911 *** Sugar higher than I have ever seen

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Just a question, I know the spreadsheet is a work in progress, so I wanted to clarify:

The past week there was 0.0 for all the doses, was she getting insulin at this time? If so how much? If not, what was the reason for no insulin?
 
BJM said:
I disagree on the no insulin advice. With the elevated glucose levels, a token dose of 0.5 units should start bringing that down, may trigger some hunger, and may improve her energy level.
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At the time (6:30 am) I told her not to shoot, she was still dropping & I wanted so see how things were progressing. Was concerned, esp. after she shot 2 units twice in a 2-hr time period last night. But maybe a little dose will help now. I guess we'll find out more after Melissa returns from the store ...
 
I'm really glad to see BJ and Meya here, too.

Melissa - I understand only too well how tough it is when our little ones need help and finances get in the way. Please keep posting regular updates here if you can't get your cat to the vet.

Will check back later to see how things are going.
 
FWIW- It's Pepcid AC, regular formula or 10 mg. You give 1/4 of a tablet.

Here are some suggestions on how to stimulate kitties appetite.

I've dealt with a hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) cat at home. One thing that may be required, no matter what the issue is, is some form of assist feeding if she won't eat by herself at home. This video here shows you how.

I also agree that getting some insulin in is a good idea.
 
Meya14 said:
Just a question, I know the spreadsheet is a work in progress, so I wanted to clarify:

The past week there was 0.0 for all the doses, was she getting insulin at this time? If so how much? If not, what was the reason for no insulin?
Click to expand...
Hi there, Meya - Yes, I was curious about that, as well. Appears kitty wasn't getting insulin again until last night, and apparently Melissa had run out of test strips, too (based on SS note). So I think that high BG# she popped last night scared Melissa; hence, the 2.oU doses just 2 hours apart.
(I sense that Melissa is pretty overwhelmed right now; I would be, too.)
 
I'm hopping off for a while ... am glad to see Melissa will be in some hands who are more experienced than mine in dealing with ketones, etc. Will be good to see an update from her when she returns from the store. Keeping my fingers crossed for Sassy!
 
What do you all think about giving Sassy some water and food through a syringe?

Melissa, you could get a baby syringe at the grocery store or a pharmacy (costs about $1). Put a little wet food in it (something smooth, not chunky), and feed it to her that way. When Marshmallow went hypo, I wasn't on this site yet but I knew I needed to get food and water into her, so that's what I did.

That way Sassy might pee soon and you can test her for ketones (if she doesn't throw it up).

Melissa, I would do a search for a vet clinic that is open on Sundays, even if you have to drive 45 minutes to get there. Call and ask them about billing and explain your situation. She needs to be seen as soon as possible.
 
Jan Radar said:
Great idea Brenda. It's worth a try. It sounds like she really needs to be seen by a vet without delay!!
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Yes! As you know, it is the Heartland! People can surprise you here.
And at the very least, if clinic simply cannot help, they may have some type of RESOURCE LIST to offer.
I'm certain they've heard this before, in light of the disastrous economy now.
 
I dont know if there is a companion clinic out there, but they have been known to waive fee's for those fur children in need.
 
Hi Melissa. Happy to hear Sassy is coming down some!

Wendy posted some real good reference material above:

"Here are some suggestions on how to stimulate kitties appetite.

I've dealt with a hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) cat at home. One thing that may be required, no matter what the issue is, is some form of assist feeding if she won't eat by herself at home. This video here shows you how."


Both the suggestions to stimulate kitty's appetite and the link to the syringe feeding video were very helpful to me when I had similar problems with Alex. That video is one of the best I've ever seen. Getting any kitty to eat is definitely a step in the right direction. Any luck picking up some ketostix to test her urine for ketones?


If there's anything we can help you with, please let us know. Many of us have been where you're at now and would be happy to help in any way we can...


:bighug::bighug::bighug:



 
If you need to assist feed, a children's oral syringe may work, or if there is a near-ish tractor supply store, they may have larger oral syringes (ex 10 mL).

Is she dehydrated by scruff test? By gum test? If yes, syringing in some water may help.
 
Sure hope Melissa can get some nutrition into her with assist-feed, and that she can find a clinic that offers waived or (at least) reduced fees.
It's a tough spot to be in ... thank goodness you're all here for her! (I love this membership!!! You're awesome.)
 
Melissa, Im sending you hugs and best wishes. I just wish there was actually more I could do.

