Lucy too skinny in Canine Diabetes Forum

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Lucy too skinny

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debbuna	Lucy too skinny	Lead	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/07/09 05:48 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None Despite everything else seeming to be ok, Lucy has lost more weight. She has had a sweater on nearly all the time now but this morning we have a fire going and Lucy loves to have her bed near the heat and I took her sweater off and noticed right away she has lost more weight. She just looks so gaunt...if you can describe a dog that way. Wasted muscles maybe --but I did weigh her and she is down a full pound to 10 pounds. I want to give her more food and then adjust insulin to match. What do you think? I would like to just increase the W/D by another Tbsp. at each feeding and increase the chicken a tiny bit. Anything else that could help her maintain her weight? You know how she loves to eat and never misses a drop of food. I was thinking of asking Dr. Rick to change from the W/D (weight management formula) to another one but am afraid to go too far off of what she's getting now. and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
Johanna13		#1	[-]
Administrator Posts: 7207 (12/07/09 05:57 PM) Administrator & Owner Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Well Dee, You know what I'm going to say right? I always have a issue with a diabetic dog being hungry,... When you feed Lucy does she clean her plate? I always made sure that if Killian ate all his food and still looked hungry I gave him more and worked with the insulin... I always felt better when he turned his head away and didn't want any more food... I knew then he had a full tummy. I would just feed her Dee... She is old and blind, and half deaf !!! food is all she lives for these days and if she is getting thin I would feed her till she was full and adjust your insulin... You have been doing this for a long time and you home test and you know what to do.... So feed that girl. till she is full. and aTbsp at each feeding! wont do it.!! Feed her till she is fully satisfied. Last Edited By: Johanna13 12/07/09 06:01 PM. Edited 2 times.
rhodesian46		#2	[-]
Posts: 1994 (12/07/09 06:45 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dee, Iw ouldn't switch the food I would give her more. You home test and are keeping a good eye on her.
Brandy mom		#3	[-]
Administrator Posts: 3837 (12/07/09 09:43 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I would just increase the amount of food. I am sure the goose will not mind. LOL You home test and I would rather you give more insulin and more food then see her hungry. When was the last blood panel? I know this is a strange suggestion. Did the goose start to lose weight after her teeth were removed? It make me wonder if she is digestion her food different and not getting the same nutrition value out of each meal. Just a strange idea I had. Dawn
debbuna		#4	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/07/09 09:46 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tonight my girl will eat!! She does clean her bowl Johanna, but you know Lucy, she's never left as much as a grain of rice. She always acts hungry at mealtime, like she's famished, but seems satisfied after she finishes eating. I wouldn't let her go hungry! I'll just dust off the meter and let her eat till her hearts content. (HA!- knew that would get to you Marianne, and no, you can't have her!!). and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
debbuna		#5	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/07/09 09:47 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Wow , what a thought Dawn. Hmm, some good deep thinking. Maybe she isn't getting all the nutrition she needs. I think I'll call Dr, Rick tomorrow and see what he thinks. Will let you know. and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
angelsissy		#6	[-]
Posts: 390 (12/07/09 10:32 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Wasting is s very common occurrence in elderly dogs. Just one more thing to deal with.
pug.petswithdiabetes		#7	[-]
Posts: 2894 (12/08/09 12:27 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Too bad that we as humans didn't lose weight as eaily. Feed Lucy, she's a pug after all, and as we discussed earlier, a beautiful one.
mommytoNash		#8	[-]
Posts: 9789 (12/08/09 08:29 PM) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dee, I remember you saying you had to adjust Lucy's insulin 'down' after the teeth cleaning, because her numbers kept shooting down. So, I think you're on the right path by adding more food, and adjusting the insulin as needed. But, maybe the W/D isn't the best thought for her. I would certainly talk to Dr. Rick. You've always been thrilled with her in the past. Let us know how things go. Poor baby, cold in California. Thank God she doesn't live in Michigan. Cindy and Nash Nash was born 9/2/1998, and is my sweet 1/2 breed Cocker Spaniel/English Springer Spaniel. He was dx'd with diabetes in November 2007 and is currently on 9 units of Novelin N twice a day. Nash went blind approximately 6 mnths after dx, has glaucoma and gets eye drops 5x day
rhodesian46		#9	[-]
Posts: 1994 (12/08/09 08:33 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I am coming to get " Gummie" Dee!!!! She needs her Aunt Marianne!! I WILL PUT SOME MEAT ON HER BONES!!
