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stresseddaily21

stresseddaily21

Member Since 2015
So, my 11 year old cat was diagnosed with diabetes about three weeks ago. She does not live with me, but rather my mom because my apartment is too small and at the time, the complex was not pet-friendly. I was very upset about the diagnosis and my cats future, but I was determined to give my cat the best life possible. I still am...but I've just become so stressed, and I already have a high stress life. For starters, I was amazed by the amount of money I needed to spend just to get started. But like I said, I was willing to give my cat the best. I give her two shots a day, so I have to make the trip each time to my mother's. My cat had been urinating a lot and that's what tipped me off to take her to the vet in the first place, but it's almost gotten worse. We go through a large box of litter each week. My mom can't keep up with it so she continuosly nags me about it. I've been thinking of moving her in with me when I move next month but then my boyfriend makes me feel bad because he has allergies abd doesn't want to be sick. I constantly feel like I can't do anything right with this situation. Well, today for the very first time, my cat peed on the floor. My mother was not happy. She said if it happens again she will have to go. I really don't know what to do. I feel so helpless, and if I could even just get some support with this that would be great. I just need to hear something other than "you should just put her down". Because I can't do that. Thanks if you read all of this)
 
What a horribly difficult situation for you to be in. I don't know what the right answer is for you, but I think you do have to make sure you make a decision that YOU can live with not one that you're forced into because of what someone else thinks. Ultimately, no matter what else happens in your life you have to be able to live with yourself and whatever decision you make. You probably do need to ask a few questions though. Is your boyfriend sure that the cat will make him that sick - and that the allergies can't be controlled? My hubby is very allergic to cats (among other things) but we have 6 cats in the house - 2 are his, 2 are mine (because I told him I wouldn't move here without them which he accepted because he already has his own cats) and 2 are our housemate's. He finds he can control the allergies well most of the time with zyrtec. Would that maybe be something your boyfriend would be prepared to at least try to see if it works for him? I can understand your mother not being happy that the cat peed on the floor, but it's obviously not her usual behavior so it's happening because she's sick. I would try to get a vet appointment to make sure your cat doesn't have a UTI or some other issue going on that caused the peeing on the floor too - that might be something that has a relatively easy fix.

I can't give you an answer to your problem - only you know what choice you can live with. Whatever you decide :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: None of this can be easy for you at the moment.
 
Hi and welcome

What a very difficult situation you are in. I agree it is very costly and I can't imagine having to organise looking after a cat that doesn't live with me.

You are right though there are various options that do not involve having her put down. I am just throwing these out here so forgive me if none are right for you. I am fairly sure there are people out there that will adopt a cat with diabetes. Alternatively could you move back to your mums for a few weeks until you get her stabilised. Once stabilised you should find that the excessive peeing stops and she will act more like before. Ou might even be able to get your mum to help out if you show her it isn't too stressful injecting. Maybe she could do the morning and you the evening??

Just some ideas.
 
Hello and welcome to you.

I'm sorry that you're in such a tricky situation on top of your kitty being poorly. I hope things improve for you both very soon.

Just a note about peeing outside the litter box. Since I joined here I've read about several cats doing similar (not all had UTI problems). The inappropriate peeing seemed to resolve when their blood sugar got back to more normal levels. It might also be an idea to check with your vet about B12 supplementation because some diabetic cats may develop weakness (a possible reason for incontinence perhaps???) and B12 can help with that.

Sending scritches for your kitty and a :bighug: for you.
 
Hi and welcome to FDMB. We understand how you are feeling right now. Receiving a diagnosis that your cat has diabetes can be overwhelming and stressful. Hopefully some of these suggestions will help you manage your cat's diabetes and save you some money.

Can you tell us more about you and your cat? What is your name? What insulin is your cat on and what is his/her current dose? What are you feeding your cat?

