On November 2, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine issued an alert warning pet parents and veterinarians to keep a close eye on animals receiving the insulin product, Vetsulin, to treat animal diabetes. The product, which is manufactured by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal, may contain varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin, and could cause a delay in insulin action and an overall longer duration of insulin activity, according to the FDA.
“Pet parents whose diabetic dogs or cats are currently being treated with Vetsulin insulin should contact their veterinarians to discuss appropriate measures,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA. “Examples of alternative insulin choices include Humulin N and Levemir insulins for dogs, and Lantus (glargine) insulin for cats. These insulins require different syringes than those used to administer Vetsulin, and it is essential that pet parents work closely with their veterinarians when making any changes.”
Veterinarians should monitor their patients who are receiving Vetsulin, and consider transitioning them to the insulin products outlined above.
For more information about diabetes in cats and dogs, please check our pet care pages. To read the FDA’s official alert about Vetsulin, visit the FDA online
I had Patchy who was a diabetic. She was a puppy mill mom before her life with me. They got rid of her when she got "sick". That was their solution of how to deal with any problem - after all they are all about money and vet bills and insulin is not a part of their budget. I have a great vet. She told me to use the same insulin that humans use and not to bother with the crazy "special diets" sold. It's just a waste of money. She was right. Patchy lived to be 14 years old. This is a good life span for a Doberman to live even without being a diabetic. If you consider that she was a puppy mill mom for 5 years before I even got her - that's an excellent age. It was obvious they didn't take care of any medical need - ever - when I got her. I had to have some of her teeth pulled and she was as thin as a rail. The FDA monitors human insulin. Of course ask your vet what kind of human insulin is best. As for their diet make sure you buy a good dog food. I use Orijen. Feed on a regular schedule the same amount and adjust the insulin to diet and exercise. Cats and dogs once stablized on a routine of diet, insulin and exercise can led long happy and healthy lives.
Our dog, Emily, was diagnosed with cushings disease 31/2 years ago. One of the side effects of cushings is that she has become diabetic. Our vet has us giving her Humilin N, an over the counter human insulin. She needs 2 shots a day and we give it to her right before meals. She actually gets excited when she sees the needle. Her diet has always been based around human food. She gets frozen cubes of raw london broil, boiled or broiled chicken, veggies. She is doing fantastic, considering she has a disease that will shorten her life. The vet originally said she would live 2+ years without the treatment for cushings, which is way beyond our ability to handle. She is more alive and energetic now at 10 than as a puppy. The humalin has her diabeties under control and we are hoping for a few more years of her love.
Don't despair kitagod. My little doxie was diagnosed with Cushing's when she was ten. She did not develop diabetes though. Thank goodness. She lived until she was a little over 16. When she was first diagnosed the vet said she had about 2 years. We had her on the mildest medicine for the Cushing's. She did very well on it. We fooled that vet. Good food & lots of love. Make sure she has plenty of fresh water all the time too. Good luck to you and let us know how she is doing.
Hi - Our dog, Chip (aka: Chococlate Chip, the chocolate lab), has been diabetic since age 2. He is now 10 years old and doing fine. I give him Novalin-N from Wal-Mart (same as what humans use). It works great. He gets 2 shots/day. He had to have catract surgery when he was 4 because the original Vet that I took him to really didn't know how to treat his diabetes too well. Now, we have a magnificient Vet (I think he is Dr.Doolittle's brother). He has kept Chip and myself managing his diabetes just fine. He said as long as you keep the blood sugars fairly regulated, it should not shorten their life span. I do give him Science Diet W/D as his dog food (four times/day). We have an automatic feeder to help with the last feeding at 10:30 PM when we are too tired to stay up. I used to give Chip Humulin Ultra Lente insulin (long acting) but that was discontinued. I looked into using Vetsulin but it was so expensive, especially for the amount he gets -- that when I went to the NPH and found out the Wal-Mart brand is identical to the Humulin-N. .... and cheaper. Happy Thanksgiving!! Sandy & Chip
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