ben

[pacots]

I have a 7yr. old male puggle who started displaying some signs of this disease. He is drinking lots more water, & also urinating more. He is also panting heavily but this happens mostly at night. I am on a fixed income I get SSI & have been trying to find a vet who will take payments but no luck so far. Anyone here have any ideas of what I could do as I want to get my dog to the vet as soon as possible. I live in northern Mn.

[jesse girl]

hi and welcome

you could determine your pup is diabetic from a personal blood glucose tester and it can be a human type .if a friend or family member is diabetic maybe you could borrow to test your pup .

if your pup is diabetic you do want to start insulin asap there can be some complications from the disease that can spiral out of control like pancreatitis and ketoacidosis . with my jesse I waited to long which she did develop these complications which ended up with huge medical costs and jesse being very ill .

catching it early can be helpful

[Judi]

Where are you? I'm in Detroit Lakes. This is workable if you can home test. I'm on my phone will check from my computer later

[Judi]

I think you will need a vet involved for initial diagnosis but then if you can test his blood sugar yourself they should be able to work with you to get him regulated. You can get "N" insulin at Walmart for $25 per bottle.

If you don't feel comfortable saying where you are on the forum, message me. Maybe we can find you a vet who won't break the bank. Judi

[pacots]

Today my dog was diagnosed with diabetes. I know nothing about this, I am so upset. He is staying at the vets now because they want to check his kidneys also. They also said they have to regulate the amt. of insulin he is going to have to get. Is this a progressive disease? How long can they live until? Are their special foods for this also? Sorry about all the questions but I am new at this & I thought this board would be very helpful for me. Thank You.

[CraigM]

I was just passing the computer and saw your post. Here's a article that might answer some of your questions http://www.2ndchance.info/diabetesdog.htm

I'll try to return later this evening, and I'm sure others will welcome you.

Craig

[CarolW]

Hi pacots, and a big, fat welcome to you, to this magnificent forum on canine diabetes. I'm not here often now, but I can tell you, you have found a great place for assistance.

Diabetic dogs can live a normal life-span, you'll be glad to learn. It does require of us daily care and attention to some details. Keeping a journal is a big help; once your dog comes home, and you get under way with the routine care, which, typically, means attention to feeding, and giving insulin shots, and for those (most here!) who like to track blood glucose levels, some testing.

Typically, denizens here work with their vets, to keep things going smoothly. Tjere are sometimes bumps in the road, as there are with any companion animal and their occasional illnesses.

I'm out of practice, so I'll let those currently working with diabetic dogs do the assisting for you. You'll find LOTS of assistance here. My Kumbi died of cancer, not diabetes.

Stepping aside now, to let others guide you!

[Charlie's mom]

Welcome to the forum! The senior members of this forum have great advice. I'm a newbie at this but after 3 months post diagnosis this IS doable. Take a deep breath, read some of the posts, it will be ok. Ask your vet to start your fur baby on Novolin from Walmart as it is much more affordable.

[amydunn19]

Hi and welcome to you! Tell us about your dog - his name, breed(or if he is an all American dog -what breed you think may be in his family), weight, age, what he is currently eating, and any other medical conditions.

First, most vets will prescribe human insulin or vetsulin and typically you will be instructed to feed twice a day followed by the insulin every twelve hours. You will find that the more consistent that you can be with the schedule, the better off your dog will be. Also, be prepared that regulation will not happen quickly - it is a process that will take a couple of months, maybe longer, if done properly.

Most of us test at home here on the forum - it is just easier on the dog and on your wallet. Vets are not always supportive of it but it has added years to my dog's life. We can always help you get started if you are interested.

My dog has lived six years with diabetes so a normal life span is possible and actually quite common.

[pacots]

Hi, sorry I did not tell you about my doggy. He is a 6yr. old male puggle who I rescued from the luv of dogs in Fargo N.D. his name is Ben. I am so worried I am not going to be able to do all this stuff right. Of course I also have my hubby to help. I never imagined this would happen he was fine up until about 2wks. ago when he started displaying all the symptoms. He is staying at the vets now they said they had to test his kidney's tomorrow. then he will be there a couple of days until they get him on the right dose of insulin. Is all this expensive this is another problem I have we are only on SSI with a limited amt. of income. But I love him so much & do not want to give him up. The rescue said if there was a problem they would take him back, but i would rather go without something. I was a bit suprised today after the vet took the test he asked me if i wanted to put him down, i did not know this is a death sentence for a dog. Then he told me maybe he would live another 6mths.& i was devastated over that. Bur researching a lot myself seems they could live a normal life if i follow thru with what I am supposed to do. I am so glad I found this board i do not feel alone.