Make sure the owner understands that consistent treatment should mean that their pet can live a happy, healthy life. This is crucial: the pet owner’s complete cooperation is essential to the success of treatment.
Initial Consultation after the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
Give the dog owner a thorough explanation about:
- diabetes mellitus
- insulin therapy
- injection technique - see the pet owner site for diagrams and videos about injecting insulin.
- stabilisation (usually takes around 1-2 months and may even take up to 6 months)
- lifestyle changes (routine, diet and exercise)
- Weigh the dog
- Perform a thorough clinical examination to ensure that there are no other underlying diseases or complications.
- Calculate the initial Caninsulin dose. Read more about Calculation of initial insulin dosage.
- Discuss with the owner a daily routine, with regard to insulin injections and meal type and times that suits both them and their dog.
More information for pet owners
See www.pet-diabetes.com, a website for owners of diabetic pets.
For a list of useful websites see Links.