BG is 34

Status
Not open for further replies.
BJM said:
On the average, you need 2 weeks of insufficient insulin before ketones start forming in the blood (average meaning some may form them sooner, some may form them later). From that point, it is an average of 5 days before the ketones start showing up in the urine...
Click to expand...
Interesting. I've never read this before. Is this anecdotal or is there a source to these figures?
 
Squalliesmom said:
Here we go again, at +3.5 he's dropped from AMPS419 to 86.
Click to expand...


First up, please can you confirm immediately to us here on this thread that you gave Squallie 7 units of Vetsulin this morning.




IGNORE - thread created
(THEN - Start a new thread on Feline Health IMMEDIATELY - Use the 911 Icon and the title - 08/16: Squallie Low Again - AMPS 419, +3.5 86

You need support with this and I can't stay with you. The 911 should get members here to keep an eye on you and Squallie.
 
Last edited:
Squalliesmom said:
Yes, I called the vet this morning with his numbers and she said to give him 7 units. That was at 10:00. my appt is at 4:00 but if he goes much lower I'm taking him in early.
Click to expand...

Eek. They should have told you to give less.

If you go in early be sure to bring some honey or something just in case, if he's super low they might need to give him a glucose drip while you're there I'm assuming.

Couple things I think you should do:

1) Do what Crittermom said.
2a) Discuss the dosage. 7 units is too much. Discuss changing to a longer lasting insulin or at least lowering the dose of your current insulin (mandatory I think).
2b) Find a new vet.
3) Pick up some gravy lover food for these low BG events. The gravy is super concentrated carbs and cats love it typically.
 
If you have gravy lovers I think I'd be giving my own cat some now before he drops more. A spoonful mixed with a little honey has helped my little guy when he was dropping like a rock on Vetsulin.
 
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA) said:
Interesting. I've never read this before. Is this anecdotal or is there a source to these figures?
Click to expand...
Yes I have sources.
This article by Dr Rand in "Feline Diabetes, An Issue of Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice"
"It is important to recognize the time course for development of ketosis and acidosis. Once insulin concentrations are suppressed to fasting levels (despite the presence of hyperglycemia) ketonemia and ketoacidosis can occur within approximately 12 and 16 days, respecively, if uncomplicated by precipating conditions. Ketoacidosis can occur as early as 4 days after ketonemia is first detected."
And
Clinical Endocrinology of Companion Animals edited by Jacquie Rand, Ellen Behrend, Danielle Gunn-Moore, Michele Campbell-Vard
"b. Ketonemia detected by laboratory measurement of beta-hydroxybutyrate occurs with about 2 weeks of marked hyperglycemia.
C. Ketonuria detectable with a urine dipstick occurs approximately 5 days after plasma betahydroxybutyrate exceeds the renal threshold and is measurable in urine."
 
Last edited:
Thanks. Doesn't really apply here as "insufficient insulin" is definitely not an issue.

The other qualifier I think is "if uncomplicated by precipating conditions". I haven't seen a case of ketones on the board that didn't include at least one of:
Insufficient food
Infection of some sort present

I have however watched a cat (on insulin) earlier this summer go from no ketones in the original DX blood work, to moderate/high ketones in his urine, to dead within a period of 10 days.

Dr. Rand, I am sure, is correct. But I don't imagine too many cats fit her conditions.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top