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Living with a Diabetic Pet... Product review! Rotary Nail Trimmers & When to See the Vet!
sure you see the article you were looking for. Hopefully, we'll be going back to the old format for
July's issue!
Living with a Diabetic Pet... Product review! Rotary Nail Trimmers & When to See the Vet!
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| ISSUES 20, 21, 22 |
LIVING WITH A DIABETIC PET Issue 20
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville Florida
Diabetes may affect as many as one in every fifty American pet dogs and cats. It is a disorder of sugar
metabolism, where the patient’s glucose-regulating hormone, insulin, is present in insufficient quantity. Signs
and symptoms include increased thirst and hunger, increased urination, susceptibility to infections, and weight
loss. Diabetes usually affects middle-aged and older pets.
Long recognized in dogs and cats, diabetes is on the rise in these species as it is in our human population.
Obesity is the likely explanation for this trend, as both people and pets are growing fatter, and evidence has
proven that obesity clearly increases the risk of diabetes.
Treating this chronic disease involves a balance of dietary management, insulin injections, and blood glucose
monitoring. When blood sugar levels are effectively controlled, the unpleasant signs of diabetes go away, and
the pet will feel healthier and live longer.
Pets who were obese when diagnosed with diabetes can benefit greatly from a nutritional plan that provides
optimal levels of protein, fiber and fat to allow weight loss while moderating blood sugar fluctuations. In a large
percentage of overweight, diabetic cats, normalizing their body weight results in complete remission of their
disease, negating the need for insulin shots. In dogs, weight loss is less likely to cure diabetes but can
significantly reduce the amount of insulin needed, while improving the dog’s energy and mobility. Keeping your
pet at a healthy, lean weight from an early age is the most effective diabetes prevention you can practice!
Cases not amenable to weight management alone can be treated with consistent feeding and exercise
regimens, and supplemental insulin shots. Insulin can only be given by injection and is generally given once or
twice a day.
For many people, having to give injections to their pet is the most fearsome obstacle to committing to a treatment
plan. Other concerns are expense, disrupted household routines, and worry about serious complications like
insulin shock.
The fact is, pet diabetes cannot be treated without the ongoing, daily involvement of the pet owner. At first, the
information and skills you must learn may seem daunting. But your veterinary team will teach you how to care for
your diabetic pet, step by step. In almost every case, owners (and pets) can become comfortable with the routine
injections.
Several hundred dollars may be spent in the first few days of “regulating” your pet. After initial expenses of
hospital care, drugs, supplies, and perhaps monitoring equipment, the ongoing cost of caring for a diabetic pet
is usually not prohibitive. Although there are potential risks and unexpected complications, treatment of diabetic
pets is generally successful and worth the effort. If untreated, diabetes leads to deteriorating health and
ultimately death.
Recent advances in care of diabetic pets include more pet-specific insulin formulations and blood glucose
monitoring systems. Increasingly, owners are learning not just to give insulin shots but to monitor their pets’
blood sugar directly, taking a sample by using a tiny lancet on the back of the animal’s ear. Such real-time
measurements promise to give involved owners better control over their pets’ diabetes than ever before
possible. However, I reiterate that life-long maintenance of proper body weight effectively prevents diabetes.
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville Florida
Diabetes may affect as many as one in every fifty American pet dogs and cats. It is a disorder of sugar
metabolism, where the patient’s glucose-regulating hormone, insulin, is present in insufficient quantity. Signs
and symptoms include increased thirst and hunger, increased urination, susceptibility to infections, and weight
loss. Diabetes usually affects middle-aged and older pets.
Long recognized in dogs and cats, diabetes is on the rise in these species as it is in our human population.
Obesity is the likely explanation for this trend, as both people and pets are growing fatter, and evidence has
proven that obesity clearly increases the risk of diabetes.
Treating this chronic disease involves a balance of dietary management, insulin injections, and blood glucose
monitoring. When blood sugar levels are effectively controlled, the unpleasant signs of diabetes go away, and
the pet will feel healthier and live longer.
