Alex

[Pam and Alex]

Pam of Pam and Stasha from many years ago. Back in 2017 I had inquired about kittys that became diabetic while on c/d for crystals and found a number of members had the same experience. Alex has been doing fine since then on Fancy Feast and had even gained some weight and his hind quarters started filling out some. About a month ago he started having symptoms of urinary problems so I took him to our new vet. He had an infection which I expected (no crystals) and some glucose in the urine. Explained his situation to vet. He's been on Clavamox for 3 weeks. Took him for recheck today and vet called to say his glucose was through the roof. We agreed he should have complete bloodwork and he'll have results back tomorrow. I feel that we should not start insulin until his body has a chance to settle down from infection and clavamox. As I recall both raise glucose. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[Julie and Honey]

The infection often will raise BG higher than it would normally be, makes sense to wait until infection is gone to get an accurate picture of where his BG levels are post infection. Not sure on the Clavamox, but vet should know.

 

[Pam and Alex]

He's ready to start right away. I am not. I haven't tried testing Alex and not looking forward to it. Stasha was easy. He will not be. Another of my cats was diagnosed 3 weeks ago hyperthyroid and she's just had her first recheck. Everything at once.

 

[Julie and Honey]

Here are some testing tips
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

I was having trouble at first and got suggestions on how to go slowly and get them used to the area for testing and the process. Make sure you have some low carb treats, I got freeze dried salmon. I only use this for testing so she knows she will get it for the test. Start slow just “pretend” testing to start, take kitty to area you want to test and give him treat there, next time take him to same test area and touch his ears so he gets used to that, then give him treat, do this several time until cat gets used to this routine. Always speak calmly and give encouragement so it is a good experience. Eventually work up to actual testing, see above link for more info.

My last kitty had hyperthyroidism and it was well managed for almost 10 years, that is an easy one! You can get the tapazole/ methamazole compounded transdermal cream and just rub inside edge of ear, so easy to give medication this way. I used to get it from Pine Pharmacy in NY sent in the mail. Have not ordered in 8 years, but they likely still sell it, they were very reasonable compared to other places.

 

[Julie and Honey]

Do you know what type of insulin you are planning to use? You may want to do new post asking advice on insulin and dosing once you have more info.

 

[Pam and Alex]

Here are some testing tips
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

I was having trouble at first and got suggestions on how to go slowly and get them used to the area for testing and the process. Make sure you have some low carb treats, I got freeze dried salmon. I only use this for testing so she knows she will get it for the test. Start slow just “pretend” testing to start, take kitty to area you want to test and give him treat there, next time take him to same test area and touch his ears so he gets used to that, then give him treat, do this several time until cat gets used to this routine. Always speak calmly and give encouragement so it is a good experience. Eventually work up to actual testing, see above link for more info.

My last kitty had hyperthyroidism and it was well managed for almost 10 years, that is an easy one! You can get the tapazole/ methamazole compounded transdermal cream and just rub inside edge of ear, so easy to give medication this way. I used to get it from Pine Pharmacy in NY sent in the mail. Have not ordered in 8 years, but they likely still sell it, they were very reasonable compared to other places.

Here are some testing tips
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/

My hyperthyroid kitty is on felimazole pills. I should get first retest results tomorrow when I get Alex's results.
I used Lantus for my Stasha back when it was just starting to be used on cats. Had to convince my vet to let me try it. He had never heard of it. She was very sensitive low dose kitty. I was able to get her OTJ in a little more than a year I think. No idea what to expect from Alex so at this point I want to get him over infection and see where it goes. I do not have the time to devote to Alex that I had with Stasha. I tested often during the day because she hypod easily. I'm not for test/shoot/ feed and walk out the door for the day. Thanks!

 

[Pam and Alex]

Oops must have posted wrong!?

 

[Steph & Quintus & L & O]

The antibiotics shouldn't raise the BG, but the infection and possible stress will. I would gently try and take a test or two while you wait for the lab results (fructosamine I assume?). How "through the roof" high was his BG? (FWIW my civvie Erica went over 300 from stress and pain at some point)

 

[Julie and Honey]

Oops must have posted wrong!?

Not sure what happened there either? Looks like you quoted post and replied within the quote, that’s a new one, maybe a system glitch.

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

Pam of Pam and Stasha from many years ago.

Pam! My mentor! I don't post much any more, although I do check in everyday. I was surprised when I saw your name. Good to see you, but wish it wasn't because of Alex! Hope all else is well with you and Rich!

I feel that we should not start insulin until his body has a chance to settle down from infection and clavamox. As I recall both raise glucose. Any thoughts?

An infection can certainly raise glucose. Antibiotics shouldn't unless there's a sweetener if the ab is in liquid form. I understand wanting to wait, but I wouldn't wait too long pending the results of the lab work. If his glucose level remains high and you decide not to start insulin quite yet, test for ketones if his appetite goes off even a little bit. If he throws any ketones, you'll want to re-think the decision to withhold insulin.

I haven't tried testing Alex and not looking forward to it. Stasha was easy. He will not be.

Maybe start going through the motions followed by a treat, so he gets used to you touching his ears. It might help and you don't have anything to lose.

I sure hope his BG numbers go down and this turns out to simply be an opportunity to say hi!

Oops must have posted wrong!?

No worries! It happens more than you think!

If you haven't, take a look around. A lot has changed since those early Lantus days. You might want to take a look at the SLGS Method we adapted for use with Lantus and Levemir. We took a lot from what was learned in those early Lantus days and combined it with the FDMB's traditional SLGS method. It works.

Let us know if/how we can help.

BTW, here's the link to your old profile: Pam and Stasha (GA).

 

[Pam and Alex]

Jill!! I wondered if you were still around!!!! OMG! The good old days!! Hope all is well with you!!

So after scaring the heck out of me yesterday by telling me his glucose was off the charts, I'm thinking 500 or more. Got the blood work back and it was 334. After I stopped the c/d in October 2017 and went back to Fancy Feast he was 316 when tested the first time. I checked here and found others who attributed their cats diabetes to c/d. I decided to continue with Fancy Feast and in 2 weeks he was at 207. The vet was surprised and told me if I could get him down another 20 pts he'd be happy. He did really well and although I didn't test he was gaining weight and filling out. Then came the infection. So I was greatly relieved to see 334. So was the vet. So we agreed I'd continue what I was doing and see where he goes. I was giving liquid clavamox so I don't know if it contributed or not but I don't have to give any more at this time. I'm going to get a meter and start checking in a couple weeks. We'll see what happens.

We will have to catch up soon!! So glad to know you're still around!!

 

[Julie and Honey]

Great news BG is not as bad as vet made you believe. Shame on him for scaring you like that. Hope good progress continues.

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

I hope this amounts to nothing more than a blip on the radar. I like your idea to get a meter and attempt to test him. Best to stay on top of this. So good to hear from you. Good luck!