Introduction to Vetsulin for Dogs
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders seen in dogs. It develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when insulin cannot be used effectively by cells in the body. This results in high blood glucose levels, since insulin is essential for allowing glucose from the bloodstream to enter cells for energy production.
Vetsulin is a prescription insulin product that is formulated specifically for managing diabetes in dogs. It contains porcine insulin zinc suspension that has a similar chemical structure to the canine version of the hormone. Vetsulin is given by injection under the skin, usually twice daily, to provide insulin that the dog’s body is lacking. This allows glucose to be taken up by cells to stabilize blood glucose within a normal range.
How Vetsulin Works
Vetsulin is an injectable form of insulin glargine. It binds to insulin receptors on muscle and fat cells, allowing them to take up glucose from the blood. This helps lower blood glucose and controls diabetes. Glargine is a long-acting insulin formulation that releases slowly over multiple hours.
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Dosing and Administration
Vetsulin dosing is tailored to each dog’s needs based on factors like their body weight and glucose regulation requirements. Veterinarians will prescribe an appropriate starting dose and may adjust it over time to achieve optimal control of blood sugar levels.
The typical starting dose of Vetsulin ranges from about 0.5 units/kg to 1.0 units/kg, given by subcutaneous injection every 12 hours (twice daily). For example, a dog weighing 10 kg may start at 5 units to 10 units injected under the skin twice per day. Larger dogs over 20 kg often require less than 0.5 units/kg as their starting dose.
Twice daily injections are needed due to the peak action of Vetsulin, which occurs within 5-8 hours after administration then declines over the next 8 hours. So giving a dose every 12 hours helps maintain consistent regulation of blood glucose over the course of the day. The injections are administered under the loose skin over the dog’s shoulders or hips using small U-40 insulin syringes.
Veterinarians will teach owners how to properly draw up and inject Vetsulin at home. Doses may need adjusting based on periodic veterinary exams and bloodwork to hone in on the optimal dose over time for each dog.
Onset and Peak of Action
Vetsulin begins to take effect within 30-60 minutes after being injected. The onset of action may vary a bit from dog to dog, but most pet owners will notice that their dog’s blood sugar starts dropping within an hour of receiving their dose.
Peak activity of Vetsulin has been identified as occurring within a 3-6 hour period after administration. In other words, the Vetsulin has its strongest effect at lowering blood sugar levels 3-6 hours after injection. This is when dogs are at the greatest risk for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if they receive too much insulin in a dose. Therefore, careful monitoring during this period is crucial.
Duration of Action
Research indicates that the effects of Vetsulin typically last around 6 to 8 hours in dogs. This means that Vetsulin starts working within 1 to 2 hours after administration, reaches peak effectiveness between 4 and 10 hours, and wears off by around 6 to 8 hours after the injection.
The 6 to 8 hour duration of action is one reason Vetsulin is given twice daily, about every 12 hours. This helps maintain fairly consistent regulation of blood glucose levels. Giving Vetsulin once a day risks having too large of a gap between doses where glucose levels could spike.
It’s important for owners to understand and expect this duration of action when using Vetsulin. Monitoring water consumption and urine output can help gauge if glucose levels are staying properly regulated between doses. Alerting your vet if effects seem to wear off much sooner or later than expected can also help determine if dosage adjustments may be beneficial.
Monitoring Therapy
Regular monitoring of your dog’s blood glucose is essential while they are on Vetsulin therapy. Your veterinarian will recommend checking your dog’s blood glucose levels regularly, often daily at first. This allows your vet to assess how well the current dosage of Vetsulin is controlling your dog’s blood sugar.
Over time, adjustments may need to be made to your dog’s Vetsulin dose to maintain optimal regulation of blood glucose. Your vet may increase or decrease the dosage based on the trends in your dog’s blood sugar levels. They may also make changes if your dog experiences any side effects from the medication. Frequent monitoring and collaboration with your vet allows for the Vetsulin dose to be individualized for your dog.
Consistent blood glucose testing and follow-up veterinary care helps ensure your dog’s diabetes is well controlled. Stable regulation of blood sugar is essential for your dog’s health and quality of life.
Side Effects
Some potential side effects of Vetsulin in dogs include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and allergic reactions.
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Contraindications
Even though Vetsulin is effective for managing diabetes in many dogs, there are certain medical conditions where this insulin should not be used. Contraindications to Vetsulin include:
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Known hypersensitivity or allergy to any component in Vetsulin. If your dog has ever had a reaction to Vetsulin, the product label advises against further use.
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Dogs with diabetes ketoacidosis or low blood sugar hypoglycemia. Severely ill diabetic dogs require specialized medical care before starting insulin therapy.
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Dogs with kidney disease, liver disease, or other systemic illness. Discuss with your vet if Vetsulin is appropriate in dogs with certain medical conditions.
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Concurrent use of certain drugs. Vetsulin should not be used with some glucocorticoids or progesterone drugs due to negative drug interactions.
If you have any questions about the safety or appropriateness of Vetsulin for your pet, consult your veterinarian. They can review your dog’s full medical history to determine if any contraindications are present.
Cost and Availability
As a prescription drug, Vetsulin costs more than over-the-counter insulin products. For a 10mL vial containing 1000 units of porcine insulin zinc suspension, expect to pay around $45-$60 on average through a veterinary clinic. Prices may vary slightly between veterinary practices.
Because Vetsulin is a prescription medication, you’ll need to get it through your veterinarian. They will write you a prescription that you can fill at their office or ask to have sent to your preferred pharmacy. Some pet insurance plans may offset part of the cost if your dog’s diabetes is covered under the policy terms.
Veterinarians typically recommend keeping at least a month’s supply of Vetsulin on hand for your dog to ensure there are no disruptions to their treatment regimen. Work with your vet to set up recurring refills once your dog is stabilized on their therapeutic dosing. Monitoring blood glucose at home can also help track when you may need to refill.
Key Takeaways
Vetsulin is a long-acting insulin approved for use in dogs with diabetes mellitus. It works by helping lower blood sugar levels over a longer period of time. The recommended dosing and administration schedule is twice daily, about 12 hours apart, with meals or right after eating.
Onset of action with Vetsulin is seen within 1-2 hours on average. Peak action typically occurs between 4-8 hours after administration, and it can have effects lasting up to 18 hours or more in some dogs. Careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, and adjustment of dosing if needed, allows Vetsulin to provide effective and consistent regulation of blood sugars in diabetic dogs.
Vetsulin is a porcine origin insulin that is a proven and cost-effective treatment option for canine diabetes mellitus. It’s standard twice daily dosing schedule is convenient and the duration of action can help prevent large fluctuations in glucose levels. Overall, for most dogs, Vetsulin can provide appropriate control of blood sugars to help manage diabetes mellitus.