Question:
Our 10-year-old Bichon was diagnosed with diabetes several months ago. He is under our veterinarian's care. I have to give him insulin (which he doesn't like and neither do I), and it's not easy. It takes the two of us (my husband and me). Someone has to hold him while the other does the deed.We want to do everything to keep him in good health. We make a lot of visits to the veterinarian for blood work, etc., and insulin adjustment.I am so discouraged, and I don't know how to tell whether he's well or not. It's really difficult. We have had many dogs but none with this problem. Please help if you can.
A.B., Gainesville, Va Dec 31, 2006
Answer:
Diabetes is very common in middle-aged and older dogs. It is often, as in humans, preceded by obesity. Attention to diet (fewer carbohydrates) and regular exercise are the best preventives.Animals with diabetes benefit from special prescription diets coupled with regular physical activity. Some raw foods may help. Feed him finely chopped vegetables and scalded or briefly boiled raw-beef cubes or chicken. Up to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per 30 pounds body weight daily might help, too. Add it to his food in gradually increasing amounts until you're giving him a full dose daily.
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