Diabetes in Dogs

www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes
Diabetes in Dogs
63097/July14/NB/5k
OWNER MANUAL
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DIABETES IN
DOGS
What is Diabetes?
Diagnosis
Glucose (blood sugar) is derived from the food your dog eats and
The signs listed above suggest that diabetes could be present, but
provides the energy body cells need to function. Cells however can
they can also be caused by a number of other diseases. Therefore,
only absorb glucose if insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) is
your vet will have diagnosed your pet with diabetes through running a
present. Sometimes, the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin
combination of blood and urine tests. A persistently high level of glucose
or alternatively the cells in the body become less responsive to insulin. If
in the blood and urine is the most reliable indicator that a pet is diabetic.
either of these occur, your dog’s blood sugar levels will get too high and
diabetes mellitus (shortened to just diabetes) will result.
Whilst any dog can get diabetes, it is more commonly seen in bitches,
older dogs and terrier breeds.
Can diabetes be cured?
Usually the underlying cause of the diabetes cannot be ‘cured’, but with
the establishment of a regular routine and the use of Caninsulin, your
dog can lead a normal, happy life.
What are the signs of diabetes?
Diabetic dogs may show a range of clinical signs due to their illness. In
particular, diabetic dogs will often drink and urinate excessively. They will
also tend to lose weight despite having an increased appetite. Other signs
such as lethargy, cataracts and poor hair coat condition can also be seen.
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Treatment
Starting Treatment
The main aim of treatment is to restore a good quality of life, not
As every dog’s insulin requirement is different, your veterinary surgeon
just for your dog but for you as well. We can do this by stopping the
will need to tailor the dose of insulin to your pet’s needs. It may take
signs of diabetes. Treatment also helps reduce the risk of diabetic
several months to achieve full stabilisation, although you should see
complications. Whilst dogs tend to escape some of the more serious
improvements in your dog within a few weeks of commencing treatment.
complications seen in diabetic people, they will have a higher incidence
of problems such as cataracts.
Your dog will typically be started on a conservative dose of insulin
based on their bodyweight. You will also be shown how to administer
Just as in people, diabetes can be effectively controlled by the injection
Caninsulin correctly under your dog’s skin (see illustrations on pages 6
of insulin (such as Caninsulin from MSD Animal Health). In dogs, insulin
and 7) using either Vetpen or special syringes. If using VetPen, only use
is generally given in the morning and evening, usually 12 hours apart. In
Caninsulin cartridges and VetPen needles. If using syringes, only use 40IU
bitches, control may be easier after she has been spayed.
syringes designed for use with Caninsulin. It is surprising how easy this all
becomes with a little practice.
Routine is the key to successfully treating diabetes and revolves around
insulin injections, exercise, weight control and diet. Veterinary nurses are
You will need to keep in close contact with your veterinary practice
often a great source of advice on these matters.
initially however the frequency of visits should reduce once the
appropriate stabilisation dose of insulin has been determined. You should
never change the dose of insulin you give to your pet without first
Caninsulin VetPen
consulting your vet.
You may be asked to test urine samples on a regular basis to check for
glucose and ketones, using special test sticks supplied by your vet. These
give an extra indication of how your pet is getting on. Always consult
your vet if you are unsure what to do.
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VERY IMPORTANT
Low Blood Glucose (‘HYPOGLYCAEMIA’)
One potentially dangerous complication that you should be prepared
for is ‘hypoglycaemia’; this is when the blood sugar level falls too low.
This may happen if too much insulin is given or if your dog refuses to
eat after insulin administration. In this situation the brain, which is very
dependent on a supply of glucose, cannot get enough energy.
The early signs include unrest or lethargy, weakness and shivering/muscle
twitching, progressing to fits and unconsciousness.
The condition is potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
What to do if you see signs of hypoglycaemia:
• 1.
• 2.
Give food immediately.
If your dog doesn’t eat straight away, syringe a glucose solution into the mouth and/or rub glucose powder on the gums and under the tongue (see below). Take care not to get bitten.
• 3.
Call your veterinary surgeon for advice.
Glucose powder and solution are available from your local
pharmacist. Make sure you have some available at all times in
case of emergency. When treating hypoglycaemia aim to give
1 gram of glucose per kilogram bodyweight. For example, a
20 kilogram dog would require approximately 5 level teaspoons
of glucose/sugar.