One recommendation is a diet change. If you are feed your cat dry food, you want to begin switching his/her diet over to a low carb/high protein canned food. Many of us feed our cats Friskies or Fancy Feast pate flavors. Avoid foods with "gravy", these are high in carbs. A diet change can significantly help get your cat's glucose levels under control. You also do not need to feed your cat prescription food if that is what the vet has told you. Most are higher in carbs and usually cats stop eating it in a few days.

You will also find as your cat's glucose levels reduce, he/she should have fewer accidents. Also, did your vet check to make sure that your cat does not have an urinary track infection? That may be the reason your cat peed on the floor. If your cat does have an infection, that can also contribute to the diabetes.

Another way to save money and also puts you more in control of your cat's treatment is learning to hometest. This means testing a small drop of blood from your cat's ear before every shot. By testing before every shot you can determine how well the dose is working and also if it is safe to give insulin. It also eliminates unnessary trips to the vet just to have your cat's glucose read. We can help you learn how to home test.

What insulin are you using? If it is Lantus or Levemir, we suggest buying the pens instead of vials. The pens come in a package of 5 and because the insulin is packaged in smaller containers, you are usually able to use almost every drop. The problem with the vial is that the insulin becomes ineffective longe before you can use it all. You end up throwing away a lot of insulin and money. Depending on your dose, one pack of pens could provide enough insulin to last 9 months or more. A vial starts to become ineffective after 2 - 3 months. A lot of pharmacies will also allow you to buy one pen at a time so the initial cost is not very expensive.

With any insulin, you want to start at a low dose and slowly increase it with at least one week between increases. You only should increase it by 1/2 unit at a time.

I don't have any advice to offer regarding the boyfriend other than suggesting that he talk to his doctor to see if there is medication he can take to control his allergies.
 
manxcat419 said:
What a horribly difficult situation for you to be in. I don't know what the right answer is for you, but I think you do have to make sure you make a decision that YOU can live with not one that you're forced into because of what someone else thinks. Ultimately, no matter what else happens in your life you have to be able to live with yourself and whatever decision you make. You probably do need to ask a few questions though. Is your boyfriend sure that the cat will make him that sick - and that the allergies can't be controlled? My hubby is very allergic to cats (among other things) but we have 6 cats in the house - 2 are his, 2 are mine (because I told him I wouldn't move here without them which he accepted because he already has his own cats) and 2 are our housemate's. He finds he can control the allergies well most of the time with zyrtec. Would that maybe be something your boyfriend would be prepared to at least try to see if it works for him? I can understand your mother not being happy that the cat peed on the floor, but it's obviously not her usual behavior so it's happening because she's sick. I would try to get a vet appointment to make sure your cat doesn't have a UTI or some other issue going on that caused the peeing on the floor too - that might be something that has a relatively easy fix.

I can't give you an answer to your problem - only you know what choice you can live with. Whatever you decide :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: None of this can be easy for you at the moment.
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Thank you for your reply, my boyfriend is willing to try anything to make me happy so thank you for the zyrtec recommendation.
 
You're very welcome - and I'm so glad he's willing to try. That's very important. Different allergy meds work for different people, so if he finds zyrtec isn't the best for him, there are still other options. We also find that vacuuming at least every other day makes a big difference as it means there's less cat fur (and therefore cat saliva, which is often the main cause of allergies) in the air, carpets and furnishings.

Good luck with finding a solution - I really hope you boyfriend can overcome his allergy as I'm sure you'd love to have your cat with you. Let me know if you have any questions about managing cats and allergies together - we've got a fair amount of experience with it with the number of cats we have in the house!
 
Lisa and Witn (GA) said:
Hi and welcome to FDMB. We understand how you are feeling right now. Receiving a diagnosis that your cat has diabetes can be overwhelming and stressful. Hopefully some of these suggestions will help you manage your cat's diabetes and save you some money.

Can you tell us more about you and your cat? What is your name? What insulin is your cat on and what is his/her current dose? What are you feeding your cat?

