Breathing problems

My 15 year old cat, Kitty was diagnosed almost 6 years ago with diabetes. We have had many ups and downs, he was on PZI for a few years and then we couldn't get it anymore, and so was put on Lantus, and was fairly well regulated, and for two years has done really well. A few days ago he started acting tired, and seemed to have trouble breathing. I checked his sugar and found that he was high in the morning, around 17 on the G test. I gave him his usual 5 units, but 12 hours later his sugar was still too low to give him a shot- around 7. I did not give him any until next morning, but by then he was having trouble breathing, his mouth open gasping. I gave him water and food by hand and then gave him his regular shot. He was not good all day, but I kept feeding him by hand throught the day and by the time for his evening shot his sugar was up, so I gave him his usual 5 units.
This morning he is breathing much better and was even able to eat a little on his own. I gave him some water and a little extra food by hand, and he is looking and breathing much better now. The question is this: His sugar this morning at 9 am was at 7 when it was time to give his shot, so I didn't give it, and waited. By 10 am it was at 9.2 and by 11 am it was 9.6. I will watch his sugar all day and give a shot when it gets higher, but I wonder, should I lower his dose to 3 units and try giving that every 12 hours. Do you think that he may have come to a point where he doesn't require so much and it is overlapping and causing this trouble. I would appreciate your opinions on what is happening here. Thank You, Lois & Kitty

 

Lois:

I think you should contact your vet. Breathing problems can be anything from a respiratory issue to cardiac. It may be more helpful if you post in Health since I do not think this is an insulin issue. There are more people on Health and they will be better able to advise. In the mean time, I'm going to cross post your link.

 

Hi there, I do not think the insulin dose is related to the breathing problem, although distressed breathing could lead to increased BGs because of stress/discomfort. Why his BGs would be low besides too high a dose I am not sure.

I think tho, that he needs his heart and lungs checked. Breathing problems can mean heart problems or asthma. Do you have cardiology specialists nearby? Are you in Canada or Europe? Let us know because we have members all over.. General location would help..city/state/province...

I hope hes ok.

 

Hi: Kitty had an episode like this two years ago, and he spent a night in the hospital. At that time he was dehydrated and his dose of insulin was too high, and so they re-hydrated him and reset his insulin lower and has been just fine until now.
The day before this started my other cat, his brother Pedro, both from the same litter, was diagnosed with lung cancer and given no hope at all. Kitty seemed to know something was wrong, and the next day this trouble started. I wonder sometimes, just how much they can communicate with each other. I have put a call in to the vet, but she gave up on Kitty two years ago, and told me to take him home and enjoy the few days he had left. Another vet at the same hospital told me I would be wise to put his brother to sleep last Sat. when I took him in. He seems to be doing fine right now, I started him on a holistic remedy to build up his immune system. It may be working because he is much better, even waiting at his cat door to go outside in the morning. Last week he couldn't even walk, and has lost 7 pounds in the past year. I appreciate you all taking the time to try to help. I will keep doing what I can, and hope the vet has some answers for me. I am in Thunder Bay, Canada, by the way. Thanks again. Lois & Kitty

 

My gosh Lois. I am SO sorry about what you and your boys are going through. I don't have any advice, but I think it's great that you aren't giving up like your vet did. Hang in there.

 

Lois, I answered you on the health board. Open mouth breathing is a serious sign and I suggest you go to an emergency facility if you can't reach your own vet.

 

Hi: I heard from the vet this afternoon, a different one this time. It is her opinion after checking over his history that the 5 Units of Lantus is too much. She has advised me to cut his shots to 2.50 Units twice daily starting this evening. He has not had a shot yet today and his G levels have gone from 7am to 10 by 5 pm. The is abnormally low for him. She says that cats on Lantus will sometimes need less as time goes on, and some will even go into remission, but not likely in his case as he has been diabetic for 6 years. He gets his shot at nine oclock tonight, and I will check his G level then, and give him some food and 2.50 Units then wait until morning and see how it looks then. Thank you all so much for your help. I am glad I phoned the vet. This is a new Dr. at the clinic and seems much more promising than some of the others I've dealt with. Lois & Kitty

 

Glad to hear that you cat is doing better and that you went to the vet. If you are on Lantus you may want to start a spreadsheet so that if you have problem or have questions the group needs to evaluate his chart. Also, follow the strict protocal of Lantus which is on the stickies. I heard that PZI and Lantus have different protocals that you may want to follow.

