12 year old cat recently diagnosed with diabetes

[Clarissa]

Hello, about a week ago, my 12 year old cat was diagnosed with diabetes. I noticed that he didn't walk the same, his hind legs looked a little wobbly, so I got him checked out. On the day he was diagnosed, my vet told me to start him on 1 unit of insulin every 12 hours. Today, it has been a full week, and so this morning I took him to his appointment for his blood glucose curve to be done. Unfortunately, my vet called me to pick up my cat early because his blood sugar was still too high and also kept hissing at my vet while she was trying to check his blood glucose. After I picked him up, my vet told me to raise his insulin dose to 2 units now. I should also mention that my cat has always been on dry food his entire life and freely eats. I regret not doing anything about changing his diet or looking more into it. Now i am trying to switch him to canned wet food that my vet prescribed me (w/d Hills prescription diet) I tried to see if my cat would eat it at first but he didnt want anything to do with it. I read that I should mix a little bit of it with his dry food, and I tried that but he still wouldn't eat even a small piece. I feel like if I changed his diet to wet food, his blood sugar would have a better chance to regulate. This is my first cat, and my parents gave him to me when I was 9. I am 21 now and I'm trying to do everything I can to help my cat, I'm very new to this, and I would appreciate any advice on how to get him to eat wet food. I asked one of the ladies at the desk what they thought of at home testing for blood glucose and one of the nurses said only trained professionals should do that.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Clarissa and welcome to you and your kitty

The best thing you can do for your cat is get a blood glucose meter and start testing your cat's blood sugar levels(BSL).
What the lady said at the front desk about only professionals doing the testing is absolute rubbish.
My 9 year old granddaughter used to test Sheba for me. If you test the blood sugars you will know that you are keeping your cat safe.
If you live in the US you can get a meter from Walmart. You will need
A Relion Micro or Conform meter
Box of 100 extra test strips
Box of 26 or 28 gauge lancets
Cotton balls to hold behind the ear when you prick the ear.
Here is a link how to test the BSL
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

If you live in another country we will be able to help you with meters as well.

About the food.
A lot of cats don't like the Hills M/D canned. Just take unopened cans back and say he won't eat it.
Any low carbohydrate canned food is suitable for cats. I will attach a link to a list below.
But before you try and swap him over you need to be testing the blood sugars because swapping over to a low carb diet will affect the BSL and cause them to drop in most cases. If you are testing you will be able to monitor the BSL and keep him safe and adjust the insulin dose as needed.

You have come to the right place. There are many experienced people here who have had diabetic cats for years and looked after them 24/7 and can help, support and guide you.
Here is a link to suitable foods
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/links-to-food-charts.174182/


We find a lot of vets do not know a lot about feline diabetes simply because they are not taught very much at all about FD at university and how to dose safely and they have many other animals with many diseases to be knowledgeable about.
Could you tell us a few things please?
Your cats name and weight.
What insulin he is on
What country you live in
Any other diseases?

When we increase the dose of the insulin we only go up in 0.25 unit increments not 1 unit increments. It is far safer that way and we will not go past the best dose for regulation.

Ask lots of questions. We are happy to answer them. You have just started your FD journey and it is a steep learning curve in the beginning.

 

[Clarissa]

Thank you Bron and Sheba for replying to my thread and helping me, my cat's name is Presto, he is orange and white longhaired, 17.5 lbs, he is taking Vetsulin and is on 2 units right now. I live in the US (CA) and Presto has no other diseases. I am really considering doing at home testing because I do think it would be very helpful and convenient. When poking the ear with the blood glucose meter, does it hurt them at all? I'm just afraid of my cat being scared of the meter if I try it on his ear. And about Presto's food, should I just continue feeding him dry food until I am able to get him a meter? I am also worried that if each time I take Presto to get his BG curves done, if his BG is still too high, I'm afraid my vet will keep increasing his dose each week by 1 unit

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Presto is a big boy! He looks very cute, and obviously loves his mama!
The single biggest thing you can do to help Presto is home testing of the BSL.
If you read the link about testing the BSL you will see that we test it on the ear which has few nerve endings.
Sheba never minded me doing it and always came running when she heard me at the box of strips and the meter.
The thing to do is to always do it in the same place and to give a small low carb treat either as you do it or afterwards. They will learn to associate the treat with the test. Start with rubbing and playing with his ears in the place you have decided to do the tests. Then when you get the meter follow the directions in the link. It will probably take a few days to get it going properly but you will get there I promise. We were all in your current position in the beginning. Always give a treat if you are successful or not.
You won't need to take him to the vet for any curves once you are testing as you will have ample data and we can help you with dosing by 0.25 increments.....much safer..

