Diabetic dog- deteriorating fast

[Carbcrazydog]

I can now strongly state that diabetes runs in the family....

My 7 year (approx) dog was diagnosed a couple of weeks  back. She has had weak hind legs (2 and 3 fingers on really thin hind legs so always had a limp while walking). Suddenly she is deteriorating so quickly. And now has trouble walking. Hardly wants to go out. So many times she pees on herself. I dont mind if she pees around the house but i go crazy thinking she will be sitting in her own pee for hours when i am at work. She is on insulin but its been 2 weeks and still getting weaker and thinner. Not very interested in eating even when i give her non veg which is a treat. Doc said that i need to give her insulin twice and if she does not eat, she could have a low blood sugar episode and slip in coma. So if she wont eat, i need to push food in syringe to her. Which sounds cruel to me. She wont even take medicine. Pushing food twice a day sounds so agonizing for her, to me

i am thinking of letting her go but not sure if i am taking away a chance that could have made things better. Has anyone ever had to put any pet down? And how do you know it is the right time/

[Shanny]

Oh so sorry, Paulomi.     Many years ago when my boys were children, our dog became diabetic too . . . she got very thin and eventually went blind. I gave her insulin injections and at first she regained the weight and was a lot better. That lasted a year or two before she became incontinent. Finally it got so we knew she wouldn't survive another winter and we had to have her put down.

It sounds as though your little dog progressed a lot faster. What does the vet say about increasing her insulin dosage? That's the only thing I can suggest. It's so hard when it comes down to this.

[Juniper68]

I had a cat who was 19.5 years old. She had what appeared to be either cancer or a necrotizing bacteria eating away at her face starting on her lower lip. It grew for several years and eventually made it difficult and painful for her to eat. But she did anyway. Then she began to wet herself every time she fell asleep. She had always been a clean cat and was clearly distressed by this. One morning I found her asleep in her litterbox. I decided for her dignity that it was time to let her go.

I'm sorry your dog is so ill. It is really hard to see them suffer. They are family.

[Shanny]

One morning I found her asleep in her litterbox. I decided for her dignity that it was time to let her go.

[skb]

Hi Paulomi,
That is really another tough situation you're in. I'm so sorry to hear that news.

I've had dogs since I was a school going kid. Have 2 at the moment. I've raised all kinds of breeds. Lost 2 of them to distemper. One was a month old pup & another a couple of years old. The older one was getting fits very frequently in the last stages & the vet suggested we put him to sleep and ease his agony somewhat. It was a tough desicion but I had to take it.

[bigskygal]

Oh Paulomi, I am so sorry about your dog.  My cat was recently dx as close to diabetic ( caused by meds he needs for an autoimmune issue) so I feel your pain.  At least you dog will allow you to give insulin.  I dread if I need to give insulin as I know my rescue kitty will never let me do that.  The diabetes issue is the result of one of the meds he gets for the autoimmune disease.  I have never had to put a pet down, I can't imagine the anguish the thought must cause.

[Carbcrazydog]

Thanks everyone. An update on this is that we started with two shots a day and she showed an improvement. But we had to reduce to one a day because of one hypo episode where she did not eat. So now we have, for now, figured out to give her two shots a day and make her eat something. Even her favourite food. I made some pasta for her today. Doctor said she ideally should eat diabetic food but if she doesn't then its best to give her whatever just so that she can take the shot. So I am trying portion control with her. Gave her two shots today and she is walking around the house. Though a little weak. For now I have decided to continue with two shots, figure out a way to give her non veg food (we are vegetarians so do not cook in the house) and keep my fingers crossed that she wont go hypo when I am at work. I am hoping and assuming that hypos will mostly take place soon after insulin and I plan to give her at 7 am and leave for work at 9 am. In the evening I will be there to monitor. It will kill me if she passes through a hypo episode when I am at work but then something could happen to her because of high blood sugars too. At least here I tried. Please wish us the best. Hope she recovers and has a few more happy years. She deserves so much more than what I have been able to give her.

[Shanny]

[Sweety]

Hello ccd

I'm praying for improvement in the health of your dog. I respect your feelings for your pet and the way you are taking care of her.

[patdart]

Good for you thinking of her pains as weak as yours.  We are their caretakers after all.

Hugs!

[starsign]

Oh Paulomi,

I hope she recovers soon. Wishing you Good Luck.

[Carbcrazydog]

Update on this- She is like a new dog completely after being put on 2 insulin shots a day. And she takes them so well. She seems to understand it is for the good of her and follows me all around the house like she did when she was younger.

My kids are closer to her after seeing her deteriorate so quickly and then see a miraculous recovery. My son makes sure to 'supervise' the injections so that i do it right.

She is blessed and we are much more to have her. Now fingers crossed that this sustains.

[Shanny]

Such a wonderful reprieve! She may have been feeling ill for quite a long time . . . so happy she's behaving more like she did when she was young! 

[starsign]

Paulomi,

I'm very happy to see your post. Good Luck with everything.

[Rhiannon]

Paulomi, I'm so glad to hear your dog is doing better and also willing to let you give her the two shots per day she needs.  Pets really do become a member of the family, and it is such a difficult decision when they begin to deteriorate, as to when it would be kinder to let them go vs. continuing on.