Another trip down memory lane

[k9diabetes]

Just ran across an email I received in August of 2005... Not necessarily a happy memory.

We've spent the last few months trying to balance her glucose with curves, diet change, and fructosamine checks . . . About 2 months ago I woke in the middle of the night and realized something was wrong with her. Within minutes she started to have a seizure from her glucose being too low. We gave her syrup, brought her in and stabilized her. Then a couple of weeks later when she was at the vet for another curve she had her third seizure. When we took her home the following day we realized she had gone blind.

We've gone to the local teaching hospital for a second opinion and have asked both vets if there is any way to monitor her at home - especially to make sure it doesn't go too low. None of the doctors we have spoken with has been able to provide us with information on how we can do it ourselves. The teaching hospital recommended getting the urine test, which we have.

A holistic vet both that person and I were taking our dogs to put her in touch with me because they knew that I was testing Chris' blood sugar at home. This was the same teaching hospital that drove us to learn to manage Chris' blood sugar on our own.

I think they have advanced some in their support for testing at home since then... I surely hope so since one of the endocrinology faculty at that teaching hospital "wrote the book" on canine diabetes and they have taught a legion of GP vets and IMS residents their approach to blood sugar management.

That story pushed me even more toward actively trying to promote home blood sugar testing for diabetic dogs since so many of the vets in our area graduated from that school and tended to defer to the endocrinology faculty rather than figure things out for themselves in difficult cases.

Natalie

[buddingartist]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Simply amazing. Think of how many dogs would have had a tragic end without your dedication to Chris's care and this website.

When I asked my vet for the name of people whose dog was diabetic, he only wanted to give me 1 name. It turned out that the couple were friends of his, took their diabetic dog (who was on Caninsulin which I had expressed concerns over) in for a curve monthly and had 3 other dogs (good $ revenues for the vet).

After an incident when I took Buddy in for a curve and discovered that they had forgotten to feed him, I went in and threatened a <scene< in the reception area unless I could see the vet and the technicians right away. Needless to say I was furious and I let them know.

The vet took me aside and told me that it was their first time that they encountered a dog owner as committed as I and Ron were. He said that most people bring the animal in and just ask him to fix them. Some people go as far as never coming back to pick up the animal. He basically said that it was up to them to adjust to me and not the other way around.

That is when I told them that I wanted to start testing him. They said they would teach me but when I went for the <teaching< session, no one knew how to use a lancet. They could only teach me how to do a veinous draw *&?%?.

If it hadn't been for Joan who <virtually held my hand and encouraged me< I never would have been able to test Buddy. It was around the same time that I left another site and discovered the K9 diabetes site.

Despite what has happened with Vetsulin, most Canadian vets still push Caninsulin and don't advocate home testing.

I will never stop thanking your <Chris< and praising you for your dedication to his care, this site, the mods and the many people who offer a wealth of knowledge, support, encouragement.

Louise

Now I'll get off my soap box

[Rubytuesday]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Don't worry Louise there is a whole line of us behind you who could jump on the soap box too.

Boy, where would Ruby and I be today without the help of this group. I have received guidance not only on the basics of diabetes, which seems to elude a fair amount of vets, and been shown ways to manage a very challenging situation, of which diabetes is but one part.

So my deepest thanks also to Chris, Natalie and Patty for making a difficult situation doable.

Tara

[Soaphie & Sydney's Mom]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Amen - line up the soap box - we can all take turns!!!!!!

When I think back to when Soaphie was first diagnosed and the horrible care given to her by our first vet - and my lack of knowledge (read: I wasn't a good advocate back then as I knew nothing)....the guilt still wakes me up in the middle of the night about Soaphie's first few months...

The biggest debt of gratitude given to everyone here...

Tami, Soaphie and Sydney

[momofdecker]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Adding to the soapbox...we would have killed Decker his first week had it not been for home testing. The one small thing I am thankful to his diagnosing vet for, as he'd presented it as an expectation rather than an option. My true feelings regarding him is that he has no business treating diabetic pets. We were told Decker would spend two days at the vets to be regulated. Left with the impression that he would come home, we'd give insulin and all would be well. HA - how naive we were!!! It only took two days and we knew from the fasting numbers something was very wrong but were being told it was 40u or no insulin and that his bg should range from 60 - 180 only. There was no in-between point. Amazing how much knowledge I've gained in the past year.

Will be forever grateful for Natalie (and Chris) & all the moderators & other folks here as there is no question you all saved him from a tragic end - on more than one occasion!

