Hi everyone, I am hoping I can get some feedback on what others think about my situation! My Murphy is a 10 year old diabetic which I have posted about before. My vet does not want me testing his blood sugar at home and we are bringing him in twice a month for glucose checks. On top of all of this after making major changes in Murphy's diet, we now have him on three meals a day of can food, few treats at night, and his blood sugars have been 95 to 120, yet I am still giving hi 4.5 units of insulin twice a day. I am paying $345 every 40 to 50 days for his insulin, having to take him to the vets twice a month and now we are paying more for his food as we go through more can food than we did dry food. I have Care Credit to cover his cost but due to having to take him so often to the vet as well as his medication, we are now looking at the possibility of having to put him to sleep as I can no longer afford to keep this type of routine up with him. Murphy is a good cat, but we can't afford $400 a month to keep him healthy! What am I doing wrong?!! I have known people who's animals have diabetics and don't face the same problems as we have, but my vet just keeps saying we are right on track we are doing fine! NO I AM NOT!! Having to make the decision to put my boy down because I can't afford his medication does not seem right to me, as I get the feeling they really don't care. I have tried to get him into other vets but due to him being a diabetic and already being treated from this vet most vets are not willing to take him on to make changes. So do I just give up and say I tried?!! Anyone have any suggestions? Please Help Me!!
I Am Ready To Give Up!!
- Thread starter Martie L
- Start date
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Meya14
Member Since 2015
I think the first step would be to have a frank discussion with your current vet, and let him/her know that unfortunately, you cannot afford the current treatment plan, and that you are going to home test, as well as would like to discuss less expensive insulin options. This may open the door for better cooperation. If you let people here know generally where you are located, there might be someone who knows a diabetes friendly vet if you decide to switch.
Testing - If you get a human glucometer, there are several very low cost meters/strips. Walmart and target have a house brand, I think CVS, Kroger, and Meijer do too. I get strips at target for $20 per 50 I believe.
There are several intermediate to long acting insulins that are lower price than lantus and levemir. NPH, prozinc, PZI, and others. These are different to use, and cats can do well on them. If your option is trying one, or not affording it at all, it might be worth the switch.
Food - This is by far my biggest expense. There are a lot of people here that can offer suggestions on most affordable, best for diabetics food. I personally use Innova, but it was discontinued. My 2nd food is wellness which makes a 12.5oz can for about $30/12. A cat needs about 1/2 a can of this a day so it works out to about $40 a month. Evo also makes a large can size for a little less than wellness.
If you are currently having good blood sugars, a home testing and closer regulation might allow him to come off insulin completely too, which happens more often than you'd imagine.
Testing - If you get a human glucometer, there are several very low cost meters/strips. Walmart and target have a house brand, I think CVS, Kroger, and Meijer do too. I get strips at target for $20 per 50 I believe.
There are several intermediate to long acting insulins that are lower price than lantus and levemir. NPH, prozinc, PZI, and others. These are different to use, and cats can do well on them. If your option is trying one, or not affording it at all, it might be worth the switch.
Food - This is by far my biggest expense. There are a lot of people here that can offer suggestions on most affordable, best for diabetics food. I personally use Innova, but it was discontinued. My 2nd food is wellness which makes a 12.5oz can for about $30/12. A cat needs about 1/2 a can of this a day so it works out to about $40 a month. Evo also makes a large can size for a little less than wellness.
If you are currently having good blood sugars, a home testing and closer regulation might allow him to come off insulin completely too, which happens more often than you'd imagine.
Lukewithcats
Member Since 2015
Sounds like you know you need to be home testing. There is 0% chance your vet is correct to tell you not to test at home. I also don't know why you would have a hard time finding another vet, a diabetic cat is something most vets should want to help and its good money for them. My vet was similar in not suggesting home testing but i ignored her as it was obvious no diabetic should be getting insulin without blood testing, its far too dangerous especially at higher doses like murph.
there are alot of ways to save money and give murphy better care but it may take more effort on your part.
My cat is newly diagnosed so i am not in a good place to give advice but I'm confident you should be able to offer a better level of care for less money.
Please don't give up, its tough and tedious but you can do it. I'm sure every sugar cat owner has questioned the effort and expense they put into caring for their cats at some point, we are constantly watching our cats so its bound to happen. It's your choice when it all becomes too much for murph but if you do it for financial reasons I think you are more likely to regret it one day. I think if you spend some more time here you will find answers to most of your problems, from what you have said I believe there are many people here who can expertly help you with each and everyone one of your concerns.
there are alot of ways to save money and give murphy better care but it may take more effort on your part.
