? Monitoring Hypo Kitty Overnight (SUCCESS = REMISSION! THANK YOU FOR THE AMAZING HELP!)

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Sherri

Sherri

Member Since 2015
Had a hypo incident today with my newly diagnosed sugar kitty Shamus. He fell from 2.8 to 2.7 to 1.9 over the course of the day. Corn syrup was administered and off to the vet. Before leaving vet was 5.1--brought him home and he ate, (trying to do two hours in between, we had the following readings over the course of the evening always followed by at least half a can of w/d and a couple of temptations).

8:30 pm = 4.6
10:30 pm = 3.7

He just ate another approximate half can of w/d and a couple of temptations. I am just learning how to home test and he is not the most cooperative. It is just me and I have no extra hands to have help getting him checked all night.

He is to have no insulin tonight or tomorrow until we see numbers 10+ and even that is only 1 iu if that is seen. PLEASE HELP!

It should be noted he has no major visible signs of hypoglycemia and seems very much himself except for sleeping but seems regular for the kitty he is?
 
HUGS Sherri! Yep this is scary so take slow DEEP BREATHS...do you have plenty of test strips? I know he's not over cooperative but you'll have to keep a watch on him by testing more. Do you have any gravy food? How about Karo? You can work this!
 
Ok Sherri, Did you give Shamus some corn syrup? Got all the doors closed off so he has to stay nearby for monitoring?
I need you to try to get another reading ASAP and let me know if he is showing any signs of hypo .
 
Thanks Linda - I'll keep an eye open too but it's time to make dinner.

How long ago did Shamus have insulin? You also don't want to fill him up in case he needs to eat more later if he's lower, so go easy on the feedings.
 
Hi Wendy, I believe Shamus had insulin this morning. He was hypo this afternoon and ended up at the vet when they got a reading of 1.9. Sherri decided to bring him home and monitor which I don't think was ideal. I think this is a case of the double dip/extended watch hours I heard about with Lantus hypos.
 
Sherri, what was the dose you gave him this morning? Whatever it was, don't give that dose again, even if you see really high numbers. He might very well go very high, but that doesn't mean he needs that dose again. That dose was enough to get him seriously low, so he needs his dose reduced.
 
Hello All! You are incredible. I gave the emerg vet a call as well. Doc said low but not alarmingly since he has no major symptons. Said to monitor with food and corn syrup every two hours and call in the morning again. He's not hiding and seems much himself...no glazed eyes or other symptoms (although I know they don't always show). At 10:30 he had food and a small amount of corn syrup. Just did another reading here at 11:55 and he was 3.9 up slightly from 3.7 at 10:30.

Linda can you explain this? "I think this is a case of the double dip/extended watch hours I heard about with Lantus hypos."
 
Linda - I was wondering how many hours since he had insulin. Hypos can go on for a while but he is in normal numbers now. Which is a good thing. I'm not sure if he still needs to be fed corn syrup, but it won't hurt.
 
julie & punkin (ga) said:
Sherri, what was the dose you gave him this morning? Whatever it was, don't give that dose again, even if you see really high numbers. He might very well go very high, but that doesn't mean he needs that dose again. That dose was enough to get him seriously low, so he needs his dose reduced.
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He was on 2 iu Lantus twice daily for one week and checked Tuesday had first signs of low which they did not expect with high 20s and teens previously. Pulled dosage back to 1.5. I too feel this is too much. That was the dosage he had this morning.
 
H Sherri, In your other thread I mentioned that because Lantus is a depot insulin, the effects last longer. So what I was referring to is just that the food clicks in, the readings rise and then drop again later.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Linda - I was wondering how many hours since he had insulin. Hypos can go on for a while but he is in normal numbers now. Which is a good thing. I'm not sure if he still needs to be fed corn syrup, but it won't hurt.
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7 am this morning was last insulin dose.
 
Sherri, it looks like he may be rising but I wouldn't put my guard down yet. He is still low. Did the emergency vet know you are using a human glucometer as opposed to a pet one? Pet meters read a little higher and 3.6 on a pet meter is considered hypo. Get another reading at 12:30 and let us know how he is doing please.
 
Sherri,

I think you've gotten a good guideline from the vet, then on waiting til he's over 10 before shooting 1 unit. We suggest new people don't shoot under 200 (about 11) unless they have gotten the hang of hometesting, have a spreadsheet set up and are posting on the Lantus/Lev Insulin Support Group.

For now, I agree with Linda. I'd test again in about 1/2 hr from your last test. You want to have 2 tests where he's flat or his blood sugar is rising, AFTER he's been eating (ie, not needing food to bring him up for the previous 2 tests) before you stop testing him and go to bed.

He may coast along like this all night. I think I'd hold off on food right now and see if you test him in 30 minutes and again in an hour, and his blood sugar is staying at 3.9 or higher, you might be able to go to bed then.
 
I can't add much to the great advice you are giving from everyone here- but I just wanted to let you know that we will be thinking of you- and sending support and light your way!
 
Sherri, let us know when you have another reading please. Just want to make sure things are improving or at least remaining the same.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Sherri, it looks like he may be rising but I wouldn't put my guard down yet. He is still low. Did the emergency vet know you are using a human glucometer as opposed to a pet one? Pet meters read a little higher and 3.6 on a pet meter is considered hypo. Get another reading at 12:30 and let us know how he is doing please.
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I'm not sure if he knew which monitor I was using, but if a human glucometer reads low (which we noticed when we did comparison at the vet (by almost 2 mol in some cases) then wouldn't that read higher on a pet meter (e.g., in the 4s or early 5s?) I read here that 2.8 is considered hypo on a human glucometer. Going to go try and test again. I still think 3.9 on my human glucometer is still in the low levels overall even if it would read higher on a pet one. Now I'm a lil confused.
 
On a human meter, cats not on insulin can read from 40 (2.2) to 120(6.6). We use 50 (2.8) as the "take action" figure for kitties on insulin, because it doesn't leave much margin for error. Take action means giving high carb food. If you have any other cats, give them a test to see what they read. The guy sitting on my arms right now last tested at 2.9 (53). 2.8 (50) is not considered hypo, unless kitty is showing hypo symptoms at that number.

Human meters do read lower numbers than pet specific meters. Some, but not all, vets use pet specific meters. My vet used the OneTouch human meter in her office. We have seen some research that says the human meters read about 1 (18) points lower in the lower range.
 
Not trying to confuse you. On your meter 4.4 would be a good place for Shamus to be before I'd stop testing tonight. He is still low for a cat on insulin. He is technically about normal for a NON diabetic cat. The problem is you are still learning to test and you really don't want him that low when testing is still a bit dicey and he is obviously very sensitive to the insulin dose he's been getting and you don't have a lot of data to be able to judge where he's going to go.
 
Just to clarify, I agree with everything Wendy said, I just think you need to leave a little bigger "safety" zone until testing becomes easier and you have some reading history to be able to safely let Shamus go down to the lower numbers he's been getting today.
 
I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to all of the info but please know that I'm taking it all in and VERY grateful. I just tried to test and we were unsucessful in getting enough blood and had to take a break and I will try again soon. My boy is wide awake, alert and "normal" in all other respects. I would love to be able to test Oscar (my other kitty) but he would need a suit of armor--the positive in all of this is that Shamus, although can be strong and fiesty, is way more manageable than Oscar ever would be.

I am feeling like most obviously he has way too much insulin and I am frustrated with info from the vet. First test after a week on 2 iu/day at the clinic showed 3.6 and the vet was so surprised because all other previous numbers had been mid teens-high twenties. He said it may be likely that we would skip the dosage that evening. He had said they would monitor and without food Shamus went back up only two hours later to 5.1 before they sent him home to me and he said we'd still do the "new" lower dosage of 1.5 iu. Now I know he never should have had that injection let alone the one this morning :(

Please tell me this is all just overwhelming in the beginning and "normal" as we try to manage the dosages in the beginning. I finally got insulin injections good to go and now it's overwhelming all over again--and scarier and more difficult. :(
 
We typically start kitties on lower doses and increase as the numbers call for it. That's much easier in the beginning than finding out the dose is too high. And yes, the first month can be very overwhelming. There is a lot of information to learn, but you have a whole team here ready to help you. :bighug: We've all been in your shoes.
 
It is incredibly overwhelming when you're starting. Don't worry - you're only 2 weeks into it and it gets infinitely easier. really.

Always give Shamus a treat after you've tried to test him whether or not you got blood. That will help him learn to associate testing with good things. After you've poked for a bit his ears will grow more capillaries and before long you'll get blood with every test.