[jesse girl]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

me and jesse are joining in on the parade the forum saved jesses life there is no other way to say it and we are eternally grateful

[Rubytuesday]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

....the guilt still wakes me up in the middle of the night about Soaphie's first few months...

Tami, Soaphie and Sydney

You are not alone in that Tami, and I am glad to know that I am not alone.

Lots of quilt and shame, but truth be told the folks on this forum are the best dog caregivers around, mistakes and all. No things we won't make better if it truly within our abilities to do so. We can take a lot of pride in that.

I am off to cozy up with my little girl on a rainy day. The finer things in life....

Tara

[Judi]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

me and jesse are joining in on the parade the forum saved jesses life there is no other way to say it and we are eternally grateful

ditto for Jenny. I really think she would have died if all of the folks here hadn't helped me so much

[Linda1]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

When I took Jake to the vet for the first time with his diabetes, I had already tested his urine for ketones and did a curve of his bg for two days. The vet visit was to confirm my suspicions and get him started on insulin. Vet did blood work and urine and said yes it was diabetes. My mouth fell open when I was told to leave him for a week. I said no, and the vet looked at me, got very upset and said it is too complicated for the owners. I held my ground. I explained that I had lots of experience with diabetes. My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 at 15 years old. I didn't need to be taught how to mix insulin, give a shot, test blood. Just tell me what starting dose and I'll bring him back for checkups. I was only allowed to leave with him with the promise I would come in three times a week and I wouldn't mess with the dosage. After the next visit and Jake was doing much better, and I had a curve for her to check, I was told I only needed to come in once a week. She said I was doing a great job. She also said I would be shocked at the people who can't handle the job of taking care of their dog and have them put down. I hope now that she gives her other patients the help they need to help their dogs live a long healthy life. I think I opened her eyes that it can be done at home with proper training.

[buddingartist]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

What I should have mentioned is that Buddy was first put on Glyburide pills which made him quite sick.

He was then put on Caninsulin, once daily, then twice daily.

At 18 pounds, he was getting 14 units twice a day and there never was any mention of monitoring keytones.

When he ended up in the hospital for 3 days with acute ketoacidosis and acute pancreatitis, he was then put on Novolin NPH and we were led to understand that it was extremely rare and that his chances of survival were extremely low. To use their words, we were <behind the eight ball<.

Louise

[Cebe]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

I am frustrated by vets who don't want to help their human patients learn about testing for diabetes, but I also understand where they might be coming from. If they see people putting dogs down or killing them from too much or too little insulin, then I can understand their need to control the situation.

I can't help feeling a little insulted when I think back to my vet's hesitation to support home testing. But, it wasn't about their faith in my abilities. It was about their knowledge of the disease and the hazards of sending folks off to treat on their own.

I found that I needed to get over the insult (which wasn't intended) and reassure my vet that I wasn't going to make dosing changes without consultation and that I have the intelligence and confidence to do the testing i need to do at home.

They never told me I couldn't do it, but they were a little reluctant to support it. But, after my first couple of appointments, they relaxed and now we almost speak the same language.

[Abby's Mom]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Natalie, if not for you, the moderators of this forum, and for all of us who have joined and share their knowledge.... I'm not sure where we would all be. Frustrated, forever searching for a site that would give us answers... just like this one.

Between this forum and the K9 Cushings' site, I'm not sure where we would be today. More than likely I would be treating my Abby for a disease she doesn't have, and a very uncontrolled diabetic dog.

This site is a godsent, and a big Thank you to you for your dedication, for your tribute to Chris.

No one fully understands the dedication that we have to our dogs, but for everyone on this forum who have joined.

[peggy0]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Forbin and I never would have made it without Natalie and all the moderators who helped us along. the care and competency was immediately apparent and I hung onto it like a big old security blanket. I'll never be able to repay what I received.

[Franklin'sMum]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

Forbin and I never would have made it without Natalie and all the moderators who helped us along. the care and competency was immediately apparent and I hung onto it like a big old security blanket. I'll never be able to repay what I received.

Ditto. Thank you all so much. Love and hugs to all, and eternal gratitude.

[LuvMyMunchie]

Re: Another trip down memory lane

I am very, very grateful to Natalie, Chris, all the members of this forum and their furkids. When I found out Munchie had diabetes last week I was already aware of k9Diabetes and I made a beeline here. In the past I've had some pretty lousey experiences with vets and yes, even the specialists, and Munchie has been the one to pay the price. I feel very fortunate he's still with me.

As a newby I am so thankful I have a credible place to learn and caring people to lean on when I am frightened and not quite sure of what I'm doing yet.

Thank you all!!!