With the food, I would wait until you are testing before you change over to a low carb wet diet. Spend the next few days getting the meter and other things on the list, playing with his ears and buying the low carb food. Many people here feed fancy feast pate to friskies pate.
Do you have honey in the house? You will need honey in case of a hypo. Also have a look on the list of foods and choose a few tins that are about 12/14% carbs (medium carbs) and 18/22% carbs (high carbs) and buy them to have to help bring up the BSL if it drops low. Mark the tins with the number of carbs before you store them. We can help you further down the track with how to use them
Here is a link about hypos.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/links-to-food-charts.174182/

There is a lot to learn but you are well on the road so that is great.
If you are able to fill in your signature which is at the top of the page under your user name with Prestos name, age, date of diagnosis, any other illnesses, type and dose of insulin, your name and country where you live that would be great. We always look at the signature which will appear below your post ( have a look at mine) to see information about you before we can help you.
When you are ready I will suggest a couple more things you can set up ready.
Have a look at the yellow stickies at the top of the different pages, they are full of info.
Here is a bit more reading for you when you are ready....FAQ

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/health-links-faqs-about-feline-diabetes.14/

 

[JanetNJ]

Lots of great info above, so I'll just say welcome. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. I feed fancy feast classic and a little bit of young again zero carb dry.... Just a handful. That's an option if she really won't eat wet. You can ask for a free sample at www.youngagainpetfood.com

 

[Clarissa]

Presto is a big boy! He looks very cute, and obviously loves his mama!
The single biggest thing you can do to help Presto is home testing of the BSL.
If you read the link about testing the BSL you will see that we test it on the ear which has few nerve endings.
Sheba never minded me doing it and always came running when she heard me at the box of strips and the meter.
The thing to do is to always do it in the same place and to give a small low carb treat either as you do it or afterwards. They will learn to associate the treat with the test. Start with rubbing and playing with his ears in the place you have decided to do the tests. Then when you get the meter follow the directions in the link. It will probably take a few days to get it going properly but you will get there I promise. We were all in your current position in the beginning. Always give a treat if you are successful or not.
You won't need to take him to the vet for any curves once you are testing as you will have ample data and we can help you with dosing by 0.25 increments.....much safer..

With the food, I would wait until you are testing before you change over to a low carb wet diet. Spend the next few days getting the meter and other things on the list, playing with his ears and buying the low carb food. Many people here feed fancy feast pate to friskies pate.
Do you have honey in the house? You will need honey in case of a hypo. Also have a look on the list of foods and choose a few tins that are about 12/14% carbs (medium carbs) and 18/22% carbs (high carbs) and buy them to have to help bring up the BSL if it drops low. Mark the tins with the number of carbs before you store them. We can help you further down the track with how to use them
Here is a link about hypos.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/links-to-food-charts.174182/

There is a lot to learn but you are well on the road so that is great.
If you are able to fill in your signature which is at the top of the page under your user name with Prestos name, age, date of diagnosis, any other illnesses, type and dose of insulin, your name and country where you live that would be great. We always look at the signature which will appear below your post ( have a look at mine) to see information about you before we can help you.
When you are ready I will suggest a couple more things you can set up ready.
Have a look at the yellow stickies at the top of the different pages, they are full of info.
Here is a bit more reading for you when you are ready....FAQ

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/health-links-faqs-about-feline-diabetes.14/

