Hello I am new

Status
Not open for further replies.
Laura Downing

Laura Downing

Member Since 2018
Good afternoon, my kitty has just been newly diagnsed with diabetes, he is 13 years old and I am still crying on it. I am so very scared to no ends. I did give him his first shot this morning, but now I am thinking do I have the right vet ? He was in the hospital for 3 nights, and now he is still not eating enough or good, what am I supposed to do ?
 
Welcome! We were all scared at first, so we understand what you’re feeling. There is a lot to learn, but we will help you and before long your kitty(name?) will be feeling much better. Come to the Main Health forum and tell us more about your baby, such as what your feeding, what insulin and how much, are you home testing and if there are any other health concerns. We will help you figure out the best way to care for him.
 
Sharon14 said:
Welcome! We were all scared at first, so we understand what you’re feeling. There is a lot to learn, but we will help you and before long your kitty(name?) will be feeling much better. Come to the Main Health forum and tell us more about your baby, such as what your feeding, what insulin and how much, are you home testing and if there are any other health concerns. We will help you figure out the best way to care for him.
Click to expand...
I am sorry like I said I am just now learning everything including how to do this. My loves name is Flipper, he is 13-14 years old. I am giving him 1 unit of vetsulin 2 times a day, they said. I did one this morning. He is a dry food eater, he liked Purina original blend, and temptation treats . he does like to lick the gravy from the canned food friskies. He was liking to lick the delectable bisque for seniors. He once in a while liked the regular tuna in water. But since last Thursday not so much of anything. I even boiled chicken,skinless, and boneless. But it seems as though he doesn’t want that either.
I brought him home from staying in the hospital for 4 nights. They gave him a antibiotic shot, as his pancreas count was high as well. They gave him iv under the skin to. All he is doing is drinking water and ate a few dry food pieces. I expected the price to be high, and it was. The vet told me that they don't want people to test the pets at home either. They told me that to have him eat some dry food before the shot. I just don't know what to think.
 
The most important thing is that he eat, so if it’s dry food he wants you can give it to him. Did he have DKA? (Ketones). As far as testing, for some reason many vets don’t want you to home test. I don’t know why because it’s easy to do and will tell you if the insulin dose is the right one and it will keep Flipper safe. To me it’s the single most important thing you can do to help your kitty. We will help you, please keep asking questions.
 
That is what I have been reading about the home testing makes complete sense, because if the sugar goes down, and you continue to give the shot, it could make matters worse. And yes the key tones were up Friday, I asked what that meant, and she told me because of the pancreas ? I think if he would eat more food, I might feel better about giving him his shots, but she didn't seem to concerned about that, just said at least 4 temptation treats would be ok.
 
I don't understand, my regular vet used to call and check on how we were doing after coming home from the hospital, but no calls. She was away when I brought him in on Thursday and she was to return on Monday, so her partner has been seeing him, but I texted my vet this morning, and no reply. All the sudden. She texted me over the weekend and said she would check on him. But she still had the other one discharge him. I am confused, and I know this is serious condition.
 
Ok, if ketones were present that changes things a bit. Can you get to a pharmacy and pick up ketone test strips and a human meter? Also he must eat and get insulin to help prevent another episode and expensive vet stay. So maybe try some Fancy Feast Classics, or all meat baby food.
 
I can get to the pharmacy when my husband gets home at 4:30. First what are exactly key tones? And this stuff you can buy over the counter ?
 
Yes you can get these things over the counter. Are you in the US? If so do you have a Walmart nearby?
Simply put, a diabetic can not use glucose properly so instead their bodies break down fat for energy. When this happens toxic ketones can be produced and these toxins can be deadly if not treated promptly. It’s very important that Flipper eat anything you can get him too and it’s important that you give him insulin.
 
Ok just read about that, that is the reason that they gave him iv, which I also have here if needed. And yes he is still drinking quite a bit. They also gave him on Friday a shot of antibiotics that is supposed to last for 2 weeks.,also a shot to stop the vomiting too
What I just read makes sense. As I know she mentioned something was in his urine.
 
Sharon14 said:
Yes you can get these things over the counter. Are you in the US? If so do you have a Walmart nearby?
Simply put, a diabetic can not use glucose properly so instead their bodies break down fat for energy. When this happens toxic ketones can be produced and these toxins can be deadly if not treated promptly. It’s very important that Flipper eat anything you can get him too and it’s important that you give him insulin.
Click to expand...
 
The antibiotic shot was probably covenia. Does he have an infection somewhere? That along with not eating and high glucose is the cause of the ketones. Great that you have the fluids to give! That will help flush any ketones.
 
OMG !!!!! Now I am starting to see things. I put out 6 different foods and 4 different dry, and all he would do is eat a tiny bit of the dry, and lick the gravy from the can food. I took all food away until 6 tonight thinking maybe he would eat something before the 6 pm shot. But he is meowing right now looking for something to nibble. I do have fancy feast gravy lover's, friskies, nine lives pouches, Purina one, and meow mix wet foods. I also have Purina one,meow mix and I am dry food right now. Should I give him some to see if he will eat a little more? Until I
 
Ok I just gave him a can of fancy feast gravy lover's, and he seems to be licking it up ,he went at it hungry and did quite a few licks ,but now he is done ????Oops he just went back for a little more. It does seem like he is hungry, just not eating enough.
 
