Baby Girl Passed on 2/27/16

[k9diabetes]

Re: How long do you wait after feeding to give insulin shot

Hi Ida,

I looked around a bit for information on the spots behind Baby's retina and didn't see a lot of information. Retinal problems can cause spots to develop, but it sounds like with Baby it maybe more of inflammation strictly in the blood vessels that has allowed them to leak a little bit of blood and that's the cause of the dark spots. I'm guessing something like that just from what I read.

If, as the doc says, it's just inflammation, the Previcox should help with the eye vessel inflammation too.

Did they give any drops for the inflamed eye vessels?

The Previcox NSAID could potentially improve her blood sugar since inflammation tends to raise blood sugar. So that would be a plus for giving it.

I haven't personally used Previcox, only Metacam.

Chris took Metacam daily for about four years and Jack has been on it now for going on two years for his back problem. In both of our dogs' cases, it has been tolerated extremely well.

The thing with NSAIDs is you will usually find out very quickly if there is going to be a problem. Most often, the dog either reacts badly to it right away or tolerates it well, not much in between. They do need blood work to assess liver function so sounds like Baby's liver values were all good.

I've been thinking about getting some DGP and adding it to Jack's regimen. Haven't decided yet but will report the results if I do decide to try it. I would be adding it to his Metacam.

Natalie

[lab lover]

Re: How long do you wait after feeding to give insulin shot

Thanks Natalie so relieved about the black spots I couldn't really find anything and I can't be on the computer a lot since I loss all but 10% of my vision in my left eye I had two retina detachments plus a couple of other surgeries in Tn total of six before I moved so that was another reason I couldn't get back to the board it has been adjustment and I am managing I just can't stressed out the eye a lot. Baby's lab all came out wonderful I got them back today the only thing that was a little high was the alka phosphate and cholesterol both -ph was 20 points higher and choles was 310. He really took a lot of labs everything that yu could think of liver, pancrease were great so that was a relief - reg urine came back fine now waiting on culture since she had the clean cache one done with inserting the needle in the bladder. I think I will try the prevecox tonight with a pepcid so her stomach doesn't get upset and just hope she doesn't get anxious with it. My other dog Nico that I loss two yrs ago was on rimadal, and I think we switch him to prevecox near the end he had arthritis so bad but,the rimadal really made him anxious and also hyperventilaing that's why I am concerned with Baby if this happens tonight. I will keep my fingers crossed because she does looked like she is in pain when she tries to get off the couch.

Here in Miami she isn't getting a lot of exercise but, has never gained weight she is still 83 pounds we tried to walk her a little but, pavement is so hot and iin the evening around six or seven the area we lived in has quite a bit of people walking there dogs and I don't feel comfortable walking her around them she was so isolated in Tennand hardly ever saw any dogs.

In your post yu mentioned DGP I didn't know what that was is it something too help with the arthritis. Also, the dr didn't want too give drops I ask him and he didn't want to give her anything with steriods in it - we will be taking her back in four wks to check her eyes. Thanks so much for helping me I will be in touch and let yu know how she is doing on the Previcox. Have a good wkend. Ida

PS -I went in to my settings to see if I can be notified when I have a ans to my post by email and I thought I set it up right but, it didn't show in my aol. is there a way yu can check it or let me know how I can set this up. thanks again. Ida/Baby

[k9diabetes]

Re: Labrador Baby

While you are in the thread, go up to the top where there is a link to Thread Tools. Click on that and one of the options is "Subscribe to Thread" - you have may have already done that.

But you also have to tell the subscription how you want to be notified and I think it defaults to No Notification. So you need to change that it Instant Email.

Natalie

[lab lover]

Re: How long do you wait after feeding to give insulin shot

Hi Ida,

I looked around a bit for information on the spots behind Baby's retina and didn't see a lot of information. Retinal problems can cause spots to develop, but it sounds like with Baby it maybe more of inflammation strictly in the blood vessels that has allowed them to leak a little bit of blood and that's the cause of the dark spots. I'm guessing something like that just from what I read.

If, as the doc says, it's just inflammation, the Previcox should help with the eye vessel inflammation too.

Did they give any drops for the inflamed eye vessels?

The Previcox NSAID could potentially improve her blood sugar since inflammation tends to raise blood sugar. So that would be a plus for giving it.

I haven't personally used Previcox, only Metacam.

Chris took Metacam daily for about four years and Jack has been on it now for going on two years for his back problem. In both of our dogs' cases, it has been tolerated extremely well.

The thing with NSAIDs is you will usually find out very quickly if there is going to be a problem. Most often, the dog either reacts badly to it right away or tolerates it well, not much in between. They do need blood work to assess liver function so sounds like Baby's liver values were all good.

I've been thinking about getting some DGP and adding it to Jack's regimen. Haven't decided yet but will report the results if I do decide to try it. I would be adding it to his Metacam.