Yes, I have honey at home. Unfortunately, I will be going out of the country tomorrow until July 16 for a reunion. I had already gotten my ticket even before I found out about Presto's diagnosis. My older brother and my older sister have been helping me to give Presto his insulin shots, and while I am gone they will continue giving him the shots and taking care of him. I thought of cancelling my flight so I can start the home testing for the BSL as soon as possible. But I feel it is already too late since I'm supposed to leave tomorrow. After I come back on the 16th of July, I will be leaving again on the 24th out of the country until August 12th. If I would've known about Presto's contition sooner I wouldn't have booked the flights. If I ask my brother and sister to start the home testing, I feel like it would be too much pressure put on them. Should I wait until I come back on the 16th and start the home testing? And while I'm away should I just continue feeding him his dry food mixture and continue giving him 2 units of insulin? I also don't know if I should continue to have him freely eat or feed him twice a day. My vet said to feed him how I normally do so it's just been free feeding, which I don't think is the best idea? Sorry I just have a lot of questions but I really appreciate you taking the time to help and respond!

 

[Clarissa]

Lots of great info above, so I'll just say welcome. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. I feed fancy feast classic and a little bit of young again zero carb dry.... Just a handful. That's an option if she really won't eat wet. You can ask for a free sample at www.youngagainpetfood.com

Hi Janet, thank you for your response, I watched the video of the home testing and it will really help once I start home testing with my cat. How did your cat react when you poked his ear for the first time? I'm a little scared that my cat might not like it

 

[Tanya and Ducia]

If I ask my brother and sister to start the home testing, I feel like it would be too much pressure put on them. Should I wait until I come back on the 16th and start the home testing?

It would be fantastic if your family can step in and start home testing right away.
Giving insulin blindly can cause Hypoglycemia any day, any time. It kills cats in hours.

Do encourage your bro and sis to help out and to post here for Presto - any questions, any concerns - whatever they may need help with.
Home testing is easy. I use human glucometer Relion Micro from Walmart - affordable and reliable. No need for pet specific, expensive meter.

I asked one of the ladies at the desk what they thought of at home testing for blood glucose and one of the nurses said only trained professionals should do that.

Sorry but this person is either utterly ignorant re: Feline Diabetes or a Greedy one who who rather put a cat in danger of Hypo than miss the income from useless (for you) vet's office tests.

@Clarissa

 

[JanetNJ]

Hi Janet, thank you for your response, I watched the video of the home testing and it will really help once I start home testing with my cat. How did your cat react when you poked his ear for the first time? I'm a little scared that my cat might not like it

She used to try to walk away. I didn't have the technique down yet and her ears didn't bleed as easily... So she would get annoyed. It didn't hurt though. After a week or so her ears bled easier and she started associating testing with a snack. She honestly doesn't care now.

 

[Clarissa]

Lots of great info above, so I'll just say welcome. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home. I feed fancy feast classic and a little bit of young again zero carb dry.... Just a handful. That's an option if she really won't eat wet. You can ask for a free sample at www.youngagainpetfood.com

When I start home testing for the first time, how often are you supposed to check the BSL's in a day? And how would I go about starting the home testing?

 

[Clarissa]

It would be fantastic if your family can step in and start home testing right away.
Giving insulin blindly can cause Hypoglycemia any day, any time. It kills cats in hours.

Do encourage your bro and sis to help out and to post here for Presto - any questions, any concerns - whatever they may need help with.
Home testing is easy. I use human glucometer Relion Micro from Walmart - affordable and reliable. No need for pet specific, expensive meter.


Sorry but this person is either utterly ignorant re: Feline Diabetes or a Greedy one who who rather put a cat in danger of Hypo than miss the income from useless (for you) vet's office tests.

@Clarissa

Hello Tanya and Ducia, thank you for your response! I will tell my brother and sister to start the home testing while I'm away. My sister already made an account on this website and she will be asking questions on here or making a separate post on her own.

It would be fantastic if your family can step in and start home testing right away.
Giving insulin blindly can cause Hypoglycemia any day, any time. It kills cats in hours.

Do encourage your bro and sis to help out and to post here for Presto - any questions, any concerns - whatever they may need help with.
Home testing is easy. I use human glucometer Relion Micro from Walmart - affordable and reliable. No need for pet specific, expensive meter.


Sorry but this person is either utterly ignorant re: Feline Diabetes or a Greedy one who who rather put a cat in danger of Hypo than miss the income from useless (for you) vet's office tests.

