GA Found in coma in the morning. Help.

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Myfurchildren

Member Since 2016
I am in dire need of opinions :(

Being a new mommy of a diabetic cat, we gave our little baby her first shot of insulin the night before last around 7pm, only to have found out our vet didn't train us to administer the correct dose on the syringe, and we woke up to a horror.

Yesterday at 6:00 in the morning, I awoke to my fiancé screaming that our beloved, newly diabetic 14-15 year old angel was dead. I rushed into the living room and cradled them both, only to find out she had moved. She was freezing and she had peed and pooped herself. We thought she was gone. :(

After seeing her still hanging on, I wrapped her in her blanket and we flew to emergency. Her body temp was so cold that it wasn't registering on their thermometer that started at 90 degrees.

After hours under a heating blanket, dextrose to bring her glucose back up, fluids, and constant supervision, she became a little more alert.

She had no use of her front end and could not hold her head up. Her back legs worked fine though. She was in a daze and obviously not herself.

We couldn't afford to keep her in emergency, so about 9 hours in, our vet at emergency spoke with our regular vet, and they decided she was stable enough for a quick car ride with a syringe with dextrose for us to use in case we saw symptoms of her blood sugar dropping.

We made it to our vet, and she had started getting sleepy again, but they gave her dextrose and IV fluids, and she was back to where she was prior to leaving.

Last night, she was able to prop herself up. This morning, we called them and they said she was doing better. We still weren't in the clear, but she was stronger. My fiancé went to visit her after work, and they said she suffered 3 more minor seizures and need to take it by every 24 hours.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ANGRY AT MYSELF AND DEPRESSED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! How could I possibly have done this to her? We made the decision to help her live a long life with regulated diabetes, and now she's in this position. We screwed up big time and I will never forgive myself for this. I just need some help and opinions.

Has anyone ever gone through this before? They're worried about swelling of the brain. And since we woke up around 6am, we don't know how long she was laying there. We had gone to sleep around 10pm that night, and she wasn't exhibiting any signs of weakness or hypoglycemia.

I would never do anything to hurt any of my fur babies, and this is quite literally tearing me apart.
 
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I am so sorry your baby is in such a state. I can read the love and care in your post and know you did and are doing the very best you can for your kitty. I have not had a kitty in this situation, but it sounds like your girl is showing improvement. I think all you can do is take it day by day with lots of love and see what kind of long term effects it might have had.
 
So sorry to hear the news about your sweet baby!!:bighug::bighug::bighug:

Unfortunately, it's a story we hear about too much because vets don't recommend home testing, so please don't blame yourself. (and right now, it won't do any good to blame your vet either)

Please do some reading on this message board when you have some time so you'll be prepared to bring her home and keep her safe.

I will pray your kitty has a full recovery and can come home soon to her loving parents.

Keep us updated on her!!
 
It seems to me that if you gave her insulin at 7 and she was fine at 10 that you should have seen it drop prior to that. Could it just have been a fluctuation in her glucose DM condition? I know our cat seems to fluctuate pretty greatly no matter what the no of units. I think cat diabetes is just a very hard disease and add to that the fact they can't tell you how they are feeling and it's just hard. Hope your baby has a full recovery. Will say a prayer for them and you.
 
Myfurchildren said:
I am in dire need of opinions :(

Being a new mommy of a diabetic cat, we gave our little baby her first shot of insulin the night before last around 7pm, only to have found out our vet didn't train us to administer the correct dose on the syringe, and we woke up to a horror.

Yesterday at 6:00 in the morning, I awoke to my fiancé screaming that our beloved, newly diabetic 14-15 year old angel was dead. I rushed into the living room and cradled them both, only to find out she had moved. She was freezing, and she had peed and pooped herself. We thought she was gone. :(

After seeing her still hanging on, I wrapped her in her blanket and we flew to emergency. Her body temp was so cold that it wasn't registering on their thermometer that started at 90 degrees.

After hours under a heating blanket, dextrose to bring her glucose back up, fluids, and constant supervision, she became a little more alert.

She had no use of her front end and could not hold her head up. Her back legs worked fine though. She was in a daze and obviously not herself.

We couldn't afford to keep her in emergency, so about 9 hours in, our vet at emergency spoke with our regular vet, and they decided she was stable enough for a quick car ride with a syringe with dextrose for us to use in case we saw symptoms of her blood sugar dropping.

We made it to our vet, and she had started getting sleepy again, but they gave her dextrose and IV fluids, and she was back to where she was prior to leaving.

