05 May 2004

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by Anai Rhoads

AnaiRhoads.org - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first and only drug that is specifically formulated for diabetic canines. The only option previously available to veterinarians in the United States was human insulin. However, this drug was readily available in over 20 countries, but only recently approved for use in America.

The newly approved porcine insulin zinc suspension will be marketed under the trade name Vetsulin by its developer Intervet, Inc. of Millsboro, Del., and will only be available by prescription.

"This is a very positive development for millions of American dog owners and their pets," said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford. "It promises to improve the health and quality of life of dogs who suffer from this debilitating disease."

The treatment will help minimise the classic signs of diabetes in dogs which include excessive thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. The dose will be based on the dog's size and weight with a special focus on customising the insulin level per canine.

Approximately 1 in every 200 dogs will develop diabetes after the age of seven. Studies show that female canines are more likely than males to develop diabetes.

Vetsulin comes with full instructions on how to inject the medication, but the dose is limited by qualified veterinarians. Some warnings have been added which caution that accidental human injection may cause hypoglycaemia.

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