1/1 Ozzy PMPS 269, +1.15 317, 288 +4

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

First Night on Lantus

New here...still getting the hang of things.

@Marje and Gracie should I go with the same dose as yesterday? IU squeeze out a drop? Gotta shoot any moment here to get back on schedule.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Yes....you should shoot the same dose. Good luck!

 

[Doodles & Karen]

New here...still getting the hang of things.

Just want to say welcome to L&LL. Hopefully Ozzy will do great on Lantus

 

[Marje and Gracie]

If you want to build a little data today and see how he does, you could do a +1 and see if he gets a food spike and then a +3 to see if he has onset. Then we will go from there.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Ok, he just got the lantus. I tried the technique in the video in the lantus dosing sticky that showed how to twist the bottom of the syringe up to get out drops instead of pushing the plunger. I tried my best to eyeball .75. It was somewhere in between .75 - 1U. Will be getting the correct syringes today. What do I do with the other box?

New Year... new firsts- I successfully had my first stab in the finger with the insulin syringe. And it hurt. Poor kitty!

I updated Ozzy's SS from last night. Hubby was the best and stayed up and did all his tests up to +6.

I am not sure what happened from +6 - +11.5 (if he finally dipped down a little more and came back up), but he pretty much didn't move past 34 pts downwards up to +6. His yellow numbers were a little higher than his vestulin shots at the same dose. I know this is a marathon, not a sprint, just making some observations on his SS.

Does it look like he nadir'd at +4? When is the typical Lantus nadir again?

Thanks!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Just want to say welcome to L&LL. Hopefully Ozzy will do great on Lantus

Thank you!!! We are really optimistic about the Lantus helping him more. This forum has been awesome already! So happy to be here!!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

If you want to build a little data today and see how he does, you could do a +1 and see if he gets a food spike and then a +3 to see if he has onset. Then we will go from there.

yes, I will curve him today and post back. Thanks!

Wish us luck.

BTW...what should we be expecting in these early days of 'filling the depot' so to speak? When should we start to see numbers come down?

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

If you want to build a little data today and see how he does, you could do a +1 and see if he gets a food spike and then a +3 to see if he has onset. Then we will go from there.

@Marje and Gracie Marje, he dropped down with his +1. Shouldn't he have had a food spike by now? I fed him and then immediately shot after. He was fed boiled chicken (70%) and rad cat raw chicken (30%). We are just starting on the raw so not sure how it affects BG yet.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Ok, he just got the lantus. I tried the technique in the video in the lantus dosing sticky that showed how to twist the bottom of the syringe up to get out drops instead of pushing the plunger. I tried my best to eyeball .75. It was somewhere in between .75 - 1U. Will be getting the correct syringes today. What do I do with the other box?

New Year... new firsts- I successfully had my first stab in the finger with the insulin syringe. And it hurt. Poor kitty!

I updated Ozzy's SS from last night. Hubby was the best and stayed up and did all his tests up to +6.

I am not sure what happened from +6 - +11.5 (if he finally dipped down a little more and came back up), but he pretty much didn't move past 34 pts downwards up to +6. His yellow numbers were a little higher than his vestulin shots at the same dose. I know this is a marathon, not a sprint, just making some observations on his SS.

Does it look like he nadir'd at +4? When is the typical Lantus nadir again?

Thanks!

I would see if the vet will take them back. I'd definitely try and get the smaller gauge syringes....31g...in addition to the correct cc (0.3). Remember to insert the syringe with the bevel up (Testing and Shooting Tips).

I wouldn't worry about nadir right now....let's work on a bit of data while you are home (but we also don't want to poke the heck out of him). The typical nadir on lantus is +6 but ECID and even with a specific cat, it can move. Until he fills the depot, it's just going to be a little difficult to see.

yes, I will curve him today and post back. Thanks!

Wish us luck.

BTW...what should we be expecting in these early days of 'filling the depot' so to speak? When should we start to see numbers come down?

We have found that random spot checks are better than curves where you test every two hours. So perhaps after +3, we will wait until +6 for the next test, depending on what he's doing.

He might stay flat yellow while he's filling the depot. I hate to keep using the term but it truly is ECID. We should just see what he does for four cycles. If he goes up higher, we will want to increase the dose sooner but if he stays flat yellow, we will wait six cycles. It also will be better to see once we know his dose is a bit more consistent with the correct syringes.