One recommendation is a diet change. If you are feed your cat dry food, you want to begin switching his/her diet over to a low carb/high protein canned food. Many of us feed our cats Friskies or Fancy Feast pate flavors. Avoid foods with "gravy", these are high in carbs. A diet change can significantly help get your cat's glucose levels under control. You also do not need to feed your cat prescription food if that is what the vet has told you. Most are higher in carbs and usually cats stop eating it in a few days.

You will also find as your cat's glucose levels reduce, he/she should have fewer accidents. Also, did your vet check to make sure that your cat does not have an urinary track infection? That may be the reason your cat peed on the floor. If your cat does have an infection, that can also contribute to the diabetes.

Another way to save money and also puts you more in control of your cat's treatment is learning to hometest. This means testing a small drop of blood from your cat's ear before every shot. By testing before every shot you can determine how well the dose is working and also if it is safe to give insulin. It also eliminates unnessary trips to the vet just to have your cat's glucose read. We can help you learn how to home test.

What insulin are you using? If it is Lantus or Levemir, we suggest buying the pens instead of vials. The pens come in a package of 5 and because the insulin is packaged in smaller containers, you are usually able to use almost every drop. The problem with the vial is that the insulin becomes ineffective longe before you can use it all. You end up throwing away a lot of insulin and money. Depending on your dose, one pack of pens could provide enough insulin to last 9 months or more. A vial starts to become ineffective after 2 - 3 months. A lot of pharmacies will also allow you to buy one pen at a time so the initial cost is not very expensive.

With any insulin, you want to start at a low dose and slowly increase it with at least one week between increases. You only should increase it by 1/2 unit at a time.

I don't have any advice to offer regarding the boyfriend other than suggesting that he talk to his doctor to see if there is medication he can take to control his allergies.
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Thanks for the reply.
My name is Emilie, and my cat's name is Daisy. She is a short-haired tortie :) Daisy is on Lantus, and as of yesterday, she is receiving 5 units in the morning and 4 units at night. She is also on a prescribed vet diet, I believe the food is called "DM" or something- that is what the vet called it. It is a dry food, which Daisy has just LOVED since I started giving it to her. I have the AlphaTrak 2 kit, and I do hometesting myself, which I've gotten the hang of pretty quickly. My vet never said anything about pens for Lantus, neither did the pharmacy. He said my vial should last 2-3 months though, and because of how much I give her, that is probably a pretty accurate amount of time for when it will be gone. Thank you for all of the help, and I hope maybe the information I have given you now may give you some more insight :)
 
manxcat419 said:
You're very welcome - and I'm so glad he's willing to try. That's very important. Different allergy meds work for different people, so if he finds zyrtec isn't the best for him, there are still other options. We also find that vacuuming at least every other day makes a big difference as it means there's less cat fur (and therefore cat saliva, which is often the main cause of allergies) in the air, carpets and furnishings.

Good luck with finding a solution - I really hope you boyfriend can overcome his allergy as I'm sure you'd love to have your cat with you. Let me know if you have any questions about managing cats and allergies together - we've got a fair amount of experience with it with the number of cats we have in the house!
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Thanks! I will definitely be sure to ask if I need more help! I have allergies too, so I can understand where my boyfriend is coming from, but I just suck it up, haha! I also promised him I would vacuum every day and bedroom door would remain closed!
 
Hi Emilie - hugs to you, Daisy, your boyfriend, and your mom, and an extra one for grins!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

I'm so impressed with the way you are trying to find a solution here. My husband has terrible allergies to cats (and everything else I think) We combined households ending up with 6 cats. I can't begin to tell you how much cat hair/dander and general catness that is:eek:. He does go to an allergist, I think his Zyrtec prescription is stronger than the OTC one. The vacuuming makes a huge difference also. If I could figure out how to give 6 cats a bath even once a week.... well let me know if you have any ideas!;)

My kitty ate a combination of Science Diet wet and dry. We thought we were giving our cats the highest quality cat food possible. Then Lolly was dxd with diabetes, and boy, did I learn otherwise. It was her food, particularly her dry food that was contributing to her diabetes! There is NO dry cat food, not even "prescription" that is good for diabetic cats. :( Cats are obligate carnivores and should eat a very low carbohydrate, high protein diet. The Cat food companies mislead us and the vets into thinking it's good for them. Check out this link by Dr. Lisa Pierson, a pioneer in low carb diets for cats: 'Prescription/therapeutic' diets

One of the most important things you can do for Daisy is to get her off of the Dry DM, and onto a completely wet low carb, high protein food. The wet DM is expensive, and is no better than commercial foods such as Fancy Feast Classics (has to be Classics, not gravy) or Friskie's Pates. Some claim the commercials are actually better. There are lots of food experts on this forum and they'll have more to say. Note that switching to low carb can decrease the need for insulin. When switching be careful to monitor her bg so she doesn't go too low.

I think it is absolutely fantastic that you are home testing!!! :D Way to go!!! Do you know why the vet started Daisy off on 5u am/4u pm? Did he try something smaller first? Does Daisy have any other complications? Also, can you give us an idea of what her blood glucose (bg) numbers have been looking like?

OK, I have just one more thing to throw at you.... (I promise this will all get easier, there's just so much to learn and do right in the beginning)

Members on the Forum set up spreadsheets to track the progress of their kitties. We put our bg test values in the sheet. if you could set up a spread sheet for Daisy, that would be fantastic, as we can follow Daisy's progress and help you much faster than asking for lists of test values. Check out other members' spread sheets, and Here are some instructions from @BJM

Since I know you are already totally stressed-- if you need help setting this up we have members who are happy to do this. I was freaking out, there was no way I was going to figure this out, so @Marje and Gracie set mine up.


FDMB Spreadsheet Directions

Lets get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests. It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.


Good night sweet Daisy and catmom Emilie!:cat:

Martha
 
Good to know we're not the only ones doing the crazy multiple cats and bad allergies thing Martha! Sometimes we think we must be insane to have so many cats in the house with an allergy sufferer. But neither of us would want to be without the cats either and we've found what sounds like very similar ways of coping with it to the ones you have. :)
 
stresseddaily21 said:
Thanks for the reply.
My name is Emilie, and my cat's name is Daisy. She is a short-haired tortie :) Daisy is on Lantus, and as of yesterday, she is receiving 5 units in the morning and 4 units at night. She is also on a prescribed vet diet, I believe the food is called "DM" or something- that is what the vet called it. It is a dry food, which Daisy has just LOVED since I started giving it to her. I have the AlphaTrak 2 kit, and I do hometesting myself, which I've gotten the hang of pretty quickly. My vet never said anything about pens for Lantus, neither did the pharmacy. He said my vial should last 2-3 months though, and because of how much I give her, that is probably a pretty accurate amount of time for when it will be gone. Thank you for all of the help, and I hope maybe the information I have given you now may give you some more insight :)
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Your dose concerns me, especially since you said Daisy was only diagnosed 3 weeks ago. That is an extremely high dose for any diabetic cat unless there are other health issues going on. Most cats only need 1-2 units. How did your vet determine that is the dose to start at?

Lantus needs a consistent dose between shots. I am glad you are testing. Have you created a spreadsheet for readings? If so, can you share it with us?

There are two reasons I feel that you should lower your dose. First is the risk of hypoglycemia. Please do not change Daisy's diet until you lower that dose. A change in food can drop the BG levels considerably. You do not want her BG levels to drop too low. Right now the dry food is probably preventing hypoglycemia since it is high in carbs.

