Tabby's numbers don't make much sense. please check and advise

Status
Not open for further replies.
It is interesting. I think she is just starting to adjust to the insulin and food and is slowly dropping overall. If you can, set an alarm and get a +6 tonight. I think she will be okay but that is a pretty sharp drop. It would be great if during the day when you can monitor, but at night, it is a little nerve wracking.
 
Well during the day I work till 6pm and tom which is Thursday I work till 8 pm so I have no idea what to do with the **** and dose then and Saturday evening I have a family event from 5 to 11pm bot being able to be home right at 6pm for her second **** some nights is what I need to figure out what do do and what not as well I feel like I can't go or do anything like I'm pretty much stuck watching her all the time makes it frustrating. I love this cat ti death but wow this is kicking my butt and putting me behind on things. I just pray at night that she can beat this and not have to be in insulin forever
 
I know it's frustrating but she is doing well. Slowly her pre shots numbers are dropping and the amount of insulin you are giving is less. Look back on your original thread. Cindi (Merlin) gave you a dosing schedule including Thursday.

Someone early on gave me some great advice - Remember to breathe. Take time for yourself and enjoy her. I hope she is improving in other ways - is she peeping and pooping regularly? Does she act like she is feeling better.
 
I saw your amps, Matt. There is no way to know what is going on until you are able to get more numbers - maybe one day of the weekend or a few random tests at night this weekend. I know it is hard to get those in, especially working full time. Your before bed test last night shows us that she goes down pretty fast in that early +3 time frame. It is possible she drops lower later than that and then bounces up for the morning test.

Robin had this great analogy that this sugar dance is like putting together a puzzle and the pre shot tests are a good start, giving us the edges of the puzzle. Other tests help us fill in the inside pieces and let us see the whole picture. We know you are doing the best you can. Just keep plugging away and get tests whenever you can.
 
Vet said her weight came down and that her numbers are sill high and that we need to be at 2 units twice a day. This was from Friday are vet follow up. Vet weighed her and took a glucose reading... $30 for her follow up
 
I wouldn't increase that fast, Matt, but you hold the syringe. Note that her highest number was at the vet. Sometimes, because of the stress of being at the vet, the levels can go up more than 100 points. Then doses based on those numbers can be too much insulin when you get home and the cat relaxes. Personally I think you were getting some place with the 1.5 units. I would guess the 378 today was a bounce from a lower number overnight.

As we have said before, without mid cycle numbers, you are just guessing what is happening. You need that number 5-7 hours after the shot to see how low the dose takes her. If you just shoot based on pre shot levels am/pm, you run the risk of a low number mid cycle. More insulin makes this worse - lower numbers mid cycle, more bouncing for higher pre shots.

I hope you can get some numbers in that 5-7 hour time to see how low the 2 units takes her.
 
She read at 415 today at 6 pm so that's plus 12 from her **** this morning. Gave her 2 units. I will test her at midnight if I can to get a number... she doesn't seem to be eatting much today either
 
I would definitely get a +6 test. Without that...we literally have no idea how the insulin is affecting her. The mid cycle numbers tell us how low the insulin is taking her and really EXPLAINS why the preshots are what they are.
 
Sunday at mignight that's +6 tabby was at 317... monday at 6 am tabby was 92... I did not shoot monday morning cause of low number and had to be at work by 6:30
 
Wait...Tabby was at 92 this morning at AMPS? That's REALLY odd especially since the +6 was in the 300s. Did you get a second test by chance? Whenever I got a weird number, I always tested again (sometimes in the other ear) to be sure it wasn't a wonky test. That's just a failsafe since you might get a bad test strip, not enough blood, etc.

If you got a 92 or something like it both times...yeah, definitely no shot. That's super way too low, even if you were home to monitor.
 
I should of done a retest but was in a hurry to get to work. I'll be back at noon to check on her. Now I'm gonna be making her bounce numbers later on skipping the morning shot. I can't win.. my fault I should of tested and I did not
 
Give yourself a break, Matt. We've ALL done it. It's possible her numbers really were that low...in which case you kept her safe. You'll know for next time.

You're being way too harsh on yourself. When Gypsy was first diagnosed, I used to blindly shoot 2.5 twice a day. Thank heavens I learned better or I would have killed her. I STILL grow cold at the thought that I did that. I've also given fur shots. Heck, I can think of at least twice that I got up, tested her, fed her...and COMPLETELY FORGOT the shot. And she was more than high enough for one...it just didn't click until I got to work that I hadn't done that. The first time I figured it was just a bad day, but the second I was so mad because I felt like I should have known better.

Every one of us has done something that we felt was a giant set back for our kitties. You may not have even thought to get a second test...I did because I had seen it on the forum before it happened to me. In the end, better too high for a day than too low for a moment.

