My baby Ricky

[Ricksma]

Hi! My name is Teresa, and I am a new member here. I have a 4 yo Chihuahua named Ricky Ricardo (I know he was Cuban, but it seemed to fit). He was diagnosed in July of 2007, and I was devastated. Since that time, we have done fairly well, but now I think it is time to start some supplements to his diet, and I wonder if anyone knows what I can give him for kidney health? CoQ10 has been recommended...does anyone else here give that? Thanks so much for this forum...it is sorely needed.

Love and hugs,
Teresa and Ricky:D

[ladysmom06]

Hi Teresa,

My Lady gets a multi vitamin call pet plus and also is on fish oil and cosequin. I just bought milk thistle for her and will be starting that soon. She is on a homecooked diet. Sorry:( I don't know anything about CoQ10. Hugs to you and Ricky.

[johanna]

Teresa....
OMG !!!! you have Ricky!!!!!!! I have Lucy !!!!!!
TO funny,,,,,
We named her that because nothing else fit.....
shes new a rrescue...
And she is a complete Lucy ....
And we call her that with the Ricky axcent !
And shes always getting into something and getting in trouble ( still a puppy )
And the line around here is .....
LUUUCY LUUUCY... You Got SOME SPLAINING TO DO !!!!!!!

[Ricksma]

Hi all!! Just a question, not really a problem, yet. I keep a log of Ricky's bg readings, and going over them this morning, I noticed that about every 7 - 10 days, he throws me a high reading...not HI, but higher than normal for him. He is usually in the 90-170 range, but every few days, he will be 220, 230, 195. Has anyone else had this happen with a fairly well-regulated kid? I know that there is a threshold for organ damage, though I'm not sure what it is? Any thoughts??

Thanks so much.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky:confused:

[johanna]

Teresa......
Good morning,....
I would Kill for your numbers.... Those are really good......
as far as the hi every few days... Well I get that too... But my highs are so much higher......there in the hi400's.....
Someone just posted this very same thing ( I think)... I would have to go back to see who....
I dont know why that happens.... Same food... same time of feeding.... same amount of Insulin... but after days of good numbers it shoots up.....
Maybe someone here has the answer ... I dont... sorry...
but I will be looking back to see if someone has a explanation for it...

[Ricksma]

Johanna, I think part of the reason that Rick stays in a pretty good range is that he was diagnosed VERY early on....since I had previously had a diabetic pet, I knew exactly what I was seeing.....and when he was diagnosed, his bg was in the 300s. So, he didn't get really sick, thank God, and the journey down to normal range wasn't so far. At least that's what my brain is telling me. (Sometimes I'm not sure I should listen to it, though!!!) LOL :p

[k9diabetes]

Hi all!! Just a question, not really a problem, yet. I keep a log of Ricky's bg readings, and going over them this morning, I noticed that about every 7 - 10 days, he throws me a high reading...not HI, but higher than normal for him. He is usually in the 90-170 range, but every few days, he will be 220, 230, 195. Has anyone else had this happen with a fairly well-regulated kid? I know that there is a threshold for organ damage, though I'm not sure what it is? Any thoughts??


I wouldn't worry about those numbers at all. Since they come back down on their own, I imagine they're some uneven cortisol release. Chris' BG wanders through a range too, almost like waves of slowly increasing, then slowly decreasing in small amounts. He's always been that way.

I don't think anyone knows at what point organ damage occurs. And the good news is that dogs do not generally suffer the same kind of complications from diabetes that people do. Dogs who have stayed in the 200s and 300s have lived long life spans with the main side effects being cataracts and the tendency to get UTIs. I think they chalk a lot of it up to the shorter life span of dogs. The damage that occurs in people probably comes in part from living with high blood sugar for 20 and 30 years. But dogs also seem to tolerate the higher levels better.

I firmly believe in good regulation but also believe that it's not the end of the world if a dog can't stay in the 100s. Some dogs just aren't going to be able to get there and it doesn't mean they can't have a good full life.

You and Ricky and doing great!!

Natalie

[johanna]

Teresa.....
I just read Natale's post... and Killian i believe is one of those dogs who isint going to get there.....
His numbers are almost always in the 200's and low 300's....
I know I should try to get him lower, and i have tried....I also found too much insulin brings him higher sometime... ( cant figure that one out !)..
But I'm so use to it its normal for us.....
Its when he goes low I panic....... He don't do that too often ....
last time was the "Wendy's experience"... But as bad as that was I also learned a lot from it.......
I think as soon as I start using some R things might change.....
If I see a good improvement with the middle meal and shot of R,,,
Ill proubably try to use R morning and early evening and go to N for the night time.....
You were lucky to have cought Ricky's diabetes so early..... Most of us haven't been that lucky.... or had earlier experience...
I think its Deloris's post ... " Ilostit" who is experiencing the same thing....
I didn't go back to check ... I'm guessing... Hope I'm right....

