Sweet Sable is an angel... July 23, 2015

[k9diabetes]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

If you get a new meter, you could try testing both of them on the same drop of blood and see if the readings are very similar. I used to do that with my OneTouch and the AlphaTrak. Any time I had a reading that seemed off, I could test with the AlphaTrak to see whether it gave a similar reading.

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

5:30am 147 (great start but keep reading)
10:50am 235
3pm 268
4:30pm 403
6:45pm 446
8pm 216

7/16
5:30a 587 (yes, 587- I only tested her once as I was depressed enough at that point this morning and had to go to work anyway)
11:15a 207
3:00p 332
4:30p 280
5:30p 317
7:30p 303
8:20p 185

7/17 (this was listed as 7/18 below, sorry about that)
5:30 363
11:15 134
2:50p 269

I have a 3 different meters and when I do get a questionable number (like the 587) I usually do test with a couple of them to be sure- in the past it has always been correct, although I did not re-check the 587 the other day as I seen the number and got a little down because of it and had to go to work. I will keep doing the testing and I have to re-read what you had said below but you do believe the insulin is working as intended if i'm not mistaken?

It does make sense in what you are saying and I will have to really check any "wierd" numbers a little closer from now on- maybe that meter is failing sometimes and I'll have to check next time with the same drop of blood with 2 (or the 3) different meters.

So, is there a problem with how I'm going about this? If I am to continue on with the vetsulin is it a matter of giving more units (although the 112 number on 7/14 tells me no on that, and I will continue with the frequent testing over the weekned as well however Saturday will be an off day as she will be having some excitement that I can not avoid I don't think with her, but I will try as I want to figure out my next step)...

Is the NPH the thing to try?

I'm going to be emailing the vet some numbers over the weekend as well.... should I include that 587 number for example (maybe with an asterick as it could be a number that is so off... plus with the double check being off that time as well....)... Now i'm starting to wonder.... if that meter is off maybe all my numbers could be off, this is one of 2 meters I did check at the vet though and at that time it was only 9 points off from the vet's meter (she read about 240 I beleieve that day- i'd have to look back to be sure though)....

[k9diabetes]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

July 16
5:30p 317
7:30p 303
8:20p 185

July 17
5:30a 363

Yes. I would classify this as indications that the insulin lasted about 12 hours because there is not a significant difference between the reading the night before and the next morning - the insulin kept the blood sugar at or better than the previous premeal reading.

If the insulin had not lasted 12 hours, I would expect the BG the next morning to be significantly higher... 400, 450.

Do you think you would be able to test two meters at once?

To me, at least, 30 points difference in two readings taken very close together is too much of a variance and I would have some doubts about that particular meter's reliability.

If it's a OneTouch... I forget what you use mainly... or for that matter probably any meter's manufacturer is most likely willing to replace the meter if there is any suggestion that it's not working properly. They make their money off the strips and they have an incentive for you to be happy with your meter. So you might consider asking the manufacturer to replace it. Just don't mention it's for a dog or you get the lecture.

I don't know if they would consider a 90/125 difference significant enough but it would be worth asking.

Natalie

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

July 16
5:30p 317
7:30p 303
8:20p 185

July 17
5:30a 363

Yes. I would classify this as indications that the insulin lasted about 12 hours because there is not a significant difference between the reading the night before and the next morning - the insulin kept the blood sugar at or better than the previous premeal reading.

If the insulin had not lasted 12 hours, I would expect the BG the next morning to be significantly higher... 400, 450.

Do you think you would be able to test two meters at once?

To me, at least, 30 points difference in two readings taken very close together is too much of a variance and I would have some doubts about that particular meter's reliability.

If it's a OneTouch... I forget what you use mainly... or for that matter probably any meter's manufacturer is most likely willing to replace the meter if there is any suggestion that it's not working properly. They make their money off the strips and they have an incentive for you to be happy with your meter. So you might consider asking the manufacturer to replace it. Just don't mention it's for a dog or you get the lecture.

I don't know if they would consider a 90/125 difference significant enough but it would be worth asking.

Natalie

I can check and see if they would replace it (it is not the OneTouch) but it would be worth a shot. Maybe there is something up with it, I have used it on myself and it has come up normal but... maybe it's just a once in awhile thing- who knows.. and that is a big difference at one time I do agree.

I can't test with 2 meters right now, I will have to go and get strips (as I only got the other 2 because they were free after rebate type of thing and thought I should have back up just in case, plus I could carry one in the car for when I needed it and forgot the other or something, I like to be prepared I guess)... so I will try to do that though and see how that works. I'd like to get her numbers better (if I can).

Thank you for the help Natalie.... what is your suggestion about the numbers to the vet? I don't necessarily want to lie but should I send those "odd" numbers like the 587 or should I just not put it in there (for now, until I know what my meter is doing- i'm just afraid of a lecture there too you know)...

[k9diabetes]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

I would leave it in but mention that you have some doubt about the accuracy of that reading. You don't have to say why you think it might be off, just that it's a possibility.

