I wanted to share yet another note I received with my pet loving friends about Pets with Diabetes, taking Vetsulin. The Vetsulin, is not stable and has been recalled. Pets are experiencing blood sugar issues that are potentially life threatening, yet it appears that some veterinarians are still reluctant to replace the Vetsulin. One has to wonder, Why?
Hi Dr. Carol,
I just talked with you about my dog’s Diabetes and the Vetsulin issues. I am not to pleased with what I am getting from my Vets office. My vet won’t have anything to do with getting a refund on the Vetsulin, and I just bought a new bottle. They claim that they can’t resell the Vetsulin to anyone else since I used it. DUH, why would you even want to sell it if it has been recalled? I have an appointment here at 5:30 today my time. Of course, they want to run a whole new blood work-up. Bently just started throwing up again, and is hanging his head over his water bowl, which is not a good thing. His urine sugar level has been high and my vet said not to worry that it is just a “Dog Syndrome.” I will be in touch, thanks so much for your help.
Debbie B.
Santa Monica, California
Dear Debbie,
Bently does not have a “Dog Syndrome.” He is experiencing high blood sugar which we refer to as hyperglycemia. This is occurring because the Vetsulin is not stable and needs to be replaced with stable DNA based (rather than porcine or pig based) insulin, which is available at most pharmacies, at a lesser cost. The excessive drinking and urination, along with vomiting are signs that your dog’s Diabetes is not properly regulated. This is an issue that is potentially life threatening and requires immediate correction. Your veterinarian will receive his money back from Intervet/Schering-Plough as you should for the recalled insulin. As a veterinarian, I personally just can’t rationalize or justify this behavior at all. It is not acceptable, it is wrong and pets are dying needlessly as a result!
The FDA encourages veterinarians to report any adverse Vetsulin events with the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product directly to Intervet/Schering-Plough’s Technical Services Department toll free at 1-800-224-5318.