One thing you might want to read is Dosing with Calipers. It is not necessary to dose that way but it is more accurate and allows for more consistent dosing.

Lastly, here is a great post which indexes where to find lots of great info in the forum that might not be in a sticky.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

@Marje and Gracie Marje, he dropped down with his +1. Shouldn't he have had a food spike by now? I fed him and then immediately shot after. He was fed boiled chicken (70%) and rad cat raw chicken (30%). We are just starting on the raw so not sure how it affects BG yet.

We cross posted so please be sure and read my post above.

Sorry...I am watching this condo with notifications but I didn't get any that you had posted somjust checked. I didn't mean to ignore you

While we might "expect" to see a food spike at +1, not all cats get them. I am a huge proponent of raw food but sometimes diabetic cats need more carbs and do better on a 5-10% calories from carbs food. Not all do so it's one of the things we have to find out about Ozzy.

I'm thinking you might see some blue today!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

We have found that random spot checks are better than curves where you test every two hours. So perhaps after +3, we will wait until +6 for the next test, depending on what he's doing.

He might stay flat yellow while he's filling the depot. I hate to keep using the term but it truly is ECID. We should just see what he does for four cycles. If he goes up higher, we will want to increase the dose sooner but if he stays flat yellow, we will wait six cycles. It also will be better to see once we know his dose is a bit more consistent with the correct syringes.

One thing you might want to read is Dosing with Calipers. It is not necessary to dose that way but it is more accurate and allows for more consistent dosing.

Lastly, here is a great post which indexes where to find lots of great info in the forum that might not be in a sticky.

Thank you!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Sorry...I am watching this condo with notifications but I didn't get any that you had posted somjust checked. I didn't mean to ignore you

No worries! I'm sure you have a life beyond this board, too!!

While we might "expect" to see a food spike at +1, not all cats get them. I am a huge proponent of raw food but sometimes diabetic cats need more carbs and do better on a 5-10% calories from carbs food. Not all do so it's one of the things we have to find out about Ozzy.

We don't intend to switch our kitties to 100% raw. Our plan to feed a mix of high quality canned, med quality canned, low quality canned, raw food, and some homemade food. Just switch things up and vary the diet and also all the high end and raw foods are really expensive so nice to be able to incorporate here and there without breaking the bank.

I'm thinking you might see some blue today!

Hope so!!

 

[Marje and Gracie]

We don't intend to switch our kitties to 100% raw. Our plan to feed a mix of high quality canned, med quality canned, low quality canned, raw food, and some homemade food. Just switch things up and vary the diet and also all the high end and raw foods are really expensive so nice to be able to incorporate here and there without breaking the bank.

Sounds good. You'll need to have some MC and HC foods on hand for him in the event of lower numbers. You might already know how he responds to food and whether he is carb sensitive. I never had to give Gracie more than 12% food with a small amount of Karo for really low numbers.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Sounds good. You'll need to have some MC and HC foods on hand for him in the event of lower numbers. You might already know how he responds to food and whether he is carb sensitive. I never had to give Gracie more than 12% food with a small amount of Karo for really low numbers.

We have both and dry food, honey, karo... all for emergencies.

Their canned food is all below 10% carbs.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

We have both and dry food, honey, karo... all for emergencies.

Their canned food is all below 10% carbs.

While dry food can be used for low numbers if it's all one has, it's better to not use it as it takes a bit longer to work and can stay in the system longer. Also, it can tend, in some cats, to bump the numbers up higher than you want.

Using a LC or MC food with a bit of Karo/honey if/when necessary is fine.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Thank you for the tip. Others pointed that out to us too last time wheb we used kibble to steer Ozzy on a 60 early in a cycle. We now have some 12% carb and FF gravy lovers on hand. We are learning.. but are good students!!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

@Marje and Gracie

Ok, here's his numbers for this am so far. I got distracted at +3 but was able to get a +3.5

AMPS=267
+1=236
+3.5 =164 (first lantus blue)

I know you mentioned to test again at +6 but how do you think he is doing right now at +3.5? I'm used to nose dives on Vestulin, but I hear Lantus is not well known for that. Do you think he is going to go much lower? When do you think would be best to test again?

I should be happy about the blue, right??

Thanks.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

@Marje and Gracie

Ok, here's his numbers for this am so far. I got distracted at +3 but was able to get a +3.5

AMPS=267
+1=236
+3.5 =164 (first lantus blue)

I know you mentioned to test again at +6 but how do you think he is doing right now at +3.5? I'm used to nose dives on Vestulin, but I hear Lantus is not well known for that. Do you think he is going to go much lower? When do you think would be best to test again?

