Diabetic dog on NPH

[PenelopeAnn]

My dog, a 170lb Rotty/Shepherd mix, is on 40u NPH every morning. Recently, his sugars have been running too high and my vet has mentioned changing his insulin to Vetsulin, I think.  Is this more effective for a dog than human NPH? Anyone have a pet on it? When he had insulin twice a day his sugar went too low, but that was when we first started him on it. He did great on the 40u NPH once a day, but lately he isn't getting the same results and nothing else has changed. Diet the same, activity the same, etc. He isn't obese, he was when we got him. He was 200lbs, but he is a HUGE dog and looks healthy at 170lbs.

[PenelopeAnn]

Thanks. The only advantage of using the NPH is that I can get it from the pharmacy. I live in a rural area, so going to the vet is about 45 min away. It is easier going to the pharmacy 5 min away.

When we do Loki's 24 hour curve it always shows that his sugar runs high then at the 12 hour mark, it drops quickly. That is when he eats his second meal, so the timing is right. The vet was surprised that he dropped so late. I think that is why he does well on one dose of the NPH.

After talking to the vet, we increased his insulin by 1u. So, he got 1u extra after I talked to her. I doubted that 1u could make a difference, but she said it can. I do think he has perked back up! I hadn't had enough test strips to do a 24hr curve. They are coming in the mail overnight. Then I will be able to get a better picture of how he is doing on the new dose.

I really am looking to avoid him getting below 200, because he gets cranky. I am a nurse of humans and have dealt with humans and their combative behavior when their sugar is low, only Loki has sharp teeth and powerful jaws. His personality is the opposite of what it is when his sugar is higher. BUT then, when it gets to running in the 400s and above, he is so lethargic he won't move and he weighs 70lbs more than me! If the NPH increase will work, we'll go with that.

[Tigereye1]

Sorry I don't know much about different kinds of insulins, but I know many dogs on Vetsulin and doing well. You just have to play with dosages to find what works for each individual. Vetsulin is 30%short acting/ 70% long acting.

Most animals fare better with insulin given every 12 hours instead of 24.. I know you said in the beginning his BG was too low on the twice a day schedule, but it may be worth trying it again since he's running high and it's some time later.. If he gets too low again on twice a day, just lessen the dose, according to your vet.

Hope this helps