Lactulose + Prednisolone Sugar Spike? (More Details Inside)

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by razorsdaddy, Jun 28, 2020.

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  1. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello Everyone,

    Long post coming up...

    I've been lurking here the last few weeks and decided to finally make an account and post. My cat Razor is 16 and was diagnosed with diabetes earlier in June at his comprehensive exam. His blood sugar had been iffy for a little while, likely due to his prednisolone usage (He has/had HORRRRRRIBLE allergies and the prednisolone is still necessary).

    Well, we had Razey on 1 unit of Vetsulin in the AM for about a week and a half. I changed his diet from his usual wet breakfast / dry free feed / wet dinner, to mostly all wet with some glycobalance kibble here and there. We also cut back his prednisolone from 1.4 ML every 2 days to 1 ML every 2 days. Everything was going pretty good.

    Then unfortunately around last Friday, Razey's appetite started to wane a bit and I noticed he hadn't pooped in a day or two. I took him to the ER last Saturday, they gave him the works. Glucose was fine (that was a day with no insulin, mind you). He had a blockage/constipation, gave him an enema and sent him home after he passed it.

    Took a day or two for his appetite to come back, but it did! Things were great. I was testing his glucose at home without any insulin & everything was wonderful, even a curve day (90-118 scores consistently). The vet spoke with a specialist and said it's very possible that Razor's diet change & medicine cutback kicked the diabetes in a matter of weeks.

    Unfortunately, I noticed that yet again he was becoming constipated. After 2 days of not pooping I decided to be proactive and take him back to the ER this past Friday. He yet again got flushed out, fluids, etc. But this time they sent him home with Lactulose.

    I read that lactulose should be OK for cats that have had diabetes problems. However, I have also read conflicting reports. Even my vet told me to let her know if something was awry.

    He pooped yesterday (Saturday) and his appetite returned almost instantly after his ER visit. His glucose was fine yesterday as well on my spot check (116).

    However, today, when I tested his glucose at 11:30 AM it was 156. This was after he had 2 small wet food meals (6 AM, 9 AM) and took his prednisolone (10 AM). I realized I had never actually tested him at home while on prednisolone, the days he was at the ER were prednisolone days so I didn't feel like prodding him more when he got home. I think administered his first dose of Lactulose of the day around Noon and out of curiosity tested his sugar again around 2:30... I saw the number was 222 and was shocked!

    Is it possible that he's having adverse blood glucose spike to both the lactulose & prednisolone? Or, god forbid, his diabetes came back already? I'm hoping it's the former. Tomorrow is a non-pred day & I'm thinking of not giving him any more lactulose to be safe and perhaps trying miralax if he doesn't go by tomorrow morning (which would be a shade over 30 hours).

    Any thoughts or help? I plan on testing his glucose once more this evening & tomorrow morning and hopefully conferring with my vet tomorrow when she's back in.

    Thank you!
     
  2. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Welcome Razor and Razor’s dad!!

    I can’t help much but to say that yes, prednisolone is a corticosteroid that can definitely raise the BG levels. I’m not sure about the rest but hang in there for more experienced members to respond!

    PS - how many hours after food was the 222?
     
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  3. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    No problem, I appreciate any help and insight!

    I believe the 222 was about 2, 2.5 hours after eating. That was around the same time frame of the lactulose dose. And about 4.5 hours after the prednisolone dose.

    As mentioned, things have seemingly been fine for a little over a week now with just the diet change. But I never did any at home testing on prednisolone days due to circumstances. So I’m just hoping it’s a spike due to both of the meds on the same day.

    Obviously I’m hoping if I cut out the lactulose that he doesn’t get Constipated again.

    The whole diabetes journey and fallout from random things has been stressful so far. Just when I thought I was in a great place yesterday, those blood readings happened.

    BTW razor was always a free feeder. So his current meal schedule is usually wet fancy feast pate at 6/7, 12/1, 3/4, 7/8. Then Glycobalance kibble throughout the day. Razor was never one to eat two big meals.
     
  4. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to FDMB as you already know, this is a great community of people dedicated to their kitties with diabetes. You're already above the curve by home testing. Thank you for doing that for Razor. Hes one lucky kitty cat to have you! I dont have any experience with Razors issues, besides diabetes that is. But I just bet there are folks here that do. So stay tuned for more replies.
    Again welcome to the best darn site on this planet that will help you help Razor.:bighug:

    jeanne
     
  5. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 18, 2016
    Yes, managing the prednisolone can make dramatic changes. It is a question of finding the right balance. There may be alternatives to the pred. Hopefully members experienced with pred and allergies to weight in.

    The ingredients of glycobalance dry: Chicken by-product meal, barley, wheat gluten, corn gluten meal, soy protein isolate, tapioca.

    It is around 30% carbs by my reckoning. There is nothing special about glycobalance except the price.

    You can freeze cubes wet Fancy Feast and it will slowly unfreeze and can be left out. Some people use an automatic feeder.

