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Keep a Leash on Diabetes with Proper Insulin Administration

Published on 4/21/20

 

 

Keep a leash on diabetes with proper insulin administration

 


Diabetes is a common but manageable condition in cats and dogs that requires ongoing commitment by both veterinarian and pet owner.1 Its prevalence in cats is nearly three times higher than that of dogs.2

 


Insulin, along with dietary modification, is the mainstay of treatment for diabetes. To administer insulin with a vial, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends using a 12.7mm x 29G insulin syringe with a barrel size of either 0.3 or 0.5 mL to facilitate accurate dosing, especially if the pet is getting < 5 units per dose.1

 

 

How can I help my patients and their owners with insulin administration?

 

 

 

Insulin administration can be a difficult task for pet owners. The following insights are recommended by the AAHA to guide pet owners on how to administer insulin to their dog or cat:3,4

 

  • Re-assure pet owners that giving their dog or cat an insulin injection may seem intimidating or overwhelming, but over time, the process can become routine for both of them.
  • Unless otherwise directed by the vet, owners should feed their pet before giving insulin.
  • Help the pet owner find a good location for administering insulin. Many dogs tolerate the injections well when given about one to two inches from the middle of the back, near the shoulder blade or hip bone (Figure 1).3,4 Alternate the location each time an injection is given to avoid soreness.
  • Pet owners may need to ask someone to help hold their pet while administering insulin. Some pets will hold still without being held if they are distracted with low carbohydrate treats.
  • To administer insulin, pet owners should hold the syringe in their dominant hand. For safety, and to keep from losing any of the pet’s dose, pet owners should not place their finger on the plunger until the needle is in the skin.
  • Using their other hand, pet owners should pinch a fold of skin and gently insert the needle into the center of the fold (Figure 2).3,4 Once the needle is through the skin, gently push the plunger down until the full dose has been delivered.
  • Needle should be carefully removed from the skin and safely disposed of in a closed sharps or biohazard container.
  • Remember to reward the pet with something he or she likes, such as playtime, snuggles, or a low-carbohydrate treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download this client handout to print and give as a resource for your clients!

 

U-40 Pet Insulin Syringes from BD –
Your Diabetes Injection Experts®


BD U-40 pet insulin syringes are aligned with AAHA recommendations1:

  • 12.7mm x 29G needle
  • Two barrel sizes (syringe capacity):
    • 0.3 mL (for dosing up to 12 units)
    • 0.5 mL (for dosing up to 20 units)

 

Other features:

  • Red-colored marking scale to indicate use for U-40 insulin
  • Half-unit scale markings
  • Manufactured in the USA


 

 

 

 

To assist with safe insulin syringe disposal, BD offers
home sharps disposal containers and the BD Safe Clip – needle clipping device.

 

 

References: 1. Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA diabetes management guidelines for dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018; 54:1–21. 2. State of Pet Health 2016 Report. Banfield Pet Hospital. https://www.banfield.com/Banfield/media/PDF/Downloads/soph/Banfield-State-of-Pet-Health-Report-2016.pdf Accessed March 20, 2020. 3. How to Administer Insulin to Your Dog. AAHA. https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/diabetes/diabetes-insulin-dog. Accessed March 20, 2020. 4. How to Administer Insulin to Your Cat. AAHA. https://www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/diabetes/diabetes_insulin_cat_final.pdf. Accessed March 20, 2020.

 

 

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