Thanks Tracie. It has been hard on me. I was thinking about tlking to some pharmacutical companies or compounders about the possibility of producing reptile insulin. Dr. Burgess has a guy that he sends tissues to from necropcies who has seen cases of high blood sugar, and although it is rare, Im hoping there are enough cases of it out there to make it profitable to invest in the research. If you have any ideas I would welcome them, there has to be some way to help these little guys. It just broke my heart to see my babies suffer the way they did and I would not wish that helpless feeling on anyone else.
Pocket Dragon, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your litte Dude too. I was so glad to see when you first posted here because Steph had someone to compare notes with and discuss the same issues. They leave their little beardie footprints on our hearts for ever! I hated looking at the empty tank everyday after work too when Spike passed away. I only lasted 3 months before having to get another one... Sending love and hugs to you and Sylvester!
Thank you Sue. It was really good to have someone to talk to about this that knew exactly what I was going through. Still haven't had the heart to clean out the tank as her little footprints remain in the sand. Now that the snow has melted I see her little resting place n it hurts still. I saw a little baby at the pet store a couple weeks ago, that was so unique and I was so tempted. It was brown n tan, but had these very bright orange stripes down its sides, I've never seen a beardie with those markings. But I've decided as I'm in the last year and a half of school (which will be very heavy) I'm going to probably work less and with the large amount of money I spent at the specialist for The Dude, it's just not financially a good idea right now to get another one, plus I have my hands full with Sylvester and my fish, lol. I'll remain on here cuz it's been a very informational site for me and if I can ever answer anyone's questions I'll be glad to help.
-Kelly
I hope you are doing better. I know it is rough losing one like that.
According to the medical books I have read, for reptiles, insulin can be used in some cases, though a risk, it has been shown to be effective in low doses to lower the blood sugar levels.
I definitely think that there needs to be more research.
Hi Tracie,
Peekaboos oldest brother, Gator had high blood sugar as well 2 years ago. Dr. Burgess tried bovine insulin, even in massive doses to no avail. We had no information whatsoever back then. Now we know stomach tumors tumors can cause it, as they secrete a toxin that inhibits insulin production. Peekaboo had no such tumor though, and Fuzzy's blood sugar went down over the summer for some unknown reason. Do you know what type of insulin has been used in the cases you read about? I will keep looking, I think Hutch may be at risk since two of her siblings died of it. One thing I have noticed consistent is the liver abnormalities. I am wondering if some toxin may be the cause or something......
-Steph
Hope you are doing okay Pocketdragon76. I still have not buried my babies yet for various reasons. I have a little box I kept their sheds in and found some old pics. We sure had some great adventures together. We even went tent camping together.....I had forgotten about that. Remembering the fun times helps me feel better.
-Steph
Hangin in there, buried her the next day, still don't have the heart to clean out her tank yet, can still she her little footprints in the sand. Sylvester has looked in the tank for her a couple of times and it's weird to see the livingroom so dark at night. I still sometimes expect to see her when I walk through. Doing my best to resist the temptation to get another one, saw a really unique one a couple weeks ago that I wanted. Heck, I'm having a super hard time trying to resist bringing a couple of the stray cats home that we've helped at my work. I melted whenever the one with the broken jaw gave me big kitty hugs, the one humane society took him. There was another that my boyfriend really wanted and even named that just found a new home. I think it would break Sly's heart if I brought another one home, he's a total mama's boy.
Wow...I just read through this whole long thread. My heart goes out to both of you who have lost your beloved dragons. I am so very, very sorry for your losses. It sounds like you are amazing lizard parents and that they were lucky to have you. Head bobs and scratches to Hutch.-Jan
Thanks Jan,
Hutch spent her whole life running and hiding from the others as she is very petite and lost a couple of toes and the end of her tail to her aggressive dominant siblings. Now it's Hutch's time to shine as she endured for so long. I had often pondered which one would outlive and survive out of the clutch. Now it has come to pass. Hutch is a smart little girl and after being picked on all of her life is now the queen of the clan. She was always the first to run away....to live to bask another day. Perserverance has paid off for my sweet little Hutch Hollywood. It's good to be the queen huh Hutch?