Last night, she was able to prop herself up. This morning, we called them and they said she was doing better. We still weren't in the clear, but she was stronger. My fiancé went to visit her after work, and they said she suffered 3 more minor seizures and need to take it by every 24 hours.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ANGRY AT MYSELF AND DEPRESSED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! How could I possibly have done this to her? We made the decision to help her live a long life with regulated diabetes, and now she's in this position. We screwed up big time and I will never forgive myself for this. I just need some help and opinions.

Has anyone ever gone through this before? They're worried about swelling of the brain. And since we woke up around 6am, we don't know how long she was laying there. We had gone to sleep around 10pm that night, and she wasn't exhibiting any signs of weakness or hypoglycemia.

I would never do anything to hurt any of my fur babies, and this is quite literally tearing me apart.
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I feel your pain and anger! I went through the same thing with Shoes on 1/24/16. It's horrible and you never ever quite get that image out of your mind. Will keep you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers. Shoes recovered and I hope your baby will too! At the time of Shoes hypo crash, he was on Novolin N insulin and it was just too harsh for his body. Please keep us updated!
 
Sharon2665 said:
It seems to me that if you gave her insulin at 7 and she was fine at 10 that you should have seen it drop prior to that. Could it just have been a fluctuation in her glucose DM condition? I know our cat seems to fluctuate pretty greatly no matter what the no of units. I think cat diabetes is just a very hard disease and add to that the fact they can't tell you how they are feeling and it's just hard. Hope your baby has a full recovery. Will say a prayer for them and you.
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unfortunately every cat is different when it comes to DM and also different insulins nadir at different times. some cats nadir (lowest drop) at +3, some at +5, +7 or +8 etc. If they were not home testing they would have no way of knowing she was dropping. If the vet did not teach them how to give a shot then likely they did not teach them to home test either. At this point sadly, it matters not how it happened (It is not your fault, you can't be blamed for something you know nothing about, please don't blame yourself) now just pray and work on your angel getting better and soon.

what is your kitty's name? I want to add it to my Novena prayer list.
 
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Thank you all SO much for your responses.

Shoeskitty-- We did in fact give Chewy (our little one) Novolin N as well.

When we asked about home testing, we were told it was not necessary, just to bring her in every so often so they could check up on her. It's certainly not my vet's fault nor anyone's. It's just a devastating miscommunication.

We had her on a new diet and decided to help better regulate her (and hopefully achieve remission in the future) to go the insulin route because we didn't want to waste any precious time.

We had actually brought her to the vet about a year ago for blood work (tons of water intake and frequent urination), and we were told she was fine.. Only to find out from a family member who works at the practice, that her blood work came back possibly diabetic. So knowing it had already been over a year without regulation, we wanted to do right and again, not waste anymore time.

We'll be going to see her first thing tomorrow morning, and I'll keep you all updated. When my fiancé went in today, she wasn't fully conscious, but when he put his hand under her head, he said she was purring slightly. We left a worn shirt with her so she had comfort of having our scent with her.

The first thing I do before giving her insulin ever again is purchasing a meter and staying 150% on top of everything. I'm blessed to have found this forum, and it's incredible to know there are so many awesome parents who take their kitties' health so seriously.

All of your little ones are so lucky!

Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.
 
Myfurchildren said:
Thank you all SO much for your responses.

Shoeskitty-- We did in fact give Chewy (our little one) Novolin N as well.

When we asked about home testing, we were told it was not necessary, just to bring her in every so often so they could check up on her. It's certainly not my vet's fault nor anyone's. It's just a devastating miscommunication.

We had her on a new diet and decided to help better regulate her (and hopefully achieve remission in the future) to go the insulin route because we didn't want to waste any precious time.

We had actually brought her to the vet about a year ago for blood work (tons of water intake and frequent urination), and we were told she was fine.. Only to find out from a family member who works at the practice, that her blood work came back possibly diabetic. So knowing it had already been over a year without regulation, we wanted to do right and again, not waste anymore time.

We'll be going to see her first thing tomorrow morning, and I'll keep you all updated. When my fiancé went in today, she wasn't fully conscious, but when he put his hand under her head, he said she was purring slightly. We left a worn shirt with her so she had comfort of having our scent with her.

The first thing I do before giving her insulin ever again is purchasing a meter and staying 150% on top of everything. I'm blessed to have found this forum, and it's incredible to know there are so many awesome parents who take their kitties' health so seriously.

All of your little ones are so lucky!

Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart.
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I think I would look for new vet also. Sounds like they let you down by not catching it a year ago when she first had symptoms. It's sad but sometimes they are no more educated on DM than we are as they have so many diseases and types of animals to keep up on. Find someone who seems to have had more experience with diabetes.
 