I should be happy about the blue, right??

Thanks.

Deep breath! Yes...be very happy about the blue!!! This is excellent.

How about a test at +5 instead of +6.

Some cats on lantus can be real divers. Gracie did and that’s why I moved her to Levemir. It improved but she could occasionally still dive pretty fast. One thing it is important to remember is that the drop they have might not be consistent. In other words, when you look at the fact that he’s come down 100 mg/dL in 3.5 hours, it doesn’t mean he’s done it consistently at a specific rate. So he might have dropped 30 the first hour and then faster when he onset at +2, and then slowed down again between +3 and +3.5.

Since you don’t yet have any data on him on lantus, it’s hard to say if he’ll go lower but I believe he will continue to come down some. We’ll see.

See you at +5.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Deep breath! Yes...be very happy about the blue!!! This is excellent.

How about a test at +5 instead of +6.

Some cats on lantus can be real divers. Gracie did and that’s why I moved her to Levemir. It improved but she could occasionally still dive pretty fast. ct that he’s come down 100 mg/dL in 3.5 hours, it doesn’t mean he’s done it consistently at a specific rate. So he might have dropped 30 the first hour and then faster when he onset at +2, and then slowed down again between +3 and +3.5.

Since you don’t yet have any data on him on lantus, it’s hard to say if he’ll go lower but I believe he will continue to come down some. We’ll see.

See you at +5.

Ok, sounds good.

I'm really nervous about not being able to monitor him while I'm at work. I've seen so many peoples SSs and it seems like EVERYONE had a moment or two in time where their cat got into the low greens in a cycle and they had to steer up with food. I won't be able to do this while I'm at work. I know I need to have patience, but this is the biggest concern I have. I did work for a week after he was DX and on Vestulin at 1u -1.5U (highest doses I gave him) and I always came home to an alive cat, so I probably shouldn't worry so much. But just sayin'...

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Ok, sounds good.

I'm really nervous about not being able to monitor him while I'm at work. I've seen so many peoples SSs and it seems like EVERYONE had a moment or two in time where their cat got into the low greens in a cycle and they had to steer up with food. I won't be able to do this while I'm at work. I know I need to have patience, but this is the biggest concern I have. I did work for a week after he was DX and on Vestulin at 1u -1.5U (highest doses I gave him) and I always came home to an alive cat, so I probably shouldn't worry so much. But just sayin'...

You might want to be sure and read through the Stickys on the TR protocol and also on the SLGS approach. In addition, please read this post on Is TR Possible with a Full Time job.

If you are able to get up and shoot a couple of hours before you leave for work, that lets you also get a +2 test in so that you can leave him higher carb food if necessary. Many members use an auto feeder to be sure the kitty eats while they are gone. Then you can get an “in the door” test as soon as you get home.

Or....if you prefer, try SLGS and see if that gives you a better level of comfort. It’s really your decision.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

You might want to be sure and read through the Stickys on the TR protocol and also on the SLGS approach. In addition, please read this post on Is TR Possible with a Full Time job.

If you are able to get up and shoot a couple of hours before you leave for work, that lets you also get a +2 test in so that you can leave him higher carb food if necessary. Many members use an auto feeder to be sure the kitty eats while they are gone. Then you can get an “in the door” test as soon as you get home.

Or....if you prefer, try SLGS and see if that gives you a better level of comfort. It’s really your decision.

I am actually reading those both now! Ha!
We got Ozzy and Figgie (his brother) their own petsafe5's a few weeks ago. We all love them!

TBH..I'm not sure I want to get in a habit of getting up super early to test and shoot...My schedule is going to be all out of whack for me personally too. I already have to wake up daily at 4am to take medication. I don't want to have to get out of bed and do this whole sugar dance because I won't be able to fall back to sleep. It also seems important to really stick to the 12/12 schedule on lantus, whereas with Vestulin I had some more flexibility. I really need to figure out what is going to work best for us and Ozzy.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I am actually reading those both now! Ha!
We got Ozzy and Figgie (his brother) their own petsafe5's a few weeks ago. We all love them!