My cat is newly diagnosed so i am not in a good place to give advice but I'm confident you should be able to offer a better level of care for less money.
Please don't give up, its tough and tedious but you can do it. I'm sure every sugar cat owner has questioned the effort and expense they put into caring for their cats at some point, we are constantly watching our cats so its bound to happen. It's your choice when it all becomes too much for murph but if you do it for financial reasons I think you are more likely to regret it one day. I think if you spend some more time here you will find answers to most of your problems, from what you have said I believe there are many people here who can expertly help you with each and everyone one of your concerns.
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MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
I agree with Meya! A frank discussion with your vet should be your first step. Why some vets frown on home testing is beyond me! 
Ask your vet if they would give a human child insulin without first testing their BG and see if that wakes him/her up. Why should it be any different with your cat? I hate to say it, but the only conceivable reason for a vet to be so reticent about home testing is to pad their pocketbooks. If you home test, you can do curves at home and send them to your vet for guidance about dosing. Not only will this save you money, but you might even find out Murphy needs less insulin due to the elevated BG numbers most cats get at the vets due to stress.
What insulin are you using? I'm guessing given the price you mentioned that it might be Lantus, you are purchasing the 10ml vial and that you are buying it from a US pharmacy. If that is the case, you can reduce the insulin costs by purchasing the pen refills that come in a package of 5 tiny vials each containing 3ml. By my calculation, a box of 5 - 3ml vials would last you almost 5 months instead of a month and a half, reducing your costs considerably. Lantus can also be ordered through a Canadian pharmacy at considerably less expense for even more savings. There is info HERE on ordering from Canada. I believe one of the most popular places to order insulin is Marks Marine Pharmacy. Maybe Murphy does need 4.5u twice daily but without testing, you really can't be sure that he isn't bouncing or going too low at times.
I know it's hard to stand up to the vet who is supposed to know what's best for your cat but in this case, I think your vet is being totally unreasonable and not acting in Murphy's best interests or yours. If your vet won't relent, you could always get a human meter and start testing yourself anyway. We can help you learn to do the testing and then perhaps you will be able to do a "show and tell" to convince your vet of the error of his/her ways!
Ask your vet if they would give a human child insulin without first testing their BG and see if that wakes him/her up. Why should it be any different with your cat? I hate to say it, but the only conceivable reason for a vet to be so reticent about home testing is to pad their pocketbooks. If you home test, you can do curves at home and send them to your vet for guidance about dosing. Not only will this save you money, but you might even find out Murphy needs less insulin due to the elevated BG numbers most cats get at the vets due to stress.What insulin are you using? I'm guessing given the price you mentioned that it might be Lantus, you are purchasing the 10ml vial and that you are buying it from a US pharmacy. If that is the case, you can reduce the insulin costs by purchasing the pen refills that come in a package of 5 tiny vials each containing 3ml. By my calculation, a box of 5 - 3ml vials would last you almost 5 months instead of a month and a half, reducing your costs considerably. Lantus can also be ordered through a Canadian pharmacy at considerably less expense for even more savings. There is info HERE on ordering from Canada. I believe one of the most popular places to order insulin is Marks Marine Pharmacy. Maybe Murphy does need 4.5u twice daily but without testing, you really can't be sure that he isn't bouncing or going too low at times.
I know it's hard to stand up to the vet who is supposed to know what's best for your cat but in this case, I think your vet is being totally unreasonable and not acting in Murphy's best interests or yours. If your vet won't relent, you could always get a human meter and start testing yourself anyway. We can help you learn to do the testing and then perhaps you will be able to do a "show and tell" to convince your vet of the error of his/her ways!
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
Hi Martie,
I'm sorry that things are so worrying for you at the moment.
I agree with the posters above about home testing Murphy. It's not clear from your opening post whether you're already testing at home or whether the BG numbers you quote were measured at the vet's office. If you're not yet home testing, it's straightforward to learn how (we can help you); it will save you money because you won't have the vet fees; and it will give you data that is not influenced by potential vet visit stress.
Are these BG numbers measured on a veterinary meter or a human meter? They're in a good range as measured on a human meter and in a very good range if measured on a veterinary meter.
I agree with Meya above. If you can do regular home monitoring to see how Murphy's BG levels are every day and if his numbers stay in the healthy BG range for at least 7 days then it may be that he would qualify for a dose reduction - his pancreas may be healing with the support from the insulin. This is speculation at the moment, but if Murphy's pancreas starts to heal a little then his insulin requirements would reduce, and that would also reduce the outgoings for his treatment.
