I’ve been on the K9 Cushings forum as Remy was diagnosed with Cushings a year ago. Now, almost to the day he has been diagnosed with diabetes. (Blood glucose was 401 and urine 3+) In mid December his glucose was 150 which wasn’t unusual for him when stressed. He suddenly began having seizure or syncope type episodes (he’s had 3) where he falls on side, flails or twitches and then he’s up as though nothing ever happened. We also learned he has some changes to his heart along with mitral and tricuspid degeneration. And, lest we not forget, his previously controlled hypertension had shot to the moon. We were scheduled for an Internal Medicine consult at Louisiana State Univ today but it was cancelled due to the weather. We have however seen a cardiologist and neurologist and we are attempting to figure out exactly what is going on with our boy and how best to treat his various issues.
Remy is a male Bichon nearly 12 years old. He has always had elevated liver enzymes which were previously investigated by Internal Med. without an exact diagnosis but likely a form of chronic hepatitis. He has always suffered from extreme anxiety as well.
So, since I haven’t had a diabetic dog in 20+ years I am relearning many things. Back then we mostly used the urine dipsticks. We have a Freestyle Libre sensor on Remy and have the AlphaTrak 2 glucometer as well. Ive checked them against each other and so far they seem on target but I don’t know yet about higher readings since the Freestyle stops around 500. Remy is presently on 3 units Vetsulin twice a day at 10 and 10. He has always been a grazer unless we give him a wet food he really likes so we have switched to that (Nature’s recipe) to keep his meals more consistent. He eats 3x day. Fortunately Remy has been very good about the insulin injections, etc. He doesn’t bother the sensor at all. My biggest concern is the swings from as low as 60 to the upper 400s and if we can gain consistency throughout the day. Whether his episodes of falling over relate to the pituitary tumor (Cushings) or a blood glucose or blood pressure issue we just don’t know yet. Cardiologist didn’t think the heart murmurs were enough to cause this, but he did suggest possibly doing an assessment with a holter monitor for 24 hrs if no other cause can be determined.
We have one other dog, Angel, a toy poodle is nearly 16 and she has had transitional cell carcinoma for two years (bladder cancer). We are running out of options for treatment as she also has high liver enzymes and the medications eventually effect her bone marrow. So far she is not clinical but I know that will change if we can’t find another treatment she can tolerate. Two years with TCC is really miraculous, especially since she has always seemed to feel very well and has a high quality of life. Also, has anyone used the Sun Tech Vet blood pressure monitors. We just sprung for one and are also learning how to best use it, cuff placement etc. so we can measure both dog’s BP at home when they are calm. I’m reading all the wonderful information here and appreciate any comments as there is nothing like learning from those who have ‘been there’!! Thanks to all, Claire (Remy and Angel’s mom)
Remy is a male Bichon nearly 12 years old. He has always had elevated liver enzymes which were previously investigated by Internal Med. without an exact diagnosis but likely a form of chronic hepatitis. He has always suffered from extreme anxiety as well.
So, since I haven’t had a diabetic dog in 20+ years I am relearning many things. Back then we mostly used the urine dipsticks. We have a Freestyle Libre sensor on Remy and have the AlphaTrak 2 glucometer as well. Ive checked them against each other and so far they seem on target but I don’t know yet about higher readings since the Freestyle stops around 500. Remy is presently on 3 units Vetsulin twice a day at 10 and 10. He has always been a grazer unless we give him a wet food he really likes so we have switched to that (Nature’s recipe) to keep his meals more consistent. He eats 3x day. Fortunately Remy has been very good about the insulin injections, etc. He doesn’t bother the sensor at all. My biggest concern is the swings from as low as 60 to the upper 400s and if we can gain consistency throughout the day. Whether his episodes of falling over relate to the pituitary tumor (Cushings) or a blood glucose or blood pressure issue we just don’t know yet. Cardiologist didn’t think the heart murmurs were enough to cause this, but he did suggest possibly doing an assessment with a holter monitor for 24 hrs if no other cause can be determined.
We have one other dog, Angel, a toy poodle is nearly 16 and she has had transitional cell carcinoma for two years (bladder cancer). We are running out of options for treatment as she also has high liver enzymes and the medications eventually effect her bone marrow. So far she is not clinical but I know that will change if we can’t find another treatment she can tolerate. Two years with TCC is really miraculous, especially since she has always seemed to feel very well and has a high quality of life. Also, has anyone used the Sun Tech Vet blood pressure monitors. We just sprung for one and are also learning how to best use it, cuff placement etc. so we can measure both dog’s BP at home when they are calm. I’m reading all the wonderful information here and appreciate any comments as there is nothing like learning from those who have ‘been there’!! Thanks to all, Claire (Remy and Angel’s mom)
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