Question
My diabetic dog also has cancer or another serious illness.
Sunny, owner notes“I wish my dog lived as long as I do.”Updated
I'm an owner, not a vet. This is not veterinary advice, so check anything medical with your own vet.
Short answer
His diabetes plan will need to fit around the other illness, so ask the vets to plan both together. His appetite, comfort and how much treatment he can cope with may all change. Ask the vets who is in charge and which problem comes first. Together you can decide whether more treatment is worth it, and his comfort always counts.
What to know at home
You may get separate instructions from different vets that are hard to follow together. Put all the food, medicines and check-ups on one list and ask the vets to sort out where they clash.
What to write down
- Pain, appetite, rest and enjoyable activities
- Every medicine and planned procedure
- Care tasks and support you can manage
What to ask next
Ask what each treatment is meant to do for him, what nobody knows yet, and when you'll check on his comfort again. You can ask about comfort care and pet-loss support well before any final decision.
Sources
- What does palliative or comfort care look like for a diabetic dog?What comfort care can look like
- Can a diabetic dog still have a good quality of life?Keeping a good quality of life
- Different vets told me different things. Who do I believe?When different vets say different things
- Is it worth treating diabetes, especially in an older dog?Weighing whether treatment is worth it
- How do I know when it's time to say goodbye?Knowing when it is time to say goodbye
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
My dog has diabetes and Cushing's. How does that work?
Yes, a dog can have both, and your vet will treat them as one plan.
Q&A
When does a diabetic dog need a vet the same day?
If he's weak, trembling, collapsing, vomiting or won't eat, call your vet now. Read the rest later.
Q&A
What should I write in a notebook for my diabetic dog?
Food, mood, water, injection times and your questions. Keep it short.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.