[wendyquat]

We found out our seven yo Cairn Terrier was diabetic in December. As he is more of a child than a dog, needless to say we are heartbroken! Our vet assured us it is very manageable but even with two shots of insulin per day, a strict diet and more exercise his blood sugars are still spiking up in the 400s and even over 500 at times. The vet just keeps telling us that "hopefully" it will get better with time but being a diabetic myself I cringe at the damage that is possibly being done. I like our vet very much but he's been in the business for over 30 years and I sometimes wonder if he might not be "up" on the latest treatments.

Has anyone had to deal with a similar problem and if so can you recommend a canine diabetic specialist (endocrinologist I assume) or maybe a vet that has a good record of dealing with canine diabetes? Thanks.

[CFrance]

Have you thought about asking him for a referral to (somebody help me... Gainesville?) the veterinarian school for a second opinion?

[wendyquat]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Have you thought about asking him for a referral to (somebody help me... Gainesville?) the veterinarian school for a second opinion?

Thanks! I'm going to do that Monday. Just trying to find out if anyone has any experience with it!

[shortlady1954]

My dog has had diabetes since he was three years old getting two shots a day. He is going to be 13 this year and still going strong! It is easy to manage if you try to give him the same food and the same amount every time he eats. It is the best way to regulate it. You also need to go to the vet and have his blood tested fasting for a few weeks in the beginning to adjust the insulin until he get the right amount keeping it under 300 (which is fine). Remember keep the treats to a minimum.

[dodaneodwyer]

Don't despair ....It took several months to find the right dosage of insulin for my chihuahua. She's now stable at 8 units of insulin twice a day. She eats a very strict diet of Hills prescription WD & is now doing great!

[dodaneodwyer]

It took several months for our vet to find the right dosage of insulin. My 9# chihuahua (11.5 years old) is very healthy now. She is on 8 units twice a day. She is on a strict diet of Hills WD diet food. Hope this helps.

[CFrance]

Good luck, Wendyquat, with your cute little guy. I hope everything turns out well.

[GeoGeo]

You might try Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Orlando. They have a lot of various specialties. I am not sure if they handle diabetes or not. I have used them for a spinal surgery for my dog and FLDR uses them for various things. you might give them a call at (407) 644-1287 to check.

[kittygilchrist]

UF is the very best. And it's no more expensive than any other vet, IMO. Their emergency clinic is open 24 hr, by the way.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

UF is the very best. And it's no more expensive than any other vet, IMO. Their emergency clinic is open 24 hr, by the way.

Here's their web site with phone number College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida Yell if you need someone to go with you.