else has to know it will be you and vinnys secret talk it over with him so hes on board

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Sometimes being away from home will cause Maggie to go lower. We have a cabin on a lake not far from here. The guys use it mostly for hunting but we decided to go July 4. Maggie stayed a little lower than normal - I think she just felt a little out of her element. She was getting a lot of attention from strange people and not her house or bed. She is kind of a little diva - a normal dog may not be bothered at all.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I always lower Jenny's dose if I think she is going to be in a really excited active situation. (she is currently a slug in the air conditioning since our humidity is bad but it has happened!)

I'm on the "let a dog be a dog" team.

You are a good sport who will deserve a spa weekend after this!

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Mel,
I'm short on time tonight, but do a search here for Tricia's Lily. You should be able to search within her thread for swimming. When Lily is really active, Tricia found she had to drastically reduce Lily's insulin (by 1/2 the amount I believe). Her thread may help.
Patty

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Well, kind of! ;):D A girl can hope right?

I've been on that team as well...thanks for the reminder. I will definitely push the spa weekend thing! ;) At least a spa day!

I see cut the dose a bit and cut the dose in half...do I play that by ear and what if I've cut it too much, do I give him more insulin or just a treat or three? ;)

Thanks for everyone's comments! :)

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

you could give less during the day when active and might be able to give a normal dose when sleeping .

cant say how much to cut but depending how much testing you want to do the more testing you may be able to cut less and if you want to test less you may want to cut more

its such a wonderful tool to keep our pups safe , you will do great and remember the information you get from this trip will help with the next .

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I know I'll be testing him a lot no matter what does I give him! ;)

Thanks everyone for your input.

Ok...so now for a Confessions of a Dumbass Dog Mother. I think I've mentioned before that I have migraines. Actually, I have chronic migraines...a day without some kind of headache is a complete joy to me! Well yesterday, I woke at 4:30am with one, got up took some medicine and went back to bed until I needed to get up for Vinny. Vinny of course, didn't remind me. :rolleyes:

So, I get up, let the dogs out, somehow remember that I wanted to test him before eating, gave him and Bogey their food and proceeded to go back to bed for awhile till I had to get ready. Last night, John said something about me giving Vinny his shot in the morning and I freaked...I completely forgot that part of our morning ritual! :eek: ..."and the Dog Mother of the Year Award goes to..."

We checked his BG before his dinner and it was 298. So, just how bad did I screw up? I felt so horrible, but since his BG wasn't too high I didn't become panicked. Is there something we should have done when we figured this out? :confused:

Obviously, I will be waking John's butt up next time I have a migraine like that so I don't screw up again.

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Hahaha welcome to the club!!!! We've all done that or something similar at least once!!!:D. Life goes on, and as you found, our babies are really pretty resilient to our screw ups!!

If you had remembered 2-3 hours after you should of, I would have given 1/4 dose, but any more than that... Just wait till the normal time and start over.

Sandy

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Been there too my alarm didnt go off an internet error. Called the vet right away He was in the 2 to3 hours gave him a 1/4 of the 5 units that morning then his normal 5 iu at night.

He was wagging his tail smiling as if to say hawhaw you screwed up. He cheered me up I
Felt sooo bad;)

We make mistakes Mel cheer up

Mo

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

I have forgotten the shot, given the shot twice for the same meal, forgotten to put the food down, left the insulin out on the counter for a couple of days and used her allergy shot needle without even noticing. I have even better mishaps with needles and giving shots to myself lol. It is a wonder my dog has made it this long but sometimes they do good despite us...

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Thanks all! Being new at this, I was sure I was the only one that could do such a thing! Thanks for reminding me that we're all human!
:)
Mel

Oh, btw, I added some pics to an album called Zoo...that's not all of them, but you'll get the idea! ;)

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

i alarm my cell phone for all jesses shots walks and food . i would have forgot many times if i did not have my cell phone

i would not worry about the numbers not much you can do about it

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Vinny is making no sense to me whatsoever. :confused: I was going to do a full curve today, but got called into work...here's what I've got.

He's on 17.5 units 2x a day...
287 6am before breakfast
244 7:45 am
309 2:30 pm

I'll do another test at 4 and 6.

Here's what I'm not getting...this was his curve last week at 17 units
6 am 199 (before food and insulin)
8 am 190
10 am 199 AT2 and 107 Prime
12 pm 229
2 pm 192 AT2 and 132 Prime
4 pm 205 (vet AT) 246 (our AT2) 209 (our Prime
6 pm 236

Please tell me this makes sense to someone because I really was expecting the number to be nearly the same or go down a touch. :confused:

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

he could be a little off from that skipped shot :) I wouldn't worry too much. See where he is in a day or 2. Keep watching to make sure he's not getting sick

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

Missed the 4pm test...had to pick up our daughter and was too worried about that. :(

The 6pm number was 298.

I'm concerned about the numbers because we're taking the dogs to the lake tomorrow for the weekend. Vinny won't be swimming...a lab that doesn't like water! ;) But Bogey will be hard to keep away from it. :)

I'll be keeping a close eye on him this weekend. <insert icon with really big eye>

Re: My Monster Vinny
 

i would agree with peggy and actually if he is running a bit higher that maybe a good thing .

have fun