What else could we do for this diabetic dog?

RE: What else could we do for this diabetic dog?

Riakx — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:08:03 GMT

Has an area of fur been clipped? Show the different sites to inject - corners of clipped area, then onto the middle of the straights. They r then able to see and feel the amount of skin to lift to inject into.
Caninsulin Pens are great, however even some arthritic clients fine it hard to twist and inject. Have the owners been able to watch the insulin recordings for Pet Owners? It can give them that bit more information. There are also Pet Groups that can help too.

another option is ‘outsourcing’ if the practices allows.
Is there a local RVN that does house visits (mobile/district vet nurse) they can be there to assist in the journey in the home. Help with organising.

Good luck.

RE: What else could we do for this diabetic dog?

Diane Hildreth-Osborn — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:40:34 GMT

Thank you so much. A nice surprise.

RE: What else could we do for this diabetic dog?

Carolyn Edwards — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:54:12 GMT

Thank you very much. I'll enjoy spending it!

RE: What else could we do for this diabetic dog?

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:41:47 GMT

Carolyn Edwards and Diane Hildreth-Osborn £50 Amazon Vouchers on their way to you for your contributions to this thread - have a nice day!

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

tessa — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 18:34:00 GMT

HI,

Has anybody created a support network in their practices for all diabetic pet owners. Maybe an evening get together in practice to discuss how people deal with their pets etc and set up a network with a facebook page / whatsapp group. They may not feel so alone in their struggles.

Does anybody do a mark on the animal so they know where to put the injection in eg with a pen mark ?

If its a mexican hairless / thin skin can you prep with EMLA? Sorry just trying to think out of the box...

:-)

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Carolyn Edwards — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:30:58 GMT

That's such a shame, although PTS may well be the best option for the dog and its owners in these circumstances. Whatever happens, you've done your best to support the owners. Hope you are OK. xx

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Emma.b.25 — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:38:14 GMT

They are on caninsulin, discussed vet pens with them also, but I feel it’s their anxieties they are pushing onto the dog. They were in on Saturday for vet to give injection as they could not do it again. Discussion of pts were also made.
they have appointment tomorrow but I’m going to give them a ring today and see how they are coping.

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:31:36 GMT

Lovely to see such interesting questions and helpful answers being posted. Love it. Emma.b.25 Don't forget that if you change the settings in your profile to display your real name (click 'my account' itself, and not the dropdowns that appear, the click the 'post options' tab and tick the box to display real name and save), and subscribe to the digest (https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/p/questions), you'll be in the running with everyone else for an Amazon voucher!

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Clare Espley — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 07:55:02 GMT

All great ideas already. If they are really struggling a buddy system with another owner could help? If you have a trusted owner already on your books with a diabetic dog that is doing really well and the owner is sensible and savvy, they may be willing to reach out to your new diabetic owner and offer them some support. This can be really helpful with older owners who may not be as internet savvy as other owners. Obviously not all clients would be willing to do this but if you have one that could fit the bill it may be worth reaching out.

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Diane Hildreth-Osborn — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:30:52 GMT

What insulin are you using? If it’s Caninsulin, you may be better using the Vetpen?

RE: Help for new diabetic dog

Carolyn Edwards — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:21:58 GMT

They might find an insulin pen (Caninsulin Vet Pen, not sure if there are any others) easier to handle. Also, vary the injection site so that it's not always in the same place, such as off to the side rather than midline, and make sure they aren't pinching the scruff too hard when injecting. Distracting the dog with something tasty can help - you can get licky mats that stick onto cabinet doors, or a Yoggie Pot might be better for them - the dog needs to be focused on getting its treat rather than the injection, and I wouldn't be too worried about using something that isn't an ideal diabetic food, as long as it's only a small amount and isn't just swallowed down without the dog having to make some effort to get it. Once they are confident they may be able to do it without a treat. They should prepare everything before getting the dog, one should restrain and distract, and the other give the injection. Lots of practice injecting water into something will boost their confidence and syringe handling skills, making them faster and smoother. You could investigate Facebook groups aimed at owners of diabetic dogs, and find one that you are happy to recommend.

Your rep for the drug company that produce the insulin the dog is on may be able to help too.

Caregiver burden can be overwhelming for some people, and they are probably feeling guilty about struggling to cope, as well as feeling guilty for upsetting their dog. Hopefully, with a bit more persistence on your part, you will get them comfortable with the process. Good luck.