TBH..I'm not sure I want to get in a habit of getting up super early to test and shoot...My schedule is going to be all out of whack for me personally too. I already have to wake up daily at 4am to take medication. I don't want to have to get out of bed and do this whole sugar dance because I won't be able to fall back to sleep. It also seems important to really stick to the 12/12 schedule on lantus, whereas with Vestulin I had some more flexibility. I really need to figure out what is going to work best for us and Ozzy.

Absolutely. You have to be able to keep your own life on track as well. I always like to give options but it’s up to each member to figure out what works best for them.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

When should we shoot tonight? I didn't quite make it to 30 mins early this am...like 15 mins earlier than the shot last night. Should I go up another 15 mins? We have to get from 9:30 to 7am by Tuesday morning for work. Is this possible/doable? If not, what about skipping the Monday night dose and starting over on Tuesday am at 7am?

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Let’s see how he does tonight. You can shoot 30 mins early tonight without any issues unless he gets to and stays in green numbers. Then you might want to just do 15 mins early.

If you can test at +11 in the morning (so 11 hours from when you shoot tonight) and if he’s bouncing so that he is in high yellow, you could shoot an hour early. I’m not too keen on you skipping a shot with DKA in his background; but if we can’t get him to a shot time of at least 7:30 p.m. on Monday night (where you could then shoot at 7 a.m. Tuesday) and if he has no ketones and he’s eating/drinking well, then you could skip and start over Tues at 7.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Let’s see how he does tonight. You can shoot 30 mins early tonight without any issues unless he gets to and stays in green numbers. Then you might want to just do 15 mins early.

If you can test at +11 in the morning (so 11 hours from when you shoot tonight) and if he’s bouncing so that he is in high yellow, you could shoot an hour early. I’m not too keen on you skipping a shot with DKA in his background; but if we can’t get him to a shot time of at least 7:30 p.m. on Monday night (where you could then shoot at 7 a.m. Tuesday) and if he has no ketones and he’s eating/drinking well, then you could skip and start over Tues at 7.

ok, I will keep you posted for the next test coming up here soon.

I have always worried about him going back into DKA since he has still had high numbers since he came back from the hospital. The vet said it's unlikely he will go back into DKA since he is now getting insulin, but seems like some folks on the board here do not agree with that. We have been testing him for ketones. Sometimes the strip looks completely negative and sometimes it looks like a little in between negative and trace (never more) with a negative beige surround on the square and a slightly pink trace center.

I was not able to get a test on Ozzy yesterday or this morning yet because he's on to me and now secretly urinates when I don't know! haha. I'm going to try to outsmart him today and get one tonight. That's my mission for the day! haha.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

ok, I will keep you posted for the next test coming up here soon.

I have always worried about him going back into DKA since he has still had high numbers since he came back from the hospital. The vet said it's unlikely he will go back into DKA since he is now getting insulin, but seems like some folks on the board here do not agree with that. We have been testing him for ketones. Sometimes the strip looks completely negative and sometimes it looks like a little in between negative and trace (never more) with a negative beige surround on the square and a slightly pink trace center.

I was not able to get a test on Ozzy yesterday or this morning yet because he's on to me and now secretly urinates when I don't know! haha. I'm going to try to outsmart him today and get one tonight. That's my mission for the day! haha.

Cats who have been in DKA once “can be” prone to it again if there is infection, they aren’t eating/drinking enough, and there is not enough insulin. So it’s not just no insulin; it’s also not enough if all the other factors are also in play.

I’ve noticed on a new bottle of ketone strips, sometimes it can look a bit pinkish. The way to know is to test it on yourself and see if it looks the same as when you test him. You also have to be fairly precise in reading it at 15 seconds because it starts to turn pinker the longer it is past 15 seconds.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

+5 = 219. So is he done dropping then? And his nadir for this cycle was sometime between +2 - +4? Or could he drop again closer t0 +6?

I was really hoping for some longer time in the blues and maybe even a green.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

+5 = 219. So is he done dropping then? And his nadir for this cycle was sometime between +2 - +4? Or could he drop again closer t0 +6?

I was really hoping for some longer time in the blues and maybe even a green.

I think he’s still just filling his depot so he doesn’t yet have any duration. It can take 5-7 days in some cats initially to fill the depot. I think it’s good he’s getting into blue already.

If you are doing SLGS, you’ll need to hold this dose for a week and then do a curve (my comments earlier about holding for four cycles and then potentially raising were thinking along the lines of the TR protocol where we can fast track and be a bit more aggressive). Of course, if he goes into pink and stay there, we might need to adjust the dose earlier because there might be a difference in dose when you switch from the 1/2cc syringes to the 0.3cc syringes. Syringes have a ridiculous amount of error in them and if you are eyeballing a 1/2cc syringe, he might be getting a little more insulin than he will when you start using a 0.3cc syringe with 0.5u markings.