Off readings can happen for a number of reasons.

And off blood sugars can happen too. I don't think the vet will be too concerned about a one-off number with all the other readings to show a good pattern.

Natalie

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

7/17
5:30am 363
11am 134
2:50pm 269
5:30pm 282
7:20pm 223
9:15pm 208

7/18
5:30am 117
8:15am 144
9:30am 163
12:00pm 200
2:50pm 216
5:45pm 196

Wierd day today in my opinion- she slowly rose all day but I don't mind the numbers at all.... hopefully the rest of the night goes well. I thank you for all your help, starting Monday I will probably stop the "so frequent" testing (unless you say otherwise)... I have been using 2 meters today and they seem to both be reading relatively close to one another. I will have to do that periodically to verify the meter I am using is working properly (especially on any readings that seem odd). Maybe I will start looking at the alphatrack meter as well (although I know it's not cheap and the strips are very expensive, but the strips are so expensive in all these meters anyway so ....).

Let me know what you would like to see otherwise starting Monday I will cut back the testing, for Sable's sake and my sake (i'm not against testing at all though so just let me know what you think)..... thanks again, and I will keep posting, if you ever see anything that sems odd or whatever let me know ....

Thank you to everyone, this forum is so great- enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone....

[peggy0]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

wow those are looking good! congratulations

[Margaret Boyle]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

7/17
5:30am 363
11am 134
2:50pm 269
5:30pm 282
7:20pm 223
9:15pm 208

7/18
5:30am 117
8:15am 144
9:30am 163
12:00pm 200
2:50pm 216
5:45pm 196

Wierd day today in my opinion- she slowly rose all day but I don't mind the numbers at all.... hopefully the rest of the night goes well. I thank you for all your help, starting Monday I will probably stop the "so frequent" testing (unless you say otherwise)... I have been using 2 meters today and they seem to both be reading relatively close to one another. I will have to do that periodically to verify the meter I am using is working properly (especially on any readings that seem odd). Maybe I will start looking at the alphatrack meter as well (although I know it's not cheap and the strips are very expensive, but the strips are so expensive in all these meters anyway so ....).

Let me know what you would like to see otherwise starting Monday I will cut back the testing, for Sable's sake and my sake (i'm not against testing at all though so just let me know what you think)..... thanks again, and I will keep posting, if you ever see anything that sems odd or whatever let me know ....

Thank you to everyone, this forum is so great- enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone....

WELL DONE ERIC

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

I don't want to get too excited but I think maybe I tried for too much perfection before...

I think I will just stay with the 7 units and just not worry about an occasional high number. The excercise is something I have to monitor (as I think I had days of too much excercise maybe, throwing off some of the numbers as well).

Just keep learning and trying to make things better and better though, but going to just stay on this course for awhile now....

I am happy if I can keep these kind of numbers (or better here I go again lol)....

[k9diabetes]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

I think you can scale back the testing on Monday.

These readings look really really good!

There is some variability that looks to be how Sable responds to the insulin.

7/17
5:30am 363
5:30pm 282

7/18
5:30am 117
5:45pm 196

That's a quite significant difference in am fasting. I think you will find that Sable's blood sugar is going to be variable and that a high day is just the higher end of her range. My guess is that she gets a variable number of hours out of the insulin. So I like the idea of not trying to "fix" it.

If it were me, I'd still keep a trial with NPH in mind just to see if it works better. It is possible that she would have a more consistent response to it. Which might free up the exercise issue some.

But it's not something that must be done. What you have here will work just fine.

It has been a good experiment! We got to really see what Sable does over a few days.

Good job!

Natalie

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

I think you can scale back the testing on Monday.

These readings look really really good!

There is some variability that looks to be how Sable responds to the insulin.

7/17
5:30am 363
5:30pm 282

7/18
5:30am 117
5:45pm 196

That's a quite significant difference in am fasting. I think you will find that Sable's blood sugar is going to be variable and that a high day is just the higher end of her range. My guess is that she gets a variable number of hours out of the insulin. So I like the idea of not trying to "fix" it.

If it were me, I'd still keep a trial with NPH in mind just to see if it works better. It is possible that she would have a more consistent response to it. Which might free up the exercise issue some.

But it's not something that must be done. What you have here will work just fine.

It has been a good experiment! We got to really see what Sable does over a few days.

Good job!

Natalie

Thank you Natalie, I appreciate the help (as does everyone on here, that is why when I can chime in with something usefull to someone it makes me feel so good).

I will keep the NPH in mind as I am not against a tial of it, maybe I will bring that up with the vet as I did just send the vet some numbers today (have to try to keep the vet happy too ).

Side note- I did buy a new meter (similar to the one I was using but it also uses the same strips I was using so... we'll see if I continue to get any off the wall numbers- if so it might be time to invest in the one touch and/or an alphatrack but... i'm trying to save some money in these touh times, but for Sable I do what I have to and need to do, in case you haven't noticed )...

I'll be lurking and posting on here when I think I have something to say to either help someone (or if I need the help ) ... have a great rest of the weekend everyone (or week if you are somewhere where the weekend is over) ...

