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He’s Home

August 9, 2009

On Friday I drove to Helena to pick up blind Teddy at our vet clinic, Montana Veterinary Specialists. After nearly three weeks in the hospital, he was finally ready to come home. I took the photo above of Teddy on the cot in our living room Saturday morning. He's been sleeping a lot, and that bed is now his favorite place. He seems worn out, which is understandable given what he's gone through.

While he came through his surgery with flying colors, our vets are still struggling to get his diabetes fully under control. His glucose level has recently been as low as the 100s (normal is about 100) but hasn't stayed there, and instead has been back in the 300s and 400s, then down again to the 200s. So we have our work cut out for us in getting him stable.

At the clinic on Friday, our vet Dr. Jennifer Rockwell and vet tech Rick showed me how to use the glucometer to test Teddy's blood for glucose levels:

We're using an AlphaTrak blood glucose monitoring system made by Abbott Labs. Teddy is getting insulin injections twice a day.

Although he's been eating like a pig, he remains so thin it just takes your breath away when you see how bony he still is. I took this photo later on Saturday, and with the light coming in the window from behind him, it really shows you how his spine and ribs stick out:

He had been starved for so long, and with his untreated, run-away diabetes making it even worse, his little body had just about consumed everything it had left. It can take a long time to reverse the effects and get significant weight on an animal in this kind of condition.

Teddy's vet bill came to $2,784.74, and Alayne and I are incredibly grateful to everyone whose gifts helped pay for the intensive care this tyke needed. Thank you!

We're just glad he's finally home, bless his little heart. Hopefully we'll be able to regulate his diabetes successfully over the coming weeks. In the meantime, he enjoys his naps in the living room, all snuggled with his fleece blanket:

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28 responses to “He’s Home”

Vicky Humbarger

August 9, 2009

I have a dachshund that looked like Teddy, he is also a diabete. He takes insulin 2 times a day, I feed him very carefully and make sure his sugar in his food is really low or none at all. Mason is a rescue from All Texas Dachsund Rescue, and like Teddy lost alot of weight, now he looks great.It took 6 months for Mason insulin to know where we needed to be. Give Teddy time he will (I hope adjust), poor guy has a great home now. Thanks for all you do.

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Janet in Cambridge

August 9, 2009

Teddy, I’m so glad to see you home and sleeping in a soft bed. I do so very much hope that they can get your glucose levels under control. Kisses on your little nose, sweetness.

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Allison

August 9, 2009

Oh, little guy — I’m sending you big hugs and warm thoughts from Texas. You’re in great hands. Get well buddy.

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Jennie Wiseman

August 9, 2009

It just breaks my heart to see how thin this little guy is. Thank you Steve and Alayne for taking care of this little sweetie.