@Clarissa

Hello Tanya and Ducia, thank you for your response! I will tell my brother and sister to start the home testing with Presto. My sister already made an account on this website and she will ask questions on here or maybe make a post on her own. Her account name is Kimberly and Presto.

 

[JanetNJ]

When I start home testing for the first time, how often are you supposed to check the BSL's in a day? And how would I go about starting the home testing?

You want to get preshot tests right before each shot (no food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test so the number is not food influenced). Then whenever you can get at least one mid cycle number to see how low he's going.

Days that you are home its good to get a few extra readings of do a curve (a reading every 2 hours for 12 hours) to really see what the insulin is doing... How long before it kicks in and how long it lasts.

 

[Olive & Paula]

Hello and welcome. OM Presto is a big beauty. Is there some Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest in him?

My avatar Olive is my 2nd diabetic. I just adopted her in February. Took 3 days to train her for testing. Appropriate treat after each test helps tremendously. I can call her, Ollie time to eat, or Ollie time for poke and she will come. Now she doesn't always keep head still as she'd rather have ears scratched or looking for her treat, but she doesn't fight back. My previous cat I'd inherited from my parents. They never tested him. When I started he just laid right down to get tested. He would also start hitting me relentlessly if he was to low to let me know so I could test. He spoiled me.

 

[Clarissa]

Hello and welcome. OM Presto is a big beauty. Is there some Maine Coon or Norwegian Forest in him?

My avatar Olive is my 2nd diabetic. I just adopted her in February. Took 3 days to train her for testing. Appropriate treat after each test helps tremendously. I can call her, Ollie time to eat, or Ollie time for poke and she will come. Now she doesn't always keep head still as she'd rather have ears scratched or looking for her treat, but she doesn't fight back. My previous cat I'd inherited from my parents. They never tested him. When I started he just laid right down to get tested. He would also start hitting me relentlessly if he was to low to let me know so I could test. He spoiled me.

Hi Olive and Paula, I'm not sure exactly what breed Presto is, but he had a sister named Pepper that was a tabby. Unfortunately, Pepper ran away in 2016. I hope Presto will start getting used to getting his BSL's checked daily like your Olive, she seems like a very good cat

 

[Anne Biddle]

Welcome and you’re doing great. Home testing and wet food are the key. Truffles says hi to Presto too

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

If you are going to be away and your brother and sister are going to be giving the insulin but not testing, I would not increase the dose at all until you are back and can start testing the blood sugar. Also I would continue to feed the dry food until you are home and can test. If you change over to low carb wet food the blood sugars will drop and it could lead to a hypo.
Print off this link about how to recognise and treat hypos and put it somewhere where your brother and sister can see it.
Make sure there is honey available.
Tell you brother and sister to post here on your account for help anytime.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

ETA I would continue to free feed him until you are back home to start the testing.
If your brother and sister want to try testing that is fine too but I don't think I would change the food or the dose until there is someone there who can test consistently.

 

[Clarissa]

If you are going to be away and your brother and sister are going to be giving the insulin but not testing, I would not increase the dose at all until you are back and can start testing the blood sugar. Also I would continue to feed the dry food until you are home and can test. If you change over to low carb wet food the blood sugars will drop and it could lead to a hypo.
Print off this link about how to recognise and treat hypos and put it somewhere where your brother and sister can see it.
Make sure there is honey available.
Tell you brother and sister to post here on your account for help anytime.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-treat-hypos-they-can-kill-print-this-out.15887/

ETA I would continue to free feed him until you are back home to start the testing.
If your brother and sister want to try testing that is fine too but I don't think I would change the food or the dose until there is someone there who can test consistently.

My sister said she would be willing to start the home testing. She also made an account on this website and will post on here for questions, her name is Kimberly and Presto. How often do you usually check the BSL's in a day?

 

[Olive & Paula]

Minimum before each shot. You want to make sure it's safe to give insulin. Another very good time is before you go to bed so you know Presto will be safe overnight.

I just tested my girl and got 73, so I'll be up a bit longer.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

My sister said she would be willing to start the home testing. She also made an account on this website and will post on here for questions, her name is Kimberly and Presto. How often do you usually check the BSL's in a day?

As well as before each shot and before bed as Paula suggested, I would try and get a test in at +4 to +6 (4 to 6 hours after each shot ) to see how low the insulin is taking Presto.
We will keep an eye out for your sister when she posts. Tell her to post for any help or questions and we will help her.