Pets who were obese when diagnosed with diabetes can benefit greatly from a nutritional plan that provides
optimal levels of protein, fiber and fat to allow weight loss while moderating blood sugar fluctuations. In a large
percentage of overweight, diabetic cats, normalizing their body weight results in complete remission of their
disease, negating the need for insulin shots. In dogs, weight loss is less likely to cure diabetes but can
significantly reduce the amount of insulin needed, while improving the dog’s energy and mobility. Keeping your
pet at a healthy, lean weight from an early age is the most effective diabetes prevention you can practice!
Cases not amenable to weight management alone can be treated with consistent feeding and exercise
regimens, and supplemental insulin shots. Insulin can only be given by injection and is generally given once or
twice a day.
For many people, having to give injections to their pet is the most fearsome obstacle to committing to a treatment
plan. Other concerns are expense, disrupted household routines, and worry about serious complications like
insulin shock.
The fact is, pet diabetes cannot be treated without the ongoing, daily involvement of the pet owner. At first, the
information and skills you must learn may seem daunting. But your veterinary team will teach you how to care for
your diabetic pet, step by step. In almost every case, owners (and pets) can become comfortable with the routine
injections.
Several hundred dollars may be spent in the first few days of “regulating” your pet. After initial expenses of
hospital care, drugs, supplies, and perhaps monitoring equipment, the ongoing cost of caring for a diabetic pet
is usually not prohibitive. Although there are potential risks and unexpected complications, treatment of diabetic
pets is generally successful and worth the effort. If untreated, diabetes leads to deteriorating health and
ultimately death.
Recent advances in care of diabetic pets include more pet-specific insulin formulations and blood glucose
monitoring systems. Increasingly, owners are learning not just to give insulin shots but to monitor their pets’
blood sugar directly, taking a sample by using a tiny lancet on the back of the animal’s ear. Such real-time
measurements promise to give involved owners better control over their pets’ diabetes than ever before
possible. However, I reiterate that life-long maintenance of proper body weight effectively prevents diabetes.
Dr. Carla Haddix DVM
Dr. Carla Haddix DVM
PRODUCT REVIEW -- ROTARY NAIL TRIMMERS Issue 21
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville, FL
Regular nail trimming is an important part of pet grooming, but it is often unpleasant for
the pet and difficult for the owner. Some pets put up such a terrific struggle it’s not even
safe to cut their nails except when they’re sedated.
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville, FL
Regular nail trimming is an important part of pet grooming, but it is often unpleasant for
the pet and difficult for the owner. Some pets put up such a terrific struggle it’s not even
safe to cut their nails except when they’re sedated.
No wonder a new type of pet nail trimmer has stirred up so much interest among pet owners and professional
groomers. I’m referring to the lightweight, battery-operated rotary devices marketed under the brand names
PediPaws® and Peticure®.
The devices are similar in that they both resemble a small Dremel® tool, with a sanding attachment and a
uniquely shaped nail guard. The nail guard is the main feature that offers any advantage over just using a
Dremel® tool itself. The guard’s purpose is to keep the pet’s claw in proper position against the sanding
surface while capturing the fine debris produced as each nail is shaped.
PediPaws® and Peticure® are not identical products. The former retails for about $20 plus tax and a
hefty shipping charge (unless you buy it from a drugstore that carries “as seen on TV” merchandise.)
PediPaws® runs on two “C” alkaline batteries. The Peticure® comes in two sizes that run on rechargeable
batteries, as well as a corded model that plugs into a wall outlet. The various models sell for $30 to $60 plus
tax and shipping. Replacement filing parts add to the cost of each trimmer.
In order to evaluate the usefulness of these devices, I interviewed several people who have used them,
and examined scores of on-line reviews and comments. My research leads me to conclude that these
products’ performance falls short of their promise, and may be expected to work well in only a few cases.
(Those would be smaller, calm-tempered dogs and cats that don’t already have issues with standard nail-
trimming procedures.)
I’ll offer a few generalizations about the two nail-grooming products, and you can make your own
informed decision about whether to buy one.