The other reason is that you probably missed the optimal dose to get her BG levels under control. There is a condition called Somogyi effect or Somogyi rebound. What happens is that in order to protect itself from becoming hypoglycemic when too much insulin is given, a cats body produces extra glucose. So instead of the BG readings dropping as you would expect, they keep getting higher. We recommend starting at a low dose, 1 unit twice a day. Over a period of weeks, the dose is increased to find the optimal dose. The increase should only be by 1/2 unit and you will wait at least a week before determining if another increase is needed. If another one is needed, then it is increased by another 1/2 unit and again you wait at least another week before you change it again. Since you should test before every shot, you will be able to determine how well the dose is working. Also, if your vet did not tell you this, you will test, feed, then give insulin.
 
I agree about the dosage being quite high and you might have missed the optimum dose. Is this something you can review? Please don't change foods until you are hometesting as it can reduce the blood glucose and hence the need for insulin.
 
Lisa and Witn (GA) said:
Your dose concerns me, especially since you said Daisy was only diagnosed 3 weeks ago. That is an extremely high dose for any diabetic cat unless there are other health issues going on. Most cats only need 1-2 units. How did your vet determine that is the dose to start at?

Lantus needs a consistent dose between shots. I am glad you are testing. Have you created a spreadsheet for readings? If so, can you share it with us?

There are two reasons I feel that you should lower your dose. First is the risk of hypoglycemia. Please do not change Daisy's diet until you lower that dose. A change in food can drop the BG levels considerably. You do not want her BG levels to drop too low. Right now the dry food is probably preventing hypoglycemia since it is high in carbs.

The other reason is that you probably missed the optimal dose to get her BG levels under control. There is a condition called Somogyi effect or Somogyi rebound. What happens is that in order to protect itself from becoming hypoglycemic when too much insulin is given, a cats body produces extra glucose. So instead of the BG readings dropping as you would expect, they keep getting higher. We recommend starting at a low dose, 1 unit twice a day. Over a period of weeks, the dose is increased to find the optimal dose. The increase should only be by 1/2 unit and you will wait at least a week before determining if another increase is needed. If another one is needed, then it is increased by another 1/2 unit and again you wait at least another week before you change it again. Since you should test before every shot, you will be able to determine how well the dose is working. Also, if your vet did not tell you this, you will test, feed, then give insulin.
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I don't have a spreadsheet yet, but I have all of my numbers at my moms, and I will pick them up tonight so I can get one put together. When we started we started at 1/1, and then midweek he had me do 2/1, then 2/2, and then each Monday I call and give him my numbers, so eack week the units were raised: 3/2, 4/3, 5/4. And that is how I ended up where I'm at :/. I am a little concerned now since everybody is saying that is so high. He told me my goal level would be 200-250, and when she was at 4/3 units, she stayed in the 300s with the exception of one night.
I'm not sure if this matters also, but Daisy has always been my little chubs, and it alarmed me when I took her to the vet for the first time because she was considerably smaller. She went from 12 lbs to 7lbs. Yesterday, after spending time with her I can tell that she is almost to her normal chubby self. Not sure if I should be alarmed that she gained weight again so quickly?
 
If you need any help setting up the SS, please send me a private message by using the "Conversations (PM)" tab on the upper left of the forum. I can help you or set it up for you in no time at all.
 
Setting up the spreadsheet will really help see what numbers you are getting. With your situation it sounds like you are getting readings just before you give the insulin. That is great bro know if it is safe to shoot but the dose of lantus is adjusted on the nadir ie the lowest they go in the cycle. Without these readings you won't know if she is dropping too low or too fast and then bouncing back up.

I am not saying that you have to get a mid cycle reading each day but if say in the course of the week (perhaps a Saturday or Sunday) you could take readings every two hours at least up to the nadir (usually between 5-8 hours into the cycle) you will be able to get an idea as to what that dose is doing.

Lantus is usually dosed evenly, ie the same morning and night.

If you could get up that spreadsheet as soon as you can then the experienced members can give you some advice on dosing. For now I would increase anymore and certainly don't change over foods. Do you leave food out for her to eat during the cycle (in case she goes low?).