Vets know that Lantus is good for cats, but they often aren't as familiar with the difference in dosing. Dosing is based upon the low point rather than the preshot numbers. Don't blame your vet - this is really common. You can learn about dosing here and teach your vet. :D
 
Okay...I do believe I might be getting better at this...current reading is 3.6. He didn't have any food since the last one of 3.9. His poor ear is getting pretty marked up :(. Any advice on what to do next. Some treats, food or corn syrup? He has eaten so much already. The food is still out from when he last ate and he's not much interested, but I can try a fresh can?
 
Deep breathes Sherri. :bighug:As scary and overwhelming as this all is, there are those of us who would love to be where you are because our kitties are not responding nearly so well a Shamus. You will get through this and fingers crossed, Shamus is telling you he wants to go into remission and quickly.

@Wendy&Neko I'm a bit concerned about the vet advising to give 1u tomorrow if reading is over 10 given Shamus' adventures today. I'm wondering if Sherri should reduce that to 0.5u just to be on the safe side especially if she cannot monitor all day? Thoughts?

So he's dropping again. I think a little high carb food if you can get him to eat or some corn syrup is in order.
Congrats on starting to get your "Test Hands". :DDon't worry about his ears for now. You are keeping him safe.
 
I see your signature line says you are transitioning from w/d to Friskies. When did you start that transition and at what point are you? Changing from a high carb food like w/d to low carb can impact dose needs too.

3.6 to 3.9 are within 10% of each other - he could be surfing or hanging out around the same numbers if you consider meter variance. How long apart were those tests? He's probably good with food and not corn syrup, unless you want to get to sleep.
 
Ok so he was 3.9 at midnight here and then 3.6 at 01:30 so yes he has stayed pretty steady for an hour and a half. I'd get another test to be absolutely sure before hitting the sack though. Test again between 2 and 2:15am.
I missed that food transition and as Wendy says, that could very well the reason for his reaction today.
 
Was supposed to start transitioning to Friskies tomorrow but he's way too into his w/d--nothing else much interests him. The tests were about an hour and a half apart. I tried a whiskas salmon in juice but he only licked a tiny bit of the gravy. He had a few temptation treats and ate about another 1/4 can of w/d. He is alert and hopping over feet down the hall.

I am to call in the morning again with my numbers and I do agree that 1 seems high even if he gets up into the 10 area.

Thank you for the encouragement...it means so much.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Ok so he was 3.9 at midnight here and then 3.6 at 01:30 so yes he has stayed pretty steady for an hour and a half. I'd get another test to be absolutely sure before hitting the sack though. Test again between 2 and 2:15am.
I missed that food transition and as Wendy says, that could very well the reason for his reaction today.
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No food transition yet. I will definitely test before bed so will do another shortly here since he has just eaten.

Our regular meal feedings were happening around 7am and 7pm but I am needing to pull that back for work on Tuesday...at least by 15 minutes. But regardless of all of that he has been eating off and on again all evening with this hypo event so if I do get some sleep what time is best to test tomorrow morning. My vet opens at 8am.

I guess what I mean is I normally have been feeding and doing injections around 7 so do I aim to have a meal feeding and sugar test before/around 7?
 
Squeaky and KT said:
@julie & punkin (ga) @Wendy&Neko - I see you're online, can you stay with Sherri for a bit? Hubby's in the middle of a full body paralysis so need to monitor breathing and heart...I don't want to leave Sherri alone either...
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Thank you for being our angel and getting this thread rolling. I'm not sure what you're dealing with at home but I'm humbled you would feel this way about someone and her kitty you don't even know. I hope your husband is okay. I'm praying for both of you. <3
 
Sherri said:
Please tell me this is all just overwhelming in the beginning and "normal" as we try to manage the dosages in the beginning. I finally got insulin injections good to go and now it's overwhelming all over again--and scarier and more difficult. :(
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As I've been told many times by other members - take a deep breath! BREATHE! I'm still new to this, but it DOES get better! It's always scary when you're worried about your beloved pet, I know, but you're doing all the right things, and the members here are so knowledgeable and helpful, you're in the right hands. :) :bighug:
 
Squalliesmom said:
As I've been told many times by other members - take a deep breath! BREATHE! I'm still new to this, but it DOES get better! It's always scary when you're worried about your beloved pet, I know, but you're doing all the right things, and the members here are so knowledgeable and helpful, you're in the right hands. :) :bighug:
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Thank you Lucy <3...I guess I'm just wondering how I'm going to manage with back to work (I'm a teacher and just started back today)...and I have no extra body in the house to help :( I can't keep running to the vet or calling my cat sitter who is a vet tech. I have spent so much money (without question) already...that is scary too.
 