 

[Clarissa]

As well as before each shot and before bed as Paula suggested, I would try and get a test in at +4 to +6 (4 to 6 hours after each shot ) to see how low the insulin is taking Presto.
We will keep an eye out for your sister when she posts. Tell her to post for any help or questions and we will help her.

Thank you

As well as before each shot and before bed as Paula suggested, I would try and get a test in at +4 to +6 (4 to 6 hours after each shot ) to see how low the insulin is taking Presto.
We will keep an eye out for your sister when she posts. Tell her to post for any help or questions and we will help her.

Today I actually bought the relion confirm glucometer and test strips and lancets, I just wanted to check Prestos BSL's before his 9pm insulin was due, and he hasn't eaten anything 2 hours before, so it wouldn't be food influenced. It was at 399. After his 9pm insulin shot, I woke up at 3am and checked again just to see where he's at with the 2 units of insulin. This time it was at 373. When Presto was diagnosed, it was at 507mg/dL. And on Presto's most recent trip to the vet for his first glucose curve, the vet said that it was around 600 I think is what she said, but presto was very stressed out that I had to pick him up early from his appointment.
This was my first time checking his blood glucose levels at home, and the first time I poked his ear, a good, small bead of blood came out. The second time I checked his blood glucose levels, his ear started bleeding a lot when I poked his ear. I poked at the area between the vein and the edge of the ear, and I was a little worried when I saw a lot of blood come out. But it stopped bleeding after I applied pressure though. Presto didn't seemed too bothered by it but it seems like he could feel just a little tickle when I poked his ear.

 

[Clarissa]

Welcome and you’re doing great. Home testing and wet food are the key. Truffles says hi to Presto too

Hello Anne Biddle, thank you and I am planning on switching Presto to wet food soon, he's been on dry food his whole life and when I first introduced wet food to him, he refused to eat it, even when I mixed his dry food with it. Truffles is very cute!

 

[Anne Biddle]

You’ll notice a huge difference in Presto once his numbers are lower, I hope. Truffles is his old self again and it’s wonderful to see.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Well done on getting two tests in so soon after buying the meter!

 

[Idjit's mom]

Congrats on your success with testing so soon, you are a pro already. Keep working transitioning to wet food, it's going to help lower those BG numbers and get Presto feeling better. There are many low carb wet food brands you can try, check the Food chart in the yellow sticky at the top of the Main Forum page. We would buy one can of each of the low carb foods we found at the regular store and tried them out. Idjit definitely has his favorites! Also, for your consideration, bake a chicken breast and dice some up, put some on top of the wet food for enticement, or some use Parmesan cheese.

There are also low carb dry alternatives, Dr. Elsey's and Young Again. Although members have mentioned they quit using Young Again because of a formula change that caused some gastro problems and very stinky poo. Wet food is the best, because hydration is ever important.

 

[Clarissa]

Congrats on your success with testing so soon, you are a pro already. Keep working transitioning to wet food, it's going to help lower those BG numbers and get Presto feeling better. There are many low carb wet food brands you can try, check the Food chart in the yellow sticky at the top of the Main Forum page. We would buy one can of each of the low carb foods we found at the regular store and tried them out. Idjit definitely has his favorites! Also, for your consideration, bake a chicken breast and dice some up, put some on top of the wet food for enticement, or some use Parmesan cheese.

There are also low carb dry alternatives, Dr. Elsey's and Young Again. Although members have mentioned they quit using Young Again because of a formula change that caused some gastro problems and very stinky poo. Wet food is the best, because hydration is ever important.

Hello Lou and Idjit, thank you for your response, I will definitely try my best to find a good canned food for presto that he will like once I come back from my trip.

 

[Clarissa]

Well done on getting two tests in so soon after buying the meter!