Can you let us know where you are located and which insulin Murphy is receiving, please? (Lantus in the US by any chance?) He seems to be responding very well to the insulin he's on so it would be a shame to change to another insulin if it were possible to get the costs down. Members here may be able to make suggestions about where to purchase insulin at a better price.
Mogs
.
I'm sorry that things are so worrying for you at the moment.
I agree with the posters above about home testing Murphy. It's not clear from your opening post whether you're already testing at home or whether the BG numbers you quote were measured at the vet's office. If you're not yet home testing, it's straightforward to learn how (we can help you); it will save you money because you won't have the vet fees; and it will give you data that is not influenced by potential vet visit stress.
Are these BG numbers measured on a veterinary meter or a human meter? They're in a good range as measured on a human meter and in a very good range if measured on a veterinary meter.
I agree with Meya above. If you can do regular home monitoring to see how Murphy's BG levels are every day and if his numbers stay in the healthy BG range for at least 7 days then it may be that he would qualify for a dose reduction - his pancreas may be healing with the support from the insulin. This is speculation at the moment, but if Murphy's pancreas starts to heal a little then his insulin requirements would reduce, and that would also reduce the outgoings for his treatment.
Can you let us know where you are located and which insulin Murphy is receiving, please? (Lantus in the US by any chance?) He seems to be responding very well to the insulin he's on so it would be a shame to change to another insulin if it were possible to get the costs down. Members here may be able to make suggestions about where to purchase insulin at a better price.
Mogs
.
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MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Hi Martie,
I just noticed you have a spreadsheet for Murphy but the link is not working. When you have a second, can you see if you can fix it?
I just noticed you have a spreadsheet for Murphy but the link is not working. When you have a second, can you see if you can fix it?
Paula
Member Since 2014
If you are not already, please home test. Home testing saved my Michael who is now in remission almost 5mos. I also had a vet that didn't want me to home test and Michael went hypo. I switched to a different vet, one who was in favor of home testing. They are many experienced and wonderful people on FDMB who can and will help you.
This does get easier and cheaper. Please hang in there.
This does get easier and cheaper. Please hang in there.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Deep breath, then another, as many as you need....
Then, perhaps read through this article "ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats", from the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, published in 2015 which does advocate home testing, and share it with your vet.
Then, perhaps read through this article "ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats", from the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, published in 2015 which does advocate home testing, and share it with your vet.
Squeaky and KT (GA)
Member Since 2011
FIRST! BREATHE! ...and more! Everyone's covered lots of bases above so I'll not repeat those.
* Your vet works for you - it's OK to disagree with him. He likes your money for things you can do yourself. In his defense, he may not know how to test using the ears, he may only know by vein draw as taught in school....that isn't something to do at home.
* BREATHE!
* Well handled insulin lasts much longer than 30 days regardless of kind. At those doses, you should be able to use every drop of whatever container you have.
* No fancy food needed - Friskies pates are 50-75 cents a can...
...BREATHE....
...and more! Everyone's covered lots of bases above so I'll not repeat those.* Your vet works for you - it's OK to disagree with him. He likes your money for things you can do yourself. In his defense, he may not know how to test using the ears, he may only know by vein draw as taught in school....that isn't something to do at home.
* BREATHE!
* Well handled insulin lasts much longer than 30 days regardless of kind. At those doses, you should be able to use every drop of whatever container you have.
* No fancy food needed - Friskies pates are 50-75 cents a can...
...BREATHE....
Mogmom and Goofus
Member Since 2014
I'm simply going to "second" what everyone else has said! Please don't give up, just maybe give up on your vet and trust the good people here. In the short time I've been on this board, just over a year, I've seen them guide many kitties to remission, including my Goofus.
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Your vet has no control over what you do at home, so if he won't get behind home testing, there's no reason you can't do it anyway. We had our fair share of problems with vets when we started this dance and don't even discuss diabetes with the one we go to now...she asks what dose China is on, I tell her and I tell her what kind of blood glucose numbers she gets and that's the end of it.
By getting a cheap meter at Walmart (like the Relion Confirm or Micro) for about $15 and spending about $36 per 100 strips, you can get most of your dosing advice from the people here (who have more experience than vets do anyway) and take control of Murphey's diabetes yourself.
What insulin are you using? If you're using Lantus or Levemir, a lot of members from the US are now purchasing insulin from Canada. As for price, Marks Marine Pharmacy in Canada can't be beat... that's why a lot of our members buy from them (me included). All the information is in the Insulin from Canadian Pharmacies thread (the very LAST post talks about Marks)......a box of 5 pens (1500 units) is only $144.95 which would last you around 150 days!!