Natalie

Hi Natalie,

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you so much is happening here with my medical problems. Baby started the prevacox but, I only gave her 228mg every other day to start off with and then every day and a wk later she trip over a root that was growing up from a tree in our back yard and since than it has been a nightmare. I called the Vet and he said to keep her on the Prevacox for a wk and see what happens since she is walking but, limping very bad the first day she would hardly touch the floor with her leg she is now touching the floor but, still limping and by night worst than in am. I am only giving her the low dose of 228mg because when I try to give her a half in am and pm she has diarahee real bad so he said to stop. I was hoping it was just a sprain but, now I think it is a pulled liagament which I know is bad and probrably surgery which we cannot afford. Also, her glucose is so high on this med it worries me she stays between 350 and 400 constanly. I also, increased her insulin from 19 to 19/1/2 in am and pm but, not all at once gradualy. I am just worried about being so high she hasn't really had good readings since we moved and this makes it worse.

Tomorow we are going to the vet to see what the problem is I was wondering if I should asked him about the Metacam would that help more and lower her glucose. Also, I know her ketones can be high but, I can't even check because when she goes it is hard for her to squat. Do you think she will be alright running this high and her ketone levels I am sure is high. I am not knowledgeable on the problems with ketones so I thought I would check with you and maybe you can help or no of any other meds that wouldn't make her so high. I just hope it isn't a torn liagament. Also, she would always wake up at 5am for her feeding and shot since she has been on pain meds she sleeps a hr later so we have a change in time with feeding and shot would that make a difference in bg reading too. It has been about wk since all this has happened. I was looking over her labs and I thought everything was good but, I noticed one of her liver enzymes was 103 when I asked the vet it said it was not high enough to worried about and this was before we were giving her the Prevacox. Here in Miami, they don't really get concern if she runs around 300 normaly when everything is alright - this I am not used to because in Tenn she was always between 200-250. I know she has arthritis in that hip so that is another problem and I had to stopped the teapson and half of fiber with the pain meds because that wasn't helping the diarehee. Her urine came out fine no infection when we got the culture back so I was relieved and now this happened never a dull moment with Baby. Hope you can help me out feel liked I am starting all over again with her and her age being 10 now really scares me. I am going to have him checked the spots behinc the retina tomorrow too. Thanks, Natalie

[Patty]

Re: Labrador Baby

Ida,
I'm so sorry to hear about Baby's stumble and leg issue. I too hope it's just a sprain.

I'll let others comment on the pain meds. Glad her urine culture came back negative. And I hope the insulin increase helps.

Patty

[Shellie]

Re: Labrador Baby

Oh Ida...you ARE having one heck of a time! Hugs! So sorry to hear of Baby's fall and subsequent problems! I don't know much about the meds but I do know ketones and that always makes me nervous. The vet can do a quick check for you if you can't. Running at 300 probably won't cause the ketones to rise (at least in my pup it doesn't) but still won't hurt to get it checked sooner rather than later.

I know how scary it can be when they get older and more frail. It's so worrisome and every little nuance makes you realize they are getting older! Their life spans just aren't long enough for us! All I can say is enjoy her while she IS here cause she isn't gone yet! And I'm sure that with your love and care, she'll be happy as long as she is!

Take care and lots of hugs your way!

[Rubytuesday]

Re: Labrador Baby

Hi Ida,
Sorry to hear of your girls discomfort.

In regards to the ketones, I have heard of people pushing the water by adding tuna juice to the water. This will help flush out the ketones and I believe it doesn't have much affect on the bgs. Hopefully someone else will have some concrete info on that.

Although it sounds as though this is a more significant injury then just lameness......

I have often used the homeopathic remedy Arnica for lameness in my NON diabetic dog. The Arnica is contained in tiny sugar pills, so not sure how much it would affect a diabetics bgs. maybe someone else has experience with this in diabetic dogs. I tend to give it to my dogs frequently as they get older and come up lame after exercise and it works like a charm. Let me know if you would like more info on how to use.

I am hoping it is just a little soreness and she will be better soon.

Tara

[lab lover]

Re: Labrador Baby

Well Everyone I got the news today I didn't want to hear she pulled her ligament in her knee and needs surgery. I knew it wasn't just a sprain because my first lab injured his when he was two yrs old and then my son's dog also had the surgery. The vet felt she injured it a couple of months ago but, not bad and heal quickly but, this fall did the worst. I did noticed some limping a few months ago but, then it went away I just wished I would of taken her to the vet than but, she acted ok and in a few days was fine.

So now we go to the Orthopediac vet next Monday since I have to have a procedure on Wed, then my dr next wk to schedule, gallbladder surgery, liver biopsy, and fixed a area in my intestines. I want her to have the surgery first so I don't have to worried while I am laid up - I am just concern with her being a diabetic but, my vet said today she is in such good health for 10 yrs old, and he has never seen a diabetic dog that was so well taken care of and not to worry about the putting her under.