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arizonaFRED

August 9, 2009

Dear sweet Teddy
All of this is so painfully familiar – as I have said at considerable length – our sweet little Charlie having been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus last December. He had dropped from 13 to less than 9 pounds, was dehydrated and so lethargic he could hardly raise his head to see us.
Today he is 13+ pounds, strong, energetic, happy and full of energy – the picture of good health – a 12 year old miniature poodle.
I mention our experience because although we paid over $5000 for the treatment to stabilize him and learn the specifics of chemistry, food, exercise and rest to get him healthy – I would have paid twice that to know what we know now about taking care of him.
We listened to the Vets, read all of their hand-outs, bought books on the subject and joined every online Forum – trying desperately to learnwhat we could about his prognosis and treatment. What we learned from actual experience was more valuable than any other resource.
We did try using a Glucometer – one for people and a new one made specifically for dogs. What we decided was this: it was better use urine test strips (although their results lag reality by 12-24 hours) and periodic comprehensive vet blood tests – than to stick poor Charlie in the elbow, ear or tail several times a day. He had already experienced enough pokes, prods and needle pricks. As time went on, we found we able to almost “read” his eyes and tell whether his blood ws up or down. Although Charlie is the most patient, forgiving, loving little creature on the planet, it would break my heart to see him run in fear from me whenever I approached him for any reason whatever.
I don’t know how Steve and Alayne will manage – with so manhy others to care for. I wish we were closer so we could help. I’m sure much of the Rolling Dog “audience” feels the same.
For what it’s worth, here are the few things I would have paid anything to know when we first started with Charlie:
1. At 5 AM we give him a Mirtazapine tablet. This is a prescription drug and is used to stimulate his appetite. It takes an hour or two to work.
2. We take him for a morning walk, between taking the Mirtaza;ine and eating his morning meal. My wife does this walk with him every morning and it really helps the general condition as well as stimulate his appetite.
3. Feed him 1/4 cup of Royal Canin low calorie high fiber canned food twice daily. 6 AM and 6 PM. With charlie, I have to separate the 1/4 cup into about 25 bite-sized morsels arranged on a plate. To make it more palatable and less dry I pre-mix about 1/4 cup of EV0 canned food (beef) to one can of the Royal Canin, then I get the 1/4 cup of food for his morning and evening feeding from that.
2. After nis morning feeding we give him a 10MG Trilostane capsule and a Hepagen C capsule – each wrapped in a kind of cheese that Charlie likes.
3. This is very important: Set a timer for 30 minutes – we’ve found this is the minimum amount of time to wait between his morning meal and the insulin injection.
4. When the timer goes off, we give him a treat (freeze-dried liver) and then his injection of insulin. We use Vetsulin and give him 4 units. After the injection we give him more of the freeze-dried liver. In the morning we inject his right side – halfway between the top of his thigh and the center of his back. In the evening we inject at the same place on his left side.
5. Around 11:30 – 12:30 we feed him 1/3 – 1/2 cup of raw steak. We like to use Flank Steak because it is lowest in fat. However, sometimes he won’t eat Flank Steak and we have to give him T-Bone Steak. I know this sounds extravagant but he is a small dog and an 8-0z steak will last several days for Charlie. We are VERY careful to keep the steak in the coldest part of the fridge and we only take it out for a few seconds when we cut a piece off for him and this noon feeding.
6. At 6 PM we repeat the 6 AM procedure, but instead of giving him the Trilostane and Hepagen C, we give a Pet Tab.
7. During the day, we change his water 4 times. Each time we measure exactly how much water he has consumed and we keep a chart on exactly how much water he drinks each day over time. Our internist says that water consumption is the simplest and most accurate method of determining whether his blood levels are normal or not over time. This is amazing, but we have found it to be true as well.
8. Between 8 and 9 PM we all go to bed. Before we knew about his diabetes we knew he was sick. The vet did not diagnosis it for about 7 weeks from our first visit about this complaint. During that time he was drinking over 40 ounces of water per day, was terribly dehydrated, lethargi, and got us up at night to pee EVERY HOUR OR MORE. Normal water consumption is 1 ounce per pound of body weight and he should not get up at night more than once – but usually he can hold it through the night.
9. We use urine test strips every Sunday morning before any medicine or food – his first pee of the day – to test for Keytones and Glucose. If the results are NOT negative we contact the vet immediately. We also weigh him every Sunday. If everything is “normal” (Urine strips, water consumption, appetite, energy, attitude) we take him to the vet every 4-6 months for a comprehensive blood workup.
I know this is a formidable procedure and far too much for a coupfle caring for 80+ animals. However, if there are others out there with diabetic and/or Cushing’s Diseased dogs, they may find this list useful. I certainly would have been grateful for it beginning last December.
Good luck to sweet Teddy. We will all be cheering / praying / hoping for a recovery similar to our little charlie.
ArizonaFRED.
Prescott, AZ

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Carolyn Kupferschmid

August 9, 2009

Arizona Fred and Vicki,
You guys, along with Steve and Alayne, are the reason I look forward to this website every day. That was AWESOME the advice you gave to RDR and I’m sure it will help ENORMOUSLY!!! We are all praying for the little guy. I’m sure he tugs at everyone’s heartstrings just like myself. He is finally found home.

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Shirley * James/Portland, OR

August 10, 2009

That last photo of Teddy is priceless. He can now rest and heal the best his little body is able. At least he is warm and loved. What a precious tike! My sister’s kitty had insulin two times a day for years which included close monitoring until he out grew the need for his insulin which was amazing–he lived to be 23 years old and was a skinny thing for the last part of his life but what a love just like Teddy.

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Joanne Cottle

August 10, 2009

I’m sure that no matter how sick little Teddy is, he is able to feel the love that you give him & wouldn’t want to be any where else but right in that little cot with a nice warm blanket around him & lots of doggy kisses from the others. My healing thoughts are sent to you tonight Teddy! XOXO

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Carla Polastro-Nigro

August 10, 2009

It just breaks my heart, too, to see how terribly thin Teddy still is.:-(
But I’m confident that, with his surgery behind him and your great care, he’ll be gaining some weight soon.
Sweet Teddy, you’re in so many people’s thoughts and prayers!
Once again, thank you SO MUCH, Alayne & Steve, for all you do for these furkids in need.

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Toni

August 10, 2009

Hang in there Teddy! You are home now with people who love you and lots of “brothers and sisters” who will help you heal!
Our ACD is diabetic. It took time to get him stabilized and for him to start gaining weight. Now he is doing great and even likes his “super man shots” (insulin) because he gets a special treat after each one.

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Lynda

August 10, 2009

He looks so fragile laying on his blanket. I’m sending hugs and kisses to Teddy.

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Lynda

August 10, 2009

The division of Abbott Labs around the corner from where I work (Sturgis, Michigan) makes Similac baby formula. I hadn’t heard about their animal divison until a I saw where you got the glucose meter you use on Teddy. Keep up the good work.

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Lynn

August 10, 2009

Welcome home Mr. Teddy.

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Angela

August 10, 2009

It looks like you have made a heavenly nest for Teddy to rest in while he recovers. Here are lots and lots of e-hugs, kisses and belly rubs for this little angel. Slow but sure – let’s see you get stronger and stronger, Teddy.