Speaking of, did you get the new syringes yet?

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

I think he’s still just filling his depot so he doesn’t yet have any duration. It can take 5-7 days in some cats initially to fill the depot. I think it’s good he’s getting into blue already.

If you are doing SLGS, you’ll need to hold this dose for a week and then do a curve (my comments earlier about holding for four cycles and then potentially raising were thinking along the lines of the TR protocol where we can fast track and be a bit more aggressive). Of course, if he goes into pink and stay there, we might need to adjust the dose earlier because there might be a difference in dose when you switch from the 1/2cc syringes to the 0.3cc syringes. Syringes have a ridiculous amount of error in them and if you are eyeballing a 1/2cc syringe, he might be getting a little more insulin than he will when you start using a 0.3cc syringe with 0.5u markings.

Speaking of, did you get the new syringes yet?

Haven't gone out yet but will here in the next hour or so and the plan is to get the correct syringes.

I am still reading stickies! I am not quite certain if we want to do SLGS or TR at this time. I'm reading up on both. My goal, if possible, is to get Ozzy into remission. Which protocol has the best chances? I'm just worried about not being able to test while I'm away at work. I don't have the ability to come home and check as I work an hour away from my house. I'm reading the sticky now on folks who were able to do TR with a FT job and it seems most of them were also not able to monitor in the middle of the day. What's the real likelihood of your cat OD ing if you are using TR and increasing by small increments? Do we overreact sometimes when we see lower numbers? The two times my kitty went into the 60s he had no symptoms and we steered him up anyways. Chances are, he might have done just fine on his own, right? I mean, other times when I was at work, I have NO idea what his numbers were and he was on a higher dose and probably did see some green, but I'd never know. I just know I came home to a cat that was alive.

What if we do the SLGS for a few weeks so we can get some good data and a few good curves under our belt. Then we will have a better idea of how he does on lantus, onset, nadirs, etc so we can get to know Ozzy's typical pattern on this insulin, and then start up the TR protocol.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Haven't gone out yet but will here in the next hour or so and the plan is to get the correct syringes.

I am still reading stickies! I am not quite certain if we want to do SLGS or TR at this time. I'm reading up on both. My goal, if possible, is to get Ozzy into remission. Which protocol has the best chances? I'm just worried about not being able to test while I'm away at work. I don't have the ability to come home and check as I work an hour away from my house. I'm reading the sticky now on folks who were able to do TR with a FT job and it seems most of them were also not able to monitor in the middle of the day. What's the real likelihood of your cat OD ing if you are using TR and increasing by small increments? Do we overreact sometimes when we see lower numbers? The two times my kitty went into the 60s he had no symptoms and we steered him up anyways. Chances are, he might have done just fine on his own, right? I mean, other times when I was at work, I have NO idea what his numbers were and he was on a higher dose and probably did see some green, but I'd never know. I just know I came home to a cat that was alive.

What if we do the SLGS for a few weeks so we can get some good data and a few good curves under our belt. Then we will have a better idea of how he does on lantus, onset, nadirs, etc so we can get to know Ozzy's typical pattern on this insulin, and then start up the TR protocol.

I think a lot of things depends on the cat. If I had not had the working situation I did with Gracie (where one of us could be with her most of the time as we worked different schedules), I wouldn’t have done TR. She was just too unpredictable and needed curve management with food. But many people do TR and work.

Yes, they do have a better chance of remission with the TR protocol but we have cats go into remission with SLGS although it might take longer. It is fine to start with SLGS and then switch. Anyone can switch at any time. What you don’t want to do is to switch back and forth and back and forth. You can try SLGS, see what the data looks like, then decide. There i no hard and fast rule.

Whether we overreact when we see low numbers....maybe new members. It all comes down to knowing your cat and that takes time.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Hopefully, you can get syringes today. Looks like you don't need a prescription in CA (click on CA for link).

Actually, many places in CA require a prescription if you are purchasing more than one or two bags (ten syringes) at a time. I've had them ask me at Walmart if I have a script, then not look it up to confirm, and and I've had them check it. I've also had them not ask, but that is unusual when buying a box. You might call your local Walmart pharmacy and ask them.

