INSULIN, CANINE AND FELINE
(For veterinary information only)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Inform the veterinarian that your pet is on this medication prior to any surgery.
As with all medications, it is extremely important that this medication be used ONLY for the pet for which it is prescribed.
BRAND NAME: CANINSULIN®
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED
Caninsulin® is used for the control of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level) associated with diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Diabetes mellitus results when the pancreas stops producing insulin or the body becomes resistant to the insulin and needs it in a higher quantity. Insulin deficiency impairs the cellular uptake of glucose (sugar) and promotes glucose production by the liver. As a result, there is too much glucose in the blood, and not enough in the cells for energy.
Your pet will need to take this medication for the rest of its life.
SIDE EFFECTS
Caninsulin® may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) with symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, shaking, seizures, or coma. Cats may just sit and do nothing.
Alternatively, an insulin-induced hyperglycemia may result when the body increases the blood sugar level because it had dropped too low.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS
The use of progestogens (estrus inhibitors) in pets suffering from diabetes mellitus should be avoided.
There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia if insulin is used with anabolic steroids, beta-blockers, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, phenylbutazone, tetracycline, or salicylates like aspirin.
There is an increased risk of hyperglycemia if insulin is used with glucocorticoids, thyroid medications, dobutamine, epinephrine, estrogen/progesterone combinations, or diuretics.
Hypoglycemic agents such as glipizide may help lower insulin requirements as may chromium picolate.
Insulin requirements may be altered at the start of treatment for thyroid disorders.
Changes in potassium levels may occur when using insulin, heart medications, and/or diuretics.
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS
Administer this medication exactly as prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian. If your pet is given a double dose of insulin or is showing signs of low blood sugar, contact your pet’s veterinarian immediately and feed the pet a normal meal, a sugary food, or place a small amount of maple syrup on the gums ONLY if your pet is still responsive. Do not put anything in the mouth of an unresponsive patient. Do not get bitten treating your pet.
Insulin must be refrigerated.
Your pet will likely be placed on a special diet as well as on this medication. It is important to follow carefully all instructions for your pet’s care outlined by the veterinarian.
The amount and time of insulin administration, the type of food, feeding time, and exercise must be consistent every day. Stress and irregular extra exercise must be avoided.
Progesterone stimulates the release of growth hormone, which antagonizes the action of insulin. Therefore, intact diabetic females should be spayed as soon as they are stable enough to withstand the procedure.
Caninsulin® is a U40 insulin. The use of U40 insulin syringes is recommended at all times to ensure accurate dosing.
Dogs that are poorly regulated have a greater risk of developing cataracts.
If your pet does not eat for some reason, contact your veterinarian before giving the insulin.
Insulin is given by a subcutaneous (SQ/under the skin) injection. Doses may need to be given twice a day. Doses may need to be changed over time. Alter the injection site to decrease irritation to the tissue. The veterinarian will demonstrate proper technique and injection site. Roll the bottle or turn it end over end to mix the insulin as it settles out in the bottom of the bottle between treatments. Do not shake the bottle as that will cause air bubbles to form, and it will be more difficult to get an accurate measurement. The insulin should be uniformly cloudy in the bottle when you draw it into the syringe. Ensure that there are no air bubbles in the syringe before injecting the medication.
Frequent blood sugar monitoring is usually necessary, especially when first beginning the medication. Contact your pet’s veterinarian for specifics on monitoring for your pet.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 672-7800.