Help first home test and 70 mg/dl

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MrRumps

MrRumps

Member Since 2019
Rumpy semi stopped eating and has had diarrhea today. This evening I felt like his behavior was off so I picked up the glucometer to do our first home test. His reading was 70 mg/dl.

He has been hospitalized twice for DKA
 
You want to Test/Feed/Shoot in that order. You Test to make sure they're high enough for insulin, Feed to make sure they're at least willing to eat and Shoot.....Usually all within 5-10 minutes

Do you have urine ketone test strips to test him for ketones?
 
I took that reading at 11pm and his shot was at 8pm. He hasn't been eating very well and his behavior started to seem off so I took the reading. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to or not, but I wanted to know if he was low. Should I retest? I put a dab of honey in his gums and he is sleeping now.
 
We usually don't intervene with high carb foods until they drop below 50 (on a human meter) but we also don't know what his blood glucose was before you shot since you didn't test first.

If he was at 100 and now at +3 he's 70, that's one thing, but if he was at 230 and dropped to 70 by +3, that's another.

I'd test again now since it's been 30 minutes since you got the 70

Did you give him 1.5 at 8pm?
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
We usually don't intervene with high carb foods until they drop below 50 (on a human meter) but we also don't know what his blood glucose was before you shot since you didn't test first.

If he was at 100 and now at +3 he's 70, that's one thing, but if he was at 230 and dropped to 70 by +3, that's another.

I'd test again now since it's been 30 minutes since you got the 70

Did you give him 1.5 at 8pm?
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The reading I just took was 73
 
MrRumps said:
The reading I just took was 73
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OK....still a nice safe number but it's still early in the cycle.

I'd give him a small snack of low carb food and test again in no more than an hour (IF he eats). If he doesn't eat, you'd better test again in 30 minutes. We want to keep him safe! Most cats go lower at night and since we have no data on him yet, you may be up for awhile.
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
OK....still a nice safe number but it's still early in the cycle.

I'd give him a small snack of low carb food and test again in no more than an hour (IF he eats). If he doesn't eat, you'd better test again in 30 minutes. We want to keep him safe! Most cats go lower at night and since we have no data on him yet, you may be up for awhile.
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The only higher carb food that I have that he will eat is a dry food from Earthborn I think is 17.5%. I didn't put much down, but he started eating right away!
 
He didn't need the dry ….the 73 was still a nice safe number

I had suggested feeding a little of his regular low carb food....we wanted to just keep him from dropping too much further without sending him to the moon.

It'll be important moving forward for you to keep some different foods in the house....A few cans of medium carb and high carb canned foods. Medium is 11-16%...High carb is 16+

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers is the high carb most of us use
 
I have not been able to find any food that he will eat that has more than 1% carb other than his dry food. The food he has been eating is Tiki cat chicken and that says it's 0%
He won't eat friskies or fancy feast and especially hates pate.
 
Oh, sorry I mixed it up. I'm honestly very overwhelmed and it is all new to me trying to understand what the spreadsheet means and what I am supposed to be doing.
 
MrRumps said:
Oh, sorry I mixed it up. I'm honestly very overwhelmed and it is all new to me trying to understand what the spreadsheet means and what I am supposed to be doing.
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That's ok. We understand it is overwhelming. We will help you through this.
How long after the shot did you do the two tests?
 
No worries!! We understand it can be really overwhelming!!

Basically, the + cells correspond to the number of hours since the last shot.....so if you shoot at 8pm and you get a test at 11pm, that's 3 hours after the shot, so it's +3.....if you get a test at 2am, that's 6 hours since the shot, so would go in the +6 cell.....all the way up to +11 and then you start the next cycle.

You can also put 2 numbers in the same cell....Like if you test at +3 and +3.5, you can put ## @ +3, ## @+3.5 in the same cell but you will have to "color-code" it yourself by going to the icon at the top of the spreadsheet that looks like a small can of paint tipping over.
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
No worries!! We understand it can be really overwhelming!!

Basically, the + cells correspond to the number of hours since the last shot.....so if you shoot at 8pm and you get a test at 11pm, that's 3 hours after the shot, so it's +3.....if you get a test at 2am, that's 6 hours since the shot, so would go in the +6 cell.....all the way up to +11 and then you start the next cycle.

You can also put 2 numbers in the same cell....Like if you test at +3 and +3.5, you can put ## @ +3, ## @+3.5 in the same cell but you will have to "color-code" it yourself by going to the icon at the top of the spreadsheet that looks like a small can of paint tipping over.
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Thank you, I just updated the spreadsheet.
 
MrRumps said:
The first test was 3 hours after the shot and the second test was 30 mins to an hour after the first shot.
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Ok, so leave the +3 number where it is and move the +5 number back to the +4 shot.
Could you test again now so we can see how things are please?
ETA. I see Chris has helped you and you are sorted. Well done!
 
I am going to have to leave you in the capable hands of @Bron and Sheba ...it's going on 2am here and I have to be out early.

Bron is in Australia so she can stay with you longer to make sure everybody stays safe.

I also think it may be best to reduce your dose down to 1U until you get some more data and see how he's doing. If you just started Lantus, you're still filling the "depot" and with that 70 tonight, I think 1.5 might be a little too much juice.

ETA....looks like you've been on Lantus for a couple of weeks but have just started home testing but I still think dropping down to 1U may be better for now until you have a few more tests in.

Also, make sure you are checking his urine for ketones at least once a day. We sure don't want another DKA in the picture!
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
I am going to have to leave you in the capable hands of @Bron and Sheba ...it's going on 2am here and I have to be out early.

Bron is in Australia so she can stay with you longer to make sure everybody stays safe.

I also think it may be best to reduce your dose down to 1U until you get some more data and see how he's doing. If you just started Lantus, you're still filling the "depot" and with that 70 tonight, I think 1.5 might be a little too much juice.
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I agree with Chris. I would also reduce the dose to 1 unit.
Gosh Chris you must be exhausted. Sleep well:):bighug:
 
Bron and Sheba said:
Ok, so leave the +3 number where it is and move the +5 number back to the +4 shot.
Could you test again now so we can see how things are please?
ETA. I see Chris has helped you and you are sorted. Well done!
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Ok, last Friday Rumpy's vet adjusted his dosage to 1.5 after doing a glucose curve . His readings were from 205-360. He was previously at 1 for the first week, on Lantus, but no home testing. Just tested Rumpy and he dropped to 59! What do you suggest?
 
Hi Shelly my name is Bron and as Chris said I live in Australia and can stick around for several hours if necessary.
So Rumpy was diagnosed on 3/18 and has had two episodes f DKA, is that correct?
Haveyou been checking his urine for ketones since his discharge from hospital?
I'm so glad you have decided to test the blood sugars.. well done.
Can you do another BSL(blood sugar level) testnow please?
 
MrRumps said:
Ok, last Friday Rumpy's vet adjusted his dosage to 1.5 after doing a glucose curve . His readings were from 205-360. He was previously at 1 for the first week, on Lantus, but no home testing. Just tested Rumpy and he dropped to 59! What do you suggest?
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I would give him some of his ordinary tiki food with a drop of honey or Karo in it. We don't usually give honey or Karo until it drops below 50 but I think we should give him some now as we don't have any data on him and how he reacts to insulin at the moment.
Then test again in 30 minutes
 
Bron and Sheba said:
Hi Shelly my name is Bron and as Chris said I live in Australia and can stick around for several hours if necessary.
So Rumpy was diagnosed on 3/18 and has had two episodes f DKA, is that correct?
Haveyou been checking his urine for ketones since his discharge from hospital?
I'm so glad you have decided to test the blood sugars.. well done.
Can you do another BSL(blood sugar level) testnow please?
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Thank you so much! Yes that is correct. I just picked up ketone strips from walmart and he has not used the rest room just yet. I was never told that I could test at home until I read through this page.
 
If you can get a ketone urine test sometime during the next several hours, that would be very good. Having DKA in the picture changes how we dose the insulin (reducing it is not a good idea if we can help it) . Itis really important with recent DKA that Rumpy is eating and drinking and is getting enough insulin. We suggest giving higher carb food initially so that the dose of insulin is adequate to stop the formation of ketones. I know that sounds contrary to the low carb diet for diabetic cats but it is really important that post DKA cats get enough insulin and the way to do that is to up the number of carbs so we can give a bit more insulin.
If you are able to go out tomorrow and buy some higher carb foods for Rumpy that you think he might eat, that would be good.. maybe look for some that are around 11 to 14% carbs.
Here is a link to foods
https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf

Did he have an infection when he was diagnosed with the DKA? And was it treated?
I am going to tag @Kris & Teasel as she is very experienced with post DKA care in kitties. She lives I need Canada and will hopefully be online tomorrow.
 
Bron and Sheba said:
If you can get a ketone urine test sometime during the next several hours, that would be very good. Having DKA in the picture changes how we dose the insulin (reducing it is not a good idea if we can help it) . Itis really important with recent DKA that Rumpy is eating and drinking and is getting enough insulin. We suggest giving higher carb food initially so that the dose of insulin is adequate to stop the formation of ketones. I know that sounds contrary to the low carb diet for diabetic cats but it is really important that post DKA cats get enough insulin and the way to do that is to up the number of carbs so we can give a bit more insulin.
If you are able to go out tomorrow and buy some higher carb foods for Rumpy that you think he might eat, that would be good.. maybe look for some that are around 11 to 14% carbs.
Here is a link to foods
https://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdf

Did he have an infection when he was diagnosed with the DKA? And was it treated?
I am going to tag @Kris & Teasel as she is very experienced with post DKA care in kitties. She lives I need Canada and will hopefully be online tomorrow.
Click to expand...

I will try to get a urine test done. I grabbed two from friskies that he wouldn't eat tonight, do you suggest any other shredded wet food? Yes, the second time he got DKA he had a anal gland rupture. He was given an antibiotic injection that was supposed to be effective for 14 days and then took an antibiotic pill twice daily for 10 days when he was released from the hospital the second time.
 
MrRumps said:
I will try to get a urine test done. I grabbed two from friskies that he wouldn't eat tonight, do you suggest any other shredded wet food? Yes, the second time he got DKA he had a anal gland rupture. He was given an antibiotic injection that was supposed to be effective for 14 days and then took an antibiotic pill twice daily for 10 days when he was released from the hospital the second time.
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Poor fellow! But that is good he was treated.
Have a look at the link I sent you when you can.....priority now is getting him safely through this cycle......and choose some that are around the 11 to 14 carb content if you can
 
Ok. I see you have on the SS we are up to+6 and +6.5. Are you now 6 1/2 hours after the shot.....so that would put the time at around 2.30 am. Is that correct?
 
Bron and Sheba said:
Ok. I see you have on the SS we are up to+6 and +6.5. Are you now 6 1/2 hours after the shot.....so that would put the time at around 2.30 am. Is that correct?
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Yes, it is 248am. I left the wet food down and he just went to eat some more. Is that okay?
 
MrRumps said:
Yes, it is 248am. I left the wet food down and he just went to eat some more. Is that okay?
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yes that is good.
How is his appetite? And has the diarrhoea stopped?
So if you gave the insulin at 8 pm, we are now nearly at +7 which is good as hopefully the insulin has reached its peak in this cycle.
+3 70
+3.5 73
+6 59
+6.5 61
I don't know where the time went between +3.5 and +6.... I think the +3.5 might have been later than actually 3.5
Can you get another test at exactly +7 please so we can get back on tract with the testing. Thanks
 
Bron and Sheba said:
yes that is good.
How is his appetite? And has the diarrhoea stopped?
So if you gave the insulin at 8 pm, we are now nearly at +7 which is good as hopefully the insulin has reached its peak in this cycle.
+3 70
+3.5 73
+6 59
+6.5 61
I don't know where the time went between +3.5 and +6.... I think the +3.5 might have been later than actually 3.5
Can you get another test at exactly +7 please so we can get back on tract with the testing. Thanks
Click to expand...

He finished the amount I put down with the honey. His appetite is there partially, but he does not finish his food in on sitting. He has had diarrhea consistently and I thought it was from the food or food change because I have been trying to find the right one for him and the one that he likes.

Yes I will take the +7 one now.
 
You may need to go to the vet and ask him for some cerenia and ondansetron tablets for Rumpy. It is very common for DKA kitties to be off their food when recovering and feel nauseated. It is really important to keep them eating and most DKA kitties will need a bit of help with cerenia and ondansetron to stop nausea and vomiting. I would to the vet tomorrow and ask for some. It can make a big difference. Cats that are nauseated won't eat.
Yes the diarrhoea could be from the changes to the food. You could try mixing in a teaspoon of plain boiled pumpkin into his food.. a couple of times a day....that is good for diarrhoea.. you can cook your own... just pumpkin in water and nothing else, drain and mash. Or you can buy it in cans. I think in the US, but make sure. It is only pumpkin and no additives.
 
MrRumps said:
I will try to get a urine test done. I grabbed two from friskies that he wouldn't eat tonight, do you suggest any other shredded wet food? Yes, the second time he got DKA he had a anal gland rupture. He was given an antibiotic injection that was supposed to be effective for 14 days and then took an antibiotic pill twice daily for 10 days when he was released from the hospital the second time.
Click to expand...
Bron and Sheba said:
You may need to go to the vet and ask him for some cerenia and ondansetron tablets for Rumpy. It is very common for DKA kitties to be off their food when recovering and feel nauseated. It is really important to keep them eating and most DKA kitties will need a bit of help with cerenia and ondansetron to stop nausea and vomiting. I would to the vet tomorrow and ask for some. It can make a big difference. Cats that are nauseated won't eat.
Yes the diarrhoea could be from the changes to the food. You could try mixing in a teaspoon of plain boiled pumpkin into his food.. a couple of times a day....that is good for diarrhoea.. you can cook your own... just pumpkin in water and nothing else, drain and mash. Or you can buy it in cans. I think in the US, but make sure. It is only pumpkin and no additives.
Click to expand...


Yes, Walmart sells an organic plain pumpkin, can't remember the brand, big can for only $2. I think it's only good in the fridge for like a week and the huge amount lasts a lot longer than that so I'm going to freeze little portions next time cause we were throwing out most of it, lol.

I started using it sporadically because it's also supposed to be good to prevent anal gland issues and I think that's what our guy's abscess was.

(no reply needed, just lending moral support for you and Rumpy , hang in there you're both doing great!)
 
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