These are the ones we used.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Walmart says I need a script for a box. My vet office said I can return the box and they have the correct ones so headed out to make the exchange! will get a script for next time though because walmarts are half the price.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Marje- finally got a pee test in. This one definately looks more on the trace result than negative. Pic taken about 30 secs in but was pretty similar to photo or lighter pink.

What can we do to flush them out? We have been adding water to his food. Should we syringe him a few ccs of water here and there? I haven't noticed him drinking water from his bowl or bathtub facet lately- probably because he is getting more from his food now ans he is less thirsty than before.

Just a little concerned because he has been in the 200s-300s ever since we brought him home from his DKA episode a few weeks ago and haven't been able to get him out of the yellows and pink much.

 

[Linda and Scooter & Jack]

Your both doing great! Ozzy's ketones are good so don't panic.
Its going to take a few days for his depot of insulin to build up using the lantus.
Just breathe because you are doing great!
Ozzy is not seeking water so your doing great!
You have all the right things now and Ozzy is on the right track.
@Marje and Gracie is a great mentor and watching as much as she can.
Take a break and remind yourself your doing great!

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Marje- finally got a pee test in. This one definately looks more on the trace result than negative. Pic taken about 30 secs in but was pretty similar to photo or lighter pink.

What can we do to flush them out? We have been adding water to his food. Should we syringe him a few ccs of water here and there? I haven't noticed him drinking water from his bowl or bathtub facet lately- probably because he is getting more from his food now ans he is less thirsty than before.

Just a little concerned because he has been in the 200s-300s ever since we brought him home from his DKA episode a few weeks ago and haven't been able to get him out of the yellows and pink much.

From what I can tell in that photo, it does look like Trace ketones to me. Yes, try to get as much water in him as you can. Add a couple tsp of water to his food. Be sure he is eating really well. Did they find any infection and treat him with antibiotics?

Also...go ahead and double check the strip against you and see what color it turns.

I’d keep a close eye on those ketones. See if you can get another test tonight before you go to bed and again in the morning. It isn’t worth taking any chances. We might need to raise the dose in the morning if he’s still at Trace ketones.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Your both doing great! Ozzy's ketones are good so don't panic.
Its going to take a few days for his depot of insulin to build up using the lantus.
Just breathe because you are doing great!
Ozzy is not seeking water so your doing great!
You have all the right things now and Ozzy is on the right track.
@Marje and Gracie is a great mentor and watching as much as she can.
Take a break and remind yourself your doing great!

Thanks Linda, appreciate the words of encouragement.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Yes, try to get as much water in him as you can. Add a couple tsp of water to his food.

I have been adding water to most of his meals. Should I syringe him some too? Or is that going overboard?

Be sure he is eating really well.

He is eating great...actually too well. Looks like he has gained a little weight back. He used to be 18-19lbs (he's a maine coon) and with the DKA, he went down to 15.3 lbs. I'm not sure his weight now, but his little belly is filling out again. I can see it easy since they shaved it in the hospital.

Did they find any infection and treat him with antibiotics?

They thought he had an infection (possibly bladder) when he was admitted and we had him on antibiotics. But when the urine culture came back a few weeks later, they said the test was negative so we could stop the antibiotics. His next round of blood tests also showed his WBC were in normal ranges. We got through one box of clavomox. we still have another one un-mixed in the fridge.

Also...go ahead and double check the strip against you and see what color it turns.

I tested myself with a ketone test a few weeks ago when we first got them and it looked a little pink, too. Going to do another one and get hubby to do one, too so we can compare. What if they both come back pinkish- then that's the baseline for negative? We don't have diabetes.

See if you can get another test tonight before you go to bed and again in the morning

I will definitely try to get another test in tonight after his dinner and in the am after breakfast. I noticed I have the best luck if I can toss him in the kitty box about 5-10 mins after he just ate. I will post back his result after dinner.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I tested myself with a ketone test a few weeks ago when we first got them and it looked a little pink, too. Going to do another one and get hubby to do one, too so we can compare. What if they both come back pinkish- then that's the baseline for negative? We don't have diabetes.

If it's the exact same color as his was, then I wouldn't worry. I'd just keep a close eye on it.

If it is different, and if you can syringe him fluid without choking him or risking aspiration, that is fine.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Hi Ozzy's mom! You are doing great and Ozzy is one lucky kitty that you are on his team! Keep asking questions as that is how we all learned.