Yes eating is very important! If he won’t eat enough, you may need to pick up a syringe and assist feed him.

You didn’t say if you had a Walmart, but here’s the info on the meter many of us use. If you don’t have a Walmart just pick a meter that uses the smallest amount of blood (like .3 micro liters)
Relion micro or confirm meter from Walmart
Box of 100 extra test strips
box of 26 or 28 gauge lancets
Ketone test strips
If you don’t see these on the shelf, ask
 
Ok yes Walmart is about 25 miles, but I will go tonight !!!!! I feel right now to leave his food out, as he is tending to go back and forth to it
 
Just placed a call to the vet to double check on the keytones, and of course the person who would know is not available right now and they will call me back. :( not sure of the vet I have any more :(
 
Many of us have that problem....
Hope they call you back. It seems like they could look in Your records and tell you what you need to know.
 
Wow, I may just have to do this to get some more food then the little he is eating now ! I could never thank you enough for all the information to help my Flipper !!!!!!!
 
Sharon14 said:
Many of us have that problem....
Hope they call you back. It seems like they could look in Your records and tell you what you need to know.
Click to expand...
Exactly, and I know they can get it from his record on the computer ! I don't know why they told me this, maybe they want to ask the doctor if they can tell me. About now I am going through stages of emotions and I am getting a little ticked at them, but I will be nice if they do call back, they most likely will tell me to bring him back in for them to check him ! He just got home last night, maybe more money for them, or because I am now asking for more details ? We will see
 
So far in just a few days ! I know more to come from them too, I don't mind if I knew that they would care and help explain stuff, but so far I am on my own, makes me sad, I have to try to fix my flipper, and not do the wrong things.
 
That’s how many of us find this place. So many vets just don’t explain things well and from what I understand they don’t get much training in feline diabetes. It’s up to you to learn as much as you can so you know what questions to ask. We are here to help you as much as we can.
 
I am so very overwhelmed with all this, and the only thing I know for sure is my flipper is sick ! If I didn't happen across this site by trying to figure out more about this, I would be in a sea with out a boat. I am so very thankful for your knowledge and advice, I could never find the words of how grateful I am right this minute ! Plus the tears are drying up so I can get to work on helping my loving baby !!! THANK YOU ! I will let you know when I get the supplies and lol when and if I hear from the vet office too
 
First of all welcome!

There are a lot of great people with a lot of experience here that can help you so hang in there.

Ask all you need although I do suggest you do it in the main health fourm because there are more eyes there that can help.

I know they've already told you this but with ketones and probably some infection (hopefully your vet will eventually tell you what kind of infection) is VERY VERY important that he eats, whatever he wants ( dry is ok for now if that's the only thing he will have )and whenever he wants as long as he eats but you need to make sure is more than a few temptations treats ( those are not meant to be the only food just treats) or a little bit of gravy.

Later on you'll have to start switching him to a food that is appropriate for a diabetic cat but don't worry about it just now.
 
Veronica & Babu-chiri said:
First of all welcome!

There are a lot of great people with a lot of experience here that can help you so hang in there.

Ask all you need although I do suggest you do it in the main health fourm because there are more eyes there that can help.

I know they've already told you this but with ketones and probably some infection (hopefully your vet will eventually tell you what kind of infection) is VERY VERY important that he eats, whatever he wants ( dry is ok for now if that's the only thing he will have )and whenever he wants as long as he eats but you need to make sure is more than a few temptations treats ( those are not meant to be the only food just treats) or a little bit of gravy.

Later on you'll have to start switching him to a food that is appropriate for a diabetic cat but don't worry about it just now.
Click to expand...
Veronica & Babu-chiri said:
First of all welcome!

There are a lot of great people with a lot of experience here that can help you so hang in there.

Ask all you need although I do suggest you do it in the main health fourm because there are more eyes there that can help.

I know they've already told you this but with ketones and probably some infection (hopefully your vet will eventually tell you what kind of infection) is VERY VERY important that he eats, whatever he wants ( dry is ok for now if that's the only thing he will have )and whenever he wants as long as he eats but you need to make sure is more than a few temptations treats ( those are not meant to be the only food just treats) or a little bit of gravy.

Later on you'll have to start switching him to a food that is appropriate for a diabetic cat but don't worry about it just now.
Click to expand...
I am sorry, but my mind is all over the place, how do I post it to the main board ?
I still haven't heard back yet from the vet office. Also I remember her telling me that he also has a uti infection ,my mind is spinning, and right this minute I am trying to figure a way to get him to eat enough of something before his 6 pm shot.
 
