My dog has diabetes
 

Hi everyone. I just found out my little shiapoo has diabetes. She is about ten and it's pretty bad per her urinalysis and bloodwork. She also has an infection which they think is a urinary tract one, her T cells are high and will need two insulin shots a day plus three blood pricks in her ears each day to check her blood sugar level. It's going to be alot of trauma to her, work for me which I wouldn't mind if I weren't disabled and alot of money which I don't have. But my heart is torn. I don't want to put her down, but I don't want see her live like this either. If you have any thoughts on what I should do, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Renee,

My heart goes out. As I'm sure your vet told you, diabetes in cats & dogs is different in that, while cats can get type 1 or type 2, dogs only get type 1.

I think what you need now is information and time to assimilate. Hope these help:


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Doc

Hi renee
 

My heart goes out to you. Facing a pets illness is traumatic. My cat developed Kidney disease. I kept him going with fluids under the skin for almost two years. I did this at home, and he did tolerate it. Some pets can stand the constant pricking, some are just overwhelmed and stressed out. Only you can decide if you can handle what will need to be done to get your dog into better health. I know you don't want him to suffer. None of us do when health becomes critical. We are here to support you, while all these decisions are being made. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Pets are family, and I know how hard this is. ginnie:grouphug:

A diabetic dog can live a normal life. From friends I know with diabetic pets they get used to the monitoring pricks and the insulin injections over time.

Do you have anyone at home who can help you care for her?

I'm sorry your girl is sick. I am an animal lover and my babies mean everything to me.

Thanks so much Shelly for your advice. You are so nice. My husband and I gave it alot of thought and decided to try to give her a chance to live longer. We feel so bad that she has to get injections every day, but we feel we have to try to save her life. She's old but still so full of life. My husband gives her an injection of insulin each day after he comes home from work. I can't do it, because I can't hold the syringe and my hands are shaky. I give her an antibiotic orally twice daily for the UTI she has. She doesn't like the needle, but doesn't get that bothered from it either. And she already seems healthier and happier like her old self again. So we are very happy we're trying. I agree with you that they can live a normal and happy life. The only problem if finding the money to pay for her expenses. The vet was really nice and said we could set up a payment plan. It's still going to be hard, but we are going to try our hardest. Thanks to all for your kind and caring words. From your friend, Renee.

Hi Renee,
I just read your post here again and wondered how your little doggie is doing?

I am late seeing your post and am so sorry to hear the news. A friend of mine just learned recently of her dog having diabetes. The toll on the dog was awful at first. The dog went blind overnight. They considered putting the dog down but did not. Within a few weeks, the dog had regained his sight, perked up, is tolerating the injections just fine, and is back to his normal self in all other aspects. He did develop some behavioral issues for a few days, getting into the garbage and things he had never done before but that did not last for long. I have no idea why the temporary behavioral change but all is going very well now for both dog and family.

I wish the best for you and your 4 legged family member. I hope you can find some financial help as medical care for animals can be very expensive.

I am a HUGE dog lover so I appreciate your plight. Take care and know that you and your precious dog are in our thoughts and prayers. Don't panic if there are some good and bad days. Getting the blood sugar levels correct can be a challenge but it is possible. Your dog can bounce back after an episode of poor blood sugar levels.

Keep us posted.

Hi Doc,

That was VERY interesting.

Hopeless

I wanted to thank all of you for your kindness. My husband and I tried to keep our dog alive with insulin injections, (my husband gave her the injections while I tried to hold her still) but it was too traumatizing for her. We regretfully and very painfully had to put her to sleep about a week ago. We miss her terribly, but know that she is with her mother, my Great Aunt, in heaven now. Thank you again for you kindness. With love, Renee.

Oh Renee,
I'm so very sorry.

:hug: