Diabetes Symptoms/Treatment

Question
Shawn, perhaps with 2 yrs of vet school under your belt, you can counsel me.  My 17-yr-old Australian Blue Heeler/Springer Spaniel mix spayed female, Jasmine, over the past few months, has developed increased thirst and urination.  No blood in urine.  Bowel movements normal.  No vomiting.   She weighs approximately 50 pounds, a little obese, and eats 1/2 can of Pedigree weight control twice a day, a little dry food on the side, very few table scraps.  Jasmine has intermittent "lagging" in her hind legs when going on her daily walk; could do a full mile with me just last year, but now is pushing it to do 1/8 mile.  She has lost her hearing but eyesight is still good.  Jasmine is terribly bright, obedient, my best friend who would follow me through a wall of flames, devoted companion to my four children and eleven grandchildren.  Could she be developing diabetes mellitus, what would be the cost of treatment, and, at her advanced age, should I treat her?  I do not want her to suffer full kidney failure.  I have limited income.

Answer
Candace-

Increased thirst, gaining weight, rear leg weakness, and increased urination are all symptoms of diabetes mellitus, absolutely. At her age, it could be a very real possibility and would be my first thought. I would suggest doing a fasting blood sugar on her. You can learn a little more about how to do a blood sugar test (With a regular human blood glucose monitor) here:

http://www.sugarcats.net/sites/harry/lipprick.html


The cost of treatment depends on your area, also how advanced the diabetes are. If she needs regular insulin shots, this can certainly get rather expensive, and you also would want to think about her quality of life. Undergoing regular shots at her age, and dealing with the normal aging problems and diabetes related problems...it would not be very fun for her. No one can ever tell you what you should do with your dog, and whether or not it is time for you to let her cross the bridge. She has been a wonderful companion to you for almost two decades. 17 years is a remarkably long life for such a large dog. If she has diabetes, and you aggressively treat her with a changed diet, regular insulin shots, and medication, she may have another year left, perhaps two, but she will most likely slide downhill no matter what you do as the disease advances. If I am not being too bold, I would think that if I were in your situation and it were my beloved pet diagnosed at her age with diabetes, I believe that I would allow her to cross the bridge with peace instead of pushing her along.

Before you make any decisions, try the fasting blood sugar test for a couple of days, and chart her glucose levels. If you see a lot of unusual levels, a vet trip is a good idea to confirm your suspicions. At that time, you can decide what would be best for Jasmine.

I wish you luck, and Jasmine health!