This is Doris, who came to Paragon after a sudden onset of lethargy, reluctance to eat and excessive drinking. She was being treated by Vets4Pets in Worksop, who were worried she was significantly unwell and suggested she was referred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doris\u2019 owners were very concerned and made it clear right from the start that she was a very special girl and incredibly loved. They were comforted when Doris, a four-year old miniature dachshund was assessed and admitted swiftly into the intensive care unit at Paragon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrea Holmes, our specialist in small animal medicine, established that Doris had a very high glucose level in her blood, meaning she was diabetic. She also had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which is a painful condition, often causing reluctance to eat and gastrointestinal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doris\u2019 sudden onset of diabetes was likely due to two reasons; pancreatitis – the inflamed pancreas produces less insulin, and hormonal \u2013 Doris was not spayed; during part of the oestrus cycle a hormone called progesterone is released, which can reduce the effects of insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doris required high dependency care. She was nursed by our skilled and compassionate nursing team, including Fiona Wilson, who has a certificate of Veterinary Nursing in Emergency and Critical Care. Doris had a continuous glucose monitor placed under her skin, so her blood glucose level could be monitored and regulated regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She had multiple continuous medications going into her vein to help keep her comfortable, control her nausea and regulate her glucose and salt levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once Doris was stable enough, she had surgery to remove her ovaries and uterus so the negative effect of progesterone was removed. Doris also had a feeding tube directed into her stomach to allow us to start giving her liquid food while she was still reluctant to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doris\u2019 owners visited regularly, and she made a steady improvement. Her sprightly character started to return and she was more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doris\u2019 owners had training from our nurses so they were confident and competent in using her feeding tube and also how to inject her with insulin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the staff were delighted when Doris was discharged from the hospital. She returned the following week for a check-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was bright and eating very well so her feeding tube was removed. Doris will require twice daily injections of insulin for the rest of her life and her dedicated owners are doing a fantastic job adjusting to her needs. Doris should be able to live a fulfilling life with her diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the nurses absolutely adored Doris and when she came back in for her checks, all the nurses swarmed round her like she was a celebrity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n