 

Hi -

Are you from a country other than the US? I would like to be able to understand what you're talking about but I have no idea how to convert your numbers to the system we use here. You may be able to get more help if you can do this.

 

is his breathing better? What did the vet say about that?

 

Hello: My Kitty has gone. I took him to the hospital and they checked him over and found that his heart was failing.
The could barely hear his heartbeat and his mouth was turning blue. I made the sad decision to let him go, and so while I held him they gave him an injection, and he very gently went to sleep. He will be cremated. Now I still have his brother, Pedro, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer. I am giving him ES Clear tonic, and he seems to be eating and drinking and doing fairly well. But he will probably not last long. After 15 years of joy of them, I am having to give them both back at almost the same time. Thank you all for trying to help. This site has been a major help in keeping Kitty going for 6 years with diabetes. It was here that I first heard of PZI insulin, which was the only one that worked for him, and my vet had never heard of it. When we couldn't get it any more here in Canada, we went to Lantus, which worked for him after much trial and error. He has been on Lantus for 3 years. Again, thank you all. Lois & Pedro

 

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Lois, I am very sorry about Kitty, this is so sad. You are such a wonderful mama to your kitty babies and have been through so much lately. I hope Pedro has lots of good days to be with you, especially right now. Kitty was fortunate to be loved by you and gently was relieved of his troubles as you held him close. A difficult thing for you, but so kind for your Kitty. (((Lois)))

 

Big hugs...so sorry to hear this.

Best-
Michele

 

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

Lois, my heart goes out to you. He is out of pain, but I know it is so hard to be without him, and to have Pedro so sick. They have had wonderful lives because of your love; I have you can draw some comfort from that in time.

 

Dear Lois, I was saddened to read of Kitty's passing. rb_icon He was a very brave cat and you were a wonderful MamaBean to him. Your many happy memories of Kitty will comfort you in your grief, and you and your Pedro will help each other in this time of sorrow.
In deepest sympathy,
Ella & Stu

 

I am so so sorry to read this - I know you have been through so much with Kitty, and now Pedro too. My deepest sympathy.

Memories can be so powerful, and I know Kitty will not be forgotten. You were a wonderful mama bean.

Take care, find solace in the memories of the time together.

Fly free sweet kitty

 

Deepest Deepest Sorrow & Sympathy--I have a brother & sister & can relate--My heart goes out to you :cry: :cry: :cry: rb_icon wings_cat

 

I am so sorry for your loss.
Fly free sweet Kitty and healing vines sent to Pedro.

 

Thank you all for your kind words. It helps to know that someone understands and cares. Love to all, Lois & Pedro

 

I'm so sorry for the lose of your Kitty. My heart goes out to you.

Fly Free Sweet Kitty.

 

So sorry you are having to go through this painful loss. I know it hurts. Be strong and loving for the beautiful boy that you still have; I know you need each other right now. Peace.

 

(((Lois)))
I am so sorry for your loss.
Fly free sweet Pedro.

 

Fly forever free precious Pedro.
You helped him be free. I'm so sorry.

 

Just read your condo, I am sooooo sorry for your loss, you poor thing! It is so heartbreaking to lose an animal!! My thoughts and prayers got out to you!! Take care!!! wings_cat

 

Sorry for the los of your dear precious kitty. Fly Free>>>>>><<<<<<<<

 

I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty. You have my deepest sympathies. Fly free little one.

 

(((Lois))) I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Tears and hugs for you...
Fly Free Sweet Kitty!!!

 

I am so sorry for your loss. Fly free sweet boy.

 

I'm so sorry for our loss. You are going through a lot and sound like a very strong person. You certainly take good care of your kitties.

 

hello,Lois!
I'm so sorry that You lost Your sweet Kitty! It may be comfort to You that she is free of any pain now
and hope that her bro pedro is gonna be comfort to you in this sad days.
Bo
ps. Where in Canada You live in?

 

Hi: We live in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

 

My condolences and heartfelt prayers go out to you. It's so hard losing a precious furbaby.You did everything you could, and now he's at peace and without pain. Take care of yourself, too, during this time.

 

I'm so sorry to hear that kitty didn't make it. Fly free sweet baby......

 

Sorry you've had to let Kitty go. That is just so hard to do even when it clearly the time to do so. :cry: