Hi,
I am new to this forum, but I have been reading the posts for about 4 weeks since my Abby (20 lbs Yorkie/Schnauzer) was diagnosed as being diabetic, glucose level 385.. after the symptons of increased thirst and urinating in her bed. She was sent home with very little instructions, NPH (Humilin N) to use 10 units 1x a day, did not matter if she ate or not is what the Vet stated. She was kept originally for 3 days to get her regulated.
Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride. I switched vets, as this vet did not believe in home testing, nor would be open to any form of communication, and felt that the once a day method was not the correct way to control diabetes.
The new Vet was more concerned about her high liver functions, and after a week on 10units a day, her Glucose levels were at 120, 7 hours after her last shot. The new Vet suggested 5 units 2x a day. Continued this for a few days, and Abby had a Hypo event. Vet then suggested to take her off of insulin thought she may have Cushings. I only monitored her by taking her to the Vet for testing, or by urine strips.
Since then we have been going down the Cushings path, and she was put back on insulin with 2 units (her glucose when tested was 285). Tested again with urine strips, and with changing to a raw diet, urine strips were negative. After 1.5 weeks, with missed insulin, fasting, as well as Aspirate test of the liver and a liver ultrasound, and a ACTH test her glucose has risen (I have no numbers... just urine test strips), and they have diagnosed her as having Cushings and wanted me to start Trilostane, and then stop the insulin the day I start Trilostane. They did see enlarged adrenal glands in the ultrasound.
Needless to say, at this time, I am just beside myself. I have not started her on the Trilostane, as what I have heard is that she could be giving false positives on the Cushing's test, in addition if she does happen to have both, then she should be regulated with the diabetes first before treating the Cushings. My vet seems to think that the diabetes is caused by the Cushings.
I'm having doubts.... her coat is wonderful, shining not falling out. Her increased water consumption stopped once on insulin. Her activity level is normal since she is on insulin. There are no other signs that I can see that leans towards just Cushings.
Your forum has been a wealth of information (I am also a member of the sister site for Cushing's) and the advice and support that you all give is a wonderful feeling, especially when you feel you are on your own.
First in order, is that I need to get a glucose meter and start to do some home testing. Do you have any suggestions? Also, I'm little frighten of the whole process, as I was originally when giving the insulin (but I have gotten use to this). Abby is not a big fan of touching her mouth in any way. Any other suggestions as to where to test?
Currently right now, Abby is on 3units 2x a day. I am feeding her a raw diet, with minced sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, brown rice with either lamb, chicken, turkey or beef. The portions are 80% vegetable and 20% meat. In addition, I have added Flax Seed, cod liver. She gets a 1/2 cup of this in the PM. In the AM, she receives 1/2 cooked egg (with egg shells), oatmeal, organic pumpkin, low fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup as well) with Milk Thistle w/Dandelion. I also have added Kelp (to support the thyroid and provide iodine). For a snack (if she receives one) is a dehydradated sweet potatoe.
She originally was overweight at 27 lbs, but she is now 20 lbs.
Thank you for all that you do.
I am new to this forum, but I have been reading the posts for about 4 weeks since my Abby (20 lbs Yorkie/Schnauzer) was diagnosed as being diabetic, glucose level 385.. after the symptons of increased thirst and urinating in her bed. She was sent home with very little instructions, NPH (Humilin N) to use 10 units 1x a day, did not matter if she ate or not is what the Vet stated. She was kept originally for 3 days to get her regulated.
Since then, it has been a roller coaster ride. I switched vets, as this vet did not believe in home testing, nor would be open to any form of communication, and felt that the once a day method was not the correct way to control diabetes.
The new Vet was more concerned about her high liver functions, and after a week on 10units a day, her Glucose levels were at 120, 7 hours after her last shot. The new Vet suggested 5 units 2x a day. Continued this for a few days, and Abby had a Hypo event. Vet then suggested to take her off of insulin thought she may have Cushings. I only monitored her by taking her to the Vet for testing, or by urine strips.
Since then we have been going down the Cushings path, and she was put back on insulin with 2 units (her glucose when tested was 285). Tested again with urine strips, and with changing to a raw diet, urine strips were negative. After 1.5 weeks, with missed insulin, fasting, as well as Aspirate test of the liver and a liver ultrasound, and a ACTH test her glucose has risen (I have no numbers... just urine test strips), and they have diagnosed her as having Cushings and wanted me to start Trilostane, and then stop the insulin the day I start Trilostane. They did see enlarged adrenal glands in the ultrasound.
Needless to say, at this time, I am just beside myself. I have not started her on the Trilostane, as what I have heard is that she could be giving false positives on the Cushing's test, in addition if she does happen to have both, then she should be regulated with the diabetes first before treating the Cushings. My vet seems to think that the diabetes is caused by the Cushings.
I'm having doubts.... her coat is wonderful, shining not falling out. Her increased water consumption stopped once on insulin. Her activity level is normal since she is on insulin. There are no other signs that I can see that leans towards just Cushings.
Your forum has been a wealth of information (I am also a member of the sister site for Cushing's) and the advice and support that you all give is a wonderful feeling, especially when you feel you are on your own.
First in order, is that I need to get a glucose meter and start to do some home testing. Do you have any suggestions? Also, I'm little frighten of the whole process, as I was originally when giving the insulin (but I have gotten use to this). Abby is not a big fan of touching her mouth in any way. Any other suggestions as to where to test?
Currently right now, Abby is on 3units 2x a day. I am feeding her a raw diet, with minced sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, brown rice with either lamb, chicken, turkey or beef. The portions are 80% vegetable and 20% meat. In addition, I have added Flax Seed, cod liver. She gets a 1/2 cup of this in the PM. In the AM, she receives 1/2 cooked egg (with egg shells), oatmeal, organic pumpkin, low fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup as well) with Milk Thistle w/Dandelion. I also have added Kelp (to support the thyroid and provide iodine). For a snack (if she receives one) is a dehydradated sweet potatoe.
She originally was overweight at 27 lbs, but she is now 20 lbs.
Thank you for all that you do.
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