Thumper in Canine Diabetes Forum

Friends helping friends. Collaborating and
specializing in Canine Diabetes & many other topics.

0 Points

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Thumper

Author	Comment
Thumpersmom	Thumper	Lead	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/10/09 07:17 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None I have a 65 lb German Shepherd named Thumper. He had been urinating in the house and drinking tons of water. I brought him to the vet. She did a test on him and said that Thumper had diabetes. I got Humulin N from her. She showed me how to put the insulin in a needle and where to put the needle. She said the scruff would be great. Said 20 units twice a day 12 hours apart. She said to feed him first then give him his insulin, I got home. I fed Thumper. My hands were shaking as I tried to put the needle in his neck. I thought I was going to hurt him All went good. Thumper did not flinch. Boy this was hard. I was literally sweating!! Oh I forgot to add that the vet wants to see Thumper in 7 days and keep him all day. Am not sure why. But she wants me to see if Thumper is not drinking as much water and peeing less. I am on day 5 and have not seen a change. Thumper goes back Monday. I was searching on line and posted on 2 other sites. I have not gotten a reply. I am hoping that I can get some answers from you guys. I am worried because my dog hasn't gotten better. What can I do to help him get better? Is my vet telling me to do everything right? Do you have any advice to give me? I am willing to do anything for my dog. He is loved like he is my child. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#1	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/10/09 07:25 PM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello & Welcome... Were glad you found us. If you can go and look this over you will see some information that we need to ask as to help you better. Helpful info for new posters. with a quick look I'm thinking that your dog is on a to low dose of insulin. When you say your dog has not gotten better what are you seeing?? If you can explain better ?
debbuna		#2	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (09/10/09 07:54 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Welcome Thumpersmom, and Thumper The diagnosis of diabetes can be alarming, but there are many things you can be doing right now. The first is to read and learn as much as you can about diabetes in dogs. It sounds like your vet has you off on the right foot. Insulin twice a day/12 hours apart. Did your vet talk to you about diet? What are you feeding Thumper? and what is his pre-diabetic eating schedule like. Diabetic dogs should not be allowed to free-feed. Meals should be consistently given 12 hours apart in the same quantities. Never give Thumper tablefood, or any treats while you are trying to regulate him on insulin. Never withhold water from your diabetic. Make sure he has plenty of fresh, cool water at all times. Most vets will advise that you bring the dog back one week later to see if the insulin is doing it's job. You say there has been no change in 5 days? You're sure the drinking and peeing have not diminished at all? Thumper may need more insulin but your vet will be able to tell you when you return in a few days. Please provide more info on Thumper, especially his diet, so we can help you more. 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
Thumpersmom		#3	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/10/09 08:01 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	How long has your dog been Diabetic? - Not even a week How much does your dog weigh? - 65 lbs How much insulin are you using? - 20 units 2 x a day What type of insulin are you using?- Humulin N What times are you giving insulin? - 8 am and 8 pm What are you feeding your dog? - Beneful How often and how much are you feeding? - 2 1/2 c 2 x a day What type of dog do you have? - German Shepherd Do you home test?- What is home tests? I still see that he is thirsty and peeing a lot. There has not been a change. Thumper was eating whenever he wanted. Kinda of free feeding. Just leaving the bowl filled with food. So this dose of insulin can be upped? I thought he was on this amount for life?
angelsissy		#4	[-]
Posts: 390 (09/10/09 08:07 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Thumpersmom! We need to know what your dog is eating. The right food combination plus the right amount of insulin will make all the difference. Vet's normally start out low with te insulin and work up to the number of units that best work with your dog. You should start a journal listing what you feed and how many units you give each day. You could also list any behavior or changes that you see. This will be valuable for you and for your vet. Your vet will probably do a blood draw to check Thumper's sugar. He may even want to keep him for a curve. This is a blood draw every 2 hours for 12 hours. It will help see how Thumper's body uses insulin. As you get used to giving the insulin and become more comfortable, you can check his blood sugar at home. When you are ready to dry, we will help you. Once you get to the right number of units, Thumper will start feeling better, and you'll have your dog back. All of us felt the way you do - take a deep breath - it will be OK. Please ask any questions you have.
