6/07 Meadow AMPS 368

I think I'm going to set the alarm to get up in the middle of the night to test. The reason is, in the morning Meadow acts like she feels good, but in the afternoon and evening, she lays by herself or drinks water constantly. I wonder if her numbers drop a lot during the night.
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=16576

Hi Amber -

As an acromom - I agree that it would be a good idea to get Meadow tested for both Acromegaly (IGF-1 test) and IAA (insulin auto-antibodies). The tests are both done by Michigan State Univ lab. (the only place in North America -- so have your vet contact them directly and cut-out any middleman that is just charging you extra $$$) The test info is linked in the High Dose sticky posts.

A study done in the UK a few years ago found that 17% of diabetic cats tested positive for Acromegaly. That is almost 1 out of every 5.

Since we are very closely monitoring the diabetes (against vet recommendations), we are seeing the High Dose / Insulin Resistance as the first sign of Acromegaly while the kitty still looks "normal". (vets are trained to look for physically deformed cats)

My vet did not believe that Norton had acromegaly -- even though he was High Dose and a neurologist diagnosed a brain tumor. (acromegaly is caused by a tumor on or affecting the pituitary gland). I did insist on having the IGF-1 test done, and got a positive diagnosis of Acromegaly.

We could not have had the SRS surgery done either -- but the diagnosis let us be more comfortable in giving the high doses, and increasing as needed to help Norton feel better - faster.

phoebe

Hi, just dropping in to say hello and that I hope your middle of the night spot checks yield some interesting results. :smile:

Hey Amber,
I don't really think that Meadow's going low only on the pm shots; the cycles during the day are too high and flat, so there's no reason that I know for every nite time cycle to go low.

I think when you are seeing a high flat cycle like Meadow's got, it usually means need more insulin, so if you are at 7u Lantus already, the tests are going to let you know something.

What I did was to print out the two sheets for the tests at msu, took them to my vet and said make the arrangements.
Here's the link for the acro one IGF-1
http://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/Bin/Cat ... st&Id=1401

Here's the one for the IAA
http://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/Bin/Cat ... st&Id=1494

Take a look at the two links and if you have any questions just ask.

I had to keep pushing my vet office because I wanted the tests done. They had not even heard of the tests, so I had to take them all the info and say call msu already! They finally did but said oh Shadoe is not acro, SHE DOESN'T LOOK THE PART. And they are right; she doesn't, got a cute as a button tiny face and head, small paws, etc. But the numbers don't lie.

When I look at the ss for Meadow, I think yup, looks like Shadoe did.
Anyways, the above are the links to any info your vet would need about the tests and any more needed can be had easily by your vet calling msu.

I'm thinking that you are getting wise advice... but if you want to wake up in the middle of the night, we won't object.... I'd probably do it too.

Hey Amber,
I'm one of the high dose moms and I have to agree that it's time to get the blood tests done.

It's nothing difficult, a simple blood draw, sent off to Mich State University Vet Lab, sent cold, overnight via Fed Ex, directly to the lab.

Tests are set up every Wednesday. You should have the blood drawn on a Monday and sent overnight so that it arrives Tuesday, ready to be set up on Wed.

Most of us had our vet tell us that it isn't possible/likely because of our cats appearance, and that it is a waste of money. You may need to provide your vet with some professional literature. Here's an awesome link to a recent professional journal you both may find interesting. Open it as a PDF.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_o ... 58b97d9ea5

Once a cat reaches over 6units it is time to find out why...

Amber & Meadow said:

She just looked at me like, fix me.

Click to expand...

It is so clear how much you love Meadow. The best way you can help her is to know what it is you're dealing with. If you get the tests done and they are positive, you are going to be comfortable in aggressively treating Meadow's BG levels so she can feel better. If the tests are negative, it still gives you guidance and the confidence to know that the high BG levels will break. Testing for acro is a win - win situation for Meadow. The acro moms here have a huge amount of experience to help guide you and Meadow. And those of us in LL will be here to help and support you and Meadow no matter what the outcome of the tests are.