Pet Spotlight - Toby

                        DIABETES 

          The Value of Senior Blood Testing    

History:  Toby is a 7 1/2 year old male/neutered terrier mix who presented for increased thirst and urination and weight loss.  His attitude and appetite were good.

Physical examination:  Comprehensive physical examination was normal, except for heavy tartar on teeth and gingivitis.  Body condition score was 4 out of 9, which is lean but not underweight.

Diagnostics:  Complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis and radiographs.  Abnormal results were hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (glucose in urine).  Diagnosis:  Diabetes Mellitus

Treatment:  Toby was started on Humulin NPH insulin every 12 hours.  His blood sugar is tested with a glucometer as needed to check his insulin dosage.  His diabetes is managed with 9 units of NPH Insulin every 12 hours and a strict prescription diet.  He eats at regular times and gets daily exercise.  He eats prescription diet DCO from Purina, measured portions twice daily which are adjusted so he does not become overweight.

Did You Know?
Diabetes in dogs, like in humans, is believed to be hereditary but being overweight increases risk.
Diabetes in cats, unlike dogs, can sometimes be controlled by a high protein, low carbohydrate diet without insulin.
Heavy tartar and gingivitis can make diabetes more difficult to manage; therefore, dental treatments are recommended for diabetic patients when they need it.
Most "parents" and their pets become very comfortable with blood sugar or urine testing and giving insulin injections. Want to know more?  For tons of information visit www.petdiabetes.com                                                      

As part of their senior testing, many patients will have their blood pressure measured, like our feline patient to the left.

    Monitoring Diabetics

It may seem overwhelming at first, but checking blood sugars at home can become routine. It will help catch problems early and save money over the long run.  Clients talk to the veterinarian about their test results at home in addition to bi-annual examinations and follow-up care.  Clients that are unable to check blood sugars will sometimes opt to check urine glucose levels.

Toby's upper lip is used to test his blood sugar.  Only a couple of drops of blood are needed.  The lancet that comes with the glucometer is used.  Blood sampling may also be performed on a paw-pad or the skin in front of his tail.  For Toby, one person can get his sample, but some dogs require two people to do the job.

A One Touch glucometer from CVS or Walmart is used to check Toby's blood sugar periodically.  More species specific glucometers are available through veterinarians.  Every few weeks a blood sugar curve is performed- blood sugar is determined every 2 hours for 12 hours.  This helps to ensure Toby is staying above 70 and below 300 during the course of the day. 

Toby's mom and dad try to give him his insulin as close to every 12 hours as possible!  His insulin dose remains fairly constant, but sometimes the dose needs to be adjusted based on symptoms and blood sugar testing.

Luckily, dogs and cats don't have problems with diabetes associated with bones, joints and liver like people do.  Many dogs however do develop cataracts from diabetes.