[Ricksma]

Johanna, Are you planning to use R with Killian? Because I give Ricky a small amount of R with his N at injection time, and it really seems to be working for us. I have been doing this almost since diagnosis, and the only time I don't give him any R insulin is when his BG is 80 or below. I think it helps, and I hope you find that it will help Killian, too.

Natalie, now that you mention it, I think that Ricky's increase is a slow gradual thing over several days, then he has a higher than normal number, then he goes back down to normal. That is really strange...I will try to pay closer attention to what is going on at the time, but honestly, like you said, I don't think there are any outside influences...I think they just try to keep us on our toes....I would be bored any other way!!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky:p

[johanna]

Teresa....
Yes.... I'm leaving to go to Wall marts in a bit....
Im picking up more insulin... N & R ....
For me this is all new.... But Natale has been using R with 4 meals and shot for Chris for a long time now and it works well for her too...
She explained that R is pure insulin and has nothing in it.. That might just be what Killian needs... He was allergic to the Vetsulin and thats when we made the change....to Nph....
Im not mixing at this point.... What we talked about was giving the R at his middle meal at 5pm.... to cover that food till 11pm .....
Killian had Pancreatitis... ( Has ) and more frequent meals are recommended
I was doing 4 meals but he would miss a meal sometime because my job would require me to be some where and I was unable to give that meal....
I felt it better to go to the 3 meal a day plan ... that was i wouldn't break his schedule ...
But he seams to start running high after that middle meal.... so the R should cover that.....
I have one question about all this....
If Im going to start the R at the middle meal....should I still be giving the same 31 unit of N at the morning food and shot meal?...
even though there isint enough insulin working to cover that middle meal, there is still some there because N is a 12 hr insulin....
Im sure Ill have my answer before I begin.. ( tomorrow)....
And I think it will be only about 3or 4 units... This was already discussed ....
Then if I use R for both meals morning and early evening... the insulin dose will change to more at each shot because R only lasts about 6 hrs....
So at this point im not sure if its going to be used as a Supplement or not....

[eyelostit]

Niki's reading do the same thing, we can be good at 150- 200 then in a few days get a 330 and that can last for 2 or 3 days then we go back to what I consider normal, i guess its just how there body works, with Niki's ups and downs shes AOK, 5 yrs diabetic now, so I guess I am doing things right.

As long as Ricky seems himself and is happy I'd say he is AOK :rolleyes:

[Ricksma]

Really funny this should come up today...last night Ricky was at 210 (high for him), so I tweaked the insulin just a smidge. Normally, when I do this, the next reading is normal, and we move on. Well, this morning, he was at 230. I didn't change his shot, but this is the first time I feel he was high for the entire 12 hours...at least since right after diagnosis. I hate it when they do this...nothing like keeping you wired for sound!!! LOL:eek: I am going to check him midday today, and see how it looks...

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Kiska'smom]

Hi Teresa,

You are so right about being "wired for sound!" These guys sure keep us hopping!!! Hope that things are now returning to normal!

Hugs,

Jeanne and Kiska

[forscooter]

Hi Teresa,

Can I just tell you how much I love Ricky's ears???!!!:D:D:D

And the "just because" off-readings are enough to drive anyone nuts!

You sound like such a great mom though! And when I'm off, I "wire" my whole house for sound! LOL!

Lots of hugs!! Beth, Scooter and Bailey

[Ricksma]

In the last few days, I have decided to drop the amount of protein in Ricky's diet, and increase the amount of W/D that he is eating. I have been concerned about too much protein being hard on his kidneys...we lost our last diabetic pet to kidney failure. Amazingly, and I hope I am not jinxing anything here, his numbers have been better than ever. Here is hoping that when he goes back for his blood work in a month, it will be even closer to normal than it was before. Fingers, toes, eyes, and paws crossed!!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky :p

[k9diabetes]

Hi Teresa,

That would be cool if the WD levels out Ricky's blood glucose even more. Back when Humulin L was still available, I recall a couple of people who actually wound up reducing their dog's insulin dosage when they went to WD because the match to food and insulin was better.

Beth's input on constantly fluctuating glucose has been interesting. A friend whose dog has worn the continuous glucose monitor at UGA was mentioning that they are trying on the CGM and are finding a lot of variability in dogs' blood sugar levels.

Natalie

[Kiska'smom]

Hi All,

This is a bit of a hijack, but how does the WD differ from ID? Kiska is on Hill's ID, and I would love to use anything that might lower her BG's!

Hi Teresa,

Hope that Ricky is doing well with the change in diet. Let me know!

Jeanne and Kiska

[We Hope]

Jeanne,

Here's what's at Hill's for I/D dry & canned and W/D dry & canned. You'll see here that W/D can be used for some digestive problems also. Both W/D dry and canned have a lot more fiber to them then either of the I/D's do:

http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760640

i/d® Canine dry
For the Nutritional Management of Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders affect the stomach and intestines, causing painful symptoms and problems with your dog’s overall health. Some of the more common symptoms include vomiting, regurgitation, flatulence, weakness, diarrhea or constipation. Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine dog food is a highly digestible formula created specifically to help manage dogs with GI disorders. There are several types of GI disorders that affect dogs, including colitis, constipation/diarrhea, gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. The nutritional formulation of Prescription Diet® i/d® may also be useful for pets with a variety of conditions.

