Insulen. Vetsulin was originally marketed by Merck Animal Health, in 2004, as the first federally approved insulin for diabetic dogs and cats. After Vetsulin killed thousands of helpless dogs, it was finally discontinued in 2011 and just recently has been re-approved by the FDA. Vetsulin is now available to US veterinarians and diabetic pet owners.
Vetsulin is an insulin zinc suspension, of porcine origin which means it is derived from pigs.
According to Merck, the amino acid structure in Vetsulin is identical to canine insulin which Merck representatives said minimizes the risk of potential adverse immune mediated disorders resulting from its use in dogs. Diabetes in cats, on the other hand is not thought to be an immune mediated disorder therefore the risk of developing auto-antibodies is negligent.
In 2009, the FDA issued alerts regarding a lack of stability in Vetsulin. Pet owners were advised to keep a close eye on their diabetic pets in case of an adverse reaction. Following this initial FDA Alert, thousands of diabetic dogs were rushed into emergency rooms all across the country, suffering from the consequences of this unstable Vetsulin.
Results included kidney failure, anemia, and blindness due to cataracts, neurological disorders and death.
There was also a multi million dollar Vetsulin Class Action Law Suit filed and settled out of court in which some of the financial burdens experienced by grieving pet owners were addressed.
Since Vetsulin was officially taken off the market in 2011, diabetic dogs and cats have been doing quite well on human DNA derived insulin, available for example, at Wal-Mart for a fraction of the cost when compared to Vetsulin.
Adverse reactions experienced by diabetic dogs taking human insulin have yet to be documented or even reported, according to this veterinarian and author’s knowledge.
According to Merck, the number of diabetic pets is currently exploding and in dogs has tripled over the last 30 years.
Merck says the stability and sterility issues in Vetsulin issues have been fully addressed, and FDA approval has been obtained to reintroduce Vetsulin to the US pet market.
Vetsulin, referred to as Caninsulin in Canada and other countries outside of the United States, has been used to treat diabetic dogs and cats overseas for more than 20 years.
My dog has vetsulin and in less than a month he was blind
Larry
We are very sorry to hear about your dogs adverse reaction to Vetsulin
If we can help please give us a call
Thank you
Dr Carol
This has also happened to my dog, Bailey. My vet kept increasing the dosage because we can’t get his sugars regulated. After the 3rd curve, she wanted to do an ultrasound to see if he had a tumor that could cause resistance to the insulin that would cost $400. I said no, I would like to try a different insulin. I am going to go get it today and start him on it tomorrow. Hopefully, this will work.
I live in Thousand Oaks California my doctors at Enza pet clinic lady doctor I don’t remember her name my dog spit on VestulinFor two months she is now blind she peas on herself she’s only nine years old this needs to be taken off the market my dog is dying in front of me and the dog doctor at answer pet clinic in Thousand Oaks California news is I’m sure of it if I can find it online she knows I feel so horribly how can you trust the FDA with us they took it off the market then put it back on they don’t care no one does
My dog is on vetsulin and experiencing quite a few problems. I even called Merck about it in beginning but they were not to happy with me bothering them especially since they are making money. Typical pharmaceutical company. I am paying a lot of money for this and my vets don’t even know anything about it. What is Merck giving them to sell it. I will sue them since his blood panel has completely changed in a matter of a number of weeks. Now he has liver disease- hepatitis besides other issues
My dog is also on Vetsulin
I was never worn by my doctors at Anza pet clinic in in Thousand Oaks California ,her doctor Dr. Spa Dardo never warned me of blindness and peeing all over herself.I was never Given the choice or any warnings
Given the choice or any warnings
I looked this medicine up on the web it was taken off the market in 2011 the FDA put it back on the market 2017 there was a class action suit so I guess we lose thanks to the FDA.
I was considering whether or not NPH was NOT serving its purpose properly. The 2 hour curves make no sense to me and decided to research the other insulin suggested: Vetsulin. I wanted to use Lantus but was informed that it is too unpredictable in dogs. However, I do not plan on taking a chance with Vetsulin..Thanks for the information. Suzie-12.5 lb Chihuahua, 10.5 yrs
Vetsulin is very risky in our experience. We do not use it at all
Thank you
Dr Carol
Dear Dr. Osborne, I stumbled across your website. My pet just started Vetsulin , was on Novolin, she was diagnosed a year ago. Since Vetsulin everything went down hill really bad. Please help me as I am literally watching my dog wither away. She is a 12 yr old toy poodle.
Debra
Many dogs have suffered from Vetsulin-you might discuss with you vet and make a change
Thank you
Dr Carol
my dog just die from vetsulin. he was on Novolog N and he was doing well we change him to vetsulin and he just went down. his glucose was very high he lost muscle mass and couldn’t walk at all. plus vetsulin the units were supposed to be different 0.5 in the morning and 0.6 at night doctor kept him on 0.6 in the morning and 0.6 at night. he was fine until we put him on vetsulin. he developed water in the lungs, couldn’t breathe on his own, and was bleeding internally. I know vetsulin kill my dog no doubt.