You can do this!!...and you can do it affordably too!!
By getting a cheap meter at Walmart (like the Relion Confirm or Micro) for about $15 and spending about $36 per 100 strips, you can get most of your dosing advice from the people here (who have more experience than vets do anyway) and take control of Murphey's diabetes yourself.
What insulin are you using? If you're using Lantus or Levemir, a lot of members from the US are now purchasing insulin from Canada. As for price, Marks Marine Pharmacy in Canada can't be beat... that's why a lot of our members buy from them (me included). All the information is in the Insulin from Canadian Pharmacies thread (the very LAST post talks about Marks)......a box of 5 pens (1500 units) is only $144.95 which would last you around 150 days!!
You can do this!!...and you can do it affordably too!!
Hi Martie,
I'm sorry that things are so worrying for you at the moment.
I agree with the posters above about home testing Murphy. It's not clear from your opening post whether you're already testing at home or whether the BG numbers you quote were measured at the vet's office. If you're not yet home testing, it's straightforward to learn how (we can help you); it will save you money because you won't have the vet fees; and it will give you data that is not influenced by potential vet visit stress.
Are these BG numbers measured on a veterinary meter or a human meter? They're in a good range as measured on a human meter and in a very good range if measured on a veterinary meter.
I agree with Meya above. If you can do regular home monitoring to see how Murphy's BG levels are every day and if his numbers stay in the healthy BG range for at least 7 days then it may be that he would qualify for a dose reduction - his pancreas may be healing with the support from the insulin. This is speculation at the moment, but if Murphy's pancreas starts to heal a little then his insulin requirements would reduce, and that would also reduce the outgoings for his treatment.
Can you let us know where you are located and which insulin Murphy is receiving, please? (Lantus in the US by any chance?) He seems to be responding very well to the insulin he's on so it would be a shame to change to another insulin if it were possible to get the costs down. Members here may be able to make suggestions about where to purchase insulin at a better price.
Mogs
Hi Mogs!!
Thank you for you advise! I live in Saginaw MI and Murphy is on Lantus, 4.5 units twice a day. I have asked my vet several times about testing at home and was told Absolutely NOT!! I was told home testing is not accurate and I could cause more harm than good!? I agree my vet is just looking to get paid to do the testing, but I am scared I will hurt Murphy if I don't do it right. I was all set to go out and buy a monitor when a vet tech at the vets told me I could cause major damage to Murphy's ear by doing testing with his ear. Is this true?
Martie
.
Hi Martie,
I'm sorry that things are so worrying for you at the moment.
I agree with the posters above about home testing Murphy. It's not clear from your opening post whether you're already testing at home or whether the BG numbers you quote were measured at the vet's office. If you're not yet home testing, it's straightforward to learn how (we can help you); it will save you money because you won't have the vet fees; and it will give you data that is not influenced by potential vet visit stress.
Are these BG numbers measured on a veterinary meter or a human meter? They're in a good range as measured on a human meter and in a very good range if measured on a veterinary meter.
I agree with Meya above. If you can do regular home monitoring to see how Murphy's BG levels are every day and if his numbers stay in the healthy BG range for at least 7 days then it may be that he would qualify for a dose reduction - his pancreas may be healing with the support from the insulin. This is speculation at the moment, but if Murphy's pancreas starts to heal a little then his insulin requirements would reduce, and that would also reduce the outgoings for his treatment.
Can you let us know where you are located and which insulin Murphy is receiving, please? (Lantus in the US by any chance?) He seems to be responding very well to the insulin he's on so it would be a shame to change to another insulin if it were possible to get the costs down. Members here may be able to make suggestions about where to purchase insulin at a better price.
Mogs
.
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
Absolute FOOLISHNESS!! Look at some of our spreadsheets...every test is an ear poke....if it was hurting our cats ears, they would have fallen off by now!! I test China an average of 8 times a day...she's pure white....and if I could get a good picture of her ear, you'd be hard pressed to tell she was ever tested at all!
I am currently at work and tried to fix my chart link, I don't think I did it right, I will have to try to fix it once I get home, I will have to redo it. I am not even sure how I got to create the chart in the first place, but I know I have not used it as I have not been doing home testing. Thanks for letting me know it was not working!!
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
Your vet is talking through his fundament. Indeed, home testing typically produces more reliable data upon which to base dosing decisions since blood glucose levels are far less likely to be elevated due to vet office/travel stress.