Product Characteristics

Digestibility High
Fat Moderate
Potassium Increased
Mixed Fiber Source Added
B-Complex Vitamins Increased

Crude Fiber 3.5 Maximum As Fed 2.5 Dry Matter 2.7 As Fed, Caloric Basis 0.6 mg/100 kcal3

Ingredients

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Ethoxyquin (a preservative).

http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760532

i/d® Canine canned
For the Nutritional Management of Dogs with Gastrointestinal Disorders Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders affect the stomach and intestines, causing painful symptoms and problems with your dog’s overall health. Some of the more common symptoms include vomiting, regurgitation, flatulence, weakness, diarrhea or constipation. Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine dog food is a highly digestible formula created specifically to help manage dogs with GI disorders. There are several types of GI disorders that affect dogs, including colitis, constipation/diarrhea, gastroenteritis and pancreatitis. The nutritional formulation of Prescription Diet® i/d® may also be useful for pets with a variety of conditions.

Product Characteristics

B-complex Vitamins
Potassium Increased Help replace nutrients lost with diarrhea and vomiting.
Digestibility High Ensure easy assimilation by the GI tract.
Fat Moderate Ensure adequate nutrient intake with smaller portions of food.
Mixed Fiber Added A combination of soluble and insoluble fiber from the mixed fiber source helps support volatile fatty acid production and modifies bowel transit time.

Crude Fiber 0.5 max As Fed 0.3 Dry Matter 1.0 As Fed, Caloric Basis 0.2 mg/100 kcal3

Ingredients

Water, Egg Product, Turkey, Rice, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Pork Liver, Soy Fiber, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Riboflavin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid.

http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760433

w/d® Canine dry
For Weight Control and the Nutritional Management of Fiber Responsive Diseases

Excess weight, diabetes and digestive troubles can cause problems for your dog. Feeding the right food can help your pet live a healthier lifestyle. Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine dog food, with its fiber rich formula, may be useful as a nutritional aid for dogs with fiber responsive diseases such as diabetes mellitus, colitis, diarrhea, constipation, and to help manage overweight dogs, including those with struvite urolithiasis. The nutritional formulation of Prescription Diet® w/d® may also be useful for pets with a variety of conditions.

Product Characteristics

Carnitine High Magnesium Reduced
Calories Low Phosphorus Reduced
Fat Low Sodium Low
Fiber Increased

Added Antioxidants Help reduce free radical damage to counteract oxidative stress

Target Urine pH Acid (6.2 - 6.4)*

Crude Fiber 20.0 max As Fed 14.9 Dry Matter 16.4 As Fed, Caloric Basis 5.0 mg/100 kcal3

Ingredients

Ground Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose 17.1% (source of fiber), Chicken by-product Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Mill Run, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Iron Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, L-Lysine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), preserved with BHT, BHA and Ethoxyquin, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, Beta-Carotene.

http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524441760455

w/d® Canine canned
For Weight Control and the Nutritional Management of Fiber Responsive Diseases

Excess weight, diabetes and digestive troubles can cause problems for your dog. Feeding the right food can help your pet live a healthier lifestyle. Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine dog food, with its fiber rich formula, may be useful as a nutritional aid for dogs with fiber responsive diseases such as diabetes mellitus, colitis, diarrhea, constipation, and to help manage overweight dogs, including those with struvite urolithiasis. The nutritional formulation of Prescription Diet® w/d® may also be useful for pets with a variety of conditions.

Product Characteristics

Carnitine High Magnesium Reduced
Calories Low Phosphorus Reduced
Fat Low Sodium Low
Fiber Increased

Added Antioxidants Help reduce free radical damage to counteract oxidative stress

Target Urine pH Acid (6.2 - 6.4)*

Crude Fiber 5.0 max As Fed 3.1 Dry Matter 12.4 As Fed, Caloric Basis 3.5 mg/100

Ingredients

Water, Egg Product, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pork Liver, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Iodized Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, L-Tryptophan, Ascorbic Acid (source of vitamin C), L-Carnitine, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite.

You might ask your vet about a try with the W/D--I think if you can switch to it, you'll see lower bg's and less fluctuation in them.

HTH!

[k9diabetes]

Why was she put on ID? Was there a particular condition it was being used to address?

Natalie

[Ricksma]

Jeanne, So far, so good. He has had really good numbers since I increased the amount of W/D, and decreased the amount of protein (meat). With the exception of one day when I gave TOO MUCH of a midday treat, he has not gone above 160...that's pretty darn good!!! I will let you know if this holds out, but it's been great so far.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky :D

[Kiska'smom]

Hi Teresa,

That is pretty darn good! Yes, please let me know if things continue to go well.

Natalie, Kiss was put on ID because her first blood panel showed pancreatitis. She never had any symptoms of that, but the SPEC CpL was at 699, consistant with pancreatitis. I have thought that maybe the pancreatic problems caused the diabetes, but I don't know that for sure.

