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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
I totally agree with Lori and Sue that Chuey's dose of Vetoryl may be too high. The only thought I have to add, though, is that I don't know what effect it will have on Chuey's glucose level and insulin response if you totally stop the Vetoryl cold-turkey PLUS give prednisone. So until you've had the chance to get some input from the "diabetes folks" about the insulin dosing, maybe you'd want to just cut back a bit on the Vetoryl dose (unless you only have it in 30 mg. capsules, in which case you can't open and split them). Or at least not give any prednisone as long as Chuey's only big issue is a picky appetite.
Hopefully you can get some additional feedback ASAP from the members with diabetes experience!
Marianne
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
I'm going to throw my two cents worth in.
I would first stop the Vetoryl and check BG levels. It is possible that the Vetoryl dose is too high and also that the insulin needs have decreased with the lowering of the cortisol. Stopping the Vetoryl will not cause problems and you may see a big improvement straight away.
You can give pred if really necessary but it can do really weird things to BG levels so unless it is really needed then I would hold off on that for the moment.
Do you home BG test?
Jenny
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Hi,
I wanted to second the advice to check Chuey's blood sugar.
Cortisol levels have a direct effect on blood glucose and the need for insulin. Too little cortisol and even a nondiabetic person or dog can suffer from low blood sugar. Too much cortisol from Cushing's the the blood sugar goes higher.
So if Chuey's on too much Vetoryl, he may also need less insulin.
If it turns out he seems to need the prednisone because his cortisol is low, then you would be filling a need for cortisol and it shouldn't affect his blood sugar too much.
Seems like it would be reasonable to first stop the Vetoryl and see what improvement that brings. And then give the pred if he still seems to need it.
And if you can check blood sugar, please do as he could need significantly less insulin if his cortisol is low... I haven't read the thread - am just responding to a note to look here... could be he's got somewhat low cortisol and low blood sugar and the combined effect is making him wobbly or weak or shaky.
Natalie
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Hi,
it has been a while I do not even know if anyone will read this. Chuey is losing weight and no longer wants to eat his royal canine. He will eat boiled chicken. But he lays around alot, he is still on the Vetoryl 30mg and he weighs 9 lbs . I am going to my vet tomorrow and tell him I want him on 10mg..PERIOD. He is not himself, but he is hanging in there otherwise, now he is on insulin, so that is another issue. I need him to eat, I cannot get any rest at this point. I keep going back to the vet getting blood glucose test and he wants another ACHT, I cannot afford to keep this up. The vet did order a glucose meter for me, but that IS $150.00. It is the best one and he is letting me be on payment Arrangements and alot of vets will not do that. I hope to hear from someone on here soon
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Hi! Sorry to hear that Chuey isn't eating. Is it all the time or just some of the time? I've been going thru that myself and I totally understand it is very stressful. I haven't dealt with the diabetes/cushings combo so I may not be the best to offer advice but I agree with your vet - if Chuey isn't eating I would do the acth test to determine if the cortisol is too low and THAT would be the reason to lower the dosage amount.
How long have you been giving the 30 mg? When did the eating issues start? (after how long on the trilo?) 10 mg is a major decrease so you want to make sure it is justified or you'll be back where you started with high cortisol.
I'm glad you came back and posted and am sure others will chime in as well. Hang in there! You aren't alone!!! Hugs, Kim
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Hi,
Of course we will read what you wrote! I have been concerned about Chuey and anxiously checking back to see how he is doing.
Right now, an ACTH and glucose check are vitally important.
The folks at the canine diabetes forum can help you find ways to manage Chuey's diabetes as inexpensively as possible. For example, it sounds like the vet has ordered you an AlphaTrak meter. You can buy one yourself online for around $100 - not sure if the vet is also buying a bottle of test strips:
http://www.entirelypets.com/alphamonitor.html
Plus you don't have to use the animal-adjusted AlphaTrak to check his blood sugar. We used a OneTouch Ultra for nearly all of Chris' five years as a diabetic and got very good readings with that - more than accurate enough to monitor his blood sugar.
The diabetes forum is at www.k9diabetes.com/forum.