Neither brand will magically solve nail-trimming woes in pets that react to standard nail clippers with
fear, anxiety, or aggression. Some pets detest having their paws handled even if they have never suffered a
painful event. These pets wouldn’t be expected to instantly accept the rotary trimmers, which still require the
paw to be held, and create strange buzzing sensations to boot!
I believe both companies’ websites offer excellent instructions on how to gradually accustom your pet to
use of the device. Still, there’s no guarantee your pet will cooperate with the plan. I read about one terrier
who accepted standard nail trimming but was completely intolerant of a rotary trimmer despite slow and gentle
introduction.
Even if the pet is calm and accepting, the rotary devices may give disappointing results. Many users
complain that the battery-operated models, especially the cheaper PediPaws®, simply don’t have enough
power to grind down the tough nails of medium to large dogs. The most expensive Peticure® model, with a
cord, presumably would perform the best.
The sanding attachments of both products seem to wear out quickly, needing replacement after only a
few uses. Customers complained about short battery life and flimsy construction, especially in reference to
PediPaws®. Other complaints had to do with shipping and customer service issues.
The consensus of opinion is that both brands of rotary nail-trimming devices represent an innovative
and welcome concept in pet grooming, but unfortunately fail to perform up to expectations. The exception
might be the Peticure Power® corded model, but it is priced like professional equipment at $60 and up.
Most groomers will continue to use their Dremel® tools to grind and finish pets’ nails, but it takes skill
and experience to operate these safely around animals. The pet’s nail tends to bump around and fly off the
grinding surface, and hairs can become trapped on the flywheel causing pain and injury.
The Peticure® company sells the nail guard attachment alone, which can be fitted to several small
Dremel® models. (See their website for specific models which will work.) The attachment keeps hair away
from the spinning parts, and prevents the claw from skipping off the sanding surface. Dremel® tools definitely
have enough power to file even the largest dog’s nails. Care must be taken not to spend too much time filing
any one nail, as this creates heat and pain, nor to file too deep, as you can hit the sensitive “quick” even with
a rotary trimmer.
groomers. I’m referring to the lightweight, battery-operated rotary devices marketed under the brand names
PediPaws® and Peticure®.
The devices are similar in that they both resemble a small Dremel® tool, with a sanding attachment and a
uniquely shaped nail guard. The nail guard is the main feature that offers any advantage over just using a
Dremel® tool itself. The guard’s purpose is to keep the pet’s claw in proper position against the sanding
surface while capturing the fine debris produced as each nail is shaped.
PediPaws® and Peticure® are not identical products. The former retails for about $20 plus tax and a
hefty shipping charge (unless you buy it from a drugstore that carries “as seen on TV” merchandise.)
PediPaws® runs on two “C” alkaline batteries. The Peticure® comes in two sizes that run on rechargeable
batteries, as well as a corded model that plugs into a wall outlet. The various models sell for $30 to $60 plus
tax and shipping. Replacement filing parts add to the cost of each trimmer.
In order to evaluate the usefulness of these devices, I interviewed several people who have used them,
and examined scores of on-line reviews and comments. My research leads me to conclude that these
products’ performance falls short of their promise, and may be expected to work well in only a few cases.
(Those would be smaller, calm-tempered dogs and cats that don’t already have issues with standard nail-
trimming procedures.)
I’ll offer a few generalizations about the two nail-grooming products, and you can make your own
informed decision about whether to buy one.
Neither brand will magically solve nail-trimming woes in pets that react to standard nail clippers with
fear, anxiety, or aggression. Some pets detest having their paws handled even if they have never suffered a
painful event. These pets wouldn’t be expected to instantly accept the rotary trimmers, which still require the
paw to be held, and create strange buzzing sensations to boot!
I believe both companies’ websites offer excellent instructions on how to gradually accustom your pet to
use of the device. Still, there’s no guarantee your pet will cooperate with the plan. I read about one terrier
who accepted standard nail trimming but was completely intolerant of a rotary trimmer despite slow and gentle
introduction.