Thanks, Teresa, for sharing your thread with me!

Hugs,

Jeanne and Kiska

[Ricksma]

No problem, Jeanne...what are board friends for? LOL:p

[Kiska'smom]

Hi Teresa,

You can share my thread anytime, too! LOL

Jeanne and Kiska

[Ricksma]

Well, I was thinking that increasing the amount of W/D Ricky was getting, and decreasing the amount of protein was going to be the way to go. His bg was better than ever, and he really seemed to feel great. Three days ago, he decided that he didn't want to eat the W/D anymore, and I have been begging him to eat. I think he wants to put me in my place...:rolleyes: Anyway, I will keep you guys informed...I am going to try feeding the W/D from the can instead of baked. He didn't like it that way when he was dx'd, but it may be a different story now....ARRGH!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[eyelostit]

hang in there, maybe a sprinkle of parmesaean cheese would help,
till next ime.:)

[k9diabetes]

Apparently there's some sort of coordinated refusal to eat!!

Ricky, Bogie, and Montana are in on it so far. :p

Natalie

[Ricksma]

Well, this morning, no way would he eat the baked W/D that he has been eating with no problem for months now. I actually placed the pieces of food in his mouth where he would have to bite down on it...no go. In a fit of exasperation, I put some W/D straight from the can (which he absolutely refused in the beginning) into a bowl...and voila!! You would think it was steak. Sometimes I think he does this stuff to keep me from getting too comfortable with the routine. ;) This afternoon, I will just try the canned and see what happens, but , sheesh, gimme a break!!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Kiska'smom]

Nothing like a little drama in our lives, huh?

I'm glad that Ricky is eating again. Who knows what goes on in those furry heads? I think they just like to keep us on our toes!

Hugs,

Jeanne and Kiska

[BestBuddy]

Hi Teresa,
I real hate it when they won't eat. If they weren't diabetic I would say go hungry till the next meal but........hopefully this will just be a passing phase with Ricky and things will be back to normal soon.
Jenny & Buddy

[ladysmom06]

Hi Teresa,

Sorry to hear that Ricky has been giving you problems with eating. Lady still pulls that every once in awhile. Around last year this time the vet and IMS wanted me to try the W/D again - so I bought a couple of cans and was slowly adding the W/D a little at a time - couldn't believe it but Lady was actually eating it. I then bought a whole case and wouldn't you know it she refused to eat. I even tried adding less to her food - I homecook for her and she still wouldn't eat so I just gave up. I feed her ground turkey , chicken or beef but I have to add two together - if I just give one she won't eat. Hope you can get Ricky eating again. Hugs to you and Ricky.

[Ricksma]

We haven't been here in a while...we had some family health issues that have been resolved (thank goodness), and I wanted to update everyone. I am saddened by the trouble some of the babies are having, and grateful that we are not facing any crisis. Ricky had his first anniversary earlier this month, and it made me stop and send up thanks for his continued health. I am so grateful for all the support and information I have received from all my board friends, I know that it has been essential to his well-being. Thank you all so much! I hope that we will be here for a long time to come.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

http://i.aolcomments.com/scraps/files/comments/happy.anniversary/anniversary%20(17).gif

Ricky's First Anniversary!

Teresa,

How are things going now with the W/D or did you end up needing to do home cooking? Know you were having a hard time "selling" the idea of that W/D to Ricky.

Kathy

[forscooter]

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY RICKY!!!!!:D:D:D:D:D

GREAT JOB, TERESA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of hugs!! Beth, Scooter and Bailey

[Ricksma]

Kathy, Thanks for remembering about the food issue with Rick. He FINALLY got out of the funk with the baked WD, and got back on track. I just kept pushing it on him...lol...and he ate some of it. I think he just had a period of time when he wasn't interested in it at all, and he got over it. Thank goodness. He generally eats well in the evenings, but like a lot of the kids, not so well in the morning. We just keep on keeping on...I'm lucky to have him.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Dollydog]

Congratulations on your first anniversary....I remember what a big milestone that is! :D :D :D
Here's wishing you many more...take care,
Jo-Ann & Lady :)

[Debbie & Apollo]

Hi Teresa, I noticed you mentioned "baked w/d"

I'm game --- or stupid :D
do you just take it out if can and bake it in the oven??

I hope Ricky continues to eat.... it is sooo hard when they refuse.

Debbie and Apollo

[Ricksma]

Debbie...that's exactly what I do. I chill the can in refrigerator to make it easier to slice...when it's chilled, open the can, run a knife around the inside of the can to make it come out easier. When you have the dog food out of the can, slice it into pretty thin slices, put on a cookie sheet (I spray mine with Pam first), and bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes per side...makes it nice and crunchy. He usually really likes it...he won't eat it at all straight out of the can. Weird, huh? lol The things we'll do.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

When you get it from the can "straight", it is sort of "sticky" or "pasty", so let's say it's a "texture issue" for Ricky. :)

Debbie,

Were you thinking Teresa made Ricky W/D meatloaf? :D

Lucky liked it fine on the first try and was happy with it straight from the can. What I would do with my cans, since you're told to feed X amount of the can at each meal, was to mark the labels when I'd get them home. Lucky was getting 1/3 of a can at each meal, so I'd mark the labels with a pen or marker, dividing into thirds.