Well, AFTER NPH AND LANTUS TRIAL over 7 months, I AM NOW USING VETSULIN since dean of MS university claims it is the preferred insulin for dogs. I have researched this mixture and my findings are worrisome. NPH didn’r last long enough but predictable. Lantus was slow to work and lasted forever and that worried me- but predictable. I do see better numbers at times with Vetsulin but suddenly get a 150 ( triple checked) when the FBG is always around 350- 400+. The crystalline fraction may not be a STABLE AS MERCK CLAIMS IT TO BE. I just don’t know what to believe. I asked Merck tech if too vigorous of shaking could damage the larger crystalline particles. Of course they claim not.WHY MUST WE not Shake Humulin 70/30 but must vigorously shake VETSULIN? I am sure that a better understanding of how each is made would explain prep differences but I just don’t have that understanding. 2 studies claim that the stability of crystalline portion is not as stable as the amorphous portion and it is all obscure to the researchers. I hate to opine on some DVM’s but I don’t think they know much more than I do. One DVM told me not to shake Vetsulin but when I told him the new instructions, he checked his cell phone to verify this…Really? That is my next trial maybe..I’m not sure what to do. Most diabetic dog owners simply state the same talking points” Every dog is different”. And it seems that very few of diabetic dogs are well regulated. I wish I could hire a pharmakinetics expert to explain all of this unpredictability..I do not trust Merck but contacted NIH, FDA with all of my info and concerns. I doubt a reply but Life is unpredictable but there should be a little science to affirm what manufacturers are claiming..I am exhausted.. Do you think an 11.5 lb dog could handle Levemir? Thanks for offering dog owners a site to share info with a professional!!! Fran
I’d drop FDAS from my trusted entity list if I were you…they allow 300compounds/ingredients in our fgood that have been banned in every other first world nation on the planet…buff said…
Lantus unpredictable? That’s backwards from everything I’ve found… The latest double blind study that I’m aware of showed the same peakless results as it has in human and felines…this is pure conjecture on my part, but it sounds like sounds like somebody wanted to keep their kickback from big pharma. They’re even less concerned with veterinary subjects than human, and they really could care less about us.
Lantus unpredictable? That’s backwards from everything I’ve found… The latest double blind study that I’m aware of showed the same peakless results as it has in human and felines…this is pure conjecture on my part, but it sounds like sounds like somebody wanted to keep their kickback from big pharma. They’re even less concerned with veterinary subjects than human, and they really could care less about us.
My cat was recently diagnosed diabetic, and given Vetsulin, and he also has to eat Grain free food! So far I haven’t I been able to find any assistance with his meds, due to being on disability and this is $60! He has to take 2 shots a day, and the food he’s eating is $9 for a 5 lb. bag! Do you have any suggestions on where is the best place to look/get the medication for him? Please let me know ASAP, before he runs out! Thanks for your time!
Tina
I don’t know where low cost insulin is available but perhaps checking the web would be helpful
Good Luck
Dr Carol
My dog is using Novolin N from Walmart under $25, needles at SAMs club $12, find a vet who will work with you re: glucose testing at home. It took me 4 vets to find an internal med. dr. In Phoenix who is not looking at dollar signs but ultimately willing to help us!
Dear ra,
I too live in Phoenix. My little MinPin just got diagnosed with diabetes, and the vet put her on Vetsulin. Now I found this website, and needless to say, I’m a bit freaked out. Could you tell me the vet you are seeing in the Phoenix area? My vet seems to be open to using different methods, so maybe I’ll just ask them to see if I can get her on Novolin N too. I hope your dog is doing well….
Thank you for your time and comment!!
Thank you for the information, I have a 7year old Australian Cattle dog, he developed diebeties about 4/5 months ago, he is on vetsulian 15mg2times a day it seems to make him sick at his stomach and not consistent blood sugar, yesterday he was 263, today 62, for example. I told my Vet. and he said that some K9’s are just that way, is that true? Should I demand something different? And being on fixed income it is very expensive, $44.00 a bottle which lasts 10 days. Any help is appreciated, Sincerely, Rebecca
Our dog also went blind within a month of going on Vetsulin. Initially it was just one eye. Now, almost a year after being diagnosed with diabetes and being prescribed Vetsulin, she went blind in the other eye. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.
Hi Carol I just read the article about Vetsulin on your website. I have a shitzu who was just diagnosed with sugar diabetes a week ago and is taking this insulin. After reading this article I am really scared, do I take her off this drug and put her on human glucose or what else can I do, please reply, Eileen
My Maltese was diagnosed diabetic about two years ago. We started him on Vetsulin and he too, like another dog story earlier in this chain, went completely blind with cataracts about two months later! We had he cataracts removed and still are having trouble getting his blood glucose numbers to be consistent.
Because he goes a while and then stops eating the W.D. diabetic dog food we now keep him on a fresh grilled chicken diet. We add Pet Fresh all natural chicken and carrots dog food mix and egg or sweet potato, egg and sweet potato help slow insulin spikes, with the home cooked chicken. This I know does not help with getting the blood sugar on track, but I too believe that the Vetsulin is making his health decline!