debbuna		#10	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/08/09 10:00 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	HA!!!! I knew I'd get to you Marianne. Well you'll all be happy to know that 2 things happened today. 1) I added to her food, instead of 3/4 C, she got 1 1/4C of the chicken, rice, and veggie, plus 3 heaping tsps. of the W/D. I put plenty of warm broth on it and Lucy ate every crumb and licked the bowl for 10 minutes, the floor near the bowl, and the wall near the bowl. Her tummy was bulging like a starving child in Biafra. Instead of 6U, I gave her 6.5 U of insulin. These are her numbers for today (just spot checks, no curve yet) fasting 7:15am 247 food/6.5U 10:00 am 179 1:30 pm 93 snack, 1/2 chx.tender 3:00 pm 112 6:00 pm 187 2) Here's the interesting thing. At 12:00 when she is usually begging for food, she never even came into the kitchen. At 1:15, she meandered in and got a little drink of water, then went back to her bed. I tested her at 1:30, which is her peak hour, and she was 93. I gave her a bite of chicken anyway for good measure. I love what I am seeing on day one of this endeavor. At 7:30 tonight, she will have the same food and insulin and I'll check her at midnight to see what her peak is like. I think this was a good idea. Maybe she won't need fed as much. If anyone remembers, Lucy was on 7 U for almost 2 years and stable. This summer brought about some hypos and she has yo-yo'ed since then. Settling in at 6 U for the last 1 1/2 months, she has been stable but losing weight and looking gaunt to me. Thus, this change. What do you think? and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11 Last Edited By: debbuna 12/08/09 10:03 PM. Edited 1 times.
Aprilgirlsmom		#11	[-]
Posts: 255 (12/08/09 10:09 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Just a thought , but could you add some puppy food because of its higher caloric content maybe even a large breed type so it doesnt have too much extra protein to put stress on the kidneys..I really don't know much about the w/d as I kept April on Merricks and Natures logic with the boiled chicken and rice..the Evo was too rich for her and she would end up with jurassic poo under my bed (how a german shepherd could do that I will never understand) her butt barely fit under there.LOL Barbara Kalvin (German Shepherd)adopted from spca in 2004 born 7-9-2000 misdiagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy 5/08 Katrina (German Shepherd) adopted from spca 2008 born 7/2007 Kandy (aussie mix) foster dog that adopted me Timmy (cat) 9-93 rescue from humane society still ornery after all these years T-bone and Coco (cockatiels) Born 11/05 Fur angels Angel (German Shepherd) 10/30/95 - 5/4/2004 complications from Anaplasma Equi April (German Shepherd) 6/28/96 - 5/30/08 Diabetic for 2 years (humulin n 2x daily well regulated) early renal failure,stroke and possible cancer (lost 30 lbs in one month)
debbuna		#12	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/09/09 01:15 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks, that is a thought Barbara. I'll look into that. I'm not quite up on the puppy foods and their content as I haven't had a puppy in over 13 years and even then I wasn't quite into reading labels. But it's an idea and I'll check it out- thank you. and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
Johanna13		#13	[-]
Administrator Posts: 7207 (12/09/09 01:22 AM) Administrator & Owner Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dee I agree with Barbara if you want to put some meat on the goose. I just told Jody in her post about the dog she is caring for that she also wants to fatten up... Puppy food will help you do that.... Just be careful of the fat content with Lucy's ability to get Pancreatitis in a blink....
lindsay write		#14	[-]
Posts: 292 (12/09/09 02:29 AM) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I agree with Jerri - older dogs often lose weight, just like a lot of older people. It's probably normal for the Goose at this stage in her life but, of course, we can't help but worry! Your extra food idea sounds like it's working, she's satisfied and if the B/G's don't run amok, everything is fine. When Jenny lost weight, vet suggested adding whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta to her meals. It didn't seem to affect her B/G and I didn't adjust insulin but she definitely gained weight. Could have been coincidence, though, since she was just plain feeling better all around at that time. Jac, Ella (golden retriever, not diabetic), Abbey (golden retriever/Irish setter, not diabetic) beautiful Angel Jenny (golden retriever), and cats Mona and Ernie. Jenny passed away February 15, 2008 at almost 14 years old. Weight: 65 pounds. Diabetes, myasthenia gravis, hypothyroid. Started on Caninsulin (Vetsulin) for 3 months then switched to NPH - 13 units twice daily. .