Myfurchildren said:
It's certainly not my vet's fault nor anyone's. It's just a devastating miscommunication.
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I'm really not trying to upset you, and for now, it really doesn't matter. What matters right now is Chewy's hopeful recovery, but yes, it is your vets fault, especially if you even broached the subject of home testing with him/her.

Although it's probably not really fair to say "fault" either. What we've seen from the thousands of cats that have come through here is that the truth is that most vets just don't have the time to stay up to date on the latest treatments for every disease in every type of animal they see. They only receive a few hours of "formal education" on diabetes when they're in school, and those few hours covers all animals. After that, they would have to have an interest in feline diabetes that kept them looking for new and better treatments (and most vets see a LOT more diabetic dogs than they do cats....although due to the obesity problem, cats are catching up)

If you go back and look at a lot of newer members posts, you'll see the vast majority of them were told exactly what you were told...to give X units of insulin and come back in 2 weeks for a curve. Most vets, even if they know about home testing, either don't suggest it because they feel most of their patients would choose to euthanize rather than "go to that much trouble" or they have a monetary reason for continuing to have people come back for those expensive "curves".

One of the big strengths of the message board is that the people here due nothing but research and try to stay on the cutting edge of the best treatments for feline diabetes (and the diseases that tend to come with it like chronic kidney disease and pancreatitis). There are years and years of real life experience here in what works, so we really hope we can help you when Chewy comes home!!

Sending tons of healing white light Chewy's way!
healing light (Custom).jpg
 
Many prayers that your sweet girl will make a full recovery.

Cats that have a symptomatic hypoglycemic event like this can be very sensitive to insulin. Sometimes, when they have these events, it actually puts them into remission at least for a time. If she needs insulin again, start low. YOu might even want to post here to get some thoughts.

The other thing I would ask my vet about is a less harsh insulin like Lantus, levemir, or even ProZinc if cost is an issue. Novolin N can onset hard and fast and really drop numbers.

We often talk about the miracle prayers of this group so sending a ton of them to Chewy.
Prayingkitty.jpg
 
Wishing for a full and speedy recovery for Chewy! I'm so sorry you are going through this right now.

I don't have much to add in terms of advice as the others have given you some great advice, but I do want to encourage you to push to change the insulin if Chewy still needs insulin after this incident. Novolin is not a recommended insulin for cats because it does not last long enough in their systems to be effective and it often causes dangerous hypoglycemic incidents. Lantus and Levemir have been proven in several studies to be safer and more effective. They're pricy in the US if cost is an issue, but you can easily order from Canada at much lower prices.

If you need the studies and current diabetes guidelines to print and bring to your vet to help convince them to get on board with home testing and a better insulin, we can provide those for you. This incident was not caused by any miscommunication on your part, but rather a lack of correct and current information on your vet's part. If you choose to stay with that practice, you'll need to bring them up to speed yourself. It is a responsibility that should not fall to the owner, but unfortunately it commonly does.
 
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What a nightmare you went through! I'm really sorry for you and your kitty.
But looking at positives you have learnt something and you can be more in control if you have that knowledge.
Please read as much as you can about feline diabetes here on this forum - that's a place to start. Unfortunately vets are not very knowledgeable when it comes to FD.
I hope your beloved kitty is going to be fine and, from your post, I can tell that you deeply care for her wellbeing!
Good luck and keep us informed.
Best wishes
Marlena:cat:
 
Marje and Gracie said:
We often talk about the miracle prayers of this group ...
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My little one went through a very tough time recently. The wonderful people here prayed for her and sent her healing thoughts. It was uncanny the way so many things that weren't likely to happen went right to help my girl - including getting an emergency appointment with a top flight opthalmologist who was about to leave the country. I come from a scientific background, I'm incredibly sceptical by nature (a real Doubting Thomas, if you will) but against highly-stacked odds so many things slotted into place and help arrived from the most unexpected quarters that I cannot but give serious credence to the prayers and positive thoughts of this incredibly caring group of people having a direct influence on the way the world moved to save my girl. It is my fervent hope that the prayer and positive thoughts coming to you three now will help Chewy in her hour of great need.

Sending more prayers for Chewy. And more :bighug::bighug: for you two.



