 Caring for a diabetic pet can be a stressful experience and at first the adjustment to what is virtually a new way of life can be upsetting for both of you. Do not give up! At first you are going to be faced with frustration, anger, exhaustion, sadness, fear, and guilt - these are all part and parcel of caring for a pet with a chronic health condition. As frustrating as it may be, the time will come when you will be able to cope with the strengthen, the pills, the new diet, the exercise regime, and all the other things that you are now faced with. As a bonus, all this added attention and interaction between you and your pet will only strengthen the bond you already have. There can be no half measures - the level of care your pet will now require is high and is required on a daily basis. Insulin injections, proper feeding at scheduled times and an exercise regime have now become a part of your life as well as your pet's but YOU CAN DO THIS and you don't have to put your own life on hold to do so. By the simple expedient of "planning ahead" you can go to work, have a social life, travel and do all the things you did prior to your pet's diabetes diagnosis. From the outset, it is a good idea to build up a support network of those willing to help so that if an emergency arises, you have a backup plan for your pet's care. Check the veterinarians, groomers, neighbors, friends - the list is endless - of those who might take on the responsibility of your pet in an emergency. When you are comfortable with the treatment of your pet, instruct them in what should be done if they are asked to step in and help. It would be wise to have these instructions written down. Be warned that some friends, relatives, co-workers and complete strangers can and will be totally insensitive to your attempts to care for your pet. Confront such individuals with a glassy stare and some compassion - they just don't understand the bond you have with your pet and probably have never had the joy of sharing their lives with a companion animal. Also, this was your decision and is your life and the life of your pet - not theirs. On the other hand, you're going to receive a lot of understanding and compassion from so many who know the love you have for your pet. There are also support groups on the internet where you can turn for support and encouragement if you find it lacking somewhat in your day-to-day life. You must have a good working relationship with a vet whom you trust. If the trust is not there, or if you cannot talk openly and freely with your veterinarian, then the time to seek another at hand. Good communication between you and your veterinarian is essential. Another essential is that your vet have had experience in treating diabetic patients - this is a very complex disease, one we are learning more about every day, and the veterinarian you have caring for your diabetic pet should be experienced in this area. Educating yourself about diabetes is will make this disease easier to cope with. There is a lot of information available and new ideas and treatments are coming along every day. In the beginning, get a good grasp of the basics and go from there. In your research, if you come across something you don't understand, ask questions. The correct answer could save the life of your pet! Cost is something which first comes to mind when a pet is diagnosed with diabetes. While the initial costs of diagnosis and regulation can be high, consider all your options before making any final decisions for your pet. If your money is limited, talk to your vet about limiting expenses and making regular payments instead of one lump sum, which may be difficult. In the first few weeks after diagnosis the cost could run $200 or $300 or higher, depending on the condition of your pet when diagnosed. Once your pet is well regulated, you will find the costs decrease drastically. Basic supplies - syringes, insulin test strips (if you are home testing) would normally run in the $50 area. A blood glucose curve, which may be needed only every 6 months or so, would run between $150 and $200. (If your pet is more difficult to regulate, more frequent blood testing may be required.) There may also be financial resources available to help you - ask your veterinarian if any are available in your area. On the internet, you might apply to IMOM or to the Muffin Pet Diabetes Fund for assistance. Home blood glucose monitoring is an option that can significantly decrease your expenses. Although your veterinarian may be reluctant at first for you to do this, it cannot harm your pet and will provide reliable and immediate information on your pet's blood glucose levels. Blood glucose meters and supplies vary in price but rebates are often available. Talk to your local pharmacist and investigate what is available from the manufacturers through their internet By making the decision to care for a pet with diabetes you are embarking on a very demanding but rewarding journey. Whatever decisions you make for the care of your pet, they are decisions based on the love and welfare of your pet and you are to be commended for doing so.
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