Insulin for dogs with diabetes

FDA Consumer, July-August, 2004

The first drug for treating dogs with diabetes has been approved by the FDA. Prior to the development of this insulin, the only treatments veterinarians could use on dogs with diabetes were insulin products approved for use in humans. While diabetes in dogs can be controlled with most available insulin products, this new insulin was developed to exactly match the amino acid sequence of natural dog insulin, and the labeling includes dosing and safety information specific to dogs.

Experts estimate that 1 in every 200 dogs will develop diabetes. It usually begins in dogs ages 7 to 9 years old and seems to occur twice as often in females as in males.

The drug, a zinc suspension of purified pig insulin, will be marketed under the trade name Vetsulin by its developer, Intervet Inc. of Millsboro, Del. A veterinarian must prescribe it.

Vetsulin, which is injected just beneath the skin, will be used to improve the control of blood glucose levels and the signs of diabetes in dogs, such as weight loss and excessive thirst, urination, and appetite. Veterinarians will determine the initial treatment dose based on the dog's weight and then will use various tests to adjust the dosage to the optimum level. Dog owners will be given instructions for continuing the treatment at home, as well as an information sheet that outlines the benefits and risks of the treatment.

One of the risks dog owners may face is dangerously low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) if they accidentally inject themselves with the insulin. The product contains warning statements on the label about this risk as well as others, such as the need to prevent eye exposure to the insulin.

Vetsulin has already been approved in 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, and should be available in the United States in late summer 2004.