Newbie looking for advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
H

highmaintenance

Member
Hi all. My cat was recently diagnosed, so I have been injecting him with 2 units of U-40 Caninsulin every 12 hours for the past few days.

He is 9, and has always been timid, preferring to hide under the bed unless everything is exactly as it should be. This of course makes things very difficult, and it's only been luck really that he's come out from under the bed just in time for his food and injection, only to crawl back under there a little upset just after.

This evening I managed to startle him just before injection and now he's gone for the evening. What worries me is that he has had a couple of mouthfuls of food. I know I'm supposed to miss his dose if he doesn't eat anything... but what about if he has eaten a little bit? Should I be worrying? Or just pick up from tomorrow morning as before? I can't even just stay up until he's ready, as then tomorrow morning's before work will be way too early??! Argh...

Any other advice with timid cats who like hiding and skipping meals (if indeed there are any such felines apart from this one!) would be very happily received!

Thanks
 
If he were mine, I would skip the shot tonight.. Are you shooting him while he is eating? Can you describe your technique? (Maybe there are some suggestions we can make)

And then I would work on getting him used to the idea of hometesting:
First pick a place where you want to test. Some people use the kitchen counter, a blanket on the floor, between your legs while sitting – whatever works for you. Take the kitty there and give him/her lots of praise while you play with his/her ears. Give a treat and release. Next time, add the rice sack (thin sock filled with raw rice, heated in the microwave until very warm but not hot) or a prescription pill bottle filled with very warm water. Lots of praise, treat and release. Finally add the lancet so he/she will get used to the noise. The hope is that when you finally poke, they will be used to the process and know a treat is coming!

If you read on this site, FAQs you will see that we have a very successful protocol for treating diabetic cats. It involves a mild, long lasting insulin (Canninsulin is not one of the preferred ones but it does work for quite a few cats. Are you in Europe - where it is often the only one prescribed?) that is dosed based on the blood glucose level. (Just like humans do) and wet low carb food.

We will be glad to help you learn how to test (we'd taught hundreds of people over the internet) and be your support group.
 
Thanks for the quick response :) Basically I've been waiting for him to come into the living room to eat. I've sat on the floor near his food bowl, and waited for him (very cautiously) to eat a few mouthfuls. Then with syringe in one hand, petted him with the other and made reassuring friendly noises, eventually massaging him on the injection site (just below neck on his back). Then very quickly in, squeeze, out, lots of fussing, and finally leave him to finish dinner.

Yes, I'm in England and the vet has said Caninsulin is the only one available now over here :( I've so far managed to do one blood test, but that was a few days ago so I really need to do another, but the first time was an awful experience for both of us. I will definitely try your suggestions for calming him before hand - unfortunately he's really not a lap cat, and likes having his own space most of the time. In fact, apart from the fact he's incredibly gentle, every other trait is very far from suited for high maintenance healthcare ;)
 
(in terms of the needle technique, to be more specific, I'm pulling up a fold with my left thumb and forefinger, with the syringe between my right middle and forefinger, injecting just to the right of my left thumb straight down)
 
We have several members in England. I will send out some feelers.

Glad you are starting to hometest. The trick is to find something he really likes - whether it's a special treat or petting or brushing - and only do that when you are finished with the test. Once he associates the special thing with the poke, it should be much easier. Your shooting technique sounds good. What size and length of needle?
 
Will try and get hold of some 31 size needles - anything that makes it easier!

Thanks for messaging the UK folks :) I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help.
 
Hello there (?????) - sorry, can we ask your name?

I'm in Surrey (whereabouts are you?) so welcome to the board and firstly - I really do understand your anxiety over all this. I was just the same and thought I was the only one who would never come to terms with any of it. The thing to remember is that understanding and treating FD can be quite a difficult, complicated business, so it's not something anyone masters overnight. If you try to relax a bit more it will help, as cats do pick up on anxiety from us, make it harder for us to do what we need to do, and it becomes a vicious circle!

Now, to be honest, I'm out of touch with the practicalities of insulins, supplies, etc as I don't have a diabetic cat any more, but Elizabeth, another long-time UK member and friend of mine, has been looking after her cat Bertie for five years and is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She will be along soon I expect to give you some more solid advice.

Meanwhile, the main thing I'd say is do try relaxation methods and treats - for both you and your cat. It is a process and the more you do this, the easier it becomes. Don't hesitate to post here at any time, starting a new thread if you have a specific query (and put UK in the heading if you can, it helps us to spot you!)

All the best
Diana
 
Hello and welcome!,

I'm in England too (Surrey).