I'd keep scooping it into his dish until I got to the mark I'd made on the label. It helped me see that he got the right amount of food at each meal--not 1/3 now and maybe 1/4 later.

Doing that with all of the cans right away when I'd bring them home took only a few minutes to get them all done and then when I'd grab a new one, it was already pre-marked for the amount of food Lucky was getting--no over or under feeding.

Kathy

[Ricksma]

You're right Kathy, it is pretty gummy straight from the can. When it is baking, it's not the most pleasant odor, but, what can I say. He's like my baby, and if he wants it baked, then, baked it is. LOL

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Debbie & Apollo]

thanks!

if Apollo gets finicky I'll give it a try!
I can smell it cooking as we speak! Teresa, your right the things we do! :D

Kathy the line on the can idea is a good one too!
Meatloaf will never be the same around here! :cool:

Debbie and Apollo

[k9diabetes]

HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RICKY!!!!! :cool:

Natalie

[eyelostit]

Happy late anniversary !!!!!!!! :)

[Ricksma]

Well, we are going along well, and then....he throws up. I don't think it is anything really to worry about, but I want to hear some reassuring sounds from you guys. Yesterday, Ricky threw up at breakfast time...just yellow foamy substance (that I have to assume is bile)...does anyone here have any idea why they do this? It is something that happens only about once every eight weeks or so, but it is unsettling to me. Any ideas?

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

Teresa,

I just went back over Ricky's thread and see that at one point he was eating Hill's Prescription Diet I/D--that's a food for GI problems. I don't see anything here on his thread that explains why Ricky was eating I/D at one point.

Did Ricky have GI problems at one time which would explain his being on I/D? If Ricky's history shows GI problems, his throwing up every so often might be related to that.

Don't see on this thread that Ricky had any pancreatitis problems, etc., but seeing that he was eating I/D at one time makes me ask about any GI problems.

Kathy

[Ricksma]

Kathy...no, he is on W/D, and has never had any GI problems to speak of...knock wood. Just this occasional urp...if he weren't diabetic, I wouldn't think anything of it. No pancreatitis issues, either. (Thank goodness!!) I can't make any connection between this stomach upset and any food...everything is always the same. It doesn't really follow any pattern--time of day, before or after eating--he has thrown up right after eating a full meal, and then again, he has thrown up first thing in the morning. I think the fact that he is doing this right after waking before I feed him his morning meal bothers me the most. Just wish I had some sort of rhyme or reason for it...knowing might make me feel better. I guess I should be grateful that it does only happen rarely. Still...

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

EEEP! I now see it's KISKA who's on I/D and that got into Ricky's thread a while back. :o

How are Ricky's bg's--are they stable? Where I'm going here is to try to determine if Ricky might be dropping a little low at that time, thus the occasional vomiting.

Agree with you--the morning problem would worry me the most. The only times I had that with Lucky was before diabetes and it was a minor GI upset. When is Ricky due to see the vet for anything? You might want to tell him/her about what sometimes happens and that it has no specific time or reason to occur. W/D is a very bland food, so I'd not think it was the W/D.

My present dog can sometimes do this (non diabetic), but every time it happens with him, he's eaten way too fast and just gobbles it too quickly. :)

Let's see if anyone else has had this happen to them.

Kathy

[Ricksma]

Kathy, I looked back on the log I keep of Rick's daily readings, and notes about what he ate, if he was sick, etc. The bg the morning he threw up was 99...so I'm not sure if that was a factor. It seems silly to be worrying this since he is now on the chair patrolling the neighborhood for people actually (gasp!!) using the street!! But, if I can prevent him getting sick, I want to do that, if at all possible. Maybe someone else has had this happen...??

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

Teresa,

A while ago on another board, we had a little guy who went into hypo symptoms the minute he got near an 85 bg reading. This happened more than once. He had all of the signs you'd find with someone whose bg's were much lower than this.

There was no explanation for why this was happening to him other than it was something unique to him. The only answer was to keep him a bit higher so that he didn't come close to 85. After that, he had no more hypo symptoms.

Don't argue with the boss, people--ASK before you use the street! ;)

Kathy

[k9diabetes]

Teresa,

Sometimes they need a little more or a little less insulin at night...

Perhaps trying shaving a little off his night time dose of insulin if you find that morning readings are sometimes lower than a comfortable margin. I'd be a bit anxious about a fasting low of 99 as it could have come up to that point from a far lower number.

I know Beth mentioned that highs, lows, and rapidly changing blood sugar can make her feel ill.

Natalie

[eyelostit]

Niki only will throw up some bile after she eats some grass, other than that she will throw up if her BG goes to high and that is after she eats, which then i have to check her BG and usually it is way high, i give 1/2 unit, let the BG go down test again, usually takes 1 hr then I feed wait 1/2 hr test again and give shot.

I only do 1/2 unit when this happens, she can drop 50-100 pts after that 1/2 unit.

This is done once in awhile when i get highs out of no where!! I don't like to start to feed her if her am fast is 300, because after food its gonna go up even higher and then have to wait for the insulin to kick in.

But I am used to Niki's body now and what it does its been 6 yrs now with the diabetes.

[Ricksma]

Natalie, I see what you are saying...so I went back through the log and didn't really see any pattern to the fasting readings. What I will do now is to decrease Ricky's insulin by a tiny bit in the evenings, and see what happens. I will make sure to note the next time he gets sick, and maybe I will begin to see some rhyme or reason. But, I know, that sometimes these things just happen, and I may never know why. I will try this and see how it goes.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Ricksma]

Oh, and Dolly, don't you hate those high numbers that fly at you out of the blue? That really blows my mind...not much left to blow....lol:rolleyes:

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Ricksma]

Okay, today I took Ricky to the vet for a nail trim, and decided to go ahead and get his blood panel done while we were there. I like to do one every four months, and his next one was due at the end of the month anyway. Since we have been talking about the vomiting lately, I thought maybe today would be a good time to get it done. Long story short, I am so happy to say that everything (!) was within normal limits with the exception of his RBC, HCT, and HGB. These values were elevated, as they have been for over a year now. The vet seems to think that it is because of some slight dehydration from not consuming enough water...I guess that could be the case. What do you guys think of this? Everything else looked really good...the values that were elevated after diagnosis last year are now in line (Thank you God), and I feel that the Milk Thistle and his multivitamin and Probiotics have helped with that. Any thoughts?

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

Teresa,

After lab results like Ricky's, I'd have no problem at all with the vet saying possible slight dehydration.

You go, RICKY!!

Kathy

[k9diabetes]

Congratulations Teresa - sounds like Ricky is doing great!

Have you seen any changes in his readings with a little less insulin at night?

Natalie

[Ricksma]

The last three or four days, his fasting am readings have been 110 - 128 in range...so not a really big change. I only decreased by about 1/2 unit, so maybe that wasn't enough. I am watching him like a hawk, and I think I will decrease his dose a little more in the evening. I might be a little more comfortable with that. Hypos really scare me.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[We Hope]

Teresa,

I know exactly what you mean! Even though Lucky never had one, I was always afraid of them.

Tell that little guy to keep up the good work on his "people patrol"! ;)

Kathy

[BestBuddy]

Hi Teresa,
Hypos are scary but it sounds like you are watching closely. I just wondered if flavoring Ricky's water might make him drink more. I haven't tried it myself but I have heard of adding chicken stock to water to encourage drinking. You would have to be careful of the type of stock so you didn't mess with the BG but it may be something to try.
Jenny & Buddy

[Ricksma]

You know, Jenny, I think that might be something that would be worthwhile. I noticed yesterday evening that he had hardly had any water at all to drink. Does anyone know how to go about this? Maybe just a really diluted chicken broth? I am going to try it out, and see how it works. I really do think that he is not taking in enough fluid. What a far cry from before diagnosis when you couldn't knock him away from the water bowl!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[CarolW]

You know, Jenny, I think that might be something that would be worthwhile. I noticed yesterday evening that he had hardly had any water at all to drink. Does anyone know how to go about this? Maybe just a really diluted chicken broth? I am going to try it out, and see how it works. I really do think that he is not taking in enough fluid. What a far cry from before diagnosis when you couldn't knock him away from the water bowl!!

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

Newbie jumping in here! My vets have remarked to me at times that a slight dehydration can result from current stress levels. I pay a lot of attention to stress, because it alters physiology so much. I also think stress can be what elevates BG levels at times.

I use one-liter measuring cups as water bowls. For a time, Kwali and Kumbi each drank out of their own "bowls" (really, cups); now they no longer do; mostly, both drink out of Kwali's. So if I really want to know how much water Kumbi (or Kwali) is drinking, I'd have to pick up the water and put it down when they come looking for it. Don't really like to do that!

When I have any doubts about stress and its possible influences, I keep a diary and a journal. My diary can be part of my (spiral-bound) records notebook, or a separate (again, spiral, so as not to lose pages or get out of order) notebook. My diaries list date, time of event, and describe the events briefly. In a journal (a third notebook, or, with me, text files on my computer - even posts to lists) - I jot down my thoughts, thinking out loud.

I think written records are indispensable for discovering what is going on. Our memories do fail us, as the behavior/training people say. If you have written records, you can sometimes look back and see a pattern that's revealing. Hey! Hindsight, but helpful!

