Emergencies

Emergencies can happen at any time and the best advice for a dog owner is to be prepared and know what to do if an emergency occurs. Talking with your veterinarian is a crucial part of being informed and prepared to handle emergencies.

Low blood sugar

The most common side effect experienced with Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) therapy is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can be caused by:

  • Giving too much insulin
  • Missing or delaying food
  • Change in food, diet or amount fed
  • Change (increase) in exercise
  • Infection or illness
  • Change in the body's need for insulin
  • Diseases of the adrenal, pituitary or thyroid gland, or progression of liver or kidney disease
  • Interaction with other drugs (such as progestagen or glucocorticoids)

Signs of hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include:

  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Behavioral changes
  • Muscle twitching
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

What to do

If your dog is conscious, rub approximately one tablespoon of corn syrup or honey on your dog's gums. When it is able to swallow, feed its usual meal and contact your veterinarian. If your dog is unconscious or having a seizure, this is a medical emergency. CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN. In the meantime, you should immediately treat your dog rather than delaying treatment. Pour a small amount of a sugar solution (e.g., karo Syrup) onto your finger and then rub the sugar solution onto your dog's gums. The sugar is absorbed very quickly and your dog should respond in one to two minutes. The sugar solution should never be poured directly into your dog's mouth since there is a risk that the solution will be inhaled into the lungs. Once your dog has responded to the sugar administration and is sitting up, it can be fed a small, high-protein meal. Once the dog has stabilized, it should be transported to your veterinarian for evaluation.

Other side effects

Other possible side effects include loss of effectiveness of the insulin and local or systemic allergic reactions. It is important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your dog has a medical problem or side effect from Vetsulin therapy. In particular, please contact your veterinarian if your dog shows any of the following:

  • Excessive water consumption for more than three days
  • Excess urination (including need to urinate at night for a dog that usually sleeps through the night or inappropriate urination in the house)
  • Reduced or complete loss of appetite
  • Weakness, seizures, or severe mental depression
  • Behavioral change, muscle twitching or anxiety
  • Constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Signs of a bladder infection (small, frequent urinations, straining, blood in the urine)
  • Swelling of the head or neck

How to help keep your dog's blood sugar stable

  • Your dog's diet should be consistent and appropriate.
  • A nutritionally complete, dry or canned pet food should be fed in consistent amounts at the same times each day.
  • "Treats" and changes in diet should generally be avoided unless recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Your veterinarian will advise you on how much and when to feed your dog based on the response to Vetsulin.
  • Your dog's exercise should remain consistent.
  • Consult with your veterinarian if you expect a major change in activity.
  • Develop a schedule with your veterinarian for regular evaluations of your dog's diabetes.

Overdosage or missing an injection of vetsulin

If your dog is given too much Vetsulin, severe (life-threatening) hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, seek other veterinary advice at once. Your dog may need to be hospitalized for observation or treatment. If your dog receives less than the prescribed dose, or if you miss an injection, this may cause a temporary recurrence of signs (such as excess thirst and urination), but is not life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice on your dog's next dose. If you cannot reach your veterinarian and your dog is eating and acting normally, give your dog the usual dose at the next regularly scheduled injection time.