In April of 2005 I met Pumpkin, a 12-year-old Shih Tzu. He presented with the owner complaining of urinary accidents around the house. A complete workup revealed elevated blood sugar. After some questioning, the owner admitted that she often gave Pumpkin marshmallows as treats.
With a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, we instructed the family that Pumpkin would need to be on a strict diet and insulin injections twice a day. No more marshmallows. He did well for a time, but it was difficult to regulate his blood sugar. It was determined after further testing that Pumpkin also had a condition called Hyperadrenocorticism (when an overactive adrenal tissue produces excessive amounts of cortisone; Cushing’s-like Syndrome), which makes it difficult to regulate diabetes.
We treated Pumpkin for a few more months, but he did not respond to treatment as we had hoped and his condition declined. In January of 2006, the owners elected humane euthanasia. I discussed with the family what to expect as my PetNurses placed an IV catheter in order for me to administer the medication. As they visited with Pumpkin one last time, I asked if they had any questions before we proceeded, and they asked in a teary voice, “Would it be okay to give him some marshmallows now?” I still get tears in my eyes when I remember that story.
Thanks so much for posting this .I just googled do shih tzu like marsh mellows because my 13 month old shih tzuv loves them it’s so cute to watch him eat them. Well needless to say I don’t think I’ll ever feed him one again thanks for saving Shilohs life ! – ash
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:48 pm