You've done everything we asked of you. We ask for mid cycle numbers, and you get them. We suggest a weird shooting schedule to match work, and you do it. You're here, asking the right questions, doing EVERYTHING you can to keep Tabby safe...that's what matters. You are a GREAT bean...Tabby is so so lucky to have you. It's going to be fine.
 
Rachel said:
Give yourself a break, Matt. We've ALL done it. It's possible her numbers really were that low...in which case you kept her safe. You'll know for next time.

You're being way too harsh on yourself. When Gypsy was first diagnosed, I used to blindly shoot 2.5 twice a day. Thank heavens I learned better or I would have killed her. I STILL grow cold at the thought that I did that. I've also given fur shots. Heck, I can think of at least twice that I got up, tested her, fed her...and COMPLETELY FORGOT the shot. And she was more than high enough for one...it just didn't click until I got to work that I hadn't done that. The first time I figured it was just a bad day, but the second I was so mad because I felt like I should have known better.

Every one of us has done something that we felt was a giant set back for our kitties. You may not have even thought to get a second test...I did because I had seen it on the forum before it happened to me. In the end, better too high for a day than too low for a moment.

You've done everything we asked of you. We ask for mid cycle numbers, and you get them. We suggest a weird shooting schedule to match work, and you do it. You're here, asking the right questions, doing EVERYTHING you can to keep Tabby safe...that's what matters. You are a GREAT bean...Tabby is so so lucky to have you. It's going to be fine.
Click to expand...

Thank you I apreciatte that alot... just want my cat back. She hasn't been the sane. Deff effects us emotionally
 
Rachel said:
Give yourself a break, Matt. We've ALL done it.
Click to expand...
Morning Matt. I was happy to see Rachel giving you some moral support this morning. She's a sweetheart, and so are you and Tabby!
Boy, I can relate so much to feeling like this! I remember telling Sue, "I feel like I am trying my best, and my best just isn't good enough." I was so down with every tiny set back, exhausted and crying alot. I couldn't see ANY of the positives for all the perceived negatives.
I know now that when our kitties are first diagnosed and we begin this dance..our lives become circumscribed and very small. Everything becomes about kitty! You said it yourself, describing your feelings about not being able to DO ANYTHING ELSE ANYMORE. Everything is like, " How will this affect Tabby?," or "I can't go there, that's Tabby's shot time" "Can't catch the late show, have to wake up and test in 2 hrs!" Sound familiar?
I was pissed at myself for resenting some of these changes! And that didn't help either! Thank God for this site, because insulin, preshots, and spreadsheets were all I could talk about with anyone! My friends' eyes would glaze over!
You're a very noble dude, Matt. You're doing above and beyond right now. You're saving a LIFE out of Love.
And that's awesome.
Things will calm down and Tabby will come back. Just stay right here and tell us about it. The veterans here have got your back :bighug: :coffee: :bighug:
 
Absolutely! Matt, many people get this diagnosis and put their cat to sleep, saying they can't deal with it. You have chosen to save Tabby's life. And it is HARD! It takes a lot of time you don't have; it is frustrating and confusing. The best thing I can tell you is that eventually you will start to figure out how this dance works and you'll realize she is safe because you can test her and know how she is doing.

I'd think there are two possibilities for this am. Either it was a bad test (everyone has those) or the dose is too high and she really was 92 this morning. Regardless, skipping was the absolutely right decision.

I was concerned that the vet raised the dose based on one number in his office and didn't consider the likelihood of her bouncing. Regardless, she is likely to be high tonight because she hasn't had a shot for 12 hours. BUT if she were mine, I would go back to 1.5 units and try to get some mid cycle numbers when possible. (Not so important overnight tonight as her cycles will be messed up because of the skipped shot). But maybe 1.5 tonight and 1.5 tomorrow and try for a daytime +6 tomorrow, if possible. (Assuming she is high enough to shoot, always) It is really important to raise the dose slowly and hold it for a few days until her body adjusts to it, and get some nadirs so you know how low that dose takes her.

We know you are doing the very best you can, and that you want your old Tabby back. It will take time. Often it takes several months before people see the food and insulin working efficiently in the body. In the meantime, your job is to keep her safe. Someone once had this analogy: this is a sugar dance but the cat is leading and only she hears the music!
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Absolutely! Matt, many people get this diagnosis and put their cat to sleep, saying they can't deal with it. You have chosen to save Tabby's life. And it is HARD! It takes a lot of time you don't have; it is frustrating and confusing. The best thing I can tell you is that eventually you will start to figure out how this dance works and you'll realize she is safe because you can test her and know how she is doing.

