My Precious Diabetic Pup

JONAH'S GRANNY · 06-27-2005, 05:35 PM

Not quite sure where to post this. Maybe none of you have a diabetic pet but I thought I would ask. I'm so depressed over my 6 year old female dog that has been diagnosed with Diabetes. It came on so suddenly. In a matter of weeks she lost 17 pounds and is totally blind. I've just been heartbroken. She was in such bad shape when we took her to the vet. Now I see her so pitiful and almost wish I had gone ahead and put her down. Any of you that might have a diabetic pet; what have your experiences been? The vet is still trying to regulate her insulin and next week we will have her eyes tested to see if she would be a good candidate for surgery. Does it get better? What kind of quality of life can she expect? with or without her eyesight? I know it means insulin shots twice a day and eating a prescription dog food. Do they ever develop thier care free attitude and playfulness they had before they got sick? This is my first experience with this matter and I've had a dog all my life. Thanks if you can answer any questions or offer some advice. Granny Ann

JONAH'S GRANNY · 06-28-2005, 07:42 AM

Anyone had any experiences? If so, please let me know. She really felt rough last night.

Sugar Patrol · 06-28-2005, 08:12 AM

I'm so sorry Granny Ann. I haven't had a diabetic pet, but you may want to look into the BARF diet for dogs, or Raw Feeding in general. It's kind of like Atkins for dogs, and is based on the idea that since dogs are carnivores, they should be eating primarily meat and bones.

I raw feed my little fur baby, and he is doing very well. I have heard some amazing stories from people who have gotten rescue dogs in pitiful shape that were completely transformed after a few months of raw feeding or BARF.

There are a few people on this board that do it, or you can do a search on the web. There is also a good group on Yahoo where I got a lot of good info.

I hope your little pup gets better.

JONAH'S GRANNY · 06-28-2005, 08:32 AM

Thanks sugar patrol - By the way, you are such a cute girl! You look very young.

Sugar Patrol · 06-28-2005, 11:19 AM

Awww, thanks!

Galoutofdixie · 07-07-2005, 12:16 AM

Hi Ann,

First off,

to you. Yes, I had a little female Schnauzer who developed diabetes at 10 yrs of age. I did notice her symptoms early in the disease. She also had to have insulin injections twice a day, and also went blind. So I know pretty much how you are feeling. I cried and cried. She too had to have the prescription food.

She did well for several yrs. and then developed pancreatitis a common complication of diabetes, which she survived, but the stress of it caused respritory failure and had to finally have her put down. She was really my hairy child and I miss her to this day.

My little fur baby went blind from cataracts as a result of the diabetes. Is this the cause of your pup's blindness? If so, then yes, surgery will be able to take care of that. Our little schnauzer was scheduled for the surgery, but had her first attack of pancreatitis the week before she was to go in. She was to debilitated after that, so was unable to have the surgery.

Before she had the pancreatitis attach, she was doing fine. She did get her old playfulness back and had adjusted to her blindness, although a little cautious. The vet thought she could still see shadows. Anyway,she learned to find her way around fine. As long as I didn't move the furniture arraingment.

Your little one will feel much better after they get her blood suger regulated and you will do fine with giving her the shots. I had never given a shot in my life. The vet taught me and it's pretty easy. My little dog didn't even mind getting them! I'd just say, come and get your shot, and she'd just come over and sit down and wait for it. So proud of herself afterwards too.

If your little one has gone blind from cataracts due to her diabetes. Do consider the surgery, although they have to wait to perform it until the cataracts are ripe. At least they did 7 yrs ago when ours was going to have it.

When you bring her home, ask the vet about the new blood sugar monitors that are out now. The ones that just use a tiny drop of blood and you can use on your arm, or anywhere I guess? At the time mine became diabetic, they were not available and since you had to use the finger lancets to get a drop of blood, the vet said it would make the pads of her toes too sore. So I had to take her into him to have blood drawn. I think she may have avoided the pancreatitis if I could have tested her at home and been able to keep a closer watch on her blood sugar. Not sure about that though, but it's a thought that has crossed my mind.

Try not to worry and don't be afraid. You know her best and will make the right decisions. I hope this helps a little bit and I'm sending up

for your little fur baby.

If you feel like chatting, just pm me your e-mail addy. I'd be happy to help in anyway that I can.

Love and stuff,
Chris

JONAH'S GRANNY · 07-07-2005, 03:45 AM

Thank you so much. Your pup sounds just like mine. Sorry for your loss. Its amazing how much love and compassion we can feel for a poor animal.

Actually they tested her for the pancreatitus you speak of. They said everything looked good at this point. The Vet Optomologist looked at her yesterday and said she was a good candidate for the eye surgery and I meet with him next week to arrange things. She seems to be adjusting really well. Looks like I'm gonna have to win the lottery to take care of her.

Gotta get ready for work but just wanted to take a minute to thank you. You have been very informative. Take care, Ann

gettingstrength · 07-08-2005, 10:50 PM

hugs for you & you pup

Jennyl · 07-09-2005, 01:21 AM

I don't have any advice, I'm just sorry you have to go through this. My puppy was like my little baby, we love our pets so much.