Twice when the Vet increased his Vetsulin dosage he became EXTREMELY ill, to the point of hospitalization and almost loosing him.
He has liver troubles as well as gallbladder sludge and other problems! I know that as a diabetic complications are to be expected, but I firmly believe that sometimes the supposed cure is worse than the original disease!!!
He was on many medicines and we had to cut them back, as I discovered after doing a lot of research, that one of the commonly prescribed pain medicines had caused illness and death in many dogs.
I was considering trying something other than Vetsulin in the past and after reading this article and the comments I believe I will be switching my little guy to Novolin or what ever else is available. The makers of Vetsulin may be doing their best, but there just maybe some dogs that can not take the medicine, no fault of the company or the FDA.
My 9yr old Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie) recently developed diabetes and we have been dosing with Vetsulin. He’s 26lbs and we started with 4units twice a day, then 5, then 6, 7 and now 8. Finally seeing a difference. No longer peeing up a storm all over the house interior and not drinking so much water. Appetite is very good. He quickly developed cataracts and can apparently only discern light and dark. Urine sugar tests show high levels right before dosing and food, then low levels 5-6 hrs later and zero 6-8 hrs post dosing. I’m a bit concerned to see some of the comments here and wonder what the issue could be since Merck claims Vetsulin is IDENTICAL to human insulin. My dogs QOL is OK but he is having great difficulty traversing paths in and out of the house that he has known for almost 5 yrs. I am spending about 3,000 USD per year on meds, syringes, and vet visits.
thank you doctor for writing this comment on Vetsulin! You are really doing a community service and we are all grateful for your work. I haven’t visited Chagrin Falls for some 20 years or so, but I’m sure it is as beautiful as ever!
Can Vetsulin safely be used in cats? I see a host of complaints when used for dogs, but how do cats respond to Vetsulin? Are there also significant side effects?
I would consult your veterinarian direclty about using Vetsulin with your cat. It is not a product I use in my practice or feel comfortable with for my patients. Best of luck with your kitty.
Dr. Carol,
What products do you recommend for a 15 pound 11 year old MinPin. She just got diagnosed with diabetes, but after reading all these bad reactions to Vetsulin, I am scared to give it to her. They recommended 4 units twice a day with food.
Thank you!!
Humulin may be a consideration
Dr Carol
Dr. Osborne,
Despite my vets input(who won’t do a glucose curve on my dog because she’s afraid of her, as well as the rest of the staff I guess) I want my dog off vetsulin ASAP. Is there a methodology involved in s switch or do I just shut one down and start the new with a lowball dose and slide up? Yes, unfortunately there is very little more for options in vet cvhoiuse. Mine is an hour away. The one locally needs his license pulled, he’s a menace and unfit to do an autopsy, I’d be concerned for the corpse….seriously.
We had taken our Maltese Bella to the vet to find out she was diabetic, they prescribed vetsulin for her, at the time of the first visit she was only 6 years old and was strong and healthy except for dry eyes and just becoming diabetic, after one week she lost 1.5 lbs and started throwing up some, the 2 week she became very week and was throwing up bile and coffee colored vomit ,we took her back to the vet and they said she know has pancreatitis and is dehydrated , we had to leave her to be put on fluids, 2.5 days later and Bella passed away. I am not blaming the vet but this drug needs to be removed from the market permanently, I believe there should be another class action lawsuit against Mereck.
My dog was dx with diabetes in April & placed on Vetsulin. Prior to taking Vetsulin, his cataracts were barely noticed. In 4 months, his cataracts were noticeably getting worse, until last weekend he suddenly went blind. I always try to go the natural route by not giving toxic vaccines & I use essential oils for fleas/ticks instead of applying poison to my dog. I am upset with myself for trusting the vet. Thank you so much for your article.
My dog was diagnosed as diabetic a few months ago, and was prescribed Vetsulin. The Veterinarian is montoring the glucose levels with Libre 2 and has been adjusting the # of units of Vetsulin to try and control the glucose…..months later still monitoring and unsure of the correct number of units .
I noticed my dog has quickly developed cateracts and I questioned this with our veterinarian. She said it is common in dogs with diabetes.
I am suspicious that the Vetsulin has caused this problem…. It that possible?
The dogs vision is getting worse very quickly. Please help me to understand, is it the disease or the medication that is causing the cataracts/blindness.
thank you
Monica
Just reading some of the post. My chocolate lab was diagnosed with diabetes and was prescribed Vetsulin. I had to give her 3 shots daily and could never get her diabetes under control. After a long period of time on the Vetsulin, one day my vet asked to talk with me and told me the sad truth that the company did not have the correct amount of medication, sometimes I think there was no medication injected. The medication was recalled. My precious Wesley Girl went blind, all because a company didn’t do their part. She lost her battle with diabetes after a long, hard, fight. Sad, wish I could of done something about this and I am sure many others went through the same hell that we went through. With tons of sadness and the suffering that they caused our dog I write this post. If this is the same medication, I can’t believe that it is on the market again. Sometimes, you just can not trust and it leaves me with lots of unanswered questions and sadness. It upsets me just typing this note and missing my precious girl.