Thomas, DKA boy diagnosed 12/12

[Critter Mom]

In situations like this it helps to keep a journal with brief daily observations of Thomas' clinical signs (e.g. use the Remarks column in his spreadsheet). Watch to see whether there are any differences in Thomas' mood/bearing/energy levels at different times of the day. If you record the time of any observations using '+' notation it may help you to spot any correlations between blood glucose variations and behaviour. For example:

AM CYCLE
AMPS Alert and hungry; +1 sleepy; +2 alert and hungry; +4 playful.

- or -

AM CYCLE
AMPS Good mood and hungry; +2 groggy & glum; +3 hungry; +5 very lethargic & withdrawn (hiding); +10 more active and brighter.

If similar behaviours are repeatedly observed around the same stage in each cycle it could help you identify things which may be related to the treatment (and not him sulking at you!).


Mogs
.

 

[Coffees-and-cats]

In situations like this it helps to keep a journal with brief daily observations of Thomas' clinical signs (e.g. use the Remarks column in his spreadsheet). Watch to see whether there are any differences in Thomas' mood/bearing/energy levels at different times of the day. If you record the time of any observations using '+' notation it may help you to spot any correlations between blood glucose variations and behaviour. For example:

AM CYCLE
AMPS Alert and hungry; +1 sleepy; +2 alert and hungry; +4 playful.

- or -

AM CYCLE
AMPS Good mood and hungry; +2 groggy & glum; +3 hungry; +5 very lethargic & withdrawn (hiding); +10 more active and brighter.

If similar behaviours are repeatedly observed around the same stage in each cycle it could help you identify things which may be related to the treatment (and not him sulking at you!).


Mogs
.

That makes a lot of sense. Thomas seems to be perking up with having visitors, he's started being more vocal (he usually makes these little chirps and he started doing them again last night.)

His high blood sugar seems to slowly be coming down, which I've very pleased by. He still has an appetite and is eating Friskies pate very well, but will not touch the Hills Wet WD that they "prescribed" at the vet. I tried to give it to him last night just to see if he would eat it and nope, he refused. So I gave him Friskies pate instead. The vet yesterday said it was important to keep him on the prescription diet but there's no way I'm paying something like $2 a can for something that seems nutritionally deficient AND he doesn't even like. Any advice on how to approach this with the vet or do I just tell them "oh yeah he's eating that" and just keep on keeping on?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

That makes a lot of sense. Thomas seems to be perking up with having visitors, he's started being more vocal (he usually makes these little chirps and he started doing them again last night.)

His high blood sugar seems to slowly be coming down, which I've very pleased by. He still has an appetite and is eating Friskies pate very well, but will not touch the Hills Wet WD that they "prescribed" at the vet. I tried to give it to him last night just to see if he would eat it and nope, he refused. So I gave him Friskies pate instead. The vet yesterday said it was important to keep him on the prescription diet but there's no way I'm paying something like $2 a can for something that seems nutritionally deficient AND he doesn't even like. Any advice on how to approach this with the vet or do I just tell them "oh yeah he's eating that" and just keep on keeping on?

Many people on here feed Friskies or Fancy Feast pates because they're as good nutritionally as the wet prescription foods. My guy will eat prescription Purina Pro Plan DM wet food but I mix it with Friskies or Fancy Feast for flavour variety. Maybe try mixing it for Thomas? If he'll eat it you'll satisfy the vet but be paying for less of it. Also, I don't see how your vet can argue if you say Thomas flat out refuses to eat the prescription stuff. Or - you can say nothing and not buy any more of the prescription stuff.

I LOVE kitty chirps!