Grayson: possible hyperthyroid, some resistance to insulin.

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Ryn & Grayson

Ryn & Grayson

Member Since 2015
I've scheduled Grayson to see a vet on Monday afternoon. Over the past couple months, I've had to increase his dose of Caninsulin. He used to be between 1-1.5 U of insulin, and now he is at 2U and his body isn't responding much to it. Instead of increasing further, I called the vet to have a blood panel done. I've been suspecting hyperthyroid for a while, he is becoming increasingly vocal/squeaky about having more food and the faucet turned on in the sink for water. He roars at night now, constantly dragging his feather toy to his food bowl.

If he is diagnosed with hyperthyroid (which I assume he will be) on top of his diabetes, I'm not sure what I'm left to do. I'm already struggling financially and mentally with his diabetes, it is not a good time in my life for me to put my life on complete hold to help my cat. I'm heartbroken about all these problems he's having.

Has anyone else dealt with both of these issues before? What is the best course of action?

EDIT: I should also mention, his coat has because a bit poorer, and he lost a lot of undercoat fur from his tail.
 
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I do test before each shot, and I have a spreadsheet linked in my signature.

Caninsulin is all I can afford. Since starting a new job in September, I haven't been able to do curves as much as before, I do not have the time :(
 
Looking at your spreadsheet, he is likely hungry because he doesn't have enough insulin on board to let him use the food he is eating. I would highly suggest increasing his dose ASAP (in small increments of 0.25 units at a time), before he starts breaking down so much fat for calories than the ketones formed from that process become dangerously high.

Our Vetsulin/Caninsulin user guide is here.
 
It depends on the cause of the elevated glucose. Both infection and stress may cause increases in glucose.

Is there any sign of gingivitis/red gums in the mouth? That is a very common source of infection in diabetic cats.

Have there been any major environmental changes, like visitors (animal or human), other animals outside the windows, furniture re-arranging, etc?
 
Getting a blood panel done is a good idea. We have had cats here that are hyperthyroid and diabetic. It does make regulating a little more work but I've seen it done.

My Neko used to be on Caninsulin but we switched to Lantus because it wasn't lasting as long. The Lantus vial (or cartridges), when stored properly in the fridge can last a lot longer than the Caninsulin one. People here use their Lantus vials up to 6 months.
 
Hi Ryn,

Nothing to add to the above replies except to suggest that any time you can get a +2 test would be helpful to you. The +2 tests can yield a good few clues about what the dose may be doing later in the cycle.

Ryn & Grayson said:
I'm heartbroken about all these problems he's having.
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I know that feeling very well. It helps at times like these to remind yourself of the little victories you have had along the way. I can remember so well what you achieved not long after you became a member here. I was - and I am - very proud of all you have achieved in caring for dear little Grayson. He is blessed to have your love.

Sending :bighug: for you and scritches for Grayson.


Mogs
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He isn't acting like himself today at all and seems uncomfortable. He has been sleeping a lot and not eating as much food as usual. Not interested in playing much anymore either. He just stares at me with his big eyes.

I was always trying to put it off, thinking the insulin was losing potency. But I definitely think there is some other underlying issue and it is a very difficult thing for me to think about, because it might mean the end of the line for my sweet sugar cat. I will see what the vet says tomorrow, I'm not looking forward to the visit.
 
I'm sorry Grayson's not feeling so good right now, and I feel for you over how worried you are about your darling boy. :bighug:

FWIW, Saoirse got quite morose when she was on Caninsulin but she felt much better on Lantus: the difference was like night and day. I know things are tight for you at the moment (and please, please believe that I know personally just how very hard that is) but I would suggest that perhaps trying a different insulin with Grayson might be an avenue to explore and there is a chance it might make a difference to how he feels (it's usually much less of a blood sugar roller coaster on Lantus and that is gentler on the cat's system). For the data you've gathered, the Caninsulin doesn't last the full cycle. Lantus typically has a longer duration and might offer the possibility of keeping Grayson in better numbers for longer.

Try the supply closet here (there is often Lantus going at very reasonable prices for a single pen cartridge and when refrigerated properly it stays viable longer than Caninsulin), or maybe call Diabetic Cats in Need (they sometimes help with treatment costs). If you do try Lantus you'll need U100 syringes (Caninsulin is U40). Let us know and we can help you sort out anything you need.

How is Grayson for pooping, peeing, and drinking by the way?

I hope the vet will be able to help tomorrow. :bighug:



Mogs
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Oh Ryn! I'm so sorry to hear that Greyson is not doing well. Like Mogs, I remember how hard you worked to get Greyson with you and onto proper treatment for his diabetes. You are a super special cat Mom so please don't beat yourself up. You have gone the extra mile and more to help Greyson. Unfortunately, sometimes other conditions come along that make the diabetes journey a bit more difficult but we're all hoping this is something that can be dealt with relatively easily or maybe as Mogs says, Caninsulin just isn't the right insulin for him. Sending Greyson some healing vines and (((hugs))) to you! Please keep us posted.
 
Just in case you haven't come across any of these before, maybe they might help you tempt Grayson to eat a little more:

Persuading your cat to eat (tips from Tanya's Site - 'sleepy eating' is a good one)

Suggestions on How to Stimulate Kitty's Appetite (from FDMB's Feline Health FAQs)

While Grayson's appetite is a bit slow, as a precaution I'd suggest keeping an eye on his urine daily for ketones. (Anything more than 'trace' and he needs to be seen by a vet immediately to get them flushed out of his system.)

Keeping fingers and paws crossed for you both in the Shire. :bighug:


Mogs
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