    The only two dry foods acceptable for diabetic cats are Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein and Young Again (if you contact the companies, they usually send a sample).

    Also, check out https://felineconstipation.org/ – an excellent resource.

    Stay tuned for more responses. We can help.
     
  6. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Hmm, very interesting regarding the Glycobalance dry food. Maybe I should stop free feeding him If that’s the case? That’s odd that they would market it the way they did, but I also noticed there were definite grains in some of my “grain free” food in the past.

    I’m going to take Razors glucose later again tonight and tomorrow when presumably the medicine is out of his system. I will keep everyone posted!
     
  7. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Trust me, remove that dry food and his numbers will drop.
     
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  8. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Free feeding or feeding small portions throughout the day is totally fine for any cat even the diabetic ones. I’d switch to one of the dry foods Red recommended or stick to wet food throughout the day as well. Having said that, it’s important not to feed 2 hours prior to pre shot testing in the am and pm so the number is not up due to the food. Other than that it’s okay to feed multiple times a day. Most cats are grazers and it’s also easier on their pancreas.

    The “special” foods prescribed by vets are just marketed that way so they can charge more and you think you’re getting a better quality food. There’s nothing special about them, like one member here says, other than the price. It’s just clever marketing :rolleyes:
     
  9. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Ugh, it actually hurts me that they market stuff like that. I know we all do because we’re on here, but I care about my old man so much and to know that what I’ve been told is good for him can potentially reverse his progress really bothers me.

    Some decent news though... as mentioned, I only have one dose of Lactulose today and tomorrow is a non prednisolone day. His glucose readings today were 156, 222, and 177. So at least it went down a bit. I’m just hoping he poops without the need of the lactulose. He never had constipation problems at all until the diabetes journey started.

    The plan is to discontinue the lactulose, no pred tomorrow, and pull back the Glycobalance drastically. I’ll take his blood in the morning and update there as well.

    I’m hoping this spike is simply from the double dose of meds and never actually testing at home before on a medicine day.
     
  10. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Also just an update... I was debating trying to get Razor on pred once every 3 days, 1.0 ML. His allergies have been the best they have EVER been this June! Even with reduced medicine.

    Although, he started sneezing here and there the last 2 days. Nothing like when it gets bad though.

    Also for reference... poor Razor has the worst allergies I've EVER seen. When he's unmedicated & pollen is high, watch out. When I first adopted him and we didn't know what was wrong with him, I had snot rags on every level of my house.

    We're talking snot rockets bigger than humans! Occasionally if it all gets too bad he's had a few bloody noses too. I bet I wouldn't have to worry at all about him being diabetic/borderline diabetic if it wasn't for his dang allergies. But such as life!

    I guess also to shed some more light on Raze, he's also deaf and has a head tilt. A special needs buddy, love him so.
     
  11. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Awwww Razor you’re one tough cookie, aren’t ya? :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  12. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    We ALL feel same way.:rolleyes:
     
  13. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello Everyone,

    So I have a bit of an update. I don't believe Razor pooped yesterday, which is a concern given his recent constipation issues. He had pooped at the ER on Friday (a lot) after his enema. He also pooped on Saturday evening around 7:30/8. But to my knowledge, he did not poop yesterday (We have 2 cats, but different poop styles and I'm around Razor most of the day when I'm awake).

    As far as his glucose. Him being a kibble addict, I didn't want to stop him cold turkey again since I believe that's part of the reason he's had bowel issues (We basically stopped him cold turkey for a week+ and then the constipation started). I decided to for now, restrict his Glycobalance dry food to between 12 midnight and 5/6 AM which is the time that I typically sleep. So he will not be allowed to free feed on it during the majority of the day. I also give him a pretty big Fancy Feast pate dinner to help tide him over most of the night.

    That being said... he obviously ate some overnight. I think there was a small session between 12-1, and then another around 4. I took his glucose at 6 AM before his wet food breakfast. It was 180.

    So the last 2 days, with various times of the day, medicines, eating schedules he was at: 156, 222, and 177 and this morning 180 (but he did have dry food before that). Prior to that, all last week he was in the "normal" range. This has all been without insulin for 9 days.

    Is it possible that the lactulose sent him into higher levels? Or some combination with the Glycobalance (which we're working on removing here slowly)?

    This all is just very frustrating. I'd be less frustrated if he wasn't having these constipation issues because they are both pricey & exhausting for the both of us.

    Also he definitely had his worst allergy day yesterday of June sadly. I still want to try to not give him prednisolone tomorrow, but if he's really sneezy I'll have to. *sigh*

    Trying to contact his vet this morning, hopefully she's in (She works at an animal hospital, so she's not there all week).
     
  14. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Hi! I'm no expert but I do pick up various info here. My Trouble only knew dry food before he came to live with us. Thats all he was ever fed. (that would include dog kibble :rolleyes:) It literally broke my heart taking his dry away even though he ate his Fancy Feast with pure joy and gusto lol. He would sit n front of the spot his dry use to be for hours. :(.

