Will An Infection Affect My Diabetic Dog? Part Two
As you all noticed, I got a little long winded in the first part of this topic so here we are with Part Two. If you missed the first part, you can find it here. I should mention that if you see a different colored text, I believe on some devices it is highlighted in blue, in others, it is red, that is a link to the product or group or reference being discussed. So as in the case above, if you click on the word “here”, it should take you to the first part of this topic. That is just a little “how to” lesson. I had considered putting several of these throughout this post and taking you on a little journey, but decided against it so as not to waste your time. I will link whatever is relevant and leave it up to you if you want to click it or not. Now, on to our topic of the day…
There’s an odd odor coming from your “Sugar Baby’s” ears, what could that be? If your pup is scratching their ears, rubbing their ears on the floor or furniture, shaking their heads more than normal, it is likely some type of ear infection. It’s best to take your pup in to find out just what you’re dealing with. Your pup’s ears are nothing to mess with. I will say that if there is an infection present, PLEASE make sure that whatever prescription you’re given, it doesn’t contain steroids or Gentamicin. Gentamicin can cause deafness in a healthy pup and being that our pups are immunocompromised, we don’t want to take ANY chances. There are always other options! As far as steroid ear drops go, make sure that your vet remembers that your pup is diabetic and that steroids will increase BG (Blood Glucose). Many of them will say that “This is a topical treatment and it won’t affect your numbers.” I beg to differ. We see pups every week in our group ( Canine Diabetes Support and Information) that are given steroid eye drops after cataract surgery and without fail, insulin needs to be adjusted to cover the increase in BG (Blood Glucose) numbers caused by the use of the “topical” steroid. If the steroids are absolutely necessary, then if you’re testing at home you can adjust your insulin dose to cover the time that you must use the steroid drops. Sometimes the diabetes has to take a back seat to a more immediate issue.
As in most cases, there is some prevention that you can do if your pup is prone to ear infections. First, there is an ear wash that you can use to keep your pup’s ears clean and hopefully infection free. Many have had good luck with Zymox Ear Cleanser.
They also make an ointment that has hydrocortisone (STEROID) in it; make sure that you get the ear Cleanser to use as a preventive not the steroid. Secondly, you can try a “make at home” solution of Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Bragg's Organic ACV) and warm water to use as an ear wash (2 parts warm water to 1 part vinegar). Prevention is definitely worth the effort to help you save money and to keep your pup as comfortable as possible!
Now we come to the last topic of conversation. Maybe your pup is licking their feet or you notice the beginning of a hotspot? Its allergy season and sadly, no one is exempt. Identifying the root of the problem is the surest way to treat the symptoms. If your pup is scratching or chewing or licking a body part, smell the area and if it smells like corn chips, it is likely yeast. Odd I know, but that’s the easiest way to identify yeast (it can also present as a sort of black dandruff). If it is yeast, you can bathe your pup in Selsun Blue shampoo (original formula) with an organic Apple Cider Vinegar and warm water rinse. This is a method that is used by many Veterinary Dermatologists with great success. It’s worth a try certainly to see if you can get the issue under control as soon as you see this behavior. My Max was allergic to some grasses so I got a paw plunger (there are several brands in several price ranges) and soaked his feet in the organic ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) and warm water solution every time he came inside if we were in an area that he was sensitive to.
In any of the scenarios that we have discussed, as the infection clears your dog’s system, his/her BG (Blood Glucose) numbers will likely come down so if you have adjusted insulin to compensate for the higher numbers, please be diligent in testing and adjusting your insulin dose as the infection clears. This is important in all cases, but especially if you work outside the home and your pup is alone during the day.
If you have any thoughts or ideas for topics that you’d like to see covered here, please feel free to comment below or send me an email at NancyForPetTest@pharmasupply.com. As always, please “like” this blog post or any of the others that have helped you or just refreshed your memory. Look for new posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!
Until next time…