Questions from the diabetic pet owner are the fuel I use to keep myself educated on all things related to pet diabetes. I’ve had some incredible questions asked of me over the years, and quite a few that have made me do some research so I could understand it and then make it easy to understand […]
I've been part of the ADWDiabetes team since 2011. In that time I have fielded thousands of emails from readers who have felt disappointment or frustration or even helplessness about their pet's diabetic condition. And sometimes they may mention something derogatory about their family veterinarian.
I get some great questions from clients. They inspire me with article ideas and keep me in tune with diabetic pet owners. I enjoy interacting with our readers, and sometimes the questions are worthy of a newsletter. I bet if one person has this question and takes the time to write me, there are likely lots of folks with a similar question.
A friend recently told me that she always comes up with the perfect comeback. Her problem is that she thinks of it 20 minutes too late. Yep, sometimes timing is everything. When it comes to diabetes care of our pets, timing can make the difference between a well regulated diabetic pet and a "mostly" regulated diabetic pet.
I remember back when I was trying to get into vet school in the mid 1980's. Oregon State University required I had a small quota of hours before applying, so I volunteered one summer at a mixed animal practice in Woodburn, Oregon. They treated llamas and goats and dairy cows along with dogs and cats. It was a regular James Herriott kind of clinic. Today, I'm here in Molalla, Oregon, visiting my mom this week and I think back to that summer. How veterinary practice was just 30 years ago is vastly different than veterinary practice is in modern times.
Every now and then a diabetic pet just doesn't seem to make sense. On paper it all seems so simple. You give insulin which should lower the pet's blood glucose level for some period of time until it rises again. After all, insulin drives energy into cells. After an insulin injection we expect the blood glucose to go down, but sometimes it does not. Sometimes a pet doesn't seem to respond to insulin at all. Sometimes, you get a Somogyi Swing.
As you know I am the staff veterinarian for ADW Diabetes, but I also own and run a small animal practice in South Florida. I enjoy treating diabetic pets and getting them on the right track, but I treat all sorts of diseases at my small animal clinic. Recently I've noticed a rise in Lyme Disease in dogs with the rising temperatures. I especially stress wellness care for my patients.
I own a small animal general practice but I am also a pet diabetes educator. I’ve been writing articles about diabetic pet management and more for ADWDiabetes since 2011. I enjoy taking a subject that many folks find overwhelming and making it simple.
I think it’s easier for human diabetics to make sound nutritional choices for themselves than for their diabetic pets. Eating a colorful salad is clearly a better choice than eating a greasy burger on a thick white bun. Eating broccoli is clearly a better choice than having a cupcake. You can expect simple carbs like white […]
I live in South Florida. Perhaps the general public in such a warm climate has better awareness about dangers of heat and thus have better ways to combat heat. I’ve yet to treat a patient with heat stroke at my general practice. I’m sure pets in south Florida get heat stroke, but my clients seem pretty […]