It would be worthwhile making sure you mom knows the signs of low blood glucose and what she should do if she sees them

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/
 
phlika29 said:
Setting up the spreadsheet will really help see what numbers you are getting. With your situation it sounds like you are getting readings just before you give the insulin. That is great bro know if it is safe to shoot but the dose of lantus is adjusted on the nadir ie the lowest they go in the cycle. Without these readings you won't know if she is dropping too low or too fast and then bouncing back up.

I am not saying that you have to get a mid cycle reading each day but if say in the course of the week (perhaps a Saturday or Sunday) you could take readings every two hours at least up to the nadir (usually between 5-8 hours into the cycle) you will be able to get an idea as to what that dose is doing.

Lantus is usually dosed evenly, ie the same morning and night.

If you could get up that spreadsheet as soon as you can then the experienced members can give you some advice on dosing. For now I would increase anymore and certainly don't change over foods. Do you leave food out for her to eat during the cycle (in case she goes low?).

It would be worthwhile making sure you mom knows the signs of low blood glucose and what she should do if she sees them

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/
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Yes I am giving insulin right after a read, and my vet did say he wanted me to do a "curve" day, monitoring every two hours. I just haven't been able to do it with my schedule just yet, because I don't work regular hours. I am going to try setting up the spreadsheet now. Thank you!
 
With your work schedule, you could try snagging tests at different points in each cycle as and when you're able to. Over time the data you accumulate in your spreadsheet will help you get a better idea of how the insulin's working.
 
Okay, so I have set up my spreadsheet, but I'm a little confused as to fill it out. I'm not really understand the +number thing. I test and I do the shot directly after
 
The spreadsheet is set up for two cycles per day, AM and PM. The BG reading you get before giving insulin in the morning is the AM preshot test (AMPS) and it goes in the column before the AM dose (U). Similarly, the test you do in the evening, the PMPS, goes in the PM column just before the second 'U' column.

For each test during the cycle, you post results in the columns that match the number of hours after the insulin dose. For example:

- test done 3 hours after morning insulin dose is entered in the AM cycle +3 column (AM+3).

- test done 6 hours after evening insulin dose is entered in the PM cycle +6 column (PM+6).

I hope that helps a bit. :)
 
Critter Mom said:
The spreadsheet is set up for two cycles per day, AM and PM. The BG reading you get before giving insulin in the morning is the AM preshot test (AMPS) and it goes in the column before the AM dose (U). Similarly, the test you do in the evening, the PMPS, goes in the PM column just before the second 'U' column.

For each test during the cycle, you post results in the columns that match the number of hours after the insulin dose. For example:

- test done 3 hours after morning insulin dose is entered in the AM cycle +3 column (AM+3).

- test done 6 hours after evening insulin dose is entered in the PM cycle +6 column (PM+6).

I hope that helps a bit. :)
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Thanks, I have set it up, if you would, do you mind taking a look and seeing if I am on the right track? Thanks again
 
Hi @stresseddaily21, just wanted to say hello and you are in good company here! I read up above (and totally understand) about you not being able to test throughout the day with your work schedule. Same with me! I believe the pre-test (before you give the shot, the AMPS and PMPS) is very important because you don't want to give too much and have your kitty's blood sugar go too low. I don't get to test throughout weekdays often but I do it on the weekend so I can at least get a feel over time of what's happening with my Moby. We did do a "curve" at the vet and found that his low times extend a bit longer as the insulin wears off, and I actually did find that helpful going forward.

Once we got a food, testing, injection schedule going, I found we got a nice groove going.

Sending love and light to you and your kitty!
 
BG data looking good! As BJ says, adding the insulin doses is next. It would also be helpful if you could record the type of insulin and the type of meter you're using in the 'Remarks' column of the first data row so that members reviewing the sheet can see the info at a glance.
 