Two words: horse feathers.
Actually the only time Saoirse's ears were in a bit of a state was after the vet techs at the practice where she was first diagnosed made a complete dog's dinner of her ear testing when they ran her first curves. I saw them performing one test. It took two of them nearly 10 minutes to get the sample and it was a real ordeal for Saoirse. They were testing near the base of her ear which really didn't help matters.
As with any new skill one might be a tad cack-handed when first learning to test. But after only a short time you'll be able to develop good technique and, as Chris mentions above, there should be little or no evidence on Murphy's ears that he is being tested at all.
Take heart, Martie; we've all been where you are now. We've managed to learn and we're still friends with our kitties.
Here are a couple of links to forum stickies with lots of information on home testing so that you can start learning how straightforward the procedure is. Many of us give freeze-dried protein treats after tests, so most kitties get to really like the one-on-one time during the test and the yummy treat after; some cats get to the stage where they remind their person it's Testing Time! Testing and Shooting Tips - good diagram of a kitty's ear, including the 'sweet spot' where it's easiest to get a blood droplet.
Home Testing Links - Lots of tips and video tutorials.
Your reply sounded a little calmer, Martie. I hope going forward that we'll be able to make you feel far less overwhelmed - and far less out of pocket while still getting Murphy the treatment he needs to become really well again.
Mogs
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Madeline528
Member Since 2015
Hi Marty! My Layla was diagnosed Oct 2015. She is now in remission. I home test & find using her paw pad, works best for me. Don't listen to your vet. That's ridilous, home testing is the way to go. My vet, felt testing in AM & PM was enough. Without the L&LL & FDMB, Layla would of been in big trouble!!!
I feed Layla Fancy Feast classics. They are low carbs. She gets 2 3oz cans per day. I split it into 3 meals 3/4, 1/2 & 3/4. There about .60 a can.
I feed Layla Fancy Feast classics. They are low carbs. She gets 2 3oz cans per day. I split it into 3 meals 3/4, 1/2 & 3/4. There about .60 a can.
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Olive & Paula
Member Since 2015
You will not damage the ears. Like Chris said above what you do at home the vet doesn't need to know. Are ther other vets in your area you can try?
Georgie
Member Since 2015
I'm not going to say my vet is awesome or anything but she encouraged me to home test. They even sold a home test meter and supplies for it. Got the AlphaTrak kit for $60 with lancets and test strips enough to last me awhile. They did show me how to use it too!
I recommend you home test! If you can not afford to take kitty in so much (And to be honest the cost you listed is even way higher than mine when I take my kitty in) I can't help but feel like they are getting you. I also do not know why another vet would turn you away, it is normal to want a second opinion in any sorta medical needs!
My Prozinc cost me $140 from the vet, I can certainly buy it cheaper elsewhere. The vial I bought will last me a couple months. Since it lasts this long, and I know I can get it cheaper elsewhere... It is certainly doable!
I hope you do not give up on little kitty! I know it is scary and worrisome. Mine was just diagnosed and I am going through all these emotions and frustrations as well.
I recommend you home test! If you can not afford to take kitty in so much (And to be honest the cost you listed is even way higher than mine when I take my kitty in) I can't help but feel like they are getting you. I also do not know why another vet would turn you away, it is normal to want a second opinion in any sorta medical needs!
My Prozinc cost me $140 from the vet, I can certainly buy it cheaper elsewhere. The vial I bought will last me a couple months. Since it lasts this long, and I know I can get it cheaper elsewhere... It is certainly doable!
I hope you do not give up on little kitty! I know it is scary and worrisome. Mine was just diagnosed and I am going through all these emotions and frustrations as well.
Critter Mom
Member Since 2014
Hi Martie,
Just checking in to see how you're doing today and to send you one of these ... >>>
Mogs
.
Just checking in to see how you're doing today and to send you one of these ... >>>
Mogs
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Carol & Murphy (GA)
Member Since 2015
Hi Martie Instead of having a conversation with your vet, why not just switch?
you can use this link below to find vets who are members of the American Academy of Feline Practitioners and/or have cat friendly practices - although not fool proof, vets who see more cats may have more experience with feline diabetes and may be more up to date - It's worth a shot and may give you some options http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/find-vets-and-practices
you can use this link below to find vets who are members of the American Academy of Feline Practitioners and/or have cat friendly practices - although not fool proof, vets who see more cats may have more experience with feline diabetes and may be more up to date - It's worth a shot and may give you some options http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/find-vets-and-practices
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