Got some bad news about my Akita Misty on Monday,turns out she's diabetic.She picked a virus up in May,then she got a cold which she got over both of those herself but then she got a sore eye so took her to the vets.He checked her eyes & noticed she is getting cataracts,so he wanted to do a urine test which showed she had it,took her back Monday for blood tests to confirm & she started on insulin on Tuesday.I've got to learn to inject her but I'll be doing that at the vets,meanwhile I'm practising on a lemon.I don't want to stick needles in her but it will get better once I'm used to it.It's not the end of the world & I can ask someone on one of the sites I'm on as she's got a diabetic Akita
Oh Star so sorry for you. My little lhaso apso developed this. It's not easy but some people cope with it very well . My little fellas was 13 and had already gone blind and deaf so really he had no quality of life but I didn't want to let him go.i struggled on with the injections but most of the time think I wasn't doing it right.In the end due to his age etc I had to let him go. As I say there are many many dogs and owners who overcome this and get on with a normal life. Wish you well and sure it will be ok x
Well I think she's about 6,we were told she was between 2 & 4 when I got her.I've had her 4 yrs in September but she should still have a good quality of life.She can see but not as good as she used to,I just feel mean giving her injections,been shown how but not actualy done it myself the vet has done it but I'll need to do it seeing as they're shut on Sundays he'll make sure I'm confident in doing it though.
I won't lie Star it's hard to do but once you've grown confident in doing it , I'm sure it will just be routine. I don't think I ever did it right just not good at things like that and used to dread it.your Misty sounds in better health than my Toby was so you gather your courage and be confident and I'm sure you will be fine. I do feel for you x
Another thing to look into is buying insulin online you will need a prescription "they charge for them now but use to be free" These where up to a third of the price cheaper than the vet even syringes, one i used was bestpet.co.uk now called medicanimal.com for a couple of years.
That's what my vet said to do it will be cheaper online but I've got to wait til she's stabilised.She's only on a low dose & she's getting another blood test Friday afternoon.
I did feel upset at first but I've had loads of positive comments getting support from people so I do feel a bit better,I'll be glad when we've got settled into the new routine,just feel for Misty getting her shots but I don't think she notices them & she should be back to her old self again.
That's what I'm going to ask but I havn't had to change her diet as yet & she seems to be ok.She's quite laid back she's been good because I've had to put drops in her eye & she doesn't make a fuss
my mongrel was diagnosed a couple of months ago, his sight has deteriorated quite quickly, its important to feed and inject at the same times each day, if you live by me, i will quite happily show you how to inject
She started her insulin on Tuesday she has her breakfast then I've been getting her to the vet at 9:30 he's been showing me but I'll have to do it sometime this week but under his supervision till I'm confident.she's been getting her dinner around 4:30 luckily she's been caught early but it has affected her sight,she can see but it must be like looking through a mist for her.Thanks for the offer of help though egg.
Good luck Star, I'm sure Misty will have the best care you can give.
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle
Another thing to look into is buying insulin online you will need a prescription "they charge for them now but use to be free" These where up to a third of the price cheaper than the vet even syringes, one i used was bestpet.co.uk now called medicanimal.com for a couple of years.
Well I gave Misty her first injection while the vet was watching it wasn't as bad as I thought so I can do it tomorrow but I can go back if I feel I can't but I think I'll be ok with it.Misty didn't flinch so she must of been ok with it.Going back tomorrow afternoon to get her blood checked to see if she needs to increase or reduce the dose.I'll get the stuff online once her dose is sorted.
Update on Misty,went to the vet yesterday afternoon to get her blood done her glucose levels have dropped so her insulin intake has been increased from 25mls to 27 & she's going for another blood test on Tuesday & to get weighed.Took her to the beach this afternoon & she did seem a lot better,trying not to overdo it though as she does get tired.She does like the beach & having a paddle.Getting more confident with the injections & she doesn't seem to mind me doing it.
I wouldn't make a good nurse kids cut themselves & it's stick that tissue on it till it stops bleeding but I suppose it's finding out that I can do it you always think you won't be able to till you have to
You will have to get your son to have a go or someone else in case you can't do it one day. Anything like my son was he,ll run a mile at the suggestion, but perhaps someone you trust. Anyway sure Misty will do well. Bet your son is looking forward to rugby World Cup by the way x
I've told him he needs to learn in case I can't but he's reluctant to do it.he is looking forward to it,he will probably be watching as many games as he can
She seemed to do better today,had a bit more energy,just have to be careful with steps,she seems to have difficulty with seeing them but I'm really pleased with her progress in such a short time.
