Diabetes In Dogs, New to this and very confused already! Options

[ladywolf]

My beloved Ladywolf was just diagnosed today with diabetes, on top of having serious cancerous tumors on the inside of one hind leg, and a bad skin infection for which she is taking antibiotics. Starting tomorrow (I presume), I will be giving her insulin injections twice a day.

I have been shopping around on the internet for prices, generics, etc. for insulin--and now I'm confused. My vet said she would recommend Humulin N, 11 units twice a day, from a 10 ml bottle. Some postings said that Walmart sells the same insulin as "Novolin N," then someone else said that it was called something else but couldn't remember what...

Others of you with diabetic dogs--what insulin do you use, where do you buy it, and what do you pay for it (and for syringes)? Is Walmart my best bet, whatever they actually call the stuff? Do you do urine tests on your dogs daily, or occasionally?

I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed tonight. I'm okay with giving injections--I just feel really stressed out. I have two long threads in the Death ad Dying Pet Support Forum explaining the long road that Lady and I have already traveled with her cancer--it's been a tough one and is about to get tougher. I will be completely attached to having to be here every morning and evening now, won't I? I am almost all the time anyway, but fear that I may begin to feel trapped by these new circumstances. These are my icky feelings. On the plus side, I am really hoping that Ladywolf will respond to the insulin by feeling a lot better fairly quickly.

She IS fifteen, so none of this is a huge surprise--it's just caught me offguard and unprepared, this latest development. Poor Ladywolf. Poor Margi!

Big hugs to everyone--

Margi and the Wonder Wolf

[janika]

Dear Margi

I would use the insulin that the vet recommends and in the exact dose she says to start off with. The testing sticks and syringes you might be able to get cheaper from places such as Walmart, or on-line chemists. You can maybe economise on those, but stick to the right insulin, there are many available and its important to get your vets opinion on which one is right for Ladywolf.
We found that beacuase Tasha's sugar levels fluctuated so much from day to day, we urine tested twice daily , just prior to administering her insulin shots. This might seem excessive but we got into the habit of doing this and at least that way we could tell what her 'levels' were and adjust the insulin up or down gradually until she got to an acceptable level. It seemed to work and our vet was amazed at how well she did once it was stabilized. Feeding at regular times is very important too, and not deviating from her usual food or giving extra titbits.
If you have any doubts ask to speak to the nurse at the vets, who I am sure will be able to help you get started. We were lucky that we had a Diabetes specialist nurse at our vets. Don't be worried to ask any questions, it's important that you are clear about it all. It can seem complicated at first but believe me you will soon get into a regular routine and will find that it's not hard at all.

Love Jan xx

[ladywolf]

Dear Margi

I would use the insulin that the vet recommends and in the exact dose she says to start off with. The testing sticks and syringes you might be able to get cheaper from places such as Walmart, or on-line chemists. You can maybe economise on those, but stick to the right insulin, there are many available and its important to get your vets opinion on which one is right for Ladywolf.
We found that beacuase Tasha's sugar levels fluctuated so much from day to day, we urine tested twice daily , just prior to administering her insulin shots. This might seem excessive but we got into the habit of doing this and at least that way we could tell what her 'levels' were and adjust the insulin up or down gradually until she got to an acceptable level. It seemed to work and our vet was amazed at how well she did once it was stabilized. Feeding at regular times is very important too, and not deviating from her usual food or giving extra titbits.
If you have any doubts ask to speak to the nurse at the vets, who I am sure will be able to help you get started. We were lucky that we had a Diabetes specialist nurse at our vets. Don't be worried to ask any questions, it's important that you are clear about it all. It can seem complicated at first but believe me you will soon get into a regular routine and will find that it's not hard at all.

Love Jan xx

Yes, Jan, you're probably right. Although it does seem that Walmart carries a generic for the exact same insulin. How on earth do you go about urine testing? I haven't seen Ladywolf pee in weeks now--it seems like she almost never goes. But, of course, I haven't been following her around every moment either. She's very lethargic today, I have to get on this right away, but I feel really depressed. I need support to get over this hurdle. I haven't been very well myself lately--am NOT taking very good care of myself. Half my food budget goes into feeding her already--this is going to be an unbelievable financial burden for me, even though the insulin and syringes are not all THAT expensive. But I have no steady income right now, so...

I feel pretty lethargic myself in this moment; almost unable to do anything at all. I have to make calls to check prices for insulin and supplies--maybe I should go to a friend's house to do that so I can get more motivated...

This is just an awful lot to deal with. Her skin infection still looks terrible, though I DO think that it is slowly healing...

Thanks for your input--

Margi and the Wonder Wolf

[janika]

Dear Margi

Yes it's a very daunting prospect I know. I can remember so well how we felt when Tasha was diagnosed, but it really is not so bad when you get into the routine and of course it is of vital importance for Ladywolf's well being that the correct levels of the right insulin are given. As for the urine testing, we used to follow Tasha outside for her first morning squat and strategically place an empty and well cleaned margarine or similar tub to catch a little (sometimes it was a very little too). Then in with the testing stick. We have been seen to be chasing her around the yard on many occasions, pot in hand ready for action. Then again before her evening meal time. It's not vital to test twice a day as we did, as long as you can see what her sugar levels are on a regular basis so that the insulin dose can be adjusted to get to the correct reading.
You will feel better when you have your supplies and have read all your instructions. Insulin has to be kept in the fridge and just tilt the bottle slowly to mix it before using it . Don't shake it hard . It just has to be a gentle action to make sure its mixed in solution. It will have clear instructions on the tiny bottle. Be careful not to drop it, as we did on one occasion. Luckily the vets was open for new supplies.
You have done so much for your dear Ladywolf and look how its paid off, the Wonderwolf, just such a bummer that this had to happen. She will probably have more energy again when she starts having her shots.
Don't forget to look after yourself too. I do hope that you get good news about the job soon. It will take a lot of the pressure and worry from you.
Thinking of you and the 'Wonderwolf'
Love Jan x My Angels xx and Pixie x

[moon_beam]

Hi, Margi. I can well imagine that you are feeling overwhelmed right now. Don't worry, please, this WILL work out. It may help you to go to a website called rxassist.org. Click on the "patient information" or whatever it's called but the word "patient" is in the title, and it will open you up to a page that you can research the different insulins. Just type in the name of the insulin and it will bring up the information - - manufacturer's name, how it's sold, etc. Although this is for "human" prescriptions, the manufacturers for veterinary pharmaceuticals are the same, so you'll be able to get the "basic" information on this website.

Jan has given you very excellent advice that it is best to stay with the insulin recommended by your vet, although most of the pharmacies will give a generic substitute unless otherwise instructed not to by the doctor on the prescription. Also, some drug manufacturers have a program where you can get a discount on prescriptions if your vet participates. One of the meds that Abbygayle was on qualified for this, and the vet tech submitted our application for it. Unfortunately, Abbygayle didn't live long enough to benefit from it. But - - the point is to talk to your vet tech and see what programs, if any, are available.

Please let us know how your visit with the vet tech goes, okay? And - - remember - - You are not alone in this. Even though we are not physically there with you in AZ, please know we are here for you walking with you and Ladywolf in this new experience in your journey together.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam