My precious Mitzy has been diagnosed with diabetes

[erinlough]

We have her shaved every summer and this year over the winter she developed a bear spot which had sparse hair and was a different color from her hair. My groomer tipped me off that changes in fur and color can indicate thyroid problems so I had her tested. The result came back negative. Then in the last two weeks she started drinking copious amounts of water, losing weight, and peeing on the floor, something she has never done. We took her today and the vet took a urine test and confirmed her sugar was high. Now we are waiting to see what type of diabetes it is and what we will have to do for her.

She has been through so much. She was my parents dog and the both died in 2007 and she has lived with us and her sister ever since. I wondered if anyone here is caring for a diabetic dog and can relate their story including what it might cost. Thanks

[MadMaddie]

1. Mitzy know you love her and you are doing the best for her.

I hope it's a change of diet that will help.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Can't tell you about dogs, but I had a diabetic cat for a long time.

I gave him insulin shots twice a day. He got along just fine for years and passed away from unrelated causes. Managing his diabetes was not especially difficult. I hope it's the same with your dog.

[erinlough]

3. That's great to hear.

It is kind of overwhelming me, but I know we'll get it under control.

[ceile]

4. My cat has diabetes.

He was diagnosed at 3 and is now 11. It's easily controlled with special food and insulin. Don't worry-she'll be fine. I've heard that insulin for dogs can be given in a pill form, so you may not have to worry about daily injections.

[erinlough]

5. That would be great but

I haven't found information that says there are pills. I am worried about the cost. I'm close to retiring but from what I've read the costs can be up to 180 a month. Oh well, I'll just keep working as long as she needs me. What else do I have to do? I am going to try to get the insulin from Canada, I have relatives there and maybe that will cut down the cost of insulin at least.

[ceile]

12. We're on a tight budget and I don't find it too much of a struggle.

The insulin is $42 for a bottle, but it will last up to 6 months (he gets 4 units twice a day) and the needles are $30 and come 100 to a box (50 days worth). However, the food is the pricey part....

[Blue Gardener]

13. My cat takes pills for his diabetes

It's called Glipizide. Ask your vet to at least give it a try first. The biggest expense has been all the blood tests to monitor while we got the diabetes under control. Good luck.

[roody]

6. I have an old cat that was diagnosed 13 months ago

with diabetes. He wasn't really my cat; he lived at the house I bought. I have been here 10 years and he was an adult when I moved in. I took him to the vet because he was so skinny. I declined the insulin shots because I do not love him that much and I was not willing to make that commitment to him. He lives on! He eats a lot, and I feed him the best food I can. He drinks a lot and pees a lot. He lives outside but I try to get him inside for the night. He has no intention of dying soon. He is very thin, but all he has to do is lay around in the grass in my large yard. He is happy though I can sometimes see in his face that he doesn't feel too good.

[Why Syzygy]

7. .

:popcorn:

[erinlough]

8. suprisingly I can see how you feel

I grew up on a farm and animals made it or they didn't so there is part of me that understands how you feel. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on your view I have fallen in love with this pup and her health is important to me. I also have a niece who is diabetic and I know how much better she can feel if she has the proper meds. I can promise you if my mom and dad were still alive she would not get treatment, they never took their animals to the vet unless I made them and paid for it.

[roody]

11. I would give insulin to an animal I deeply loved.

This guy is more of a yard cat. He doesn't like to be held, but he likes to have his head and neck petted. He is skinny.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. That's awful! If you don't care enough about him to help him,

since he's obviously suffering, can't you at least try to find another home for him with someone who will love him and help him? How anyone could knowingly let an animal suffer is just beyond me. Giving insulin shots to a cat is not a big hassle and isn't especially expensive, I did it for about 7 years. Dammit, do something for that poor cat.

[roody]

10. He is happy enough. He is old.

I baby him, and pet him. He likes his life. My large yard is cat heaven. I will not let him suffer at the end. I volunteer at a shelter; there are plenty of cats that need help.