17 year-old tortie, so hard to get blood from her ears

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Given that Twyla had ketones, the blood ketone testing meter sounds like a good choice, as BJM and pevsfreedom suggested.

A lot of diabetic cats here get methylcobalamin shots for non-diabetic issues. I am not sure if it impacts BG #'s but would be inclined to believe they don't. Hopefully someone else here can address that.

Sadly, treating DKA is very expensive. The ketone meter will be a wise investment.
 
how often should we test for ketones or under what circumstances do you test? ah yes, more reading i need to do.
Twyla seems to be perking up a bit today, but still a bit wobbly walking and too thin.
 
The unholy trinity of not enough insulin, not enough food, and infection are when its time to test for ketones.
Ketones are a by-product of fat break down, which will happen with not eating, starvation, or not enough insulin to use glucose. As the fat is broken down, the ketones are used as energy. Too many of them start turning the body acidic and when that happens, you're heading into diabetic ketoacidosis.
Two of 3 types of ketones have a distinctive odor of either nail polish remover (acetone) or a fruity or vinegary smell. If you smell either of those on your kitty's breath or urine, whip out the blood ketone meter and test for them.
 
Twyla17 said:
the B12 methylcobalamin arrived-Douglas Labs liquid. it's naturally cherry flavored like the pills i found locally and tastes a little sweet.
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Joe, I'd suggest double-checking the ingredient list for artificial sweeteners. If you find any post here to make sure they're OK for a kitty.

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Twyla17 said:
how often should we test for ketones or under what circumstances do you test? ah yes, more reading i need to do.
Twyla seems to be perking up a bit today, but still a bit wobbly walking and too thin.
Click to expand...

Assuming you get a blood meter and strips (10 strips for $30 or so) I'd check at least once a day. If you can do the urine-stick tests I'd do twice a day. Some would probably recommend even more often since you have DKA history. You basically want to do this until there's no more ketones - I like the blood test because I can do it at same time I check BG's.

You just need to do the best you can I think. A few tests is better then no tests. With insulin, food, and water hopefully you don't have any more issues with ketones.
 
Hi All,

Sad news.

Joe and Solani posted this on PZI

hello, i wish i had better news, but when the vet came this morning she felt that Twyla was past any kind of recovery. she was virtually non-responsive to the vet's probing. we had been having to feed her and give her water by syringe yesterday and this morning. i guess i was focusing too much on the glucose numbers, thinking she could turn around somehow if we got them in a better range, but she was just too far gone. she was down to 4.25 pounds. i don't know if it was the cancer that the vet had suspected or if the infection and trauma of her procedures and medical issues that just wore her down too much. anyway, she died in my arms this morning with the vet, and i sobbed for the first time in many years. we are heartbroken and will miss her all our lives. i am so thankful of the time we had with her and the photos that we have of her. and i thank you here on this forum who have offered your advice and comfort. i'm going to turn off board emails for now as it is too much for me to deal with at the moment. best wishes to you and your pets. they are our hearts. joe
 
Well that sucks :banghead:...

So sorry Joe & Solani - you guys did everything you could and then some. Twyla was beautiful and I'm sure had a great life.
 
Joe and Suloni, I am very sad to hear that Twyla has crossed to the Bridge. She could not have been more loved, and my heart goes out to you both. :bighug:

((((Joe, Suloni and Spirit Twyla))))

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