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The Case for Some Insulin When There's an Eating Problem

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  • The Case for Some Insulin When There's an Eating Problem

    http://www.anmldr.com/PalmVet/SA-18-1-2-3.htm#insulin

    "It is important to remember that insulin is essential for many metabolic processes other than simply controlling blood glucose concentrations. Insulin is a potent inhibitor of lipolysis and free fatty acid oxidation (processes that lead to the production of ketones). Although it may be tempting to withhold insulin from an inappetent diabetic in an attempt to prevent hypoglycemia, complete withdrawal of insulin is not recommended because of the potential for the development of ketosis. An otherwise healthy non-ketotic diabetic patient that has been inappetent for only one day should receive a modified dose of insulin (50%-75% of normal). Many of these patients will be eating again by the next day. If anorexia continues for more than a day, the animal should be examined in an attempt to determine the reason for loss of appetite. A modified dose of insulin should be given on a daily basis until the inappetence resolves or until its cause has been determined. If inappetence continues for more than 2-3 days, or if the animal is vomiting or has other signs of systemic illness (depression, dehydration) but is not ketotic or severely hyperglycemic, it should be hospitalized and placed on dextrose-containing IV fluids (LRS or 0.9% saline with 5% dextrose) while a diagnosis is being pursued. During this time, Regular crystalline insulin should be administered at 0.5 units/kg, SQ, q6-8h. Once the complicating illness has been resolved, and the animal is eating and drinking without fluid therapy, administration of a longer-acting maintenance insulin can be reinstituted. Amy M. Grooters, DVM, Dip ACVIM - N. American Veterinary Conference Proceedings, Volume 12"

    While I'm not advocating anyone to make this decision without proper medical input, I am suggesting that the question about how much insulin if your dog either won't eat or eats only a partial meal should be brought up with your vet. Better still, it should be brought up in advance--before there's a sign of a problem as it will make you better able to know your vet's thoughts on the proper dosage for your dog if this happens.

    Kathy
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