Laura Downing said:
I am sorry, but my mind is all over the place, how do I post it to the main board ?
I still haven't heard back yet from the vet office. Also I remember her telling me that he also has a uti infection ,my mind is spinning, and right this minute I am trying to figure a way to get him to eat enough of something before his 6 pm shot.
Click to expand...

Don't worry we get it just try and take a big breath

UTI infection is an urinary tract infection , it can be very uncomfortable for them, and one important thing since your kitty is a male if I understood correctly is important that you monitor him and make sure he pees, UTI could cause a blockage in males and that could be serious, make sure he's drinking a as much water as possible, you may even could try to give him a little water using a syringe ( with out the needle) a few times a day that would help him with his UTI and help avoid dehydration

For food you could consider offering him Hill's a/d is a kind of pathe that almost all cats (and dogs ) like when they are sick ( it is supposed to be exactly for that ) and since is soft you can use it for assist feed him (syringe feeding ) if it comes to that
 
Thank you !!! Yes he is drinking water and urinating like no tomorrow ! The vet last night said that is what she is worried about too. His kidneys . Years ago he had crystals in his urine and she had me start him on cos quin. He had no problems with it until now :( . I think that is why they gave him a shot of antibiotic that is supposed to last 2 weeks. But she said too much water and urinating is not good either , so I will have to watch and learn more about that as well . Also I will be giving him more IV tonight for dehydration. Right now just to get food in him, I pureed friskies , she ordered a liquid diet, and also to get baby food this afternoon. Oh lord , this is so scary to say the least ! and I am trying to get a calm mind and a lot of deep breaths. This is so very overwhelming to say the least ! At least this morning I am not freaking out :) , still petrified, but not freaking - yet . THANK YOU so very much every one is helping me, I am so very thankful, and so is Flipper ! <3
 
I'm glad both of you are a little bit better.

Usually unregulated diabetic cats drink a lot of water (that means urinating a lot too ) and are hungry all the time (because of the infection he may not be hungry right now but he probably will as soon as the infection subsides), as his blood glucose levels get down and regulated so will the thirst and hunger. Is a reaction of his body trying to get rid of the extra glucose and needing food because this extra glucose in his blood doesn't allow his cels to get all the nutrients they need
 
Hello, I'm also new here. I'm diabetic myself and have a cat (thoguh the cat isn't diabetic) but I have an interest in how feline diabetes should be managed
 
Thank you so very much :) All this information helps me so very much ! I know that I can do this and get Flipper on the right path. I was able to get food in him yesterday by syringe. Last night he did eat some baby food on his own thankfully, but I syringed him for his shot. I did notice that he gets quiet and lays down after the insulin for about an hour. Also I did his IV fluid again last night too. after an hour he began cleaning himself ( which made me happy ) , I think that is a good sign too. also after his IV , he did play for a minute or two with a ribbon pull :) WOW !!!! Maybe the iv helps a lot too. so today's plan is to get him to eat a little more, shots of course, and his meter will be arriving today - Eeek ! But I will get this done - I just have to. Hopefully I will be updating the vet as well. This morning when I awoke - he acted his normal self by meowing for me to get up and let him out of the bedroom , what a beautiful sound ! His fur looks a tad better and is soft as well this morning . THANK YOU !!!!!!!!
 
Veronica & Babu-chiri said:
First of all welcome!

There are a lot of great people with a lot of experience here that can help you so hang in there.

Ask all you need although I do suggest you do it in the main health fourm because there are more eyes there that can help.

I know they've already told you this but with ketones and probably some infection (hopefully your vet will eventually tell you what kind of infection) is VERY VERY important that he eats, whatever he wants ( dry is ok for now if that's the only thing he will have )and whenever he wants as long as he eats but you need to make sure is more than a few temptations treats ( those are not meant to be the only food just treats) or a little bit of gravy.

Later on you'll have to start switching him to a food that is appropriate for a diabetic cat but don't worry about it just now.
Click to expand...
I think once he is on the right road - I think I will be making him his food, as then I know what is in it and make it healthy, and have what he needs in it . I am really concerned about all these commercial foods being recalled for this and that . But I have to get him to eat regular first, and in better health :)
 
Laura Downing said:
I think once he is on the right road - I think I will be making him his food, as then I know what is in it and make it healthy, and have what he needs in it . I am really concerned about all these commercial foods being recalled for this and that . But I have to get him to eat regular first, and in better health :)
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good plan
 
Good morning , whew ! Ok power is back on, and finally the internet, tv, and phone . So I took flipper for his check on weight, and sugar check yesterday to the vets office. His glucose was at 350. So she told me to up the insulin by 1 unit. his weight went from 12.2 up to 12.5 . They showed me how to test his sugar with the new monitor, but they used the vein in his ear. I am going to watch your video now. I am still giving him iv fluid for now, and he has been eating 2 jars of baby food , 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening ( half of that on I had to syringe ) before his shots. Last night around 2 am I woke and heard him crunching the few pieces of hard food I left out , so that was a good sign I think. this morning he just looks a little better , more alert and his fur is starting to get back to normal I think. Whew ! Of course he is still hitting the water bowl as well.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top