rhodesian46		#5	[-]
Posts: 1994 (09/10/09 08:09 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Thumpersmom, I just wanted to say Welcome!!!!! You have come to the right place. The more details that you can offer will help us help you. Did your vet tell you to feed Beneful? Do you have any copies of Thumper's tests from the other day? If so can you post them? Any blood work done? If not please always get copies for your records. Remember that no question is stupid here. So please ask away. We have all been there as a new diabetic dog owner. I was scared out of my mind!!! I think you did well with his shots.. Keep up the good work!!! Also if you are confused with your vets instructions then don't hesitate to call her. And read all you can on Diabetes. After all you are Thumper's advocate. Hope to hear back from you.
angelsissy		#6	[-]
Posts: 390 (09/10/09 08:17 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks for the info! When you say you are feeding him 2 X a day, does it eat it all then or do you leave it down until it is gone? You can't do that any more. He needs to eat all his food at one time. I know it is hard - it will be a big change for you and Thumper, but it has to be done. Beneful may be a great food for a non diabetic, but it really isn't good for diabetics. You need to keep the carbs as low as possible. I used the Blue Buffalo kibble and canned for Sissy. She ate it well until the last couple of months. Then I switched to the Merrick low glycemic - she ate it up every day until the day she died. There are lots of really good foods out there - they are going to be pricey. You can also do some home cooking. But right now, the most important thing is getting the right amount of insulin for Thumper. Regulation does not happen quickly - patience is required here. How long was Thumper showing the drinking/peeing behavior? If he has been diabetic for a while before you discovered it, it may take longer to see a difference.
debbuna		#7	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (09/10/09 08:28 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I agree with Jerri that the Beneful may not be the best food for Thumper now. A diabetic needs special food that is low in fat (which can cause pancreatitis- common in diabetic dogs), low in carbohydrates (which can burn up his insulin too fast). There are many high quality foods appropriate in the pet supply stores but you have to read labels and choose the best one for your dog. The vets can also provide a good dry food that works well with insulin. If all else fails, you can homecook, which many of us do but it is time consuming. Please check out our Homemade diet section on this board. 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
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#8	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/10/09 08:31 PM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Are you still leaving the bowl of food out? I see you said you feed 2 1/2 cups at each meal.. So I'm assuming not. Did you vet talk to you about the right food for a now diabetic dog? I ask this because you are using Beneful .. This is not a good good for a diabetic dog... There are fillers and carbs and fat... This could be your problem , with the fact that I think you need a higher dose of insulin for Thumper. The drinking and wetting tells me his Sugar level is still very high and that concerns me because that means Key-tones are spilling into his system and that is not good and can result in Ketoacidosis. That would require your dog to be hospitalized on IV in intensive care .. Life threatening and expensive.. I would call your vet in the morning and demand a visit asap... Tell them there is no change and your very concerned. If at that point you don't get any satisfaction Then go to a different vet. But please do not wait on this. Your dog needs to start feeling better soon. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Brandy mom		#9	[-]
Administrator Posts: 3837 (09/10/09 09:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello and Welcome You have come to the right place for answers. We have all been where you are today. Don't be afraid to ask questions. We can forget what it's like sometimes to be new to diabetes. We will abbreviate words and not realize some my not know what they mean. Don't worry you will get it and be a pro in no time. One abbreviation you will see a lot is BG. That means blood glucose the amount of sugar in Thumpers blood. This is a very important number. So when you go to the vet make them tell you the BG numbers. Write them down or it can get very confusing. Food and insulin work together. Humulin N is a intermediate insulin. It will last about 12 hours so now you can see why it is important to just feed every 12 hours. It can take a little while to find the right food and amount of insulin. Before I would increase the insulin amount. It would be best to change Thumper's diet. You want a food that is low in carbs and fats and high in fiber. Watch for hidden sugar sources. You