Hello all,
Seeking advice on diabetic dog with skin issues.
Enzo - 9 yrs old
Diabetic
Blind
currently regulated with BG levels around 110-120
currently on
Nph Insulin 15 units BID
Soloxine 0.5mg BID
Cyclosporine eye ointment BID for KCS
Diet is Hill's Science diet w/d mixed with cooked chicken or fish
After a year of crazy bg levels, is now regulated after being started on thyroid medication. I have had Enzo (a rescue dog) for two years now and he has had severe hair loss, folliculitis, basically all of his hair shafts are dead and new growth is minimal. Lately we have been battling some skin lesions that are draining tracts filled with puss. After a great deal of cultures and antibiotic treatments they are still unresolved. It is been suggested by a derm expert that he may have a zinc deficiency, which is something that his breed (siberian husky mix) has known issues with.
The derm expert and my vet are recommending a couple of options, start on a zinc supplement, or start on melatonin (also known to help skin issues) or begin a low dose predinisone treatment.
I am worried about any of these options. I know I do not want to do the pred as I have had past experiences with other dogs on this and it was not good nor beneficial.
What I have read about the melatonin supplements is that it can often interfere with the bg levels and insulin tolerance - so I'm concerned about that.
The more I read about the zinc deficiency it appears this may indeed be the best route.
I am seeking advice from anyone who has treated their diabetic dog with zinc supplements or really any suggestions/advice are welcome.
Please know I have done extensive and expensive testing with no conclusive results. As far as he is concerned there is nothing wrong with him, he is the happiest dog I've ever owned.
Thank you for any advice!
Maria & Enzo
Seeking advice on diabetic dog with skin issues.
Enzo - 9 yrs old
Diabetic
Blind
currently regulated with BG levels around 110-120
currently on
Nph Insulin 15 units BID
Soloxine 0.5mg BID
Cyclosporine eye ointment BID for KCS
Diet is Hill's Science diet w/d mixed with cooked chicken or fish
After a year of crazy bg levels, is now regulated after being started on thyroid medication. I have had Enzo (a rescue dog) for two years now and he has had severe hair loss, folliculitis, basically all of his hair shafts are dead and new growth is minimal. Lately we have been battling some skin lesions that are draining tracts filled with puss. After a great deal of cultures and antibiotic treatments they are still unresolved. It is been suggested by a derm expert that he may have a zinc deficiency, which is something that his breed (siberian husky mix) has known issues with.
The derm expert and my vet are recommending a couple of options, start on a zinc supplement, or start on melatonin (also known to help skin issues) or begin a low dose predinisone treatment.
I am worried about any of these options. I know I do not want to do the pred as I have had past experiences with other dogs on this and it was not good nor beneficial.
What I have read about the melatonin supplements is that it can often interfere with the bg levels and insulin tolerance - so I'm concerned about that.
The more I read about the zinc deficiency it appears this may indeed be the best route.
I am seeking advice from anyone who has treated their diabetic dog with zinc supplements or really any suggestions/advice are welcome.
Please know I have done extensive and expensive testing with no conclusive results. As far as he is concerned there is nothing wrong with him, he is the happiest dog I've ever owned.
Thank you for any advice!
Maria & Enzo
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