A Dynamo When Blood Glucose Is Properly Controlled

Zak, a miniature schnauzer with a bigger-than-life personality, made the perfect companion for Fran Stepps of Mesquite, Texas. Healthy all his life, Zak spent his days keeping Fran’s other schnauzers in line, playing fetch and hoarding his favorite chewies.

In October 2003, Fran noticed Zak was drinking more water than usual but wasn’t alarmed, as Zak always seemed hungry or thirsty. It wasn’t until well-trained Zak urinated on Fran’s couch that she knew something was wrong and took him to see his veterinarian. After a few tests, Zak’s veterinarian confirmed a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and prescribed daily doses of human insulin to help regulate Zak’s blood glucose levels.

Although on human insulin for a full year, Zak’s blood glucose levels were never truly under control, and Fran could see the effect it was having on her dog’s quality of life. Because Zak wasn’t getting the energy he needed from food, his weight dropped from 26 to 17 pounds. He also suffered from frequent seizures. Once fearless, Zak grew despondent, lethargic and clingy.

“Zak lost interest in all things that produced a quality lifestyle,” explained Fran. “It was obvious to me that he was depressed … there was a dramatic change in his personality.”

Growing increasingly frustrated, Fran was determined to learn more about the disease by searching the Internet. While in a pet diabetes chat room, Fran learned about porcine insulin zinc suspension, the only injectable insulin suspension made specifically for dogs. Fran talked to her veterinarian, who agreed to make the switch in insulin treatments.

Zak’s blood glucose levels stabilized and his condition dramatically improved. Fran’s once-confident companion gradually returned to a healthy weight and the seizures stopped. Soon, Zak was back to being the dynamic bundle of muscles Fran remembered.

In addition to administering insulin every day, Fran now tests Zak’s blood glucose levels twice a day before meals, using both meters and strips. She closely monitors his diet, limiting “people food” to an occasional cooked chicken breast. Fran also makes sure her 11-year-old companion regularly visits the veterinarian and gets plenty of exercise. And she gives Zak “plenty of love and pampering.”

For people concerned about their diabetic dogs, Fran urges them not only to become well-informed about the disease, but also to seek out veterinarians who have experience treating diabetes and are open to exploring different treatment options.

“I needed something that would work for Zak,” Fran said. “I believe with all my heart that if we hadn’t switched insulins, Zak would have died.”

Fran also remains a firm believer in the value of extensive research. Her advice: “Never stop learning.”