Even if the pet is calm and accepting, the rotary devices may give disappointing results. Many users
complain that the battery-operated models, especially the cheaper PediPaws®, simply don’t have enough
power to grind down the tough nails of medium to large dogs. The most expensive Peticure® model, with a
cord, presumably would perform the best.
The sanding attachments of both products seem to wear out quickly, needing replacement after only a
few uses. Customers complained about short battery life and flimsy construction, especially in reference to
PediPaws®. Other complaints had to do with shipping and customer service issues.
The consensus of opinion is that both brands of rotary nail-trimming devices represent an innovative
and welcome concept in pet grooming, but unfortunately fail to perform up to expectations. The exception
might be the Peticure Power® corded model, but it is priced like professional equipment at $60 and up.
Most groomers will continue to use their Dremel® tools to grind and finish pets’ nails, but it takes skill
and experience to operate these safely around animals. The pet’s nail tends to bump around and fly off the
grinding surface, and hairs can become trapped on the flywheel causing pain and injury.
The Peticure® company sells the nail guard attachment alone, which can be fitted to several small
Dremel® models. (See their website for specific models which will work.) The attachment keeps hair away
from the spinning parts, and prevents the claw from skipping off the sanding surface. Dremel® tools definitely
have enough power to file even the largest dog’s nails. Care must be taken not to spend too much time filing
any one nail, as this creates heat and pain, nor to file too deep, as you can hit the sensitive “quick” even with
a rotary trimmer.
Dr. Carla Haddix DVM
WHEN TO SEE THE VET Issue 22
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville, FL
Car owners know that it takes more than gasoline to keep their vehicles running for the long haul.
Oil changes, tune-ups, new brakes and tires are examples of a car’s ongoing maintenance needs.
As the car ages, there will predictably be some breakdowns of various parts and systems,
necessitating an “emergency visit” to the car doctor (mechanic.)
Dr. Carla Haddix
Gainesville, FL
Car owners know that it takes more than gasoline to keep their vehicles running for the long haul.
Oil changes, tune-ups, new brakes and tires are examples of a car’s ongoing maintenance needs.
As the car ages, there will predictably be some breakdowns of various parts and systems,
necessitating an “emergency visit” to the car doctor (mechanic.)
Similarly, pets require more than an initial outlay for pet supplies and the continual provision of food and water. What
follows are recommended guidelines for timely preventive maintenance of your pet’s health.
The first occasion you should take your pet to the veterinarian is when you first obtain it. Even if you’ve been
told, “He’s had all his shots and everything he needs,” it is wise to have the animal examined for a general health
assessment and professional evaluation of any medical needs. Present any documents you received with your new
pet to your vet, so that he or she can determine the need for additional services such as booster vaccines or follow-up
dewormings.
An initial veterinary visit can also be used to answer any questions you may have about caring for your pet. If
the pet is not a dog or cat, be sure the vet you choose has knowledge and experience pertaining to that particular
species. Your vet will advise you about vaccination timetables, nutrition, parasite control, training, general husbandry,
and the need for regular medication to prevent specific disorders (e.g. heartworms in dogs, cats, and ferrets, or
hairballs in cats and rabbits.)
Having gotten off to a good start, your pet will require periodic veterinary care throughout the years. Young
animals generally receive a series of vaccinations and parasite treatments. They will need several vet visits at
intervals of two to three weeks. Pet ferrets require some of the same vaccines that are given to dogs and cats.
Spaying and neutering is often performed in the pet’s first year of life (see my March 2009 article, WHAT’S IN A
SPAY?) Surgical removal of reproductive organs is obviously a one-time procedure. Ferrets and rabbits which will not
be used for breeding should be neutered, to prevent certain hormonal and behavioral problems, and to lower cancer
risk. (Again, be sure your vet has experience doing surgery on these more “exotic” species.)
Healthy pets should get a veterinary exam at least annually. Often this is also an occasion for vaccine boosters
or routine blood tests. But even if these latter services aren’t needed, a yearly physical exam is useful to detect health
problems in their earliest stages, when they can be dealt with most effectively.
