Gus, the mini-schnauzer an Angel March 7, 2018

[jesse girl]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

his numbers look really good . i agree with mike and it appears your direction and would not bother( in guses case) on adjusting the dose based on fasting

for jesse i will slowly reduce by say a half unit every week until i see that turn upward and stop kind of like regulation in reverse . this also gives the body time to adapt to the new dose

if the numbers are a bit higher i will slowly raise the dose with the same method

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

I will say when he has those high fasting readings, it's always the morning. That's what has me wondering if his body is responding and releasing sugar during the night, and making me think I might reduce dosage another half unit.

[jesse girl]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

I will say when he has those high fasting readings, it's always the morning. That's what has me wondering if his body is responding and releasing sugar during the night, and making me think I might reduce dosage another half unit.

its very possible . its a battle i struggle with jesse . sometimes we win sometimes we dont

[Raysaint]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

I found that if Riley's fasting is 150 or lower, I've had to slightly reduce dose, maybe .2 of a unit. I am the first one to preach consistent dose, however, his normal dose of 8 units brought him low before nadir. His body seems to react to even a fraction of a unit variation.

Your dog might be releasing sugar overnight, however, it may not be because he goes low and rebounds. Bodies release sugar overnight as a hormonal thing, dogs and humans, diabetic or not.
And because of that, I don't usually reduce Riley's dose at supper, even if his fasting is 150.

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

I reduced .5 unit this morning. His fasting was 162, and based on his pattern this will mean he'll be lower at the late afternoon fasting. We have a week before our checkup appointment. I'd like to keep him closer to 200 at fasting. So, we'll see what this small change will make.

[Raysaint]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

FYI, I found .5 of a unit too much to reduce for Riley. Seems like such a small amount, but that reduction let his food win out vs the insulin.
Might be different for your dog, but I kept records every time I did a reduction; I checked each days fasting and blood sugar as it approached nadir.
Then you can compare days when fasting is the same and the reductions actions.

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

FYI, I found .5 of a unit too much to reduce for Riley. Seems like such a small amount, but that reduction let his food win out vs the insulin.
Might be different for your dog, but I kept records every time I did a reduction; I checked each days fasting and blood sugar as it approached nadir.
Then you can compare days when fasting is the same and the reductions actions.

I keep daily records on a regular basis. I keep a notebook, plus a spreadsheet. I was only testing at fastings, but since his illness and his sugars getting back inline, I test 3 times minimum. And, yesterday, I decided to do a curve since it had been awhile. I was pretty sure what results would be but I wanted to confirm his mountain curve. Not a steep mountain, more like a hill.

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

It's been awhile since any update on my Gus. Sugar wise, he's doing fairly well. Otherwise - not so much. He has a huge tumor on his hip that has grown to the point he can no longer walk on 4 legs. He can barely get around on 3 legs, but he can enough to take care of business. Because of his age (almost 11), diabetes and some other issues, he is not a candidate for surgery. And at this point, I rather doubt removal would even be possible. This thing started growing in September and has grown a lot lately. I have him on anti-inflammatory pain meds for comfort. I carry him in/out, to/from the feed dish & water bowl. He is alert and glad to see me, but I can tell he's uncomfortable. Sleeps all the time. And since he started the pain med this week, he is off his food. About only thing I can get him to eat is ground turkey breast, and maybe a few of his dry w/d kibbles, and a green bean here and there. Canned w/d isn't touched. Oh, yes, he'll eat his tiny milkbone he gets after his shot. Adjusting his insulin dose based on what he's eating is proving to be a challenge. Since he's not eating his regular food and amounts, how do I judge what is considered a full meal? His sugar is running in mid/upper-300's last couple of days, and usually runs in 200's. I am just beside myself with the thought of the inevitable. I am selfish and can't let him go just yet. He still has enough life in him. It's just that it's changed. I just don't know what I will do when his time comes before too long. We've had this special "sugar baby" bond for over 2.5 years. I've given up a lot in my personal life to make sure he got what he needed and was always here for his 12 hour schedule. You all know the kind of bond I'm talking about. It's just special. I lost his "brother" in July at age 15, and here I am with the very probability of losing him before he turns 11 in April. I'm just sick and heartbroken.

[CraigM]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

I’m sure you’ve checked things out, but wanted to mention Annie had a HUGE lipoma years ago that the vet was able to remove. I think he said there was over a quart of “stuff” he removed.

Craig

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

We have not been to a specialist, which is over 100 miles away. This thing is hard and not like his fatty lympomas he has in other places, which are movable. It appears to be attached to the bone. He has heart murmur and liver enzymes are off. I believe in my vet in saying he is not a good candidate, but deep down, I'm torn in wondering do I take him, spend huge monies, and to find out she was right, and then take the chance of not surviving surgery and recovery. I have a feeling it would require removal of the leg at this point. Then, on the other hand, I am torn with the thought that maybe I'm not even giving him a chance.

[jesse girl]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

jesse is an older girl and i understand what that means as you do with gus . my mom is also elderly . life starts to feel fleeting so i take it one day at a time and not let myself get to further than that . just enjoy today with my older love ones

[Daisydog10]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

My heart breaks for you and Gus. You'll know the right decision to make, I know you're torn on what to do right now whether to try the specialist or not. But like Jessegirl said, take one day at a time. Sending prayers and hugs to you both.

[MomofGus]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

Gus is still with me. It's been rough this past week and and I would sworn Friday/Saturday that he would not still be here. However, he seemed to perk up a little yesterday, not much, but enough to me, that it was a sign that it's not his time yet. Sugar is off the meter, but that is not surprising given he's not eaten much and what he has eaten is pure junk carbs, and unable to potty much even though he's drinking a lot when I carry him to his water bowl every 1-2 hours. But, he did stand and take a few steps outdoors yesterday and today. We went to the vet today to see if we what we could for him, if anything. My vet was sick and worked us in before she was going home sick. So, we didn't take time to do bloodwork or any tests. Just gave him subQ fluids, injection of pain different stronger antibiotic, and pain meds, and sent more meds home. We're treating as though pancreatitis right now (hip tumor aside). Anyway,my hopes is that he begins to eat more and gains some strength. We're just taking it a day at a time, and trying to stay comfortable. Prayers for the both of us as we continue on his journey with us for however long that will be.

[jesse girl]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

me and jesse are with you and gus and pray for improvement

Pancreatitis is such a difficult disease that are diabetic fur babies have to deal with .

[farrwf]

Re: Gus, the mini-schnauzer

With you in spirit, know how hard this is on you, and Gus.