The FDA has released an alert for both veterinarians and people who care for diabetic pets who use Vetsulin.

The Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health brand of insulin, Vetsulin, is a porcine insulin zinc suspension used to manage diabetes in dogs and cats. A problem has been found in the production of this insulin, and the levels of crystalline zinc insulin vary - sometimes too much, sometimes too little.


Inconsistent levels of insulin make regulation of diabetes difficult/impossible, and could cause blood sugar levels to be too high (hyperglycema) or too low (hypoglycemia) in patients using this brand of insulin.

Common signs seen with:

HYPERglycemia (high blood sugar) include:

Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Weight loss
HYPOglycemia (low blood sugar) include:

Weakness
Disoriented behavior
Tremors
Seizures, with possible progression to coma and death if untreated
From the alert: "The FDA encourages veterinarians to report any adverse events with the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health product to the company through the Technical Services Department at 1-800-224-5318." Read full FDA alert

If your diabetic dog or cat is being treated with Vetsulin, please contact your veterinarian with questions about your pet's symptoms or to discuss alternative insulins to use for your pet.

http://vetmedicine.about.com/b/2009/11/09/vetsulin-insulin-alert.htm?nl=1

yikes...good info to know. I'll pass this on to my friend who has a diabetic cat!

schnauzkyLVR wrote:

yikes...good info to know. I'll pass this on to my friend who has a diabetic cat!

Sounds like a good plan.