All of you out there who've helped in whatever way you could, I'm in awe of your kindness and support in a difficult situation. :bighug: To all of you!! You are awesome human beings!!
 
For what it's worth, when my cat was very ill in the hospital with DKA and FHL (liver disease from not eating), I insisted they syringe feed her when she still wasn't eating after 24 hours there. It actually helped to jump-start her appetite and she was eating on her own 24 hours later, I think it saved her life. The video that has been posted on how to do it is great. You can use your normal pate and blend it up with some water to make it easier to administer. There is also a recipe on here for a nutritional "slurry" you can give at home to get those much needed calories in her. I'll try to find the link.

It is really very important that she eats, I can't stress that enough. Those more experienced can guide you on how much and how often to give food and water.
 
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Typically, a cat will need at least one 5.5oz or 6oz can per day to maintain themselves. This is the goal for assist feeding. The more calories, the better, so a kitten food or Iams Max Cal are good choices. Iams kitten food is fairly high cal and available as well. Feed a syringe or two every 1-2 hours. Follow with fluids.

Goals with fluids is 300ml from all sources including fluid already in wet food. So it's best to keep track of what you add to the foods to blend them, and what you give as free fluids. To get an estimate of fluid in a can of food, you can convert to ounces to grams, and multiply by the % moisture listed on the can. 1ml of water is 1 gram.
 
If you can't get Iams Max Cal, Royal Canin Recovery RS is also diabetic friendly carbs and a good consistency to syringe feed. It is what I used. Another thing to consider, cats often develop aversions to whatever they are syringe fed, so feeding something off the regular menu at first might be good. My guy decided he no longer liked chicken, a really hard one to eliminate from his diet once he started eating on his own.
 
Melissa, here's a link to page of info/instructions on using ketone test strips (the ones on this page are a brand called 'Ketodiastix', but there are other brands and generics also).
http://www.sugarpet.net/urine.html
Essentially, you only need to dip the test strip into a tiny amount of pee, count a given number of seconds, and then read off the result. Crumpling plastic food wrap in the litter tray is a good way to catch a sample.
Anything above a 'trace' reading is considered a reason for a vet visit ASAP (although it sounds like a vet visit is in order for Sassy anyway...)

Also, be aware of how Sassy's breath smells. Does it smell like normal kitty breath? Or does it smell sweet/fruity like acetone? That can also indicate ketones even if the test strip shows a negative result.

Sending 'eat your fuds' and 'feel better soon' vibes to Sassy, and a big reassuring hug to you. :bighug:

Eliz
 
For some reason I am just seeing posts from this morning, not sure why I didn't see them earlier. i appreciate all the support and the sympathetic worries from all of you.
She did get a shot this morning of a normal dose of 2 units, around 1030 my time (central).
It seems to be coming down slowly but I can only get her to drink water.
She won't even drink room temp milk. I have tried scrambled eggs, tuna and boiled chicken??? I'm at a loss.
 
Meya14 said:
Just a question, I know the spreadsheet is a work in progress, so I wanted to clarify:

The past week there was 0.0 for all the doses, was she getting insulin at this time? If so how much? If not, what was the reason for no insulin?
Click to expand...
No I have not dosed her when I couldnt test her.
 
mfrancis69 said:
For some reason I am just seeing posts from this morning, not sure why I didn't see them earlier. i appreciate all the support and the sympathetic worries from all of you.
She did get a shot this morning of a normal dose of 2 units, around 1030 my time (central).
It seems to be coming down slowly but I can only get her to drink water.
She won't even drink room temp milk. I have tried scrambled eggs, tuna and boiled chicken??? I'm at a loss.
Click to expand...

If she isn't eating, force feed her with a syringe. Canned Wellness Core beef, venison, lamb or Wellness grain-free i.e chicken or turkey have smooth textures and are great for force feeding. There are excellent tips on force feeding in earlier posts in this thread. Your cat cannot live on water alone.
 
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mfrancis69 said:
No I have not dosed her when I couldnt test her.
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Although hypoglycemia is dangerous as well, when a cat who is diabetic doesn't get insulin, they start burning their fat stores and their cells don't get the sugar they need to work. This is what leads to diabetic ketoacidosis, ultimately, lack of insulin when it is needed by the body.
In the future, it's safer to give half the usual dose or even a third than none at all if you can't test. I have no doubt that your cat is probably in DKA, which is an emergency.

So, I'll start by saying that she needs to be at a vet. Take her to the vet, try to figure it out if you can. DKA is deadly.

