How Often Should I Test?

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Arkali

Arkali

Member Since 2018
I'm currently testing every three waking hours (today is a bit off, but in general). Gypsy's newly diagnosed, and Lord knows I'm new at this. But someone else commented that I'm testing like someone would if they were doing TR. We're on SLGS.

Somewhat related--do y'all test for ketones often? If so, about how often and sticks or blood test? Gypsy was negative for ketones when the vet checked her. The thought of trying to catch her mid-pee and get a stick under her mid-stream has me shaking my head. I'm pretty sure that's not going to go down like it should :-p

Thanks!
 
When we want to check ketones we swap the regular litter box for one with non-absorbent litter. We got ours from the vet, but someone here recommended aquarium gravel. When Grandpa pees we have plenty to use for dipping. We rinse everything out, bag the litter, and are ready for next time.
 
The more data you get, the more you are able to see what is going on, but it really isn't necessary to test EVERY three hours all the time. You are just starting, but when you have done this for a little while you will probably find that you do not have to do it quite so often - at least not every cycle. It is also a good idea to mix up the test times some so you get a fuller picture of what a cycle looks like. In other words, don't always do the odd hours, do even hours sometimes.

I think I am the 'someone' to whom you are referring that commented that you test enough for TR. :D I was not saying that to make you stop testing so much but rather just to point out that you could be doing TR with all this testing, if you want.
 
Thanks, @FurBabiesMama --I think it was you :-) And no problem. I'm still in the anxiety stage of "Omigod, am I doing it right?" on every little thing, so I figured I'd ask. And Murphy's law, right as you were replying, I cross-posted in the Lantus forum. D'oh.
 
Heh. We can be nervous Nellie's together. At least I'm past the stage of thinking she's going to keel over any moment. She's jumping up on stuff again, and I *think* she's putting on a little weight. She doesn't look quite so pitiful at any rate.
 
Thank you! She's a total sweetheart too, and I can already tell she's feeling better even if she's been a little bouncy with her readings today. Thank you for all your advice and support--it means a lot and I really appreciate it :-)
 
Ideally before every shot (giving any kind of creature insulin without knowing their BG is a horrifying thought) and around the time of their nadir (depends on the specific insulin you are using) to see if they’re being regulated

Testing every few hours is only to get a good curve to see how exactly the insulin is affecting the cat. Once you figure out a good dose you don’t need to do that every day anymore. That’s a lot of poking and handling for kitty and will add up the test strips bill
 
Butterball said:
Ideally before every shot (giving any kind of creature insulin without knowing their BG is a horrifying thought) and around the time of their nadir (depends on the specific insulin you are using) to see if they’re being regulated

Testing every few hours is only to get a good curve to see how exactly the insulin is affecting the cat. Once you figure out a good dose you don’t need to do that every day anymore. That’s a lot of poking and handling for kitty and will add up the test strips bill
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Testing before every shot is something that should never stop. Getting a before bed test every night is very helpful since it's not unusual for cats to drop lower at night. One is missing half the data without any tests in the PM cycle...
 
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