Veterinary Medicine - May 2008 - (Page c21) 10 common concerns from owners of diabetic dogs ber diets can help control diabetes; however, many commercially available high- ber diets require a prescription or need to be purchased through veterinary clinics. This means they cost more than the average diet. I recommend high- ber diets for diabetic dogs but recognize that owners may not be willing to spend the money. Owners may say, “Sure doctor, I’ll feed my dog any diet that you recommend.” But that’s not always true—food can be an uphill battle. As a fall-back position, try to have owners agree not to feed semi-moist foods (any diet in a foil pouch), which can result in postprandial hyperglycemia, and to continue their dogs’ current diets and feeding schedules. Then the only variable we need to manage is the insulin dose. “We’re going out of town this weekend. It’ll be fine to skip these insulin doses, won’t it?” Helpful websites Share these informational websites with clients: • www.petdiabetes.org: Allows an owner to share personal experiences while providing educational information and support. • www.cat-dog-diabetes.com: Offers advice about insulin treatments and suitable diets for managing canine and feline diabetes. • www.bddiabetes.com/us: Outlines techniques for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring canine diabetes. 7. While missing an occasional dose probably won’t cause major diabetic complications, missing multiple consecutive doses can. We want owners to be able to live normal lives and feel that they have options when things arise that interfere with their dogs’ care. In my opinion, most owners of diabetic dogs that are euthanized make this decision based on nonmedical reasons. So anything we can do to make the owners’ lives easier can prolong their dogs’ lives. Help owners arrange for a dog sitter, such as a technician from your clinic, to give injections in their absence or board the dog if necessary. “Three units are the same as three ccs, right?” discussed in a written form, such as discharge instructions or preprinted forms. When they have questions, they can refer to the discharge sheet or forms or to the list of pre-approved websites you provided during the consultation. Many people have problems using insulin syringes, so discuss using insulin pens as an alternative, as well as small syringes (1/3 cc) that make dosing easier and more accurate. When using U-40 insulins, such as Vetsulin, make sure the owners are using U-40 insulin syringes. It’s a great idea to have owners demonstrate their preparation and insulin injection techniques with sterile saline in the clinic so you or your technician can ensure proper home administration. “I’m giving Patches the insulin, but he hasn’t eaten in three days.” 5. 6. It’s amazing how much owners can forget between the clinic and home, so always give them information you It’s important for owners to recognize that while their dogs are diabetic, they’re still prone to the diseases that can a ict any nondiabetic dog. In general, if a dog isn’t eating, it should receive half its insulin dose, and if it’s still not feeling 21 http://www.petdiabetes.com http://www.cat-dog-diabetes.com http://www.bddiabetes.com/us
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