How do I know if my ProZinc has petered out?

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Does it gradually get weaker or does it tend to just stop working at all? The reason I'm asking is that Mitz has been getting crazy numbers this month (see 2016 tab in spreadsheet) and I have no idea why? The current vial was opened in July and I'm wondering if this could be the culprit. (I ordered new insulin online but won't get it til Tuesday. Couldn't get it any quicker thanks to Snowzilla, and couldn't get it locally because the animal hospital that had it in stock wanted to charge me $342.00 for one vial!!).

We have been battling a UTI (enterococcus strain) but have done 2 rounds of antibiotics she's not exhibiting any of the clinical signs of an infection. We have a followup on Thursday to check that again. The 5 P's are all good, no ketones or glucose in her urine as of this morning, appetite is good. Bloodwork from November didn't show anything out of the ordinar excpt kidney level at the high end of normal but that is not new for Mitz.

Thoughts???

Thanks,
Joan

 

[Rachel]

Hmmm...it's possible. The numbers have been getting higher...and the insulin will eventually wear out. It's been kept refrigerated right? Any floaties in it that you can see?

When did the UTI start? That could be it too...is Mitz in pain?

I was just thinking about you today. We're battling a UTI too. Just picked up D Mannose today and gave a bit to everyone.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

I'm with Rachel. Could be - 6 months is the usual. And a UTI can definitely raise levels. You'll know Tuesday?

How much snow did you get?

 

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Hmmm...it's possible. The numbers have been getting higher...and the insulin will eventually wear out. It's been kept refrigerated right? Any floaties in it that you can see?

When did the UTI start? That could be it too...is Mitz in pain?

I was just thinking about you today. We're battling a UTI too. Just picked up D Mannose today and gave a bit to everyone.

Hi Rachel,
The weird thing about the UTI this time is that she hasn't shown any symptoms. The diagnosis was a complete surprise. And up until this last month, her numbers didn't reflect anything weird going on either. Up until the first round of antibiotics in Nov, her numbers were pretty good. I didn't realize it at the time but the vet did not do a culture & sensitivity until our follow-up visit in early December.

The insulin has definitely been in the fridge and it looks normal to me. I just can't help think it might be too old.

Hope your kitties get better quickly! I really wish the D-mannose was effective on the bacteria that Mitz has this time

Thanks!

I'm with Rachel. Could be - 6 months is the usual. And a UTI can definitely raise levels. You'll know Tuesday?

How much snow did you get?

Hi Sue,
We got about 20 inches! The dogs are having a blast!

Hoping the delivery trucks can get here ok on Tuesday and we see the vet on Thursday. I think I'll know pretty quickly if there's a difference with the new insulin. Should I try a lower dose with the first shot?
Thanks!
Joan

 

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Mitz's canine siblings enjoying the snow...

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

It does look fun - for dogs.

Most people drop the dose a little with a new vial just to be safe. Then, after a few cycles, if needed, raise again.