We all understand how overwhelming it is at first, but you're actually doing rather well! You've managed (in difficult circumstances) to give your cat his shots; you've managed a home test; and you've found FDMB! Brilliant! :-D

You will read often here the mantra that 'Every cat is different' ('ECID'). And we've probably all had to adapt our injecting and testing techniques somewhat to suit the differing behaviours and temperaments of our cats. I was convinced at the outset that my cat would be impossible to test. He's so NOT a lap cat. There was no way he was going to sit quietly on my lap while I tested him. And it was suggested to me that I wrap him up in towel to test him (which does work for some cats actually) but I thought he'd just disappear under the bed afterwards; and maybe develop a phobia of towels too! :lol:

I didn't want to upset my cat, so it was important to me that testing was going to be something that he would want to happen. My cat enjoys having his head scratched and loves eating freeze-dried chicken treats, so I learned to incorporate the tests into a head-scratching and treat-giving session. Basically I crumble a few treats, and then while he's noshing on them I scratch his head and then quickly prick his ear and do the test, and then scratch his head again. All done! That's our technique. And I say 'our' technique because it really is something that you and your cat will work out between you.

I started out by getting my cat used to the sounds and sensations of the testing process. So I'd click the lancing device a few times and then give Bertie a treat. Or I'd rattle the vial of test strips and give him a treat. And, very importantly, I'd stroke or briefly hold one of his ears and then give him a treat. Or I'd groom him and incorporate a bit of ear massaging into that. You really can 'teach an old cat new tricks' and Bertie very quickly came to associate these new sounds and sensations with positive happy-making things. :smile:

But he is also a cat who likes to disappear under the bed, and he can be an absolute devil to get out from there. Fortunately though he can usually be tempted out by rattling a treat container near him or by opening up a little tub of nice fresh catnip for him to sniff (and if your cat doesn't like catnip then he might respond to valerian...?)

In a nutshell though, as far as testing goes, ideally it will help enormously if there is something in it that your cat wants or likes.

And I know this probably sounds...well....'improbable', but treating your cat's diabetes will almost certainly strengthen the bond of trust and affection between you. It is almost as though the cat comes to understand that you are trying to help. It's a very curious phenomenon....

May I ask: Why is your cat so timid. Has he had something happen to him in the past?
 
Hi D & E

Thanks for your reassurance, it's very much appreciated! My name's Jeremy and I'm in Berkshire, so not far away from either of you! Moggy's name is Tertiary (as he was the third in the litter!). Perhaps he was the runt (although I would never tell him!) so that might explain some of his timidness, but other than that I have no idea. He used to live with his Mum when I was in a previous relationship, and I was there for the birth and have pampered him continuously since then. His sister lives here too, and although she looks identical (all black, long haired) she is considerably less high maintenance ;) They are both practically house cats, as although they occasionally set foot outside it really doesn't seem to hold much interest for them.

But Tertiary is very nervous - another possibility is that because he has had a recurring bladder problem (crystals causing blockages) he has come to loathe going to the vets etc. In fact, he actually manages to empty his bladder on cue the second I try to put him in his carry basket or if he gets any wind of the fact that that is what's about to happen - meaning every vet visit is accompanied by a quick change of clothes beforehand, and a thorough cleanup just after. The things we do for them hey? :)

The first blood sample I did, was actually without the lancing gadget - the vet recommended that I just use a needle to scrape his ear slightly. I obviously didn't do it as well as the vet, and from reading what you're saying I think I might try the lancer tomorrow when I give it another go. The difficulty will be holding on to him after the click to get the blood! Is there any kind of gadget that will take the blood and keep it on the lancer I wonder? Then I could leave him alone straight afterwards! Or is it really quite quick to get the strip in the blood it produces once it's been clicked?

Must say I'm relieved to learn that he's not the only under-bed hider! It is impossible to get him out, and having to call the vet to delay an appointment with the excuse that he's under the bed is so embarrassing!
 
:smile: Jeremy, I'm sure you are by far not the only one who has had to ring the vet with an excuse similar to "my cat can't make his appointment, he is hiding under the bed"! Similar experiences have certainly happened to me and no doubt most if not all others here. I'm sure vets are used to it!

Just briefly ref your other points - I would say continue without the lancing gadget (it's actually called a "pen") if you can - I for one found it much easier without as it's one less thing to hold and think about, somehow, and also means that there's no sudden sound for a timid cat to worry about. So persevere if you can - it will make life a bit easier. The trick I think is to hold the ear firmly with your left hand (assuming you are right-handed), whilst talking softly to Tertiary (great name) and then try not to give yourself time to think and just prick the tip of the ear quickly. Then as soon as blood appears (which it should do straightaway, especially if the ear is warm), get the strip to it quickly and then release the cat and let him scarper if he wants to. If you can't get the strip to the blood in time, try letting it run onto your fingernail and put the strip into the blood on you! The other thing to remember whilst you're doing this is to make sure you get enough blood for the strip to recognise it and give you a reading - many's the time we have all wasted strips by not getting enough blood on it (it will show up as a 'no' reading on the meter).

Not sure if any of that makes sense but I do assure you that it will all fit into place sooner than you think.

Best of luck
Diana
 
Hello Jeremy and welcome to the board.

I'm no pro as we are also relative newbies (7 weeks since diagnosis) but it sounds like you're doing all the right things. We were quite lucky with Monty as he is a greedy guts - so we used to do his shot once he was about 3/4 of the way through his meal - so engrossed was he in eating that he often didn't notice.