Let's see what Shamus does at his next test tonight and then decide next steps. Can you grab another reading now? If he is rising, you can probably safely leave testing until the morning maybe around 7am or 7:30am. If he is just surfing, I'd be inclined to set the alarm to do another check in 2 or 3 hours (I tend to be over rather than under cautious!). And then you can grab a little more shut eye and test again before calling the vet.
 
At some point, it would really help us help you if you can get your kitties blood glucose readings and shot doses into a spreadsheet. Here is a link to the one that most of us here use. There is a World version of the spreadsheet that will automatically calculate the US readings that most people here use.

If you do get Shamus on another food, that will definitely lower his insulin needs. I see that he had mild ketoacidosis at diagnosis. I'd be reluctant to drop down too much in dose with that in play. 0.5 units may be too low. Are you testing him regularly for ketones?
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Let's see what Shamus does at his next test tonight and then decide next steps. Can you grab another reading now? If he is rising, you can probably safely leave testing until the morning maybe around 7am or 7:30am. If he is just surfing, I'd be inclined to set the alarm to do another check in 2 or 3 hours (I tend to be over rather than under cautious!). And then you can grab a little more shut eye and test again before calling the vet.
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Okay reading is in...and 3 temptation treats rewarded. We're sitting at 3.8. He has been between 3.7 and 3.9 since 10:30 and food treated at 10:30 and 1:30. Thoughts?
 
Temptations are rather higher carb treats, and may be confusing picture of the numbers a bit. A good low or no carb treat like freeze dried chicken or a cube of boiled plain chicken breast is a better test treat. If you haven't gotten it yet, you might want to pick up some Polysporin Complete - the black and yellow box. Put a dab of that on after the poke and it'll help with the sting and healing.

I think he's been at or near the same number for almost 3 hours now?
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Temptations are rather higher carb treats, and may be confusing picture of the numbers a bit. A good low or no carb treat like freeze dried chicken or a cube of boiled plain chicken breast is a better test treat. If you haven't gotten it yet, you might want to pick up some Polysporin Complete - the black and yellow box. Put a dab of that on after the poke and it'll help with the sting and healing.

I think he's been at or near the same number for almost 3 hours now?
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Okay I have the freeze dried treats but I thought since he was low the temptations were a good choice to keep him up? He's not interested in any food right now. Should I smear a dab of corn syrup or set my alarm and test again?

Same numbers roughly the last 4 hours. But not every incidence received food.
 
I think you can just leave him some food to snack on if he wants/needs it. He's not dangerously low or dropping so you don't need the corn syrup. Corn syrup also wears off. I'd set the alarm for a couple of hours and test again. If he's the same or up at that point, you can call it a night - or what's left of it.
 
Sherri said:
Thank you Lucy <3...I guess I'm just wondering how I'm going to manage with back to work (I'm a teacher and just started back today)...and I have no extra body in the house to help :( I can't keep running to the vet or calling my cat sitter who is a vet tech. I have spent so much money (without question) already...that is scary too.
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I know it's scary- and yes, financially, too- but it really does get better. As Shamus becomes better regulated you'll have less frequent scary episodes like tonight's, and he won't have to have as many frequent, regular vet visits. Home testing also becomes easier as you and Shamus get more comfortable with it. My cat and I have been doing the "sugar dance" for about two months now and, while I still have my panic moments, it's nowhere near as scary as when we first started. I can't help with advice for when you're away at work, because I'm lucky enough to be home with my kitties all day, but again, once you find the optimum dose for Shamus and he is better regulated, it won't be such a worry. In the interim, maybe a neighbor or friend could check on him from time to time for you?

This site was a life saver for me, everybody here is so helpful. I got better advice here than from my vet! I have since changed vets, lol. Any time you have a question or need help, they are here for you, with support as well.

Good luck with Shamus through the night, and please let us know tomorrow how he is doing!

Hugs!:bighug::bighug::bighug:
Lucy
 
Surfing means he's mostly hanging around the same numbers. It's a good thing, because the typical cycle is a curve. They drop at the beginning, then slow down the drop, sometimes surf for a while, then head up again. Once he's been surfing for a while, he's unlikely to drop anymore.
 
Ditto to Wendy's suggestions. I need to grab some shut eye and I think you are in good shape now. I'll check back in the morning to see how things are going. Deep Breathes and a :bighug:. You handled today very well and should be proud of yourself!
 
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