BJM and Critter Mom, done and done! Thank you! I can't believe how much help this site has been so far. I feel so much better about Daisy's future already!
 
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, Emilie. :) Things can be very overwhelming in the early days after diagnosis. I'm beyond grateful for all I have learned - and continue to learn - here. It has made the world of difference for Saoirse's treatment and overall health. Keep reminding yourself that with the right insulin, food and other appropriate treatments, diabetes is manageable. Also, remind yourself that things do get easier as you learn more and develop a routine that's right for you and Daisy.

Daisy's such a cutie! :)
 
Emilie

I am concerned about the dose Daisy is on. It is pretty high for a newly diagnosed cat. I also want to give you the latest info regarding starting doses and approaches for regulation. Some of the info provided in this thread is outdated. I'm also worried your vet does not understand the action of Lantus and is dosing it as one would a medium duration insulin.

One comment on Somogyi: there is actually no scientific evidence that it exists in humans much less cats. The theory behind it is that extreme lows from a chronic overdose are followed by very high, flat curves which look like the cat needs more insulin when, in fact, they need less. That is in contrast to what we see many diabetic csts do which is "bounce". When a cat is diagnosed, he/she has likely been at high numbers a while and so when lower numbers (not even low but just lower than the liver is used to) occur or a steep drop in numbers occurs, the liver releases hormones and glucagon to bring the BG back up to the high number. Every cat bounces and you have to be patient to let the bounce clear before raising the dose. I have to wonder if Daisy has been bouncing but your vet just sees the high numbers and none of the possible lower ones and she increases the dose.

Many Lantus/Levemir users in the FDMB follow the Tight Regulation Protocol.

The TR protocol was developed based upon the premise that a cat's pancreas may be able to heal and return to producing insulin if the cat's BG is kept in a normal range, ie, 50-120. Caregivers following this protocol adjust insulin doses following the protocol guidelines, to aim for that range. If you want to follow the TR protocol, once you have learned the basics of home testing and feeding in the Health Forum, we strongly encourage you to post daily in the Lantus/Levemir insulin support forum for a while to learn more about how it all works. The starting dose for those following the TR protocol is .25u/kg of kitty's ideal weight. If kitty is underweight, the formula frequently used is 0.25 unit per kg of kitty's actual weight. Daisy will need to be gradually switched to a canned or raw LC diet with no dry food while closely monitoring her BG and adjusting the insulin in order to follow the TR protocol. Dose adjustments are done in very small increments...either 0.25u or 0.5u if kitty's BG is high and flat.


The Start Low Go Slow (SLGS) protocol has caregivers start with an initial dose based upon the BG at diagnosis and whether kitty has been transitioned to a wet low carb diet, hold that dose for a week or two while testing for ketones regularly, being consistent with food and shooting every 12 hours. Once a week a curve is done (test every 2 hours for one cycle) to check for the lowest point. the low number in that curve determines any dose change for the following week. Basic information on the SLGS protocol is here.

If you want to follow the SLGS protocol, you can post for advice in the Lantus/Levemir ISG or here on Main health for guidance and support.

You can read about both approaches and decide which is best for Daisy. But first, she should be slowly tapered off the dry food while the dose is decreased and she is monitored closely.
 
I will no longer be on here since daisy is being put to sleep today. She went into kidney failure. Thanks anyway.


Heartbroken newbie
 
We have an 18 year old who went into kidney failure about 2-3 years ago. She's been on medication for it ever since and, apart from one time when the vet gave us the wrong interval for bloodwork and she needed additional treatment for low values, she's doing really well.

However, if Daisy's condition is too severe for treatment, then I'm very sorry to hear that it's her time to go. :(:bighug::bighug:
 
Oh Emilie, I'm so so sorry. Daisy knew you did everything you could. And in the end you gave her the last gift you could at the cost of your own heart. Your sweet Daisy will be with you in spirit now. :bighug::bighug::bighug: cat_wings>o
 
Thanks for the condolences. Is there any recommendations for coping or forums for that? I am truly at a loss and am not coping well.
 
