About Vetsulin
Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is an injectable insulin solution that reduces hyperglycemia in dogs with diabetes mellitus.
About insulin administration
Because diabetes is caused by a shortage of insulin, your dog's insulin level must be restored with an insulin treatment such as Vetsulin. Your vet will help you find your dog's correct dose and tailor your pet's prescription accordingly. Once you have the correct prescription, it is extremely important that you administer your dog's insulin treatment at the same time every day. Just like any routine, getting used to it at first will take a little time. But once you and your pet become accustomed, you'll both find the process fairly simple and quick.
Starting Vetsulin therapy
After diagnosis, your vet will configure your dog's starting dose based on your dog's weight. Next, your vet will show you how to draw insulin from the vial, administer the injection, and monitor your dog's glucose level in the urine. During the first days of treatment, you and your veterinarian will monitor the effects of this dose on your dog's clinical signs (water and food intake, activity, etc.), blood glucose level, and urine glucose level.
Based on the results of these investigations, your veterinarian will adjust the dose if necessary, and again monitor your dog until the correct dose is established. This time period can vary from 1 week to 1 or 2 months. Remember that patience is the key to success. It is also important to remember that trying to regulate too quickly can cause other complications, such as hypoglycemia.
What you will need to manage your dog's diabetes
- Vetsulin insulin for dogs
- U-40 syringes (40 International Units [IU] per mL) with needles
- Test strips (sticks) for testing urine for glucose
- Honey or corn syrup
- Quality dog food
Food and feeding essentials
Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is formulated so that, after your dog is injected, there are two peaks of insulin activity over the course of the day. For this reason:
- Your dog must be fed twice daily or more depending on the recommendation of your veterinarian.
- Food should be rationed half in the morning, the other half in the evening.
- Establishing regular feeding times is essential.
- A low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet should be selected (ask your veterinarian for help calculating your dog's ideal food type and quantity).
- Enough food to maintain weight, or to gain or lose weight if necessary, should be given.
- Overweight dogs should be put on a diet to reduce weight gradually.
- Extra tidbits and treats should not be given! This requires cooperation from family and friends, too.
Caution
A 7- to 8-hour interval must be observed between the morning injection and the second meal.
Feed your dog first before giving Vetsulin. If your dog is not eating—no Vetsulin! When your dog has a reduced appetite and eats only half of its meal, reduce the daily dose of insulin by half. If the situation lasts more than 2 days (due to illness, for example), consult your veterinarian.
Long-term expectations
Although Vetsulin is not a cure for diabetes, it can help control or eliminate many of the complications associated with the disease (such as excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss) and prevent development of life-threatening ketoacidosis.
- Response varies from dog to dog but can be quite dramatic.
- In most dogs, improvement can be seen within a few days.
- If Vetsulin is discontinued or not given as directed, signs of diabetes will likely return, and life-threatening complications such as ketoacidosis may develop. Once they have been stabilized on insulin, most dogs are able to lead a happy, healthy life. The life expectancy of dogs on insulin is similar to that of other healthy dogs.
Important Safety Information
Vetsulin should not be used in dogs or cats known to have a systemic allergy to pork or pork products, and is contraindicated during periods of hypoglycemia. Keep out of the reach of children. Animals presenting with severe ketoacidosis, anorexia, lethargy, and/or vomiting should be stabilized with short-acting insulin and appropriate supportive therapy until their condition is stabilized. As with all insulin products, careful patient monitoring for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are essential to attain and maintain adequate glycemic control and prevent associated complications. Overdosage can result in profound hypoglycemia and death. Please refer to the package insert for complete product information.