Our Jesse Grace's Story - Managing Diabetes and Quality of Life of a Senior Dog

by Katrina Finley
(Leesville, Louisiana )

Reader Question and Story:

She was diagnosed with a thyroid condition a few months ago. Jesse is a 7y/o silver lab… AKC registered. We have had her since she was weened from her momma. She was about 30lbs overweight when we took her in for routine shots. The vet diagnosed her as having thyroid issues…. Overweight, thinning fur and food motivated.

The vet started her on an oral med and strict diet regime. As we love her like our “little girl” we adhered to the guidelines without any hesitation. Jesse dropped 30 lbs and began looking and acting much better. Always, she had been like a puppy!! Playful, interactive and very smart! When we did the follow up at the Veterinarian he diagnosed her as diabetic. She now is on an even more restrictive diet (prescription food only) …. Tons of fresh water, VETSOLIN 50 Units SQ DAILY!!! Absolutely nothing extra!!! The blood sugars are terrible. Tested twice daily… they range from 70 - HIGH…. Regardless of what she eats or meds she takes. She is only 7y/o.

We have been going through this with her for about 4 months now. Suddenly, she began to paw at her head. Then we noticed that her eyes were being affected, obviously painful. Back to the vet… he said sudden retinal detachment had occurred and she would forever be blind. Drops, oral meds, insulin, prescription diet…. What else!!!!

We love our “daughter” so anything she needs is not out of the question!!! As of the last couple of weeks… she has decided to potty inside the house. Something she was trained NOT to do as a puppy. We don’t know what lies ahead of us with her journey…. We could use some advice, help, understanding…. We don’t know what to do from here.

She can’t continue to potty inside…. We can deal with the blind issue, the nutritional demands, the costs are not a concern…. What we need help with is the “end of life” issues. When can we tell if she is miserable, hurting, suffering?!? We don’t want to make her suffer for our own selfish desires to not let go…. But we don’t want to give up on her if she is not suffering either.

It’s a horrible situation… our 11y/o is suffering unbelievably attach (as we are too). We just don’t know what to expect from this point further. She is our baby girl and we just want to do everything and anything possible to extend her life…. As long as it is a quality life as well. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated and greatly welcomed.

THANKs for the forum

Katrina… AKA… Jesse Grace’s Momma

Thoughts From Our Editor on These Senior Dog Health Issues

Hi Katrina,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing Jesse's story. I can see how deeply you care for her, and it's clear she's an integral part of your family.

Here are some thoughts on Jesse's condition.


Diabetes Management:

Jesse's diabetes seems to be poorly controlled despite medication and diet.
It may be helpful to revisit her insulin dosage and diet plan with your veterinarian. Adjustments to the insulin type or timing, as well as a detailed review of her diet, might stabilize her blood sugar levels more effectively. Continuous glucose monitoring can also provide more precise data for better management.

Urinary Incontinence:

Jesse’s recent potty accidents could be due to diabetic complications, stress from her blindness, or a potential urinary tract infection (UTI).
A thorough check-up focusing on her urinary health is essential. A urine test can rule out infections or other urinary issues. Additionally, managing her stress and adjusting her living environment to accommodate her blindness might help reduce accidents.

Pain and Discomfort:

Jesse's pawing at her head and changes in behavior could indicate pain, either from her eyes or other diabetic complications. Pain management is crucial. Consult your vet about appropriate pain relief options. Ensuring she’s comfortable and not in pain will improve her quality of life significantly.

Quality of Life Assessment:
It's important to balance her medical treatment with her overall happiness and comfort. Observe her daily activities. Is she still engaging in things she enjoys, eating well, and interacting with family? Tools like the "Helsinki Chronic Pain Index" or "Quality of Life Scale" for pets can help assess her condition objectively. Discuss these observations with your vet to make informed decisions about her care.


Katrina, we see how much you love Jesse and want the best for her. Keeping in close communication with your vet, regularly reassessing her treatment plan, and monitoring her comfort and happiness will help guide you through this challenging time. Remember, your love and care for Jesse are the most important parts of her journey.

If you need further support or a second opinion, don't hesitate to reach out to a veterinary specialist. Your dedication to Jesse is what having a dog as a member of the family is all about, and she’s lucky to have a family so committed to her well-being.

All the best to your family and Jesse,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Labrador Retriever Guide