Insulin performs fundamental functions in the body, therefore, when it is not produced or the cells are unable to use it, diabetes originates, a relatively common disease in dogs. Fortunately, it is a treatable pathology and the basis of this treatment is the administration of insulin.
In this article on our site we are going to explain the operation and use of insulin for dogs, the precautions to take into account, as well as the necessary follow-up and the types of insulin currently available.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas It is essential for the glucose found in the blood to pass into the inside the cells, which is essential for their proper functioning. When the body, for various reasons, does not produce insulin or the cells cannot use it, it must be added artificially, otherwise hyperglycemia occurs, which is a high amount of glucose in the blood. The insulin deficiency gives rise to a well-known disease, since it also affects people: diabetes mellitusThere are two types of diabetes and type 1 is the one that dogs usually suffer from.
The vet will prescribe insulin for a dog diagnosed as diabetic. With insulin we get to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood. In addition, the clinical signs that the dog may be showing are improved. If we follow the treatment correctly and control the disease, the dog will have the same life expectancy as a he althy dog.
Insulin for dogs is administered in the form of subcutaneous injection It is essential to keep it in the refrigerator, never at room temperature or in the freezer. Currently there are insulin pens for dogs or pens, which are also available in human medicine, which allow easier administration of insulin.
Types of insulin for dogs
Is dog insulin the same as human insulin? The truth is that some human medicine insulins can be prescribed for dogs, such as NPH, which is of highly purified porcine origin and intermediate duration, or Glargine, which is a synthetic insulin resulting from recombinant DNA technology. Another insulin with this technology is Detemir, which is considered long-acting. There are also insulins for veterinary use, such as the following:
- Caninsulin: This is an intermediate-acting insulin. It is purified porcine slow insulin, which is structurally the same as canine insulin, which minimizes the risk of generating anti-insulin antibodies. It is a mixture of crystalline zinc insulin and, to a lesser extent, amorphous. The peak of its effect occurs 8-9 hours after its administration. It lasts about 12-14 hours.
- ProZinc: is a human insulin known as protamine zinc insulin and is made using recombinant DNA technology. The added zinc and protamine help to delay both its absorption and the onset of its action. It is broken down in the liver or kidney.
Dog Insulin Dose
There are often changes in insulin needs due to different factors. An example is the administration of drugs such as corticosteroids or the transition to a diet with a reduced level of carbohydrates, but they also affect other diseases or even stress. That is why it is necessary for the veterinarian to set us a follow-up to adjust the dose, so that we achieve the desired effects.
At first it may be necessary to enter the dog to perform the so-called glucose curve, which allows data to be obtained for set the dose. It is done by administering insulin and puncturing every two hours to know the amount of sugar in the blood. This way you know how the injected insulin is working, how often, etc.
In general, the initial dose of ProZinc or Caninsulin is 0.5 IU per kg of the dog's weight You have to prick every morning, during or after the meal. The vet will explain how, since we will have to do it at home. He will also be in charge of monitoring the dog through blood and urine tests, in addition to the diet and feeding guidelines, to gradually decrease or increase the starting insulin dose. In this way, the most exact maintenance dose is achieved, which can be given once or twice a day. If in all treatments it is important to adjust the dose to the maximum, in the case of insulin it is essential that we inject exactly the amount prescribed by the veterinarian and when it is indicated.
Insulin resistance in dogs
Be aware that sometimes what is known as insulin resistance may appear. In these individuals, the need for insulin may increase because the usual amount is not effective There are several causes that cause this resistance, such as obesity, other diseases, pharmacological treatments, etc. It indicates that the diabetes is not yet controlled and, therefore, it is necessary to go back to the veterinary clinic.
Dog Insulin Precautions and Side Effects
If our dog is being treated with some other drug and the vet does not know it, we must inform it to avoid interactions. During pregnancy and lactation insulin can be used, but always under strict veterinary control to adapt to the changes that take place during these periods.
Insulin administration in dogs can cause a situation of hypoglycaemia, that is, a decrease below normal parameters of the amount of glucose in the blood. This clinical picture is usually mild and symptoms such as hunger, anxiety, insecure movements, muscle spasms, decreased coordination, dragging of the hind legs or disorientation are detected. If we think that the dog is experiencing a drop in blood sugar, we can give it something to eat, such as a little honey, and then we will take it to the veterinarian to assess the administration of glucose. In addition, the professional will have to adjust the insulin dose.
Finally, injection site reactions may occur, which usually do not require treatment and resolve on their own. To avoid this, it is recommended to change the injection site.
How much does insulin for dogs cost?
ProZincinsulin is available in 10 mL vials containing 40 IU per mL. Its price is about 50 euros For its part, Caninsulin comes in boxes of 10 vials of 2.5 ml, with a price of about 70 euros, or 10 cartridges of 2.7 ml, with an approximate cost of 68 euros. These cartridges are used with the dispensing device in the form of a pen, marketed under the name of VetPen, in two presentations of 0.5-8 IU and 1-16 IU.