If you are unable to go to the vet, there are ways to minimize the issues (although this probably will be touch and go and may not turn out well):

1. Get ketone testing strips. This is the only way you will know if she is improving. Test at least once a day, better twice.
2. Do not skip any insulin doses for the time being, even if not eating. Get a baby syringe and honey, if needed to keep the sugars up. You may need to increase insulin to keep sugars between 150-low 200s.
3. Test blood sugars regularly every 2-4 hrs, and post them so others can help.
4. Get some higher calorie kitten food and syringe feed every 2 hours or so. Aim for 6 ounces of food. If she will eat dry, feed dry. Feed ANYTHING she will eat. Don't worry about carbs right now. Cats really can't go more than a day without eating.
5. Syringe fluids. Lots of them. Aim for 300ml in food+fluid.
6. Try to see if any vet will prescribe you anti-nausea medications and will give your cat subQ fluids (you can do these at home too if they show you and save a lot of $).
 
Hi Melissa,

I'm glad to read that Sassy's numbers are down a bit and that she did manage to drink a little water. I am fervently hoping that the assist feeding will go as well as it can for you both.

When you get a chance, it would be helpful to hear whether she has used her litter box for poop/pee/both.

I'll check back again tomorrow. Sending wishes that Sassy will improve as soon as possible. I feel for you. :bighug:
 
I have been talking to Melissa. I told her to basically feed Sassy anything she will eat. She doesn't have a syringe, I suggested a turkey baster. She is trying chicken bouillon at the moment
 
T
Meya14 said:
Although hypoglycemia is dangerous as well, when a cat who is diabetic doesn't get insulin, they start burning their fat stores and their cells don't get the sugar they need to work. This is what leads to diabetic ketoacidosis, ultimately, lack of insulin when it is needed by the body.
In the future, it's safer to give half the usual dose or even a third than none at all if you can't test. I have no doubt that your cat is probably in DKA, which is an emergency.

So, I'll start by saying that she needs to be at a vet. Take her to the vet, try to figure it out if you can. DKA is deadly.

If you are unable to go to the vet, there are ways to minimize the issues (although this probably will be touch and go and may not turn out well):

1. Get ketone testing strips. This is the only way you will know if she is improving. Test at least once a day, better twice.
2. Do not skip any insulin doses for the time being, even if not eating. Get a baby syringe and honey, if needed to keep the sugars up. You may need to increase insulin to keep sugars between 150-low 200s.
3. Test blood sugars regularly every 2-4 hrs, and post them so others can help.
4. Get some higher calorie kitten food and syringe feed every 2 hours or so. Aim for 6 ounces of food. If she will eat dry, feed dry. Feed ANYTHING she will eat. Don't worry about carbs right now. Cats really can't go more than a day without eating.
5. Syringe fluids. Lots of them. Aim for 300ml in food+fluid.
6. Try to see if any vet will prescribe you anti-nausea medications and will give your cat subQ fluids (you can do these at home too if they show you and save a lot of $).
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Thanks for the advice
 
Thinking good thoughts for you, Melissa, with fingers crossed that you'll get some food into her --- and here's a solution to having no syringe for feeding (I just tried this): Snap the needle off one of your insulin syringes. Then Take a pair of pliers (I did it by hand, though) and work the needle holder off, and - voila - a little syringe-feeder. (And it draws, too - I tried it with some water in a glass.) May be dinky, but is better than nothing!
 
I found a meat injector that I am going to try. The hole is smaller but bigger than her syringes. I just moved so I am trying to find my bullet or blender to grind something up.
 
A wire mesh strainer and a spoon can be used to sieve the food into small particles that will work well with a syringe.
 
I found my bullet and tried blending the egg from earlier and some chicken bouillion for flavor, and added some cheese.
Didn't want anything to do with it.
I just tested her again and she is going up again, her last shot of 2 units was at 1030 am this morning and her reading was just 290 after being down to 237 an hour ago.
I gave her another 2 units, but nothing seems to be helping and she will not eat even being forced.
 
Wow, I'm stumped here. And your kitty MUST see a vet, Melissa, if you want her to survive.
As by morning she'll be pushing toward 48 hours without food. While I realize the expense seem unmanageable, most vets will work with you on the cost. And you do have a true emergency on your hands now. Has she peed at all; have you been able to check ketones?

Sorry if I'm sounding somewhat stern here, but what needs to be done needs to be done. And I will continue to hope & pray for her recovery.
(Please know that I realize that this is all very difficult for you.)
 
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