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Penny

August 10, 2009

I’m glad that Teddy has Rolling Dog Ranch and the great people there. I can only imagine what his life was like before arriving at RDR…. makes me shudder.
I’m thinking all good thoughts for Teddy. Takes a while, Teddy, to recovery from everything that’s been done. Take it easy and get Steve and Alayne to hand feed ya!

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DT

August 10, 2009

So glad Teddy is home! Thank you for helping this little guy.
Dee

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Mircat

August 10, 2009

Boy if those pictures don’t bring out maternal instincts, nothing will! You just want to hold Teddy and spoon feed him and love on him. With everything that he’s been thru, I wonder what he thinks? I hope he’s happy to be around the calm love and unending food that he doesn’t have to worry about finding any more. Give his sweet face an extra kiss from us out here.

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Margaret

August 10, 2009

SO happy that Teddy is home at last. I’m sure that will go a very long way to propel his recovery. Our Kikko was diabetic, too. Hopefully a new routine with wonderful food and comfort will help stabilize a routine for you all. It’s got to be tricky/precise with his tinyness and all that he’s working through, but I know you’ll get there. Thank you for that devotion.

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ginger

August 10, 2009

I know that Teddy is relieved to be home with those that love him the most. Now he can get caught up on his rejuvinating rest & recoup. I wish I lived nearby to help out with some of the task that are to be done. Now that the nasty stuff is out of Teddy & you know what’s wrong, I just hope that the diabetes can be controlled & he’ll soon put on some weight for the up coming winter. Snooze well, Teddy & regain your strength. We’re sending warm hugs with get well thoughts.
Big hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit

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Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin

August 10, 2009

Oh sweet, sweet Teddy! You rip at my heart strings. Yes, that photo of him showing how thin he is did take my breath away. But, the wonderful news is this little guy is a survivor. We shudder to think what he went thru before he made it to RDR. But that’s over & it’s a wonderful new road ahead for him. With the fantastic vet care, the amazing amount of love, attention, care & support of Steve, Alayne & all his anipals he can only do one thing & that is to start gaining strength & gaining weight. Much, much love, kisses, & gentle hugs from Erin & me. You are still in my daily prayers.
Enjoy your week off Steve. As always will miss your daily updates!

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Lesa

August 10, 2009

Oh Teddy, I love you and I am so glad you are home! Get better (and much much plumper)quick!

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Maree in NZ

August 10, 2009

Teddy I am so in love with you!! Glad you are home where you belong, now we just need to fatten you up a little.

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bregda, south africa

August 11, 2009

That sweet little face just absolutely tugs at my heart – not to mention those beautiful floppy ears! Wish I could hold him.
We just lost our Grumpy Old Man (17yr old Maltese cross) last week, so this has been a very sad weekend for us. 15 years filled up a big space – there’s a whole lot of emptiness going on here. When we rescued him at age 2, he was just as thin as Teddy and slept almost non-stop for two weeks, but soon “grew into his skin” and lived to a ripe old age.
So good to see Teddy is home and on the road to recovery and I’m glad to hear he’s sleeping a lot. Through the years I’ve come to believe that after every possible medical and physical treatment has been done, nothing beats the healing power of sleep – and his little body knows what he needs, he’s getting stronger with every nap. (Perhaps it’s the first time in a long time that his body is able to relax enough to be able the get proper sleep.) As soon as the “sleep therapy” is done, you’ll have yourself a handful of Teddy!!
Thank you for all you are doing in saving this brave little man.
God bless you.

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boundforglory

August 11, 2009

We’re just so glad Teddy is home AND doing better.
The last photo of him snuggling on his fleece pulls at my heart. What a sweet boy; wanting nothing more than a wonderful home and to feel better. I know he got his wish.
Thanks for the tips Arizona Fred; you never know how many people and animals you help by sharing this information.
Bless you, RDR, Teddy and Charlie!

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Libby

August 11, 2009

Seeing him curled up on the blanket makes me happy for all of you that he is home! Frail, but obviously ready for healing and loving!
xo

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Charlotte Neuberger

August 11, 2009

My lab, Duncan, had diabetes for 6 of his 10 years. He suffered an insulin overdose during year three from a sudden drop in weight but fortunately bounced back from that. Year four he lost his sight to the diabetes and went into a major depression funk, causing his glucose curve numbers to bounce from the low 100’s up to the 400’s. We took him to an eye specialist who told us he was a candidate for cataract surgery but that we had to get his diabetes under control in order to get him through surgery. After researching foods I put him on a diet of organic ground venison at $6 a pound from our local country butcher. He loved it, became regulated again and after keeping him on it for a few weeks, we got him through surgery and then a few weeks later I weaned him off of it and then onto a good quality dry venison kibble made by Prairie. He ate that and stayed regulated and a good weight up until February of this year when cancer set in, much to quickly, and I had to let him go…

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Colleen Vermillion

August 14, 2009

Isn’t it amazing how these furry friends capture our hearts? And every now and then one of them really, really does!!! Teddy has mine-big time:-)He is one lucky boy to be at Rolling Dog.

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judy

September 16, 2009

Steve and Alayne
YOU ROCK!!!!!!

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