I was thinking of just continuing Presto's 2 unit insulin shots with his usual eating regime for now until I come back from my trip. Since we are not starting the home testing for Presto just yet, should we still take Presto to his vet appointment on Thursday to get his BG curve done? Presto would need to take Gabapentin 2 hours before his appointment to help him calm down. I just get worried taking Presto to the vet because last time on the way home from the vet, he urinated while in his cage and I had to give him a bath. My vet said Presto wouldn't eat while he was over there and It didn't seem like he wouldn't use the litter box there either. I just hope this time would be better

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I was thinking of just continuing Presto's 2 unit insulin shots with his usual eating regime for now until I come back from my trip. Since we are not starting the home testing for Presto just yet, should we still take Presto to his vet appointment on Thursday to get his BG curve done? Presto would need to take Gabapentin 2 hours before his appointment to help him calm down. I just get worried taking Presto to the vet because last time on the way home from the vet, he urinated while in his cage and I had to give him a bath. My vet said Presto wouldn't eat while he was over there and It didn't seem like he wouldn't use the litter box there either. I just hope this time would be better

Didn't you say that your sister and brother were going to be testing Presto while you were away?
They could easily do the curve instead of taking him to the vet and having all the associated issues.

I would keep him on the same food until you get home but I would definitely start the testing now and continue it while you are away if your sister is able to do it. It is the only real way to keep Presto safe.
We are here to help her while you are away.

 

[Clarissa]

Didn't you say that your sister and brother were going to be testing Presto while you were away?
They could easily do the curve instead of taking him to the vet and having all the associated issues.

I would keep him on the same food until you get home but I would definitely start the testing now and continue it while you are away if your sister is able to do it. It is the only real way to keep Presto safe.
We are here to help her while you are away.

My sister is able to do the home testing like checking his BSL's before each shot and in between each shot, but since my brother and sister still work, I'm not sure if they're able to do the curves because of their schedule, I will ask them if they are available to do it, if not, should I just do the curve when I come back from my trip?

 

[Clarissa]

Should I just let my vet know that we're gonna start home testing on Presto instead?

 

[Kimberly and Presto]

Hello,

I’m Clarissa’s sister and I was wondering if we should still take him to the vet on his weekly appointments to check his BSL. My sister bought the home testing kits already and showed me how to do it, so is it really necessary to take him back to the vet again? This would be his second trip if I take him. The first trip, the vets said his BSL were too high and started hissing a lot, and on the way home my sister said he peed in his cage carrier and was covered all over with it.. the vets did give us sedation medication to give prior to his appointment. What do you think?

Also, when checking his BSL, my sister told me about 4-6 hours after his shot to see how the insulin is working. Would checking his BSL 3 hours after instead of 4-6 hours be a problem? I just have an errand at a certain time I need to do

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi Kimberley
If you are home testing you shouldn’t need to take him to the vet.
Try and get a few different readings at different times.
Is it just one day you want to do the +3?
If the test is dropping you will need to test again an hour or two later to check he is not dropping too low. Do you understand what I mean?
Keep asking lots of questions.

 

[Kimberly and Presto]

Hello again,

So I’m not going to take Presto to his weekly appointment (more so because I can’t stand to think of how frightened and stressed he’ll be). I called the animal hospital that we’re not going and they said that depending on what the doctor says, she most likely will not resell me insulin without going to the weekly appointments to check up on him. There is still plenty of insulin in the bottle, but in the case she doesn’t sell us anymore insulin, where would I get it?

 

[Leah]

Wow, what a terrible response from that vet! Most people have at least a few months worth in the bottle, so I wouldn't worry immediately. I'd shop around for a new vet, and take my time at it!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hello again,

So I’m not going to take Presto to his weekly appointment (more so because I can’t stand to think of how frightened and stressed he’ll be). I called the animal hospital that we’re not going and they said that depending on what the doctor says, she most likely will not resell me insulin without going to the weekly appointments to check up on him. There is still plenty of insulin in the bottle, but in the case she doesn’t sell us anymore insulin, where would I get it?

What Leah said is true, you should have enough insulin to go on with for a while and in the meantime you can look around for another vet who is willing to work WITH you in getting Presto regulated. Withholding insulin because you don't go to weekly appointments, when you are home testing, is outrageous.
We can help and support you here with dosing while you find another vet.
Don't be discouraged.
You are doing really well helping Presto.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hello again,

So I’m not going to take Presto to his weekly appointment (more so because I can’t stand to think of how frightened and stressed he’ll be). I called the animal hospital that we’re not going and they said that depending on what the doctor says, she most likely will not resell me insulin without going to the weekly appointments to check up on him. There is still plenty of insulin in the bottle, but in the case she doesn’t sell us anymore insulin, where would I get it?