For small dogs, a Freestyle meter usually works well and takes a very tiny drop of blood.
It is dangerous for Chuey to have low cortisol and/or low blood sugar, so it is good that you are getting him checked out. Once you find out how he's doing, come back here and/or to the canine diabetes forum and we will help you as much as we can to understand what's going on with him and how to save some money.
Will check back in tomorrow for news,
Natalie
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Hi,
where do I begin? I started this fight almost a year ago when my chuey was diagnosed with diabetes, then he got cushings. My chuey went from 30mg vetoryl, he was only 12lbs, I got on vet forum and convinced my vet to go to 10mg. He was doing fine but we were having a hard time getting his insulin regulated for some reason. I had been laid off and working from home part time. My vet really worked with me on making payments. I did not have the money to get him to the university of Ga, they wanted 2500.00 this past time with 1200.00 down.. what is with people this is a school? I even wrote Ellen Degenres to help me at least I thought I was writing her..My chuey died last night.. I am crying as I write this email, I hurt so bad, he got Pancreatitus, he got weak, stopped eating, my vet tried fluids, antibiotics, I had got a new job and was not around him like I use to be all day, it seemed like he started getting sick because I was away. I blame myself...I hurt so bad.. I would take him everyday in the mornign to the vet and pick him up after work at night. wraped in blankets, praying, I asked GOD, please just give me 4 more, years with him, anything, please..he had started boobooing diareah and vomitng weaker, no answers, no one knew what was going on. His BUN was high but his Kreatin was normal. The univ doc told my vet start him on boost and prilosec and the put an NG tube in him to get him to eat. I brought him home. I could hear gurgling each time he took a breath, I told my vet this, they said it was not in his chest, but there was a foul smell.. he was holding on, they told me to give him a half tab of prylosec that night, I should not have done it. I desolved it in a med size sryinge , think desolving would be better, I use a smaller syringe then usual, I open his mouth and gave some to him and he started choking and coughing, I gave him ore water, doc said she was worried about amonia setting in. I feel like I killed him, if I had not given him that dang pill, he would still be hanging on, what did I do?! He seemed to be alright and the phone rang I went to answer it got destracted came back in to check on him and he was gone..my baby was gone. It was my fault, I cant sop crying.. people say it was not my fault, he died after I gave him that d-- pill.. What did I do, I rushed him to the ER, she told me his skin was yellow, but my vet said his kidneys were fine earlier that week. they said something about apesia or infection setting in from treatment maybe.. or is it asperating, what did I do to chuey?
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
I'm so sorry to hear about Chuey. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know this is a very difficult time for you.
Please don't blame yourself. You did everything you could possibly do for Chuey. It was his time to fly free. He is no longer in any pain and is no longer suffering.
Hugs
Terri
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-About to start Vetoryl I am really scared
Oh Nikole, my heart is breaking for you. I am terribly sorry that you have lost your precious Chuey. You worked so very hard to keep him healthy and happy. We know it is true, and Chuey always knew it, too.
In the midst of your grief, there is no way that we can keep you from doubting what you did in those final moments. But Chuey was terribly sick, and I honestly do not believe that he was going to survive whether or not he had problems swallowing that medication you gave him. If it had not been one thing, it would have been another. His little body was shutting down, and his spirit was ready to be released. You were doing your very best to help him, so for the rest of us and for Chuey -- there can never be any blame in that. What you did for Chuey, you did out of your love for him. But I do understand how much you wish that things could be changed, and that he was still with you this morning.
Nikole, please stay here with us and continue to talk to us about the things that you are thinking and feeling. For all who have lost pups, we feel the pain of this first morning and this first day without your baby. And the pain of each day after. Stay with us, and we will help you to honor and remember your precious Chuey. Nikole, I am so sorry.
Many, many hugs being sent to you this day.
Marianne
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Re: Chuey -9y/o-diabetic-Vetoryl (Chuey has passed)
I have created a memorial for Chuey at , www.faithfulfriends.com/chuey. Please sign the guestbook, for all our furry friends who are fighting some sort of disease and trying to make it just to be with us.. all my love to k9 cushings.com for your support. Rest in piece Chuey.. I loved you so much.
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