On the ear-sticking, now that's a bit more tricky. As Elizabeth and Diana have said, making it a *good* experience (insofar as these things can be) is important - we keep some cooked chicken handy so that once he's been tested, he gets a treat. It is really hard at first, but honestly, you do get used to it.

Finally, despite all the bad press, we found that the Caninsulin worked really well for Monty (it took about 5 weeks to really kick in, but then his numbers really started to drop - hence why its so important to keep hometesting), so don't panic (like I did) if you don't get immediate results.

Catherine
 
Thanks all. And Diana your advice on warming the ear and catching the blood on a fingernail is absolutely spot on - this really helped very much indeed, thank you!! He was back under the bed by the time I got the result. It was 30.7 so the vet has upped his insulin to 3 units now. He continues to drink heavily... which is probably what I'll start doing with this stress :) He definitely seems chirpier though, and his appetite has increased. For his bloodtest reward (yesterday issued under the bed) I'm giving him a couple of "Dreamies" on recommendation of the vet. Lord knows what they put in them, but both cats go absolutely bonkers for them. I was half tempted to try one myself ;)
 
Jeremy, you have a great attitude :smile: which will help a lot, and you clearly think a lot of Tertiary, which is good to see. Treating FD is not easy at all and we do have to be prepared to put the effort in! Yes, you might end up turning to drink - most of us have ;-)

Hopefully doing the tests will get easier with time as Tertiary starts to associate it with treats and gets used to the routine. How often are you testing? I'm guessing that you're at work all day and test usually morning and evening, at food/shot times? It's just that that 30.7 number in isolation doesn't tell us where else Tertiary has been (BG-wise, not location!) so we don't know how the insulin has worked in him. Hopefully the increase in dose will drop him a couple of hours after his shot and he'll stay there until mid-cycle or so, as at 30.7 he is not going to feel a very happy bunny.

Do keep us informed if you can, we're all rooting for you and want the very best for Tertiary (and you!)

Diana
 
Caninsulin is not a great insulin for cats as it does not last the full 12hrs. I am in Canada and did start on Caninsulin with my cat, but quickly switched to Lantus when joining this forum.

When your vet says that Caninsulin is the only insulin available... not true. There are several others using Lantus with their cats and even some who were able to obtain Levemir for their cats. Caninsulin may be the only animal insulin, but it's not the only insulin. Lantus and Levemir are human insulins and they last much longer and get better results than Caninsulin.

If your cat is quite timid and upset at being taken to the vet office, any BG numbers taken on your cat with a vet meter will likely be skewed by stress. Your own numbers when testing at home will be more true.

I would suggest that you edit your Subject in your first post to add your city, or just put In UK, and you will attract more members near you who can help you will methods and supplies, and possibly ways to obtain a better insulin.
 
Sunday's test was a lot later than I would have liked it to have been, so was 10 hours after injection. I'm going to try and do an 8 hour test every two days (or maybe three if it stresses him out too much!). I'm lucky enough to work from home more often than not, which should make things easier most days.

I think that this morning I may have mis-injected him - he struggled a bit and his fur was slightly wet afterwards, although I really can't be certain. What does one do in such a situation? I'm guessing it's safer to just leave it and keep an eye on him?

Blue - I have updated my profile with my location. I'm interested about what you say regarding human insulin - my vet was very quick to suggest I shouldn't use anything but caninsulin, but I would like to find out more as obviously she might not know about certain types etc. I'm not sure how I would get hold of some though - prescription medicine is very heavily regulated in the UK, and I've no idea whether pharmacies accept private prescriptions from vets??! Are you aware of people in the UK getting this or how?
 
highmaintenance said:
Sunday's test was a lot later than I would have liked it to have been, so was 10 hours after injection. I'm going to try and do an 8 hour test every two days (or maybe three if it stresses him out too much!). I'm lucky enough to work from home more often than not, which should make things easier most days.

I think that this morning I may have mis-injected him - he struggled a bit and his fur was slightly wet afterwards, although I really can't be certain. What does one do in such a situation? I'm guessing it's safer to just leave it and keep an eye on him?

Blue - I have updated my profile with my location. I'm interested about what you say regarding human insulin - my vet was very quick to suggest I shouldn't use anything but caninsulin, but I would like to find out more as obviously she might not know about certain types etc. I'm not sure how I would get hold of some though - prescription medicine is very heavily regulated in the UK, and I've no idea whether pharmacies accept private prescriptions from vets??! Are you aware of people in the UK getting this or how?
Click to expand...

It's good that you have updated your location in your profile but in the list of posts, people can't see that info... all they see is your signin ID. If you can change your 'Newbie looking for advice' to something like 'Newbie in UK needs advice on insulin' you may get others in UK to help you with the insulin issue.

Yes there are people in the UK and elsewhere who are able to get Lantus via their vets.... some vets took some convincing, and I know of one vet who refused until exchanging contact with an expert in the US, but it can be had. Would your vet be willing to read some data, or maybe contact Dr. Mark E. Peterson to question on the use of Lantus?
You can print this info and take to your vet.
Roomp-Rand
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top