Hello
Our 5 year old, male, Lab/collie cross named Guto has just been diagnosed with diabetes.
We feed him and then inject him with insulin (product = Caninsulin) twice a day. We're just a couple of weeks in, so still establishing the precise dosage etc. Things seem to be going ok at the moment; Guto has stopped drinking (and weeing) a ridiculous amount, he's stopped losing weight, and he seems altogether perkier - back to his old self more or less. Guto is, as the saying goes, a much-loved member of the family and we're going to do all we can for him. So far so good.
The problem is: money - I'm a single parent on part-time earnings. The costs of insulin and of monitoring of his condition by the vet are daunting. I realise that I can get the Caninsulin from the internet for half the price that the vet charges (although I need the vet to provide prescriptions of course). The vet 'requires' that Guto goes in regularly (perhaps every 1 to 3 months to start with) for a Glucose Curve test - this will be expensive for me.
I'm just wondering how other people manage? Specifically, I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has first-hand experience of using a glycometer at home in order to monitor their pets blood glucose (and thence administer the insulin more precisely). I'm feeling that this could save me a fortune over time (if I can persuade the vet that I can do this instead of them doing the glucose curve tests).
I would be really grateful for any information or advise?
Thanking you, vickyguto

i personally would stick to going to the vet rather than home testing,diabetes is a very serious illness and if not monitered closely,can cause blindess or worse.
i assume he isn`t insured?

__________________
My name is Niccie and i work in rescue
National Animal Welfare Trust

Fudge,my American Cocker Spaniel

Dont know if this will be any help at all its patient information put on line by a large veterinary refferal group. May be something helpful there

Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service: Diabetes Mellitus

If you are a single parent and only have part time earnings there may be a possibility if you get certain benefits too, that you may be eligible from veterinary help from the PDSA, The Blue Cross of the RSPCA, Worth checking into. Heres a link to the PDSA
PDSA Vet Care - Who can PDSA help?

__________________

Hello fluffybunny 2001 and sled dog hotel
Thanks for responding - will do some more research as you suggest.
cheers, Vickyguto