Question:
We have a 5-year-old neutered male miniature fox terrier. Our vet determined that he has diabetes. Every morning after he eats, I give him 0.15 milliliters of Vetsulin in a shot to his buttocks. I would like to know if there is an oral method for giving him this medicine.
How many times can I use a syringe for him? This medicine and the syringes are expensive for a retired person on a fixed income like myself.
K.B., Wappapello, Mo Nov 15, 2010
Answer:
I am sorry you have the financial and emotional burden of coping with a diabetic dog. Unfortunately, this condition is common in some breeds like your mini-terrier. It can be aggravated by high-cereal, carbohydrate-containing dog foods. Some even contain sucrose and corn syrup (high fructose), which I consider criminal. The latter is partly responsible for America's obesity and diabetic epidemic.
Ask the veterinarian to supply you with re-usable syringes and needles (throw-away syringes are another abomination); and instruct you how to clean and sterilize them. There are no oral medicines to help your dog. A half-teaspoon of cinnamon in his low-carb food every day may help.
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