Need help with Jesse-behavior

[Crowe]

Jesse was diagnosed as being diabetic over the summer. We've adjusted his insulin a couple of times and the dose appears to be correct. He also is on .7 Thyrotab twice/day. Over the past few weeks he rarely sleeps more than an hour at a time at night, so he's up constantly wanting water and wanting to go outside. In the a.m. he wants to drink gallons. He pants all the time but he's always done that. He also just got finished another round of antibiotics for a major skin infection. He is better during the day on most days but occasionally he's just really antsy and won't settle down. Bloodwork is fine-no signs of kidney or liver issues. Vet has ruled out Cushing's disease. Before the diabetes was diagnosed he was peeing a lot (as is normal) so I'm wondering if some of the issues at night might be more of a learned behavior. He goes out but doesn't always pee a lot. He is 11 and a half. I am not getting much sleep and it is adversely affecting my health. Although he is not incontinent he has had some accidents in the house, mostly due to our inattention. When he has to go he has to go NOW and if we aren't quick enough he can't wait. Thoughts?

[Crowe]

agteacher wrote:
I was diagnosed diabetic in January. What are you feeding? I would concentrate on a natural meat based food with limited grains of any kind. Add more vegetables. Corn, rice, or wheat products are going to raise blood sugar. Also, try to limit late night eating; however, don't make the dogs go longer than 12 hours without eating. An early morning egg for each might be a good option to help stabalize early morning glucose levels. Think low carb, high protein. AVOID "no carb" diets.

We are feeding him vet recommended food. He is now starting to settle in at night. Both dogs go for a BGE tomorrow. We'll see how it looks.

[agteacher]

I was diagnosed diabetic in January. What are you feeding? I would concentrate on a natural meat based food with limited grains of any kind. Add more vegetables. Corn, rice, or wheat products are going to raise blood sugar. Also, try to limit late night eating; however, don't make the dogs go longer than 12 hours without eating. An early morning egg for each might be a good option to help stabalize early morning glucose levels. Think low carb, high protein. AVOID "no carb" diets.

[Crowe]

Bert the Welder wrote:
Have they done head x-rays to check for a tumor on his brain?

No. Vet doesn't think this is necessary as of yet.

[Crowe]

LJAZ wrote:
Drinking and peeing a lot are symptoms of elevated glucose levels. You said that his insulin dose appears to be correct, how do you know? Glucose levels can fluctuate a lot depending on a whole host of variables. Do you have a glucose meter that you can use to test him at home? If not, Walmart has them pretty cheap.

Multiple curve tests plus random BGE tests have been done. He was better last night than he's been so we're hoping that it's just some time as his body adjusts.

[LJAZ]

Drinking and peeing a lot are symptoms of elevated glucose levels. You said that his insulin dose appears to be correct, how do you know? Glucose levels can fluctuate a lot depending on a whole host of variables. Do you have a glucose meter that you can use to test him at home? If not, Walmart has them pretty cheap.

[Bert_the_Welder]

Have they done head x-rays to check for a tumor on his brain?

[Crowe]

I now have two vets trying to puzzle it out. He was better last night so we're taking a "wait and see" attitude. The second vet said that maybe using a calming med (gabapentin?) at night might help. On top of it all Jake has now been diagnosed as being diabetic. It's a twofer!

On edit:

makes me wonder if all the water he drinks is messing with the thyroid drug's effectiveness??

He's been tested a couple of times and it seems fine. The vet is supposed to call me Wednesday and see how he's doing. I'll ask her if that's a possibility. Thanks.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

My Jimmy (35 lb Aussiepoo) was diabetic, but was able to go all night without drinking or peeing, although wore a "cummerbund" to catch any leaks if he was soundly sleeping. Clearly, Jesse has more going on than diabetes - makes me wonder if all the water he drinks is messing with the thyroid drug's effectiveness?? Maybe you should message Dr Doug?