Bubba had ketones also ( didn't have DKA) and I found it so much easier to test with a blood/ ketone meter. The one I got was Abbott Precision Xtra. It's around 30 bucks but the strips are pricey. The nice thing about the meter is that the ketones show up almost immediately I the blood and can take up to 8 hours to show in the urine. Also, I could never catch him in the LB as it was in the basement where he hangs out a lot of the time. And I didn't have to try and guess if the strip was the same color as the guide rather the meter gives a number. If you are interested in getting one, let me know and I can give you info for the cheapest place I found the strips.

Keep up the good work; you are doing great!

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

@Marje and Gracie Marje- I screwed up my schedule because we were out shopping and got home at 7 and I fed the kitties because they were hungry and sharking us in the kitchen. I am about to test Ozzy here in a few minutes and want to shoot him at 8:30. Is that too soon, or should I wait till 9? I can post back his test number as soon as I have it. Thing is...he will have eaten less than 2 hours before his test. He ate around 7:30p so it will only be about 1 hour before his test if I do it at 8:30. What do you think is the best thing to do?

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

So I got the correct syringes...finally! The vet gave us 3 different boxes of the wrong syringes until they finally realized they don't have U-100 with the 1/2 U markings. I was able to get my vet to write me a script and give me a refund for the other box. I took the script to Walmart and got the exact ones Marje sent me a picture of. Thank you! So helpful! We also stocked up on more supplies and some emergency HC wet food.

At the vets office, I saw a man buying Hills w/d food for his diabetic dog. I made a comment to him that that particular food is HC. He looked at me stunned and said 'What!?" I told him to look it up online. I don't think the folks at the front desk appreciated my comment, but oh well! Don't we feel obligated to share the knowledge we can to help others. My vet also sent me home with Hills W/D for Ozzy and told me this was the best food to get him into remission if it was possible.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Hi Ozzy's mom! You are doing great and Ozzy is one lucky kitty that you are on his team! Keep asking questions as that is how we all learned.

Bubba had ketones also ( didn't have DKA) and I found it so much easier to test with a blood/ ketone meter. The one I got was Abbott Precision Xtra. It's around 30 bucks but the strips are pricey. The nice thing about the meter is that the ketones show up almost immediately I the blood and can take up to 8 hours to show in the urine. Also, I could never catch him in the LB as it was in the basement where he hangs out a lot of the time. And I didn't have to try and guess if the strip was the same color as the guide rather the meter gives a number. If you are interested in getting one, let me know and I can give you info for the cheapest place I found the strips.

Keep up the good work; you are doing great

Thank you! I tried to find a meter at Walmart today but they don't carry them at my store. Yes, can you please let me know where you got yours and the more reasonably priced strips. Since Ozzy is recovering from DKA from a month ago and is throwing trace ketones still, I really want to monitor him more closely and I also can't always catch him in the LB. Thanks!

 

[Marje and Gracie]

@Marje and Gracie Marje- I screwed up my schedule because we were out shopping and got home at 7 and I fed the kitties because they were hungry and sharking us in the kitchen. I am about to test Ozzy here in a few minutes and want to shoot him at 8:30. Is that too soon, or should I wait till 9? I can post back his test number as soon as I have it. Thing is...he will have eaten less than 2 hours before his test. He ate around 7:30p so it will only be about 1 hour before his test if I do it at 8:30. What do you think is the best thing to do?

How about posting his number and let's go from there.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

ok, testing now. BRB..

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

+11.5 = 269. We are actually back to almost his shot time from this am which was 9:15 am. we took him back 30 mins from last night this morning.

So I guess the question now is...should we stay at the .75U or 1U?

Thanks.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I'd shoot. I doubt that is a food spike. I'd then get a +2.

I have a blood ketone meter I can send you. I'll PM you.

Glad you got the syringes. I think it was Chris that posted the photo.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

I'd shoot. I doubt that is a food spike. I'd then get a +2.

.75 or 1U??

 

[Marje and Gracie]

0.75u

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

yes, i'm interested in the ketone monitor. I just signed up for paypal yesterday. Someone was going to sell me their extra lantus pens but never heard back from them.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

My vet also sent me home with Hills W/D for Ozzy and told me this was the best food to get him into remission if it was possible.

I'm sorry, but your vet is incorrect. w/d is 25% carbs! I'd ask for a refund on that, too. For more info on carb %, check out Dr. Lisa's list.