debbuna		#15	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/09/09 12:08 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I did check out some of the premium puppy foods and all are packed with massive amounts of protein! That won't work for the diabetic senior dog. Jac, how interesting that the whole wheat pasta and bread didn't effect bgs. in Jenny. Really? That is something I can do if this doesn't pan out. Actually, she seems good just getting more of her normal diet and 1/2U increase in insulin. I think I'll stick with this for a few days and see how it goes. Her bg. this morning was 238, perfect! for a fasting reading for the goose. Ate a ton of breakfast and had another 6.5U and is happily snoozing on her big dog bed with mommas all around. Thanks for the ideas. and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
Johanna13		#16	[-]
Administrator Posts: 7207 (12/09/09 01:00 PM) Administrator & Owner Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dee was the 6.5U a increase in insulin or a additional shot? I only ask this because you said"Ate a ton of breakfast and had another 6.5U????
debbuna		#17	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (12/09/09 01:58 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	No, not an additional shot...never! I've increased her by only a .5 U to accomodate the food increase. I meant 6.5 U AGAIN- since I started this yesterday morning. I was thinking I may have to take that up another .5U but for now I'm leaving it to see what she does with it. So far good, but she may run a bit high in a day or two after the body realizes how much more food it has to deal with. I'm just checking her today off and on. She seems restless this morning but it may be because I was cooking breakfast for us. and my Lucy, American Pugsley, age 15 -born 4/18/1996, DX. diabetic Nov. 07, blind 2/08, Weight 11 lbs., Humulin N 7 U , Homecooked chicken/white rice with canned Hills W/D My sweet, baby Lucy left me peacefully on October, 24, 2011 with her head on my shoulder and my comforting whispers in her poor little, deaf ear. I know she was met faithfully at the bridge by all her friends that went before her. Rest in peace, my baby. Lucy, 4/18/96-10/24/11
rhodesian46		#18	[-]
Posts: 1994 (12/09/09 09:25 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I still say that the goose can come for a visit!!!Maybe spend 6 mos with you and 6 mos with me??
Johanna13		#19	[-]
Administrator Posts: 7207 (12/09/09 09:33 PM) Administrator & Owner Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hummmm Isn't that called joint custody?
lindsay write		#20	[-]
Posts: 292 (12/10/09 12:29 AM) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dee, it sounds like Lucy is doing well. And - hey - I get restless, too, when food is cooking! I think you're smart to stick with the additional food with slightly increased insulin to cover everything. It's true that Jenny's B/G didn't change when I added whole wheat pasta and bread to her diet. But she was much bigger than the Goose at around 65-75 pounds while she had diabetes. And don't forget that everyone's metabolisms/body chemistry are different, so what works for one won't work for another. But it's definitely worth a try. Goose is a big eater, right? If you want to stray from W/D, have you checked the dog food meant for senior dogs or "weight management"? They're lower in protein and higher in fiber. I know you want to increase Goose's weight so those diets may not make any sense. But I'm thinking that since she's got such a great appetite, she might eat even more of it but won't be getting too much protein. In other words, she might pig out on "diet food" and gain some weight at the same time. It's like those chocolate/peanut butter "diet bars" for humans. They don't work for me because I like them so much, I can eat a dozen at one sitting. That's when it's not diet food anymore. Jac, Ella (golden retriever, not diabetic), Abbey (golden retriever/Irish setter, not diabetic) beautiful Angel Jenny (golden retriever), and cats Mona and Ernie. Jenny passed away February 15, 2008 at almost 14 years old. Weight: 65 pounds. Diabetes, myasthenia gravis, hypothyroid. Started on Caninsulin (Vetsulin) for 3 months then switched to NPH - 13 units twice daily. .

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