Her bg's dropped to 269 this evening that was the first time in a wk I think going to the vet and being up so much since she has only been laying around since she hurt her self. I will try the tuna juice and see if that helps her glucose levels. He kept her on Prevacox until we see the other doctor. Has anyone had a older dog go through this kind of surgery -if I don't do it eventually she will not be able to used her leg and than the good leg/knee will be affected and be useless too. I know this will be so expensive which is going to be hard for us but, right now there is no other options with a torn ligament surgery is the only one. I also know it will be twice as hard on her than my Beau who had it done at 2yrs, so I hope my stress level doesn't go up anymore than what it is. Pls pray for Baby that she will make it through this ordeal I don't know what I would do if I loss her I am not ready.

I will try to get some urine tommorrow and see if she has ketones I mentioned it to the vet and he was not concerned with it so I didn't think to asked him to checked her for it she probrably wouldn't go anyways it hurts her to squat. I forgot who post being in the 300's she shouldn't have any so that makes me feel a little better.

I will be in touch if I can get her to the Ortho Vet sooner I will I just want the surgery over and get her heal.

thanks so much everyone. Ida/Baby

[Rubytuesday]

Re: Labrador Baby

So sorry for this Ida, but I bet she will do fine.

I agree with your vet that I wouldn't be worried about the ketones with a 269.

Wishing you both all the best.

Tara

[jesse girl]

Re: Labrador Baby

had a friends dog with that type of surgery an older dog and did very well

boy you have allot on your plate the plan you have sounds appropriate

you do want to discuss with the surgeon on how they want to approach the diabetes before and after the operation to keep you baby safe well in advance of the surgery so there is no surprises and its ok to be a bit of a pest about that
sometimes that is put on the back burner and it needs to have a plan

positive healing thoughts and prayers for you and your baby

[k9diabetes]

Re: Labrador Baby

I just saw her 2012 picture in your album Ida - she looks wonderful! Really healthy.

They should do blood work prior to surgery if she hasn't had any done recently - to check kidney and liver function pre-anesthesia. If that's clear, then she should be a good candidate for surgery.

Don't hesitate to contact Dr. Khuly to check out the reputation of the orthopedic surgeon. I'm sure she would let you know if she had any concerns about them. She knows the specialists in the area and who to avoid.

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/dr-patty-khuly

Natalie

[lab lover]

Re: Labrador Baby

Natalie,

The link you just listed all I have to do is click on it and then put in the doctor's name and Dr. Khuly can check him out ( Iam not sure who Dr. Khuly is?) but that will make me feel better knowing how good he is. Also, two wks ago Baby had every blood test they could take since we were having all those problems with UTI and everything came out good except for her phosphate sp i am not sure of - was a little high but, the vet said that is normal in a diabetic dog.

I already have a plan with a notebook for questions to asked the doctor about her diabetes and what we need to worry about when they put her under. I have her logs with her readings and all her labs that I will be bringing to the appt.

Those will be my first concerns regarding her diabetes before I let them do anything to her. We even did cultures on her urine and that came out fine I think the report was four pages and cost me a bundle too.

She does looked good for her age and since she lost the fat on her she looks better she now weighs 83 pounds and been staying at that weight. I thank the vet in Tennessee Dr. Adair she is wonderful I will be calling her tommorrow to let her know what is going on that's how good she is - she doesn't mine me calling her even being 1,000 miles away she is a real sweetheart. Thanks so much for all your support. Baby appreciates it!

[eileen]

Re: Labrador Baby

Ida, sending both you and Baby speedy recovery wishes!

Some dogs throw ketones easier than others, if possible I wouldn't hesitate to check the urine, better to be safe than sorry with this being such an easy check.

There was a time when with every glucose check Mildred was running in the high 200's to 300's, her urine showed no sign of ketones yet with vet check she showed to be in mild ketoacidosis.
I gave her subq fluids at home with using Humalog to better control her glucose.

[k9diabetes]

Re: Labrador Baby

Hi Ida,

Dr. Khuly writes the VetStreet column, which is the link I gave you. When you were looking for a vet in Florida, I asked her for a recommendation and she was happy to suggest someone.

She is a vet in Miami so knows the specialists in the area.

Patty Khuly, VMD

Dr. Patty Khuly is a practicing veterinarian based in Miami, Fla. She’s been a passionate blogger for almost six years, cutting her teeth on Dolittler.com and later moving on to the Daily Vet and Fully Vetted.
Dr. Khuly's credentials include a BA from Wellesley College, a veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Writing creds include Miami Herald, USA Today, The Bark, Chickens Magazine (yes, really), Veterinary Economics and Veterinary Practice News, among others.

Dr. Khuly is a single mom, avid reader, fitness geek, die-hard foodie and indefatigable fashionista. She's also as pet-obsessed as they come. Her menagerie includes four cats, three dogs, two goats and one hen shy of a dozen.

I have her email address and can contact her if need be.

Natalie

[peggy0]

Re: Labrador Baby

Prayers to a fast recovery Ida!