Mogs
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Myfurchildren said:
I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ANGRY AT MYSELF AND DEPRESSED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! How could I possibly have done this to her? We made the decision to help her live a long life with regulated diabetes, and now she's in this position. We screwed up big time and I will never forgive myself for this. I just need some help and opinions.
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Oh Sweetheart, I can so relate. I know all too well that anger at yourself and the guilt you feel, because your story is exactly the same as mine when I first came to this board. With one exception, my beautiful Muse didn't survive her hypo overnight. I kicked myself for months and months, but I made a vow to my girl that I would learn everything I possibly could about this disease and how to treat it, ad how to prevent it. As I had several other kitties at home and I never wanted to relive the nightmare of that morning.

Try to go easy on yourself hon, yes it was your hand that gave the shot, but you were only trying to help her and doing what you had been told to do You are not fault, you can not be held accountable for not knowing what you were not told. Right now your precious girl is right where she needs to be, and while she's in good hands you asked for options..

Read the wealth of information on this site until your eyes cross, and ask a billion questions, the only stupid question around here is one that goes unasked.
Learn to test her at home when she is well enough and stable enough to come to be back with you. It is honestly the only way to keep her safe while she is on insulin.
Since losing my beautiful Muse I have gone on to adopt 5 more FD kitties. Sweetie this is DOABLE!

And lastly BREATHE!!!

My Furry Gang and myself will be praying that your baby girl makes a complete recovery and will soon be back in your arms.
Mel and The Fur Gang
 
Hugs, prayers & healing vines being sent Chewys way. Please don't beat yourself up, unfortunately the veterinarians aren't up to speed managing FD. There's a wealth of knowledge on this board & awesome guidance. Read, ask tons of questions(none of which are stupid) I pray chewy makes a full recovery. Cindy & Angel Sabrina
 
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better ~ Maya Angelou

I am so sorry, but you were doing the best that you could. Many good thoughts for Chewy in her recovery. Hugs to you and your fiancé.
Liz
 
I truly cannot thank every last one of you enough for the love and valuable knowledge I've received from all of you.

Unfortunately this morning, we received the news we dreaded. Chewy is no longer with us.. :(:(:( She had suffered a series of severe seizures, and the last one they couldn't control, and it was too much for her to handle.

cat_wings>o

This is one of the hardest things we have ever dealt with.. And we made sure our baby girl knew we loved her to the moon and back before we layed her to rest. But she's no longer suffering.

We have two other munchkins (who will of course never replace her), and we're making sure we learn about this horrific disease and we'll be doing all we can to keep them healthy and give them the love every fur baby deserves.

Again, thank you ALL so much for everything, and I truly hope no one ever has to feel this again. Our little ones are too precious to have to deal with something of this caliber.

Sending endless hugs and love to all of you -- all of your kitties are so lucky to have parents who take their health and lives so seriously. If only the rest of the world was this compassionate.
 
I'm SO SO sorry you got that dreaded call....BIG HUGE loooooooooong hug. Thoughts and prayers for comfort as you all deal with this too. If you need to 'talk' to people that understand, come back right here where lots of hugs await from people that understand.

Soar high on your new Angel wings Chewy....landing softly back in your family's broken hearts...

More hugs and prayers,
 
I had to come check on Chewy first thing this morning and I am so extremely sorry for your loss of your sweet girl. It is so evident how very much you love her. I am crying for you and for your heart which I know is shattered. These amazing little kitty souls bring so much love and light to our lives and their crossing leaves such a huge hole in our hearts and lives. Please know we are all here for you and we all send tons of hugs and prayers.

One thought that has helped me.....Chewy is only one breath and one heartbeat away from you. It seems so far but it's not.

Gentle journey, sweetest Chewy.....so lucky to have known so very much love.

Lighting Candles to guide you on your way where so many of our Guardian Angels wait for you.

there-is-a-candle-in-your-heart.jpg
 
I am so sorry Chewy did not make it, as everyone else has said do not blame yourself, vets just have to start instructing people better in how to deal with this disease and it's not just your vet, it's thousands of them, just remember you were trying to help her and remember the good times.
 
I haven't been on the board for a few days so I missed this yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. It is NOT your fault. We didn't recieve much info when our first vet diagnosed Snickers. We came home and started researching everything we could before we even changed her food.

Sending much love and prayers your way.....
 
My heart is breaking for you, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Do not blame yourself, you were only trying to do your best to help Chewy, and she knew that, too. And she knew how much she was loved. Fly free, beloved Chewy cat_wings>o

She will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
So sorry to hear the news that you lost your sweet Chewy today. Please don't beat yourself up. Cats are the hardest animals to tell how they are feeling and what is going on with them. Chewy knows you did the best that could be done for her and it may have just been her time to go over the rainbow bridge. Sounds like she had many years of great and loving care from you and you know she knew that. RIP sweet Chewy.
 
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