She's doing ok,she can be a bit of a horror when she decides just as I'm going to jab her she moves so twice the needle has come out.The first time I rang the vet but he said she should be ok if she got some in,she was good this morning,she took it. [youtube]qspXAw2-tCs[/youtube] a video I took of her last Saturday,she looks a bit scruffy as she's shedding her coat
I'm trying to slow her down as she likes to start off power walking but she does get tired,I know she can't go as far as she used to it tells on her when she slows down.I was in her bad books on that video I forgot her treats.
Update on Misty,had to rush her to the vets this morning as she went hypo,she's had some glucose & picked up but she's being kept in for the rest of the day.She's going in Monday for the day to moniter her levels as they seem to be so up & down.
She can't be feeling well and we all know what that's like.
Hope some positive and helpful results come on Monday for you Star.
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle
She gave me a fright when I saw her but she came round with the glucose.She was fine this morning we went to the beach & she was just sleeping when we got back.I'm missing her being here it will be quiet on Monday without her & she'll be getting loads of hugs when I pick her up later
Sorry to hear about Misty, hope she feels better soon. It's very hard to deal with isn't it Star, I do feel for you as I know what it's like , I was hopeless always going into panic mode crying to the vets x
we've been doing alright but her glucose level was 12 on Monday & it had dropped to 2.5 when she went hypo.she's like my baby & I'm worried about her she's like my baby,it's been quiet without her around.
She's doing fine picked her up last night & she was so excited bouncing round,we've been to the park & she's sleeping now.Her insulin has been reduced as that was the cause.Thanks to everyone for asking after her it means a lot
She had another hypo last Wednesday but gave her some honey then took her to the vet.The honey started getting her glucose levels up & she got a bowl of food which set her right,her insulin has been reduced to 18 units twice a day.Didn't get charged for that one,so she was lacking in food that day so it's just keeping an eye on her,if she's looking for food I give her some & she's been ok up to now.
She's doing really well snowy,she's up to 40 kilos which is about right for her,her winter coat has come in & she's looking really well.Her sight isn't as good as it was with the cataracts but she still has some vision she just walks into things & she's more cautious going down stairs.She seems to be more or less back to her old self. [youtube]gaKm60f4ahw[/youtube] [youtube]xxgbeB3K7fg[/youtube] couple of videos,first one was last Saturday & the second one was about 3 weeks ago
Yes it has got easier doing the injections,just get her to lie down,it's easier to do & she puts her head right down she does that when I pull the skin at the back of her neck.She's really good now & she gets a treat after.
She's doing really well snowy,she's up to 40 kilos which is about right for her,her winter coat has come in & she's looking really well.Her sight isn't as good as it was with the cataracts but she still has some vision she just walks into things & she's more cautious going down stairs.She seems to be more or less back to her old self. [youtube]gaKm60f4ahw[/youtube] [youtube]xxgbeB3K7fg[/youtube] couple of videos,first one was last Saturday & the second one was about 3 weeks ago
Aw she is a stunner,your doing a good job with her Star. Lost for words on what i have read from your replies. Just saying your an angel,And misty, i bet she will thank you back in her own way xx
She does snowy,from the day I picked her up from the pound she's had a strong bond with me,one of the kennel staff said she was meant to be mine,sometimes I wonder who rescued who
Fate that is what you call it Star, As for the pound i dare not enter as i would be leaving this place in tears.wish i could rescue the lot. Was Misty handed in to the pound or was she a stray??
She was picked up on Slatey rd,she was in there for 6 months.I found out that a lad owned her but he shouldn't of had her in his flat but his landlord turned a blind eye as he was a dog breeder himself,anyway the lad owed 3 months rent so he did a bunk & turned Misty out to fend for herself.She hadn't been ill treated & she used to get taken to Bidston hill & play with another lady's Akita.It was her who told us about Misty the year after I got her,we were at the transport festival which is where I found out about her in the first place.Friends of the kennels had a stall & she was one of the dogs they were trying to get rehomed
[youtube]UIm6MUX55gY[/youtube] update on Misty,took her to Eastham woods this afternoon.Filmed this on the field behind the Tulip meat factory was a bit windy,like to let her have a wander but she is more confident when I have her on the lead with her eyesight not being so good
Took her to the vets the other day to dispose of her used needles & to get her weighed,like to keep a check on that & he is pleased with her,her muscle tone is good & her coat is looking great.Told the vet she gets loads of comments when were out,even he said you wouldn't think anything was wrong with her
I'm really glad that you have mastered it, I must admit as much as I tried I was pretty poor at it and absolutley dreaded it. You should be proud of yourself, keep it up x
[youtube]TMNLc1mfwLE[/youtube] [youtube]YzUuiDOJGFo[/youtube] Thought I'd put some up to date videos of Misty up.First one is Riverside park Port Sunlight & the second one was today at New Brighton.missed a couple of her insulin shots but she's been fine no hypos but I put coconut oil in her dinner which is good for diabetes plus it makes her coat lovely & soft
Misty is a lovely looking dog.You doing a great job with her. She looks well cared for and very content. Does she pull on the lead Star?she look very strong. I know i struggled with a few German shepherd dogs[fostered] when taking them a walk on leads,They took me for a walk lol.