The problem is you can order it, but unless you are getting it from a person, any online pharmacy will still need to contact a vet for a perscription.

 

[Jenna Josie]

Maybe google “cat clinic” or “feline only” and the name of your city/town and see what might come up. We have a few of those where we live, and I think it makes a huge difference in both advice/experience and attitude: Josie’s feline-only vet told us we would *have* to home test.

 

[heido]

Hi! I'm Heidi and my diabetic cat is Milo (in the avatar) Backstory: he's a big boy (mixed ragdoll), 19 pounds, down from 22 before the diagnosis. H(e was diagnosed within a week or so of his symptoms in May of this year. I'm new to this as you are and still fairly overwhelmed. I can't give too much advice but I wanted to say hi and tell you about wet food and animal hospitals.

I have 2 cats. Milo (the diabetic) and Roo (the anxiety ridden). They're 11 and have been with me since they were around 5 weeks old. I've always fed them Purina dry food, changing to the Vibrant Maturity when they turned 10. This was a free feeding thing, always out for them to graze. Always fed Fancy Feast. They split a can once a day. **Here's the important stuff. Once Milo was diagnosed that's the day the feeding changed for them. The animal hospital I take them to has 4 vets and my cat's vet wasn't there that day. The one that was ordered a dry food only diet and wanted to sell me an expensive bag of dry food. I refused it. I came here and did some homework to find out that a wet food diet was preferred by the AAHA and lots of other vets. It was even suggested in the paperwork that the vet's office gave me!

I called my preferred vet the next day he was in and he was not happy. He agrees with the wet food only diet. We are on the same page with Milo's care. It wasn't that hard to take the cats off the dry food and take them to a wet food only diet. I feed them 4 times a day, half a can of Fancy Feast each. I chose to go with that because it's what they've always eaten and my vet agrees that they're older and if it isn't broken don't fix it. He wants me to try the GlycoBalance with Milo but it's expensive and I'm on a budget. At first it was harder on ME than it was on THEM.

*Animal Hospitals. I was lucky enough to have them go to an all cat vet for a while at first. It was so great. Then I left my ex husband and had to find another vet. I looked for a place that was AAHA certified. That was important to me. It was close to where I live and just happened to be where my mother took her dogs when I was younger. They remembered her.

I agree that you need to home test. My vet agrees with home testing. He doesn't want me to bring Milo to the office at all because he doesn't want vet stress to interfere with the numbers.

Good luck!

 

[JanetNJ]

Good call giving fancy feast! Just make sure it's classic pate.... No gravy.

Welcome.

I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.

 

[JeanW]

Home testing is key. My cat's numbers are higher when very stressed at the animal hospital so testing at home gets more "normal" numbers.

 

[Clarissa]

Hello,
I checked Presto's BSLs before his shot and it is at 381. As of last night, I've slowly tried to change Presto's diet to wet food, I've bought different flavors of fancy feast classic pate and friskies to see which one he likes. So far he likes the friskies salmon dinner. Today is the first time he's actually eating wet food, and I understand that changing from dry food will significantly affect Presto's BSLs. Since I am giving Presto wet food before his shot, is it safe to still give him the 2 units of insulin that I've been giving him?

 

[Clarissa]

Hello,
I checked Presto's BSLs before his shot and it is at 381. As of last night, I've slowly tried to change Presto's diet to wet food, I've bought different flavors of fancy feast classic pate and friskies to see which one he likes. So far he likes the friskies salmon dinner. Today is the first time he's actually eating wet food, and I understand that changing from dry food will significantly affect Presto's BSLs. Since I am giving Presto wet food before his shot, is it safe to still give him the 2 units of insulin that I've been giving him?

Update: I just checked Presto's BSLs 4 hours after his Insulin shot of 2 units and his BSLs went down to 82. If his BSLs still remain low before his next shot, what do we do about the dosing of 2 units?

 

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

I asked one of the ladies at the desk what they thought of at home testing for blood glucose and one of the nurses said only trained professionals should do that.

