Question
What is the Somogyi rebound, and could my dog have it?
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
The Somogyi rebound often gets blamed for a dog's high numbers. One high reading can't tell you he had a rebound after a low, and it can't tell you to give more or less insulin. Ask your vet to look at all the readings and how he's been. Never change his insulin at home based on a graph.
I never give insulin amounts here. Yours comes from your vet's written plan.
What to know at home
The Somogyi rebound means the sugar swings high after it has dropped too low. A high reading doesn't mean he wasn't low at some other time. A glucose curve can miss things, especially overnight. That's why your vet needs the full picture before deciding anything about his insulin.
What to write down
- Readings with times and device
- Possible weakness, trembling or unusual sleepiness
- Meals, activity and treatment history
What to ask next
Ask whether more testing would help, and which readings mean you should ring them. If your dog seems weak, wobbly or confused, this is an emergency. Contact your vet straight away rather than waiting to see what happens.
Sources
- What is a glucose curve, and can I do it at home?What a curve shows and can miss
- Could my dog go low at night while we're asleep?Lows overnight
- Glucose stays high even on insulin. Why?When glucose stays high
- Can I change my diabetic dog's insulin plan at home?Why not to change his insulin yourself
- Emergency or low blood sugar: call your vet nowWhat to do if he is weak or wobbly
Every outside source I used is listed on the Sources page.
Related
Q&A
We are switching insulin types. What should we expect?
Get the new plan in writing before the first injection of the new insulin.
Q&A
My meter shows a number. What should I do?
Write down the number, the time and how he seems. Your vet is the one to say if it's good or bad.
Q&A
How should insulin be kept at home?
Follow what it says on the box. Keep it in the fridge, never frozen, and never in a hot car.
Urgent help
Emergency or low blood sugar
Call a vet now if your dog is weak, collapsed or having a seizure.