vet can sell you food, but you can also get very good food at a pet store. Don't make the same mistake I made the first time I change food. I switch with out introducing the new food slow. What a mistake poor Brandy had the poops bad. We can help you with a new diet too. The hard part in no treats in between. No matter how hungry Thumper is. You asked what is home testing. We all test our dogs BG at home with a human meter. Just like a human diabetic would do. There are several way to do this and it can be easy. Ask your vet and/or we can help you. You can also use human urine strips to check of keystones and blood sugar amount in the urine. You get these at any pharmacy. Testing with a meter is more accurate but the urine strips can help. My advice would be to call the vet and talk to them about Thumpers diet. I think this would be the best place to start. Ok now I get to ask you a few question. You said the vet showed you how to fill the needle? Did he show you how to roll the insulin before you fill the needle? Never shake insulin gently roll it between your palms about 20 times. Are you making a tent to inject the insulin or just injecting it right into the scruff? I am sure right now you are overwhelmed. I know I sure was at this point. This will all become a habit just like brushing your teeth. Dawn and the girls, Brandy is the diabetic and hypothyroid. Doberman 70 pounds. Born 06/04/2000 DX 06/04/2006. She is on a combination of regular insulin and N insulin and Soloxine. She eat California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato. Penny Non diabetic and hypothyroid. Doberman Lab mix 57 pounds. Born 07/04/1996. Is on Soloxine and eats Fromm Salamon Ala Vegetable. Last Edited By: Killiansmom 09/10/09 11:37 PM. Edited 1 times.
mommytoNash		#10	[-]
Posts: 9789 (09/10/09 10:55 PM) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Thumpersmom, I just wanted to say hello also. So glad you have joined us. It's overwhelming isn't it? But, just relax, it will get better, and pretty soon it will seem second hand. I see that everyone has really helped you out, and given you lots of advise. It's a lot to digest, but most importantly is getting Thumper to a point where he feels good and is starting to get back to normal. Did Thumper lose any weight when this all began? I agree with Johanna, I have a feeling that you'll have to adjust Thumpers insulin (with guidance from your Vet) up a bit. I think before it's over you'll probably see him on about 24 units twice a day. It's important that Thumper eat all his food during the two feedings, at the time you feed him. You will probably have to work on this by enticing him with his food only being put down when he is too eat. This may take a few days. In the meantime, I wanted to mention that I use Novelin N, and purchase my insulin at Walmart. If you find that it's getting pricey for your insulin, I would ask the Vet if you can switch and then just buy it at Walmart for $24/vial. It's much cheaper then most places that sell insulin. The Novelin N I buy is made under the name Relion, and I even have a Relion meter that I use because the strips for it are only around $25 for about 50 strips. We don't want to confuse you, and I know it's a lot of information to take in all at once.......so, let us know what else you need from us. Glad you are here, and looking forward to getting to know you. 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
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#11	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/11/09 12:36 AM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thumpersmom I forgot to ask... has your vet checked Thumpers BG ( Sugar reading: How high he is) since you started the insulin?
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#12	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/11/09 10:07 AM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Good Morning Thumpersmom, I'm just checking in to see if you spoke to your vet this morning...And if so. What did they say about the no change in Thumper?
Thumpersmom		#13	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/11/09 05:39 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thumper was 70 lbs. So I guess he lost 5 lbs. Yes the vet showed me to roll the bottle a few times and to pull up on the scruff . So far I think I am doing well giving him his insulin. I called the vet today and told her that Thumper is still peeing and drinking lots of water. I also questioned whether my dog will stay on the Beneful. She didn't think that I should come in today. She also said that there is a prescription food that Thumper can go on and that we would talk about that on Monday too. Also she said that she will probably raise the insulin a bit. So should I ask about the meter? What kind of meter should I suggest to use? Do you guys have any questions that I can ask her? Will ask my vet about the that I will see what she says. Thanks! I am glad that I found this place. Last Edited By: Killiansmom 09/11/09 05:49 PM. Edited 2 times.
debbuna		#14	[-]