You're not alone in getting this kind of advice.

My vet said not to home test because he had only had one client that had ever been successful. He wanted me to feed Hills prescription food and shoot insulin blind, and return in 6 months.

However, my Godfather died of complications of diabetes, so I know how important home testing and diet are. I like my Relion meter and testing supplies Walmart is doing a wonderful thing for both human and animal diabetics by having a line of very affordable meters/testing supplies. If it had not been for this website and all the wonderful people here, we would not be OTJ (off the juice) and controlling with diet alone.

I wish something could be published in the various veterinary journals/professional websites changing/adding a standard of care like we are doing here and recommending this website for reference. I love my vet and he's actually very good (and even the best one in the area), but this is one thing we disagree strongly about

 

[Clarissa]

Hello again,
I've recently started looking for a new vet since my old vet said she would not resell us the insulin without going to the weekly appointments. I have called another animal clinic and told them my situation, and they have said that they never heard of home testing before, but they said since I have been checking his bg levels at home, it shouldn't be necessary to bring him in, unless i choose to bring him in once just to see how they do things there with the testing. However, for me to get a refill or to get a new insulin vial, they said i would have to make an appointment with the vet and discuss Presto's BG levels and go from there.

 

[JanetNJ]

Hello again,
I've recently started looking for a new vet since my old vet said she would not resell us the insulin without going to the weekly appointments. I have called another animal clinic and told them my situation, and they have said that they never heard of home testing before, but they said since I have been checking his bg levels at home, it shouldn't be necessary to bring him in, unless i choose to bring him in once just to see how they do things there with the testing. However, for me to get a refill or to get a new insulin vial, they said i would have to make an appointment with the vet and discuss Presto's BG levels and go from there.

They never heard of home testing??! Where do you live? Lol

I can understand them wanting to examine the cat before writing a perscription. Sounds like they are more willing to work with you.

 

[Clarissa]

They never heard of home testing??! Where do you live? Lol

I can understand them wanting to examine the cat before writing a perscription. Sounds like they are more willing to work with you.

I live in southern California, and I'm not sure why but it doesn't seem like a lot of vets here are familiar about home testing maybe i still need to keep looking just in case?

 

[JanetNJ]

I live in southern California, and I'm not sure why but it doesn't seem like a lot of vets here are familiar about home testing maybe i still need to keep looking just in case?

As long as these new folks are on board with you testing at home it's probably ok. If you want to make a few more calls that's up to you too. My vet didn't push home testing. Basically she said some test, most don't... And here's what to look for to avoid a hypo. Once I started home testing my cat didnt go back to the vet for a year. I just occasionally emailed her a link to the spreadsheet to keep her in the loop.

 

[Leah]

If they don't try to argue with you about everything, seem on board with learning, and you otherwise like them, I'd be tempted to keep them on as a public service - making sure there's a good diabetic-knowledgeable vet in the area

 

[Clarissa]

As long as these new folks are on board with you testing at home it's probably ok. If you want to make a few more calls that's up to you too. My vet didn't push home testing. Basically she said some test, most don't... And here's what to look for to avoid a hypo. Once I started home testing my cat didnt go back to the vet for a year. I just occasionally emailed her a link to the spreadsheet to keep her in the loop.

I'll try to make an appointment soon with them, so far they seem like nice people. The insulin I have now is almost halfway done, so i would like to find a new vet who is willing to work with me as soon as possible.

 

[Clarissa]

If they don't try to argue with you about everything, seem on board with learning, and you otherwise like them, I'd be tempted to keep them on as a public service - making sure there's a good diabetic-knowledgeable vet in the area

My last vet seemed like she was totally against it, and she would barely try to communicate with me. It just seemed like they cared more about the money than the care. But the new animal clinic I called seemed to be better than my last one because even though they never heard of home testing, they didn't seem like they were really against it.

 

[JanetNJ]

My last vet seemed like she was totally against it, and she would barely try to communicate with me. It just seemed like they cared more about the money than the care. But the new animal clinic I called seemed to be better than my last one because even though they never heard of home testing, they didn't seem like they were really against it.

Sounds like they will be able to learn from you. my vet asks questions about this forum, testing, and the spreadsheet. She writes info down for other customers.