Oh Emilie ...

I got such a shock when I read about Daisy a little earlier today so goodness only knows how you're feeling. So sudden ... Daisy knew that you were doing everything in your power to help her and she will have felt all the extra love you were surrounding her with. They always do. Tears have been shed here for you both today.

Please keep posting here for support, either on this thread or in the FDMB Grief Support forum (link). We can understand how lost you are feeling. It is so very hard when they leave us. :(

((((((Emilie and Spirit Daisy))))))
 
Critter Mom said:
Oh Emilie ...

I got such a shock when I read about Daisy a little earlier today so goodness only knows how you're feeling. So sudden ... Daisy knew that you were doing everything in your power to help her and she will have felt all the extra love you were surrounding her with. They always do. Tears have been shed here for you both today.

Please keep posting here for support, either on this thread or in the FDMB Grief Support forum (link). We can understand how lost you are feeling. It is so very hard when they leave us. :(

((((((Emilie and Spirit Daisy))))))
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Thank you. I just can't understand what happened. She was fine last night. I filled out the spreadsheet and I had such high hopes..even excited! I thought I was really gunna get her healthy and have a long time left with her. I'm moving in april and finally found a cat friendly condo and I was so excited to have her with me. And then today... It was horrible. I hope what I saw today isn't the memory I'll always have.. Thank you for the kind words and keeping me in your thoughts.
 
I hope what I saw today isn't the memory I'll always have..
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It isn't, really it isn't. It takes time, but you'll start to remember the good times you had with her more than you remember the way she was today. And remember, you did the right thing for her in letting her go when it was time. You gave her everything you could and she knows she's loved. I'm sure when the time is right, she'll find a way of letting you know she's still with you.
 
Does anyone know where I could possibly donate my diabetes stuff? I have almost a full vial of Lantus, and all the kit and stuff..and I paid a lot and would just hate to see it go to waste. Would love it to go to someone who cares about their cat as much as I loved mine.
 
How kind of you to think of others at this time. There is a 'supply closet' sub-forum on here where you can offer supplies for sale or for free. Alternatively, one of your local charity-based animal hospitals would no doubt be grateful for it. I'd buy the Lantus from you if I didn't have an almost full, almost new vial myself but I'm sure there are people who are in need of it who would gladly make sure it doesn't go to waste.
 
manxcat419 said:
How kind of you to think of others at this time. There is a 'supply closet' sub-forum on here where you can offer supplies for sale or for free. Alternatively, one of your local charity-based animal hospitals would no doubt be grateful for it. I'd buy the Lantus from you if I didn't have an almost full, almost new vial myself but I'm sure there are people who are in need of it who would gladly make sure it doesn't go to waste.
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okay thank you. yeah I just want somebody to receive it who needs it and would go to any length for their furbaby.
 
I have no words, Emilie. All I can say is that I'm sitting here with my laptop on my lap and crying about your loss. It's so hard to lose them. It was obvious that you did all in your power to give her a healthy and great life, even when others were telling you to give up. I work for an animal center and I see people who do give up... you are a hero. Not only are you Daisy's hero but you're my hero, too.

Love and light to you. <3
 
Emilie....I am so very sorry. This is just so tragic and such a heartbreak for you. Sending you deepest condolences.

We do have a grief forum on the board....please post there.
 
Marciegee said:
I have no words, Emilie. All I can say is that I'm sitting here with my laptop on my lap and crying about your loss. It's so hard to lose them. It was obvious that you did all in your power to give her a healthy and great life, even when others were telling you to give up. I work for an animal center and I see people who do give up... you are a hero. Not only are you Daisy's hero but you're my hero, too.

Love and light to you. <3
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Thank you for your kind words and thoughts </3
 
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