Late onset diabetes in Maltese dogs

We recently had a diabetic, near coma, episode in a 12 year old bitch. Is there anyone out there that knows how common this is and what the likely prognosis of in a geriactric Maltese? Still waiting for all the tests, so can't be more specific than that. Anyone with experience, please reply.Thanks alot.
D. R. Kuney

• Hi Doug,
  My almost 10 yr old, Shi, was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 months ago. Most vets require glucose levels drawn for aleast a week. I worked with my vet and was able to do the blood draws myself which helped reduce the anxiety and increase in glucose levels. We started Shi on a sliding scale of Humulin N, twice a day. After a month the vet did a day long scale of his levels. This was repeated again in a month. He has stabled out now and is back to his pre-diabetic state. The most important things I have found are specific diet recommendations ( tring to keep the protein down), keeping added sugar out of his diet, adding fiber (metamusial, not kidding), and trying to keep his stess levels down. For now he is on 5units twice a day. As far as prognosis, it's the same as humans. They must be watched very closely for they too can develop Kidney Failure, cataracts and other body problems. Dogs are much like humans. They respond much like we do when we get old & sick. Good luck and if I can be of any help please let me know.
  Jack Teigman,Debbie & Shi