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:54:12

[Ricksma]

I can pretty much guarantee that Ricky wasn't stressed yesterday...but I will be watching in the future. He is usually a very low-key kind of guy. He just chills unless...now, I know this is hard to believe...someone decides to drive or walk down our road. There is a college-age boy that lives on our cul-de-sac that has a pretty loud truck. Ricky can be in a dead sleep and jump up barking when that boy drives by!! He also wants to make sure that people who are walking by know that they are on his turf!! He's what I call my early warning system. Ricky's dad is out of town this week, so it has been VERY low level around here...just me talking to him. But, I will try to pay attention from now on and see if stress is a factor.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[CarolW]

I can pretty much guarantee that Ricky wasn't stressed yesterday...but I will be watching in the future. He is usually a very low-key kind of guy. He just chills unless...now, I know this is hard to believe...someone decides to drive or walk down our road. There is a college-age boy that lives on our cul-de-sac that has a pretty loud truck. Ricky can be in a dead sleep and jump up barking when that boy drives by!! He also wants to make sure that people who are walking by know that they are on his turf!! He's what I call my early warning system. Ricky's dad is out of town this week, so it has been VERY low level around here...just me talking to him. But, I will try to pay attention from now on and see if stress is a factor.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

Teresa - not hard to believe at all! My dogs, being hair-trigger dogs, perhaps a lot like Ricky (he is SO CUTE!) will Alert-Alarm out of a sound sleep, too - did so more when they were younger.

I'd expect noisy passing vehicles normally to be a source of stress for Ricky. So, how much stress he picks up in a day (or night) might depend on how many of these events occur. If it's very common, it might hardly be worth recording, but if you have an unusually "busy day" (or night), then that would be worth noting in your journal. Each of these stresses raises glucocorticoids in the bloodstream, which can take from two to six DAYS to reduce to base level, given lots of rest-time!

Do keep in mind that I'm talking about low-level stresses as well as high-level ones!

I try to see to it that Kwali and Kumbi get plenty of rest in a day and night, and let it go at that, unless they've had a really unusually stressful day (or night), and if that's happened, I try to give them opportunity for extra rest, or I try to avoid particularly stressful events for a few days.

But I do think these stresses affect BG levels, as well as other body physiology. If you remember that "good stress" (happy stuff) and "bad stress" (horrid stuff) have the *same* effect on the body's neurophysiology, that should keep you pretty well clued in.

Often enough, though, BG levels will run high for reasons we can't identify. If they drop down to normal after a bit, I don't think there's any cause to worry; I think it's only when they rise quite a bit and STAY high that we need to look into things.

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:45:37

[eyelostit]

Niki is usually low key, she likes to play soccer with her ball, but she always knows if a car, person, is at the bottom of the driveway,(and I have a long driveway) and if an animal etc is outside she will smell it and pace until I let her out, go out with her, you never know when a skunk could be nearby, she will bark until I look out and see what is going on. She gets high strung with these kinds of things, especially a school bus stopping or the sound of a truck backing up. At times tho when she is in a sound sleep no doubt when her insulin is kicking in nothing seems to bother her.

i can tell bad weather is coming 2 hrs before hand as she starts to pace and scratch the floor, Niki is the weather man as far as I am concerned. Bad thing about her telling the weather is her BG will go up.

I just love dogs!;) They warn you way in advance!

[ladysmom06]

Hi Teresa,

Lady is another one that doesn't drink a lot of water. I homecook for her and add some of the broth from the chicken or turkey I cook for her to her food and water. I worry at times that she's not drinking enough but the vet tells me she's getting enough. Every now and then she will have a couple of high numbers and will drink more on those days. Hugs to you and Ricky.

Luv,
Lynne and Lady

[eyelostit]

Niki does not drink alot of water also, I'm thankful for that, before diagnois she would drink and drink and if the bowl was empty she would clang it around with her head to let me know she wanted water

[Ricksma]

Just wanted to update everyone on Ricky...he is doing great...touch wood. We have settled into a routine here, and he seems to be feeling fine. I keep a constant eye on him, but he continues to be the light of my day....I REALLY love this little guy. I thank this board for all the support you have given me and Rick...we really appreciate it.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[CarolW]

Teresa, thanks for the update. This is wonderful news. I keep a constant eye on my dogs, too. They are the lights of my day, too!

The support here is great. But I didn't learn about this place for quite some time! Once I did, I joined right away!

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:55:25 (PST)

[Cara's Mom]

Hi Teresa, so glad your little guy is doing so well! Keep up the good work:)

[eyelostit]

I'm glad to hear Ricky is doing good, its so nice when the DB goes along smoothly, you're doing a good job.

Take care ;)

[k9diabetes]

Nice to hear from you Teresa and with such a cheerful report about Ricky, who is just too cute...

[Ricksma]

I finally got around to adding a few pictures of Ricky and his dad....they are both pretty cute. I love looking at the pictures of some of the kids here.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[BestBuddy]

Just had a look at the pics and they are great. That Ricky sure is a lover boy isn't he!
Jenny & Buddy

[eyelostit]

Looked at your pictures, what a cutie !!

[Ricksma]

Just a quick update on Ricky. He has been doing well with a few spikes in bg, but certainly nothing to complain about. Touch wood!! We are so grateful for all the support and information we have received from all of you, and hope we are in for a REALLY long haul! He was diagnosed in July of 07, so we are into our second year....holding our breath, playing ball every day, and enjoying his sweet face. We will be getting a blood panel done at the end of January (I try to get one every four months), and I am praying that everything is within normal limits (well, I can hope). Ricky sends kisses.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[eyelostit]

Thats great 2 yrs, you're a good mom.

