Q: Can you use human insulin for dogs? -- K.T., Cyberspace

A: The short answer is yes. Human insulin is not necessarily the best choice for dogs, however, explains Dr. Louise Murray, an internal medicine specialist and director of medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York.

If you'd asked this question a few days earlier, Murray says, her answer for the insulin of choice for diabetic dogs would have been a product called Vetsulin. "It's made for dogs and is the closest thing to a real canine insulin replacement. Dogs generally do well on it, though all dogs are different, so choices are important."

As I was interviewing Murray, the Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine issued a warning Nov. 3 about using Vetsulin due to problems with the product (having varying amounts of crystalline zinc insulin in the formulation), which may cause a delay in when the drug kicks in and how effective it is. This instability can be dangerous, resulting in unpredictable glucose fluctuations. Pet owners using Vetsulin are encouraged to call their veterinarians, and perhaps transition to another insulin product until further notice.

Murray, author of "Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Protecting Your Pet's Health" (Ballantine Books, New York; $25), says the second-choice insulin used in dogs is Levemir, which is, in fact, a type of human insulin.

The concern is that you may be considering using your own human insulin for your dog and letting an insurance carrier pick up the tab. Ethically, I couldn't support that. But honestly, it could work. Keep in mind that different insulin products have a range of effectiveness for individual dogs. If you have your mind set on this approach, be sure to tell your veterinarian and watch your dog closely for any changes or signs of hyperglycemia (increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss and lethargy) or hypoglycemia (disorientation, unsteadiness, weakness and seizures).

Q: We adopted some goldfish at our school. They all died but one, which now has some black parasite growing on its head. Or is it more like an ammonia burn? Any suggestions on treatment? -- K.D., Chicago

A: "Most of the time when there's a mass die-off, the problem is the water quality," says William Hana, collection manager of quarantine at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. "I don't know what the black spot is. Ammonia level is certainly a concern; you want that to be as close to zero as possible. But I don't know about an ammonia burn. And parasites would generally be white spots, not black spots."

Hana suggests taking the surviving fishy to an aquarist who understands how to identify fish disease and parasites, or a veterinarian who treats fish. Take extra tank water with you. When a fish veterinarian asks for a "sample," he won't hand you a little cup; he's looking for a water sample.

Q: There are different types of Jack Russell terriers, aren't there? We have to know about all the Jack Russell breeds. -- P.S., Philadelphia

A: There's only one breed known as a Jack Russell Terrier, says canine aficionado and veteran TV dog show commentator David Frei. "Those Jack Russells with longer legs are the Parson Jack Russell; those are the Jack Russells you see in dog shows. The popular, shorter-legged Jack Russells are more like Eddie (the dog from the TV sitcom 'Frasier')." Long legs or short, it's the same breed, just two different varieties. While the American Kennel Club recognizes three Poodle varieties (standard, toy and miniature), the AKC and Jack Russell parent club don't do the same for their breed.

Frei will be describing Jack Russells and dozens of other breeds (and varieties) at the National Dog Show at noon EST, Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26. The show is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, and typically attracts about 20 million viewers.

"I hope we're starting a new Thanksgiving Day tradition," adds Frei, who's been behind the microphone for eight years.

I periodically receive questions about new dog breeds. Three breeds recently accepted by the AKC will make their national TV debut at the show:

* Irish Red and White Setter: The fourth setter, rarely seen in the U.S. (the other three are the Irish, Gordon and English setters). This is the smallest of the setters (22-26 inches tall, 40- to 70 pounds), an athletic dog with great endurance. The instinct to hunt remains firmly intact in this amiable breed.

* Norwegian Buhund: The name is derived from the Norwegian word "bu," which means homestead or mountain hut. Here, shepherds once lived while looking after their herds. The Buhund, a mid-sized, typical Spitz dog, is still used for its original purpose in Norway and can often be seen on remote farms. It's documented that these dogs traveled with the Vikings (the originals, not the football team).

* Pyrenean Shepherd: Bred to herd, this athletic dog may be suspicious of strangers, so socialization is important for this 15-20-inch-tall, independent thinker. These dogs come in two varieties: the smooth-faced and the more common rough-faced. The rough-faced variety comes in different coat types, the long coat and the semi-long. Both varieties come in a range of colors.

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