Insulin for a diabetic dog

Off-topic Chatter
1

Hey guys,

Just found out my dog has diabetes. Doc recommend vetsulin, but it’s about $40 per bottle. My dog is a big boy, he needs 3 bottles per month. Anyone have a diabetic dog and do you know any generic insulin for dogs? Thanks

2

Hi!

Some important information on cost-effective insulins. I’ve not read it all but, if you need assesment on these issues I can bring you some well cooked wisdom because I, myself, am (yet) a type I diabetic since nearly 20 years now, and I have absolutely 0 diabetes derived damage in my body (complications).
I started using that cost-effective NPH insulin in my early days and, although proper management can be a pain because of the associated dosage distribution curve, with some tricks here and there success can be achieved.
Now, keep in mind that it can be extremely difficult to keep adequate promedium glycaemic levels while avoiding “hypos” (hypoglicemias).

If you truly love your pet, at least learn this:

  • What insulin and glucagon are and how do they work.
  • To identify the signs of hypoglicemia in your pet. Keep that glucagon injection kit at hand at all times.
  • What the glycaemic index of foodstuff is. At least learn the GI and carbohydrate content per unit of mass for the food you are going to feed your pet with. You will be able to give more accurate insulin doses.
  • To watch out every time your pet shows signs of illnesses: as its body manufactures antibodies (glycoproteins) more insulin will be required for this, so its blood glucose will raise…
  • Learn what benfotiamine is and why you should regularly (daily) give your beloved pet a good dose of it, as it will effectively prevent diabetes complications even if the management of its illness gives you a hard time.

Well, enough for now. :slight_smile:

Cheers

3

My dog developed diabetes a bit over a year ago. The vet told us to buy regular insulin from the pharmacy as it is cheaper. Being in Aus the brands might be different, but I will let you know what we use later today.

4

Generally there is no difference between pet and people medication. They don’t build ‘special’ pet drug manufacturing lines. What is generally done is the pet meds are cheaper because they are not associated with potential lawsuits and people balk at paying a fortune for them….though this seems to be changing.

If you’ve been pointed at a pet specific insulin that is more expensive then human insulin, be suspicious and keep looking.
Having said that Barkuti is absolutely correct, to do this right you have a lot to learn.

I’d ask first, is your dog overweight and out of shape? If so, something should be done about that.

Last, this is a weird place to ask this kind of question. There are forums that are specific to pet issues and I’d not be the least surprised if there are “dogs with diabetes” forums. Start looking.

5

Thanks guys. I do have a lot to learn. My dog is not over weight. I thought I’ll try it here since I know a few pet lovers in here.

6

I know there are web sites and forums dedicated to kidney disease for cats, so there must be ones for diabetes in dogs. You’ll find a lot of good info, links and people with advice and personal experience. Where to buy medical supplies and prescription meds is always a well discussed topic.

Good luck with your pooch.