I'd think there are two possibilities for this am. Either it was a bad test (everyone has those) or the dose is too high and she really was 92 this morning. Regardless, skipping was the absolutely right decision.

I was concerned that the vet raised the dose based on one number in his office and didn't consider the likelihood of her bouncing. Regardless, she is likely to be high tonight because she hasn't had a shot for 12 hours. BUT if she were mine, I would go back to 1.5 units and try to get some mid cycle numbers when possible. (Not so important overnight tonight as her cycles will be messed up because of the skipped shot). But maybe 1.5 tonight and 1.5 tomorrow and try for a daytime +6 tomorrow, if possible. (Assuming she is high enough to shoot, always) It is really important to raise the dose slowly and hold it for a few days until her body adjusts to it, and get some nadirs so you know how low that dose takes her.

We know you are doing the very best you can, and that you want your old Tabby back. It will take time. Often it takes several months before people see the food and insulin working efficiently in the body. In the meantime, your job is to keep her safe. Someone once had this analogy: this is a sugar dance but the cat is leading and only she hears the music!
Click to expand...
Vet saw the spread sheet. Said numbers are still high and that she lost weight and the weight loss was a concern and said to put her at 2 units 12 hours apart if possible and that if she was under 150 to shoot half the dose.. like I have stated I am not a fan of this vet and looking for one I can't really trust because I don't get the vibe she really cares to to much or doesn't have the knowledge on this situation I am not sure.
 
Wow - what horrible advice from this vet; "if she was under 150 to shoot half the dose." There is only one outcome to this advice and that is a sure visit right back to the vet or in the grave. Sure am glad that you have already figured it out to question this vet. You are doing great, especially with such a hectic schedule. That is another reason why I like Prozinc and that it is a little more flexible. Take care of your self while you are taking care of Tabby. She so appreciates it...I can tell.
 
Matt & Tabby said:
Vet saw the spread sheet. Said numbers are still high and that she lost weight and the weight loss was a concern and said to put her at 2 units 12 hours apart if possible and that if she was under 150 to shoot half the dose.. like I have stated I am not a fan of this vet and looking for one I can't really trust because I don't get the vibe she really cares to to much or doesn't have the knowledge on this situation I am not sure.
Click to expand...
Can understand why you're saying that, Matt!

As you mentioned weight loss, how much does Tabby weigh? (What do you think she should weigh, ideally?) How much are you feeding her now? You'd mentioned that sometimes she doesn't want to eat ... have you switched her over to low-carb canned completely now? Because, if you're still working on that, I'd make that transition slowly; can help avoid tummy upsets.

Just so you know: I think it's great that you're so committed to getting your Tabby well; I also know it's very stressful in the beginning, too!
So rest assured: We've all got your back, Matt. (I think you can already tell by the responses you've had so far that we're all dedicated to your support & success in treating your sweet Tabby!!!)
Sounds like you could use a lot of these right now, too >>>:bighug::bighug::bighug: :bighug::bighug::bighug:- Robin
 
Past few days she has not been eatting much .. doc said she weighed 9lbs few weeks ago and said she was a tad over weight by a lb.. last week's visit she said she lots a little didn't say how much
 
The low-carb food should help her lose the extra weight. You said vet told you that Tabby had lost a little, but didn't say how much. (You might call your vet's office today & ask them to look at the notes from her last visit & tell you what the vet wrote down for Tabby's weight.)

A pound may not sound like much to us, as humans, but an extra pound on a cat is actually pretty significant --- as additional weight can
make it harder to get your kitty regulated. One thing to keep in mind is that the food can either work with the insulin, or against it. When your kitty is diabetic, it's helpful to start thinking of the food as "medicine," too - much the same as the insulin is medicine.

So portion control of her food is really important, too: Can you tall me how many ounces of canned food she's getting per day right now (every 24 hours), and which brand & formula of food it is?

To help you assess Tabby's weight, here's a body condition chart
 
Tucker&Me said:
Morning Matt. I was happy to see Rachel giving you some moral support this morning. She's a sweetheart, and so are you and Tabby!
Boy, I can relate so much to feeling like this! I remember telling Sue, "I feel like I am trying my best, and my best just isn't good enough." I was so down with every tiny set back, exhausted and crying alot. I couldn't see ANY of the positives for all the perceived negatives.
I know now that when our kitties are first diagnosed and we begin this dance..our lives become circumscribed and very small. Everything becomes about kitty! You said it yourself, describing your feelings about not being able to DO ANYTHING ELSE ANYMORE. Everything is like, " How will this affect Tabby?," or "I can't go there, that's Tabby's shot time" "Can't catch the late show, have to wake up and test in 2 hrs!" Sound familiar?
I was pissed at myself for resenting some of these changes! And that didn't help either! Thank God for this site, because insulin, preshots, and spreadsheets were all I could talk about with anyone! My friends' eyes would glaze over!
You're a very noble dude, Matt. You're doing above and beyond right now. You're saving a LIFE out of Love.
And that's awesome.
Things will calm down and Tabby will come back. Just stay right here and tell us about it. The veterans here have got your back :bighug: :coffee: :bighug:
Click to expand...
Yes, Matt, it is very admirable what you are doing for Tabby! Take a bow. And wow did this post ring a bell. My husband's eyes still glaze over when I give him the Bubba update. And I can relate to everything you just said here. It is a commitment! And we do have a lot to think about with this sugar dance but it is doable and when I read that someone's cat goes Off The Juice (OTJ) I jump for joy at the possibility for my cat too. Hang tight Matt!
 