Many pets will not overtly display feelings of pain or illness, until they become so sick they can’t hide it anymore.
The vet’s exam may detect problems a pet-owner was unaware of, such as dental disease, inappropriate weight gain
or loss, heart murmurs, or asymptomatic parasitism. An annual physical makes sense especially when you remember
that a year in a pet’s life (depending on the species and life stage) corresponds to a five- to ten-year span in a human
life.
Take your pet to its doctor whenever you do see overt signs of illness. Basically, any noticeable change in a pet’
s appearance, habits, or behaviors could indicate disease. In a future article I will discuss more thoroughly how to
determine when a pet is in need of medical care.
Older pets, or those with identified chronic diseases like diabetes or heart failure, will require more frequent
check-ups. Regular re-evaluations allow the vet to fine-tune a pet’s medical management, with the goal of prolonging
the pet’s life and above all promoting a comfortable, good quality of life even in the face of chronic disease.
Pets bring love and enjoyment into our lives, but just like cars or children, they are not maintenance-free. Work
with your vet and read modern pet-care books to learn what medical care your pet needs to stay in peak condition.
follows are recommended guidelines for timely preventive maintenance of your pet’s health.
The first occasion you should take your pet to the veterinarian is when you first obtain it. Even if you’ve been
told, “He’s had all his shots and everything he needs,” it is wise to have the animal examined for a general health
assessment and professional evaluation of any medical needs. Present any documents you received with your new
pet to your vet, so that he or she can determine the need for additional services such as booster vaccines or follow-up
dewormings.
An initial veterinary visit can also be used to answer any questions you may have about caring for your pet. If
the pet is not a dog or cat, be sure the vet you choose has knowledge and experience pertaining to that particular
species. Your vet will advise you about vaccination timetables, nutrition, parasite control, training, general husbandry,
and the need for regular medication to prevent specific disorders (e.g. heartworms in dogs, cats, and ferrets, or
hairballs in cats and rabbits.)
Having gotten off to a good start, your pet will require periodic veterinary care throughout the years. Young
animals generally receive a series of vaccinations and parasite treatments. They will need several vet visits at
intervals of two to three weeks. Pet ferrets require some of the same vaccines that are given to dogs and cats.
Spaying and neutering is often performed in the pet’s first year of life (see my March 2009 article, WHAT’S IN A
SPAY?) Surgical removal of reproductive organs is obviously a one-time procedure. Ferrets and rabbits which will not
be used for breeding should be neutered, to prevent certain hormonal and behavioral problems, and to lower cancer
risk. (Again, be sure your vet has experience doing surgery on these more “exotic” species.)
Healthy pets should get a veterinary exam at least annually. Often this is also an occasion for vaccine boosters
or routine blood tests. But even if these latter services aren’t needed, a yearly physical exam is useful to detect health
problems in their earliest stages, when they can be dealt with most effectively.
Many pets will not overtly display feelings of pain or illness, until they become so sick they can’t hide it anymore.
The vet’s exam may detect problems a pet-owner was unaware of, such as dental disease, inappropriate weight gain
or loss, heart murmurs, or asymptomatic parasitism. An annual physical makes sense especially when you remember
that a year in a pet’s life (depending on the species and life stage) corresponds to a five- to ten-year span in a human
life.
Take your pet to its doctor whenever you do see overt signs of illness. Basically, any noticeable change in a pet’
s appearance, habits, or behaviors could indicate disease. In a future article I will discuss more thoroughly how to
determine when a pet is in need of medical care.
Older pets, or those with identified chronic diseases like diabetes or heart failure, will require more frequent
check-ups. Regular re-evaluations allow the vet to fine-tune a pet’s medical management, with the goal of prolonging
the pet’s life and above all promoting a comfortable, good quality of life even in the face of chronic disease.
Pets bring love and enjoyment into our lives, but just like cars or children, they are not maintenance-free. Work
with your vet and read modern pet-care books to learn what medical care your pet needs to stay in peak condition.