I never would of thought that 1st year of DX that Niki would still be with me. You just never know with our amazing dogs.;)

After a time I guess you get more relaxed with the diabetes but I tend to get worried when other things happen, worried is not the word, more like insane.;):D

I gotta get to vet regardless and get the bloodwork done too.

Have a Happy New Year, I'm having a quiet one.;)

[k9diabetes]

Hey Teresa,

Somehow I missed your note about Ricky's pictures!! He's so cute! I just love seeing nice big pics of these guys...

That guy in the pictures obviously loves Ricky very much too.

Natalie

[Ricksma]

That is my husband, Tony. Ricky is so in love with him, and Tony is a fool for Ricky. Our kids are grown and gone, so Ricky is a little spoiled. Just a little.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Ricksma]

We went to the vet today to have Ricky's every-four-months lab work done, and his ALB was slightly elevated, as was his TBIL...the vet was not concerned with it, he said it was such a slight elevation that he wouldn't worry about it. (I'm not sure...) Does anyone know what these values are? I will do some research to find out...ALB was 4.1 (normal range 2.3 - 4.0) and TBIL was 1.1 (normal range 0.0 - 0.9). He also looked at his eyes...I haven't had them checked since diagnosis...and he said he was developing cataracts in both eyes, though they are far from mature. I will try not to worry about something that hasn't happened yet, and over which I have no control. Till then, we are playing ball, and watching the birds, and being happy with each day. Any thoughts about these results?

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky:confused:

[eyelostit]

I don't think its too worrisome, as last month I had myself insane over some elevations on 12/30, but I had changed Niki's food, and when I talked to the vet about this she mentioned when something is elevated or off, they look for other things in the blood tests/urine to confirm a DX of an illness.

With the way my mind is I will have Niki's blood rechecked by 2/15 to make sure, I guess I get over worried but thats just me. My vet said I was getting too concerned over nothing, and If I feel that it is necessary to me, to have her blood tested again in a month or so.
I think the meal time/insulin etc all factors into the blood and urine tests.

Do you use those Multistix that show alot of info, they are urine dipsticks. I just started using these awhile back being Niki is getting older.

Oh I will try to find the links re bloodtests etc.;)

[eyelostit]

Here are two links re test. :)

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Laboratory.htm (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/Laboratory.htm)

http://www.acreaturecomfort.com/caninebloodwork.htm (http://www.acreaturecomfort.com/caninebloodwork.htm)

[k9diabetes]

Those are really small elevations so I wouldn't worry about them if all else looks good. Sorry to hear about the cataracts... I'm hoping they will stay put at the current level...

Natalie

[Ricksma]

Thanks, Dolly for the links...and Natalie for your thoughts on the results of Ricky's tests. And, yes, Natalie, that's what I am hoping for, too. Since I have never had his eyes checked before, I don't really know how long they have been at this level, so I am hoping (denial is a river in Egypt) that they have been like this a while, and are going to remain static for some time. Hey, I can always hope.....that's what we do best.;) At any rate, he seems happy, and he feels good...I can't ask for any more than that.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky

[Cara's Mom]

Hi Teresa, what would we do if there was no "hope"! Here is hoping that Ricky's cataracts behave themselfs and stay the way the are now. Glad to hear he's feeling good and seems to be happy :D.

Best wishes

[pgcor]

Hi Teresa - let me preface this post by saying "not that I know anything, but"...Pip has had pinpoint cataracts since his diagnosis. They seem larger to me, but the eye doctor says they're still considered very small. I'm also living in "Egypt" and am hopeful they will stay small!

Plus, Ricky is a lot further down the road in his diagnosis than Pip, so personally, I think that is good news.

Pam

[Ricksma]

Hey, everyone!! I have not posted on Ricky's thread in quite a while, but I just wanted to give you a quick update. I have a blood panel run on Ricky every four months, and yesterday was the day. Everything was within normal limits with the exception of HGB, HCT, and RBC. It has been this way each time he has been checked, and though I have tried many different things to get him to drink more water, nothing has worked. The vet doesn't seem too concerned about this, since it has been this way for a couple of years, at least, and all his other values have been good. Just chronically dehydrated, for whatever reason. He rechecked his eyes (only the second time they have be checked), and said that the very small cataracts that were there the last time haven't gotten any larger. His teeth are in "pretty good" shape, so we will continue brushing every other day to help with that. But.....holding my breath, here.....my husband and I are celebrating another good four months. I have been blessed to have wonderful knowledgeable people to help and support me, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you all so much, and Ricky says.....thank you, thank you, thank you.

Love and hugs, Teresa and Ricky:D

[peggy0]

Good to hear from you :) I guess pedyolite which has more electrolytes may affect BG or you could try giving him that to drink. Does anyone know if it does?

[k9diabetes]

That's wonderful news Teresa!! Very nice to see you hear too.

Natalie