During this struggle, my other two dogs were taking a bit of backseat. Otis is a five-year-old Brussels Griffon — a tiny bit of a thing who is the most easy going dog ever. Mrs. Binklee, also five, is a Pug/Chihuahua mix who definitely has a mind of her own. She's downright defiant at times and has been so since she was a pup. Frustrating, destructive, but also very lovable and fun. Mrs. Binklee and Zodie had sort of mutual respect for one another.
I noticed that in the past few weeks Binklee had been drinking a lot of water — even getting up in the middle of the night to drink, and to be let outside. In the back of my mind I wondered... "is she diabetic?" but didn't do anything to find out.
Last week I noticed that she looked like she had lost some weight. She's on the tubby side, and her harness was hanging off of her. She even had a bit of a waistline. This also was a red flag.
She's been sleeping on one of Zodie's dog beds. In the past she was not allowed to sleep on these as they were reserved for Zodie. Now that Zodie's gone she's taken up residence. Monday night she threw up on one of them. I didn't think anything of this, as dogs are always yakking up something or another.
Then there was last night.
She started vomiting around 8:00 p.m. and continued throughout the night. This morning I called the vet right away and made an appointment to bring her in at 9:15. At 8:45 she threw up blood. I called them back and they told me to bring her in right away.
I told the vet the symptoms I had been seeing and he checked her sugar. It was so high that it just said "Hi" on the meter. That is never good. He took her temperature, which was normal, and said, "Diabetic Ketoacidosis." Anyone with diabetes knows that Ketoacidosis is some serious stuff. Type 2 diabetics typically don't have to worry about this because their bodies are still producing insulin. In dogs this is brought on by an undiagnosed diabetic condition.
Here are the symptoms:
- Drinking or urinating more than usual
- Sudden, excessive weight loss attributed to loss of appetite
- General fatigue
- Vomiting
- Sudden onset of compromised vision
Right now she is at the clinic and will spend the night there. They are giving her fluids and insulin. The doctor called me a few hours ago and said her sugars are now registering on the meter. She was at 715. Normal is around 120. She's getting the best care possible. It makes me angry at myself that I saw this and did nothing. I am not beating myself up — just stating a simple fact. When she is better, diet and exercise will be key. I really didn't think my dog would be the motivator for me to finally get up and start moving, but I owe it to her. I just wish I had done it sooner.
