When you live with a diabetic pet, controlling blood sugar, or glucose, can be a bit of a balancing act. If the glucose dips too low, your pet may show signs of weakness, confusion, seizures and even loss of consciousness, requiring emergency veterinary care. When it’s too high, pets often drink and urinate more than usual and potentially develop other complications.
To arrive at “just the right” insulin dose that keeps your pet’s diabetes controlled, periodic blood glucose monitoring is usually required. In the past, pets would typically spend a day at the veterinary clinic for a blood glucose curve. During that time, the veterinary staff would take blood glucose samples every two hours for up to 12 hours.
The trouble with in-clinic glucose testing is that pets often become stressed in the unfamiliar environment, which can artificially raise blood glucose levels. That’s why the American Animal Hospital Association recommends at-home glucose testing, when possible. Pets are usually less stressed at home, which means results will be more accurate. At-home testing can save you money. It can also help identify a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event, so your pet gets treatment faster.
While at-home glucose testing may not be for every owner or pet, many are finding the procedure relatively simple.
First, team up with your veterinarian
Work with your veterinarian to decide the best approach for you and your pet.
If you decide to try in-home testing, your veterinarian will help you learn the correct procedure and provide detailed instructions on information you should send back to the clinic. He or she will use this information to decide if adjustments need to be made to the type or dose of your pet’s insulin. You should never make insulin dose adjustments on your own, without consulting your veterinarian.
Sampling blood glucose at home
Your veterinarian may recommend using a hand-held glucometer at home, much like human patients with diabetes may do. Ideally, you’ll use one that’s calibrated for dogs and cats, for the most accurate results.
The doctor can show you how, using a lancet, to obtain a tiny drop of blood from a range of locations, such as your pet’s ear or foot pad. With a little practice, it can be a quick and relatively painless procedure. Add praise and treats, and it’s all the better for your pet.
The drop of blood is then applied to a test strip inserted into the glucometer. Within a few seconds, the blood glucose reading is displayed.
To obtain a blood glucose curve, your veterinarian will typically ask you to take a blood glucose reading every two hours for 10 to 12 hours. This information is then sent back to your veterinarian for review and dose adjustments, as needed.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems
Recently, continuous glucose monitoring systems have become available that are less invasive and easier for owners and pets because they don’t require any blood sampling. Currently, the most common system prescribed by veterinarians is the FreeStyle Libre, which is designed for humans, but can also be used in pets.
The system consists of a small, circular glucose sensor with a tiny tube that’s adhered to the pet’s skin. The sensor, which is about the size of two stacked quarters, measures the glucose in the fluid under the skin once a minute for up to 14 days. A handheld reader can wirelessly scan the sensor and save the glucose readings (with an app, your smart phone can serve as a reader).
The amount of glucose in this fluid is slightly different than what’s in the blood, but it’s fine for general monitoring. For pets that are showing signs of hypoglycemia, however, a blood sample and glucometer should be used.
Implanting the sensor is a quick, simple and typically painless procedure that usually doesn’t require anesthesia. The veterinarian shaves and cleans a patch of skin on your pet and presses the sensor into the skin. Your pet may need to wear a shirt or bandage to help prevent the sensor from becoming dislodged. The doctor will explain how to transfer the data to the clinic. After two weeks, the sensor should be disposed of properly.
Watch your pets for signs
Even with all this blood glucose data, you should still watch your pet for signs that diabetes may be out of control. It helps to keep a daily diary that lists information such as food and water consumption, insulin dose administered and general amount/frequency of urination. If possible, weigh your pet periodically. Changes in weight, appetite, thirst, urination and even energy level should spark a call to your veterinarian.
The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.
