Milly has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. As a diabetic patient she requires continual monitoring as well as daily insulin injections.
As part of her care plan, Milly was required to spend the day with us to carry out a ‘blood glucose curve’. This involved taking a small pin prick sample of blood and testing the level of glucose. Just like human patients - Click the link to watch the video - Milly's Blood Glucose Curve.
The samples are taken hourly and the glucose level plotted on a graph. It is the response to her insulin injections we are interested in. Milly was a star and enjoyed spending the day with the team, where lots of cuddles were available.
Please see below to read the article in full:-
In July 2017 Milly presented with a history of rapid weight loss and had started to pass urine in the house overnight. She had also been drinking excessively. In general, she was a happy little dog, but was unable to control her thirst and urination particularly overnight. As a result, Milly's owner brought her in to see Vet Clare, who took a blood sample and requested a urine sample.
Dogs with diabetes will typically show an elevated blood glucose level (hyperglycaemia) as well as glucose in the urine (glucoseuria). It is the leakage of glucose into the urine which causes excessive urination and therefore excessive thirst, as the body tries to compensate for loss of fluid. High blood glucose is a result of the pancreas being unable to produce sufficient amounts of insulin to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Typically, dogs develop diabetes between 7 and 10 years of age; and 70% of patients are female. Any breed can be affected, but Daschunds, poodles, schnauzers and springer spaniels have an increased risk.
Milly’s blood and urine did indeed confirm diabetes and she was booked in for a ‘blood glucose curve’ and insulin therapy was started. Dogs diagnosed with diabetes will require insulin given to them via injection. The insulin works by reducing the glucose levels in the blood and therefore keeping the levels within the normal range. Milly responded perfectly to insulin and was therefore discharged to continue daily at home with her dedicated owners.
It is important that insulin is given twice per day and ideally 12 hours apart. The insulin is given via an injection under the skin and special insulin syringes are given. The dose given is critically important. The patient needs to be monitored closely to ensure the blood sugar doesn’t go too low (hypoglycaemia) as this could be very very dangerous. In addition, Milly requires a special diet that is high in sustainable carbohydrate.
After 2 weeks Milly was a different dog and her treatment was working wonders for her. “She is like a puppy again, running around and playing with balls” say her owners.
Although diabetes can be challenging to manage it is a hugely rewarding condition and patients can lead very normal lives; and don’t mind the injections much either. Milly does require follow up monitoring appointments which includes further ‘blood glucose curves’ or a blood test to check Fructoasamine. These monitoring appointments ensure that the dose remains correct as a dog’s requirement for insulin can change over time, as the condition changes or improves.
Keep up the good work Milly!