To look at her you wouldn't think she had a problem & somebody asked if I showed her.only thing is her eyes with the cataracts,she does have some vision but I do have to keep calling her when she goes off in the wrong direction.
Think her sight's got a bit worse,she's lost me twice when I've let her off the lead.She's got a couple of friends,Freddie the toy poodle who won't let strange dogs near her & Carrie the cairn terrier.They live by me & Misty enjoys their company plus their owner has treats.
Haven't posted any updates on Misty for a while but today she has been at the vets for an operation.One of her toes on the front left foot has been causing her bother,she caught it a few weeks ago which resulted in the claw coming out.It wouldn't heal & her cataracts have got worse so she bumps into things which caused the toe to bleed plus putting pressure on it.Today she had the toe removed,not long brought her home,the op went well but she's very sleepy which isn't a bad thing.got to try to get her to eat something so she can have some insulin,will try later,got some chicken which she likes & mix some rice in it.
So sorry for Misty. I'm sure once the pain goes she will feel better. There's nothing worse than a sore toe apart from two sore toes. Good luck with her quick recovery Star, she's got the best mum.
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle
[youtube]GmQ4Y5sOs-M[/youtube] Took this video of Misty today,building her walks up slowly but her foot is healing nicely the vet said quicker than he thought it would & she's so much happier & getting back to her normal self.Her sight has got worse so she won't walk unless I've got hold of the lead.
Had to say goodbye to Misty today,absolutely heartbroken. I've lost my daft best mate.She hasn't been doing so good over the last couple of weeks & I knew when she was going off her food it wasn't a good sign even her favourite things she wouldn't eat.The staff at vets 4 pets Prenton were absolutely wonderful,they put a bed down in one of the rooms so I could say my goodbyes when I was ready & I stayed with her a long while after.there was no rush.They found it hard because she was a regular visitor & a model patient ,so easy going & never hated going there.She passed peacefully & I should have her back in a week or so & they're going to do a follow up call to see how I am. Vanman came with me as I couldn't face it on my own & he knew Misty,it's upset him a bit as well/I've got loads of memories of my special girl.
Wouldn't call myself a "softy" neither "hard hearted" but I feel for your loss. The love she gave you will always put a smile on your face and memories will be treasured. You can hold your head up knowing you did all you could. Be sad but proud .
Starakita , so sorry to hear your very sad news about MISTY . IT IS VERY HARD WHEN YOU LOSE A LOYAL FRIEND. They are our Vets as well, really pleased to hear how they helped you at the end .TAKE CARE .
Oh so feel for you Star, I was devastated when my little Toby went. Gone over the rainbow bridge as they say. You did all you could for her ,and me I feel like my little mate still around, find myself stroking his tail sometimes because that's what I used to do because he had,a really bushy tail. Console yourself with no nasty injections and stress for Misty anymore.x
Star, so very sorry. One of the worst days of our lives having to say goodbye to pets and always with a feeling of guilt. I just hope your grief passes, with support from your family and friends, sooner than you expect. Thinking of you X
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle
Thank you everyone for your kind wishes.I've got loads of memories from visiting her in the kennels to bringing her home all the fun we had & her last day.She came home yesterday with a card with her paw print & some of her fur but call it fate but another female Akita turned up in the kennels about 3 weeks ago,well today I adopted her & brought her home,she's a lot smaller than Misty but I think she will be looking down pleased I have given another Akita a chance of the life she had & it takes some of the pain away but I will never forget Misty.This one was called Joanie but the kids have decided to rename her Willow
Star, that is good news. You are the second person who I know that similar happened to. Lost their beloved dog and within a few short weeks another dog, exactly the same that had been in and out of kennels , was waiting for them. It's as if these so loved doggies can give a bit of guidance once they're not around to look after you.
Very pleased for you.
Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle
Thought I'd better put a video on of my new dog Willow. It's took a while as well as losing Misty I had my mum & dad in hospital over Christmas & then I lost my mum in January