Moderator Posts: 2101 (09/11/09 06:25 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Thumpersomom, The meters are many and almost anyone will do. The key is to go to the pharmacy and look at all of them and check the cost of the strips (that the blood droplet goes into to get a measurement), and also the lancets used to do the stick to get the blood. You want one that can get a reading with the tiniest drop of blood possible. I use the One Touch Ultra Mini for my Lucy and I like it fine. I've also used the Ascencia Contour, which needs less blood to measure it. Many of the companies are giving the meters away for free, but be careful about that because many of them are expensive to use because of the cost of the strips. It's all a matter of preference. There are also meters made specifically for dogs- one is the alpha-trac. Almost all are available on-line. Once you decide and get what you need, we can help you learn to do it. Does Thumper have any calluses or warts on his legs or elbows? Those are good places to try if he has them. Other places to get blood are the inner lip, the ear, the base of the tail, and the foot pads. Let us know when you're ready. Testing is vital to managing diabetes, even for a dog, and learning to do it can save you so much money by not depending on the vets to do it. You will be so glad you did learn it. Don't be alarmed if the vet tries to discourage you from trying. They can lose alot of business to people like us. Just tell him you WILL be an involved owner and take charge of Thumper's diabetes and he will get the picture and maybe start to work with you to manage things. A good vet who is willing to help you help yourself is a gem and a keeper! 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		#15	[-]
Posts: 390 (09/11/09 07:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Once you get a meter, you can look on Ebay to get the stips and lancets. One good site is Store4Diabetics. You can get the stips for about half the price.
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#16	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/11/09 07:58 PM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Some here have had good luck with the ReliOn meter from Walmart .. The meter and the strips are cheaper then any other brand... Also you can go to our "Pet supply's to share forum " There are new meters there up for adoption if you want. Pet Supplies to Share Last Edited By: Killiansmom 09/11/09 08:02 PM. Edited 1 times.
Aprilgirlsmom		#17	[-]
Posts: 255 (09/14/09 12:57 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hi Thumpersmom, I would also like to add a good place online to purchase glucose testing kits. I used www.americandiabeteswholesale.com they are inexpensive. I purchased all the syringes from them and the meter kits. saves alot in comparison to local pharmacies. I feed my german shepherds Canidae (only the chicken and rice) .Another food I had luck with was Nature's Logic for my diabetic dog April mixed with Canidae cans (small amount) for taste. Her levels were well regulated with minimal stomach issues (german shepherds have very irritable systems) 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)
Thumpersmom		#18	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/14/09 03:46 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	just got back from the vets office with Thumper. We discussed changing his food to WD by Hills. She said stay at 2 1/2 cups 2 x a day. His blood glucose was 398 at 11 am this morning I fed him a 8 am. Since Thumper's symptoms haven't gotten any better she has agreed to increase his insulin to 22 units 2 x a day. She wants me to call her Thursday and give her an update on how his symptoms are. She wants to know if he is still drinking water and peeing a lot. Thank God I work from the home therefore I can keep an eye on Thumper. I told her that I would like to try using a meter on my dog. She is ok with this. She said to bring the meter in tomorrow and she will show me how to use it and when to test him. I am thinking of buying a meter today. Guess I will look on E bay as far as the prices for strips. Will post a picture of my boy when figure out how to do this Last Edited By: Killiansmom 09/14/09 03:50 PM. Edited 1 times.
Thumpersmom		#19	[-]
Posts: 12 (09/14/09 03:51 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	By the way I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Mindy.
Killiansmom.petswithdiabetes		#20	[-]
Posts: 1680 (09/14/09 03:53 PM) Owner /Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	If you go to our Pet Supplies to Share There are free meters and some are new in the box... I also used Wd at times with Killian,,, But I found the best results were with the can WD... is that what you have or the dry?

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Disclaimer/Important:

You will find a large source of experienced people amongst our membership ,but please consult with your veterinarian regarding any information you read on our forums. Our personal experiences, advice, and suggestions are personal opinions and not a substitute for proper veterinary care. Please seek your veterinarian's advice on any issue relating to your pet's health.

If you feel that your dog is in a medical crisis, please phone your veterinarian or after-hours emergency veterinary clinic.