One question- anyone give there dogs fish oil / cod liver oil? I am just starting to "get healthier" myself and am going to start taking this and have read (and heard) that it is good for dogs as well. My only concerns are Sable being diabetic and how much to give her? I have done lots of reading online but i'm confused of course.... anyone have thoughts on this?

[Patty]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

One question- anyone give there dogs fish oil / cod liver oil? I am just starting to "get healthier" myself and am going to start taking this and have read (and heard) that it is good for dogs as well. My only concerns are Sable being diabetic and how much to give her? I have done lots of reading online but i'm confused of course.... anyone have thoughts on this?

Hi Eric,
Fish oil is a great Omega 3 supplement. I wouldn't give cod liver oil though as it has the addition of vitamin A in it. Here's an excerpt from Wiki explaining: "...the preferred source of omega-3 should be from the fish's body, not the liver. The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain omega-3, but also the active form of vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_oil

One thing to look for is that the fish oil is free of contaminants such as mercury. Also watch out for those that are flavored, many use orange or lemon. I use the Carlson brand for Ali. Here's a link: http://www.carlsonlabs.com/product_d...9&categid=0014

I usually order from iherb.com: http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-Su...Gels/2799?at=0

My holistic vet helped me with dosing. She said dosing is typically 180mg EPA/10 lb of dog per day. (There's 300mg EPA per gel cap in the Carlson Super Omega 3) That's 3 gel caps for Ali - she's between 48-49lbs. We decided to only do 2 and she did well with that.

Fish oil is something to add slowly otherwise you end up with loose stools. I didn't go back and see what Sable weighs but you can always puncture the cap and squirt about 1/2 on her food for a week and gradually build up to a full cap. Ali didn't have any problem with adding 1 gel cap. I added the 2nd to her other meal a week later.

Fish oil can also cause the body oxidative stress so vit E is usually added to combat this effect. Here's one article that addresses this: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercis...cise-vitamin-e The Carlson brand has 10 IU added. Ali also gets additional vitamins B, C, and E to help support her immune system.

I hope that helps!
Patty

[ladysmom06]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

Hi Eric,

We had Lady on fish oil twice a day. The capsules were really big so I use to cut them and squirt the oil in her breakfast and dinner and then mix it real good.

[ravenecw]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

Hi Eric,
Fish oil is a great Omega 3 supplement. I wouldn't give cod liver oil though as it has the addition of vitamin A in it. Here's an excerpt from Wiki explaining: "...the preferred source of omega-3 should be from the fish's body, not the liver. The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain omega-3, but also the active form of vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_oil

One thing to look for is that the fish oil is free of contaminants such as mercury. Also watch out for those that are flavored, many use orange or lemon. I use the Carlson brand for Ali. Here's a link: http://www.carlsonlabs.com/product_d...9&categid=0014

I usually order from iherb.com: http://www.iherb.com/Carlson-Labs-Su...Gels/2799?at=0

My holistic vet helped me with dosing. She said dosing is typically 180mg EPA/10 lb of dog per day. (There's 300mg EPA per gel cap in the Carlson Super Omega 3) That's 3 gel caps for Ali - she's between 48-49lbs. We decided to only do 2 and she did well with that.

Fish oil is something to add slowly otherwise you end up with loose stools. I didn't go back and see what Sable weighs but you can always puncture the cap and squirt about 1/2 on her food for a week and gradually build up to a full cap. Ali didn't have any problem with adding 1 gel cap. I added the 2nd to her other meal a week later.

Fish oil can also cause the body oxidative stress so vit E is usually added to combat this effect. Here's one article that addresses this: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercis...cise-vitamin-e The Carlson brand has 10 IU added. Ali also gets additional vitamins B, C, and E to help support her immune system.

I hope that helps!
Patty

Sable weighs 20lbs and was hoping to do the liquid form instead of the capsule form but at least I know where to stat as far as dosing (and i'll start of low if I give it to her anyway). You say Ali gets additional viatimins b, c, and e? What do you give her? If I give Sable fish oil is this essential to do or is fish oil ok to give by itself?

I'm sorry for all the questions but if I go this route for Sable I want to be sure I'm not doing more harm then good- and I know they have fish oil for dogs but I have read that the human form is fine to give.

Thanks again!

Guess I'm not sure what to get now, I was looking at the website you provided (wierd but I was looking at the Carlson brand as one of the brands I was trying to choose from).... seems like the liquid form is out for her because they are all flavoured, and the pills seem like too potent so it might be hard to give her an accurate amount.... what do you fish oil experts think?

[k9diabetes]

Re: Sable's road to regulation!

We gave Chris fish oil - punctured the capsule with a safety pin and mixed it into his food.

You can get salmon oil in a bottle and dispense on food as needed:
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=3058609

Jack currently gets one Extra Strength DermCap a day
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...cfm?pcatid=329

plus a splash of lipiderm
http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2754418

and this has helped tremendously with his shedding.