06-27-2005, 05:35 PM	#1
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,657 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: Lower Carb Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	My Precious Diabetic Pup Not quite sure where to post this. Maybe none of you have a diabetic pet but I thought I would ask. I'm so depressed over my 6 year old female dog that has been diagnosed with Diabetes. It came on so suddenly. In a matter of weeks she lost 17 pounds and is totally blind. I've just been heartbroken. She was in such bad shape when we took her to the vet. Now I see her so pitiful and almost wish I had gone ahead and put her down. Any of you that might have a diabetic pet; what have your experiences been? The vet is still trying to regulate her insulin and next week we will have her eyes tested to see if she would be a good candidate for surgery. Does it get better? What kind of quality of life can she expect? with or without her eyesight? I know it means insulin shots twice a day and eating a prescription dog food. Do they ever develop thier care free attitude and playfulness they had before they got sick? This is my first experience with this matter and I've had a dog all my life. Thanks if you can answer any questions or offer some advice. Granny Ann

06-28-2005, 08:12 AM	#3
Sugar Patrol MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 2,828 Gallery: Sugar Patrol Stats: 163.2/134.6/135 WOE: Isocaloric Start Date: 1/1/03	I'm so sorry Granny Ann. I haven't had a diabetic pet, but you may want to look into the BARF diet for dogs, or Raw Feeding in general. It's kind of like Atkins for dogs, and is based on the idea that since dogs are carnivores, they should be eating primarily meat and bones. I raw feed my little fur baby, and he is doing very well. I have heard some amazing stories from people who have gotten rescue dogs in pitiful shape that were completely transformed after a few months of raw feeding or BARF. There are a few people on this board that do it, or you can do a search on the web. There is also a good group on Yahoo where I got a lot of good info. I hope your little pup gets better. __________________ PROUD TO BE AN A$$KICKER!!! Walk Across America by Christmas Challenge Tuesday September 20 2.0 miles walking 4.0 miles jogging Total for Challenge: 93.3 miles

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06-28-2005, 07:42 AM	#2
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,657 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: Lower Carb Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	Anyone had any experiences? If so, please let me know. She really felt rough last night.

06-28-2005, 08:32 AM	#4
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,657 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: Lower Carb Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	Thanks sugar patrol - By the way, you are such a cute girl! You look very young.

06-28-2005, 11:19 AM	#5
Sugar Patrol MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 2,828 Gallery: Sugar Patrol Stats: 163.2/134.6/135 WOE: Isocaloric Start Date: 1/1/03	Awww, thanks!

07-07-2005, 12:16 AM	#6
Galoutofdixie MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Central Louisiana Posts: 2,364 Gallery: Galoutofdixie Stats: Back up to 156 :( WOE: Atkins-Induction Start Date: March 2004	Hi Ann, First off, to you. Yes, I had a little female Schnauzer who developed diabetes at 10 yrs of age. I did notice her symptoms early in the disease. She also had to have insulin injections twice a day, and also went blind. So I know pretty much how you are feeling. I cried and cried. She too had to have the prescription food. She did well for several yrs. and then developed pancreatitis a common complication of diabetes, which she survived, but the stress of it caused respritory failure and had to finally have her put down. She was really my hairy child and I miss her to this day. My little fur baby went blind from cataracts as a result of the diabetes. Is this the cause of your pup's blindness? If so, then yes, surgery will be able to take care of that. Our little schnauzer was scheduled for the surgery, but had her first attack of pancreatitis the week before she was to go in. She was to debilitated after that, so was unable to have the surgery. Before she had the pancreatitis attach, she was doing fine. She did get her old playfulness back and had adjusted to her blindness, although a little cautious. The vet thought she could still see shadows. Anyway,she learned to find her way around fine. As long as I didn't move the furniture arraingment. Your little one will feel much better after they get her blood suger regulated and you will do fine with giving her the shots. I had never given a shot in my life. The vet taught me and it's pretty easy. My little dog didn't even mind getting them! I'd just say, come and get your shot, and she'd just come over and sit down and wait for it. So proud of herself afterwards too. If your little one has gone blind from cataracts due to her diabetes. Do consider the surgery, although they have to wait to perform it until the cataracts are ripe. At least they did 7 yrs ago when ours was going to have it. When you bring her home, ask the vet about the new blood sugar monitors that are out now. The ones that just use a tiny drop of blood and you can use on your arm, or anywhere I guess? At the time mine became diabetic, they were not available and since you had to use the finger lancets to get a drop of blood, the vet said it would make the pads of her toes too sore. So I had to take her into him to have blood drawn. I think she may have avoided the pancreatitis if I could have tested her at home and been able to keep a closer watch on her blood sugar. Not sure about that though, but it's a thought that has crossed my mind. Try not to worry and don't be afraid. You know her best and will make the right decisions. I hope this helps a little bit and I'm sending up for your little fur baby. If you feel like chatting, just pm me your e-mail addy. I'd be happy to help in anyway that I can. Love and stuff, Chris

07-07-2005, 03:45 AM	#7
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,657 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: Lower Carb Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	Thank you so much. Your pup sounds just like mine. Sorry for your loss. Its amazing how much love and compassion we can feel for a poor animal. Actually they tested her for the pancreatitus you speak of. They said everything looked good at this point. The Vet Optomologist looked at her yesterday and said she was a good candidate for the eye surgery and I meet with him next week to arrange things. She seems to be adjusting really well. Looks like I'm gonna have to win the lottery to take care of her. Gotta get ready for work but just wanted to take a minute to thank you. You have been very informative. Take care, Ann

07-08-2005, 10:50 PM	#8
gettingstrength Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,523 Gallery: gettingstrength Stats: 184 / 170 / ? WOE: atkins Start Date: 6 / 1 / 2002	hugs for you & you pup

07-09-2005, 01:21 AM	#9
Jennyl Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: calgary Posts: 24,145 Gallery: Jennyl Start Date: manana	I don't have any advice, I'm just sorry you have to go through this. My puppy was like my little baby, we love our pets so much.