Oh my goodness please always feel free to ask questions, that's why we're all here
I'm not familiar with pancreatitis and how it affects insulin needs though.
For Beenie once she hit 11 U, I think, on ProZinc I decided it was time to test her for the high dose conditions. It was later pointed out to me that once a kitty hits 6U that its advisable to have them tested. Dosing strategy can and will change if a cat tests positive for one or both conditions. I felt in my gut that she had Acro. I noticed her rear paws seemed bigger to me and her breathing had changed a bit. She tends to choke easy on dry treats. This is due to soft tissue growth. Nothing nice about any of that. I pushed my vet to have the testing done. I printed the forms off MSU's website and brought them in to his office and told him I wanted to get the tests done. His office dragged their feet a bit so it took about 3 weeks or so before I was able to get her in to draw the blood. He was familiar with how MSU worked and ordered their mailers which he finds a better way then packaging up the samples himself. I saw the box (mailer) and have to agree on that. It was filled with foam, had MSU's name all over it, had the UPS label printed for overnight shipping etc.
I still don't know what the charge is for the testing. MSU's charges are minimal, its the blood draw at the vet and the overnight shipping that costs. I plan on stopping by the vet today actually to get a new script of Lev and will ask what that final total is. I'll let you know soon as I find out.
The cabergoline, for us, was only $69 for a 30 day supply. If Beenie continues to require less insulin that will factor into a cost saving too. Cabergoline actually working is a crap shoot but it can happen, just look at Marvin. Well Marvin is the exception but there are kitties that have had results in their insulin needs have decreased. There's also SRT, Cyberknife, that are an option for some folks but for us way too expensive and just can't swing it. That is why I opted to give cabergoline a try. Some simply treat their Acro kitties with whatever their insulin needs are and that is fine to. Knowing though helps with dosing since the tumor can pulse and insulin needs change back and forth.
The flip side is it could be IAA and look at Back Kitty. That just take perseverance and that can be beat with insulin alone as it is self limiting.
For Beenie she tested positive for both although not too high on the IAA. We're so lucky that if this is really the cabergoline working its magic. I almost think I'll jinx it if I say for sure that its cabergoline. I mean for her to see results on day one are pretty over the top. Nat, Marvin's mom said she didn't see any results for three weeks. Again ECID blah blah blah.
So whatever you decide my suggestion is I think knowing what you're up against would probably be a tremendous help. There are options on treatment or simply treating Buddy with whatever his insulin needs are. You could always give Levemir a whirl! Beenie is a big fan
Any other questions please feel free to reach out. Also if you decide on asking for testing you can PM me and I can send you the PDF forms from MSU that you can present to your vet...providing they're willing to do it for you. Unfortunately there have been some members vets that just won't do it. You can still take matters into your own hands and get the blood drawn at the vets office and package and ship the samples yourself. I believe
@Susan G & Jimmy G had to do that. Where there's a will there's a way
PS I have a Buddy here too. Just took him in in March after a jerk neighbor just left him outside 24/7 then decided to move and leave him. He's such a love!!
This is the stinker after he discovered the top of the fridge
View attachment 30867
, and get some shut eye tonight too.
I just found out what it means the other night...Big Chicken S**t
I just google for cat pics, save 'em and post! I love cute cat pics! They make me smile so I hope it makes others smile. FD is tough after all and I think we can all use a little smiles and giggles!