Matt & Tabby said:
Can we feed are cats tuna? Seems my cat likes tuna in the can in water. Albacore white tuna
Click to expand...
Would probably be better to go for something like the Fancy Feast Classics Savory Salmon Feast. (Most kitties LOVE salmon!) Tuna is known to be quite high in mercury. Also, when feeding any fish-based food, is generally recommended to limit it to once a week.
 
The other problem with feeding fish-based foods too often is that your kitty can end up a fish-food "addict!" I had that problem with Bat-Bat a long time ago; took me quite some time to get her to eat anything but fish. :banghead:
 
Hi Matt here's a link http://www.youngagainpetfood.com/ I could not find it in any pet stores near me but that's not to say you won't. It's pricey but the cats eat less. It got my cats off dry food all together and now I don't even give them Young Again as they are on nothing but wet, Fancy Feast Kitten Turkey Feast and Wellness No Grain wet. It transitioned them to wet before I even finished 2 bags so it was worth it's weight in gold to me. Hope that helps.
 
O was debating on using young again and some fancy feast as well. See like her crunchy stuff lol... figure a little of that may help keep teeth clean along with some wet since it says young again is zero carb
 
Matt & Tabby said:
O was debating on using young again and some fancy feast as well. See like her crunchy stuff lol... figure a little of that may help keep teeth clean along with some wet since it says young again is zero carb
Click to expand...
My cats loved it! You might notice soft serve poop for a couple days then it goes away.
 
I had two vets tell me that eating dry food does not clean teeth...it is just a myth. Brushing their teeth cleans their teeth.
 
Merlin said:
I have had two vets tell me that eating dry food does not clean teeth...it is just a myth. Brushing their teeth cleans their teeth.
Click to expand...
If I tried to brush Bat-Bat's teeth I'd need stitches:rolleyes: ... and a blood transfusion!:eek:

(Note to self: If you ever adopt a kitten someday, start brushing her teeth from the moment you bring her home! <sigh> Hindsight.)
 
Agreed on the teeth cleaning/dry food. Someone on the forum once used the analogy that it was like saying humans could clean their teeth by eating crunchy cookies. Wish it were so......
 
Tabby seems to peeing alot this even and drinking alot more then I have seen in a while. Any ideas or suggestions I am all ears. Thank you kindly
 
You may need to up the dose, Matt, but it could also be that she drops low under night and bounces up for amps. Could you bite the bullet, set the alarm and get up 6 hours after the shot tonight and see what her number is?

If she is in the yellows mid cycle and pink at preshot, then you could up the dose by .25 for the higher numbers (pinks). I like the one unit for the yellow preshots. BUT if she is bouncing for that pink in the am, more insulin will make it worse.
What do you think?
 
Well she has been at a steady 2 units for a few days now. Not really sure vet said to stay at 2 so I have been watching best u can with work and stuff
 
Matt & Tabby said:
Well she has been at a steady 2 units for a few days now. Not really sure vet said to stay at 2 so I have been watching best u can with work and stuff
Click to expand...
Matt, the more data you get on Tabby, the better everyone can help guide you. I know how hard it is to get up in the middle of the night to test but, it really dosebhelp to fill in the puzzle. Right now, you only have the outside edge pieces. Now, you need to get the inside pieces to the puzzle.
 
PS Right now, I am buying my time so I can take Bubba's numbers at +7 ( 12:30 am EST)to fill in the puzzle. The more data we get, the better we can help our kitties.
 
Matt & Tabby said:
I order young again zero carb food and treats for her and supplement powder to hopefully comes this week
Click to expand...
Oh good, I will be anxious to hear how she likes it. My cats loved it. I don't give them the food anymore as I transitioned them to cheaper low carb food but, I do still give them the treats, especially at test time. I would say to get some +6 and +8 numbers on Tabby. Bubba was nadiring at +7-+8 and if I had not gathered that data, I would not have known that. It really is like a puzzle.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top