I must get a bit existential to tell this story. I had a couple of patients and clients today that made me take a look at the concept of nothing happens by accident, allow me to explain:
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| AlphaTRAK 2 system |
My first appointment today was to euthanize one of my diabetic patients, Cleo. She was unable to walk due to diabetic neuropathy (loss of sensation and motor control of limbs) and severe arthritis. Cleo's owners had gone the extra distance with her treatment, including giving her fluids and insulin at home. They checked her blood sugar on a regular basis to regulate her diabetes using the AlphaTRAK 2 Blood Glucose monitoring system she had purchased ( Alphatrak by Bayer is a glucometer calibrated specifically for cats and dogs). Cleo's "mom" donated her AlphaTRAK 2 for another owner not able to afford the price. Checking blood sugars at home are integral to regulating a cat's diabetes. Before AlphaTRAK 2, cats would have to make the trip into the clinic to have their blood sugar checked on a regular basis. When cats are stressed they have an elevation of their blood sugar, some cats can have blood sugar in excess of 200 when stressed. Normal blood sugar for a cat is 70-140. Results in the clinic were not reflective of what was going on at home which made regulating diabetes challenging. Cleo's sugar was well regulated by her owner because they used the AlphaTRAK 2. It is sad for the staff and I to say good bye to a patient we have spent so much time with. I know how hard it was for Cleo's family to say good bye.
Several hours later I had Domino, another diabetic patient, in my exam room. Because his owner had lost her job earlier this year she was unable to afford to treat his diabetes. His sustained high blood sugar was causing diabetic neuropathy. He was having a very difficult time walking. When I realize how the generous gift from Cleo's mom would improve Domino's life I could not hold back my emotions and I started to cry. There wasn't a dry eye in the exam room once I had composed myself enough to tell Domino's mom Cleo's story. She will now have the ability to regulate Domino's diabetes from home and improve his diabetic neuropathy and quality of life.
Knowing that Domino will lead a better life has helped Cleo's mom cope with the loss of her beloved pet.
I just love this story, especially at this time of year. I think another angel got its wings...
=^..^=
Dr. Sheila Smullen, DVM
For more information about AlphaTRAK 2, diagnosing or regulating diabetes in your feline friend, please call Capricorn Clinic for Cats (815) 838-4646.
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