I am writing as we went in for a re-check today, all seemed well enough until I got the call re: Slinky's blood sugar level. Just for reference, the normal range starts at 4.0 or 70 (depending on units used) and Slinky tested at 1.6 or 29, and shortly after a meal at that. Could it be that being in the office stressed her enough to drop so low? I don't know and never well, but the word that was sent home was that we must start her one something to help with her blood sugar. Typically, pred is the first choice and if that doesn't work then diazoxide. Neither sound appealing, and as I know about the side effects of the first all too well, I am still reluctant.
However, I believe it probably is that time...my holistic vet treats the dog and not the blood chemistry, but this is a reading that should not be ignored.
Slinky's blood sugar has been low for about a year and a half, but the lowest it had been (on only one instance) was 2.4, and more regularly in the 2.7-3.2 range, which is still low, but for Slinky was not dangerously low.
Who knows which is driving the blood sugar down more, the melanoma or the insulinoma. My guess is the latter due to the high insulin present in her blood. It doesn't really matter, it is all academic at this point.
We did not opt for chest x-rays, but agreed to take another snapshot in 6 weeks, the same day she will receive her next vaccine booster for the melanoma.
Please keep Slinky in your prayers as we travel down a new path on the journey, one that was likely inevitable but still a tough one to accept...
Hugs to you all and to your cancer fighting pups and treasured Angels,
Cinda and Slinky
with faraway Michie
Angels Buddy and Laci
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