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Tips on looking after your insulin
• Do not use a cartridge/vial of Caninsulin for longer than 28 days
Insulin is a fragile substance. Incorrect storage and handling of insulin
may mean that it doesn’t have the proper effect when you give it to your
Additional Owner Support Materials
dog. Follow these rules with Caninsulin:
• MSD Animal Health produces a variety of pet-owner support
• Always keep unopened Caninsulin cartridges/vials in the fridge. Once broached, whilst it is ideal to keep Caninsulin in the fridge, it is
stable provided it is kept under 25 degrees Celsius
•
materials, available from your veterinary practice on request
• Visit our website www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes for
detailed information on managing your diabetic pet
Do not allow Caninsulin to freeze - freezing destroys the insulin.
Summary
Remember that items kept at the back of the fridge may freeze if they
When you find out that your dog is a diabetic it can be a daunting
come into contact with the cooling plate
experience - there is a lot to learn in the first few weeks. However, in
time, many owners establish a routine that becomes second nature to
•
Always store unbroached Caninsulin in an upright position - insulin
both them and their dogs. Looking after a diabetic dog is a challenging,
can be affected by substances in the rubber cap at the top of the
yet rewarding undertaking.
cartridge/vial
It must be accepted that
regular injections, a fixed
•
Before first use, agitate the cartridge/vial until a uniform milky
routine and frequent visits
suspension is obtained. Foam on the surface of the suspension
to the vet will become a way
formed during shaking should be allowed to disperse before the
of life. However, with the
Caninsulin is used. Before each injection, the Caninsulin should be
right care, dogs can enjoy a
gently mixed to maintain a uniform milky suspension. Agglomerates
full and happy life after the
can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if visible
diagnosis of diabetes.
agglomerates persist after shaking thoroughly
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METHOD OF INJECTION
VETPEN
Your vet or veterinary nurse will show
IMPORTANT: ONLY USE WITH CANINSULIN
CARTRIDGES AND VETPEN NEEDLES
you how to inject your dog with VetPen.
1
Ensure the arrow on the VetPen
body points to the start line on
the dose selector. Then dial up
the number of units of insulin
required as per your veterinary
surgeon’s direction. If you overdial, never wind back the dose
selector. Expel the insulin and
draw up the correct dose.
2
Pull the skin of the scruff of the
neck/back upwards and form a
depression with your forefinger.
3
Insert the needle of VetPen at
right angles gently through
the skin in the depression
you have formed. Then push
the release button toward
the pen needle and hold it
in place until the start line on
the dose selector returns to the arrow on the
pen body. Count to a minimum of 5 seconds
before removing the needle from the skin.
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METHOD OF INJECTION
SYRINGES
Your vet or veterinary nurse will show you
IMPORTANT: ONLY USE 40IU SYRINGES
DESIGNED FOR USE WITH CANINSULIN
how to inject your dog with a syringe.
1
Draw up into the syringe slightly
more insulin than needed. Expel any
air bubbles by tapping the upright
syringe with your finger and then
gently press the plunger until the
correct dose remains.
2
Pull the skin of the scruff of
the neck/back upwards and
form a depression with your
forefinger.
3
Insert the injection needle at
right angles gently through
the skin in the depression you
have formed. Gently draw
back the syringe plunger and
if blood appears remove the
needle from the skin and start
again with a fresh syringe (this will very rarely
happen). Release your hold on the skin.
Slowly depress the plunger.
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USING
VETPEN
How long will my
®
2.7ml cartridge last?
IU per
injection
IU per day
based on twice
daily dosing
No. of days
cartridge will
last
IU per
injection
IU per day
based on twice
daily dosing
No. of days
cartridge will
last
0.5
1
108*
6.5
13
8
1
2
54*
7
14
7
1.5
3
36
7.5
15
7
2
4
27
8
16
6
2.5
5
21
9
18
6
3
6
18
10
20
5
3.5
7
15
11
22
4
4
8
13
12
24
4
4.5
9
12
13
26
4
5
10
10
14
28
3
5.5
11
9
15
30
3
6
12
9
16
32
3
*
* Cartridge should be discarded after 28 days and replaced with a new one.
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www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes
63097/July14/NB/5k
Caninsulin VetPen
Use medicines responsibly.
For more information visit www.noah.co.uk/responsible
Caninsulin is for animal treatment only and must be prescribed by your
veterinary surgeon whose advice should be sought. Caninsulin is indicated
for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats and dogs.
Caninsulin is an intermediate acting insulin product containing porcine
insulin, which is structurally identical to canine insulin.
Legal category POM-V
Caninsulin is the property of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated
companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and
other intellectual property laws.
Copyright © 2014 Intervet International B.V. All rights reserved.
MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ
Item Code: SA-045846
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