    Theres nothing special about the glyco stuff but the price. I hear thees days there ARE low carb substitutes such as Young Again and Dr Easley...(these were not offered back in Troubles time) But maybe one of those would work? I would give it a go.

    We all do what we have to, if steroids HAVE to be a part of Razors life, that can be worked with. We just have to find the right combinations. Hold on as always for more replies.
    jeanne
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2020
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  15. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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  16. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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  17. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I had a non-diabetic cat who had chronic constipation and motility issues. She was given cisipride for the motility issues. Lactulose didn't do the trick so we went to miralax. We tried adding pumpkin and slippery elm bark but she was having none of that. She also had kidney disease and was given fluids for that – it helped.

    Miralax works by drawing water into the gut. It is a preventative. You can buy it over the counter.
    Some people find success with pumpkin. It must be straight pumpkin, not pie filling with sugar and other ingredients. The excess pumpkin can be frozen in small amounts. If you can find baby food single ingredient squash, that will work too. Basically, you are adding fiber.
    Slippery elm bark is worth looking into. You add water to make a small slurry then add it to food or syringe. It helps to coat the digestive track. You can buy the capsules at a drug store or health food store.

    All three of these possible solutions are inexpensive and do not require a vet visit.

    Do read: https://felineconstipation.org/prevention.html
     
  18. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello,

    I don't have a spreadsheet, but I have been taking notes for my Vet. I will link it up in my signature. This is Razor's post-insulin glucose readings, as I never had the tester while he was on insulin:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KEYR_WekTOjBTpw4T5N0axu7hWC0wA8CmAG3wnbTWxU/edit?usp=sharing

    That should be viewable to anyone with a link.

    Good news was that his glucose went down to 132, which was the lowest it had been in the last 2 days. Wondering if it was indeed spiked by the pred, the lactulose & the glycobalance dry?

    Also, kind of important... the constipation issues. Is it OK to give him Miralax instead of Lactulose? I want to give him a dose before dinner. The Lactulose was working, but I think in conjunction with other things was throwing off his glucose.

    He was actually eating glycobalance dry food for the past 2 weeks with no issues until yesterday, so I'm thinking the meds played a big part.
     
  19. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Thank you! Sorry, you posted while I was typing my last post, haha...

    Does Miralax have any affect on the BG? Or at the very least, minimal? I think I want to start trying that tonight. The Lactulose made him poop on Saturday, but I kinda stopped giving it to him due to the BG rise and my fears getting the best of me.
     
  20. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Miralax shouldnt interfere with his BG's
     
  21. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Thank you. I think I'm going to try that on his next Fancy Feast pate meal tonight.

    Anyone know of a good dose for a kitty that has been constipated (and cleared out with Enemas) for about 10 days? I heard 1/4 teaspoon?

    I have to get him regulated again. I don't want to spend another $200-300 and more importantly, I want my old man to relax for a week!
     
  22. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 18, 2016
    Miralax does not affect BG.
    Both lactulose and miralax work by drawing water into the colon. Now, I'm going by memory here – it will take 2 days or so to see the results.
    Miralax dosing is 1/8 to 1/4 tsp twice a day in food. Mix it with a bit of water and let it sit for 10 minutes or so, then add it to the food. The miralax will swell. It is tasteless.
    One dollar off coupon: https://www.miralax.com/coupons-and-offers

    Pumpkin can be used with both lactulose and miralax. And don't forget fluids. Add water to the wet food and to wet food snacks to make it thick soupy.
     
  23. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Red Rover has answered your question;) (I had no idea)

    Good luck! I do hope this works.
    j
     
  24. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Thank you so much. I'm going to try giving him Miralax tonight.

    As mentioned, he had Lactulose 2 ML doses twice on Friday after his ER visit. Then 3x on Saturday, which he pooped around 8 PM. Yesterday, I gave him only one dose and stopped due to BG spikes and being cautious. He did not poop yesterday.

    So hopefully it'll get him going soon!
     
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  25. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    @Red & Rover (GA) you mentioned fiber and I remember I tried it in Minnie for the opposite actually lose stools and it made it worse so wondering if it would help with the constipation as well? I was giving her her 1/8 of teaspoon of psyllium fiber mixed with food daily. Pic attached

    I assume all of these can be given in conjunction so miralax, pumpkin/squash and fiber since they’re all natural right? And sometimes you need a combo as one thing only is not enough
     

    Attached Files:

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  26. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thank you but members here need for us to use their template so all ss look the same and can be easily interpreted. If you don’t mind, please use the template from the link and transfer all your numbers into it. There’s also a tab for lab results. And as for the signature, it’s a helpful way to have all the main info about your kitty at a glance so members don’t need to go looking for it in a thread won’t multiple posts, see mine below as an example. Here’s what we’d love to see in it. I copied and pasted from the link I gave you earlier:

    Make sure your signature is up-to-date.
    • On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature. This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
      • There is a limit of two lines which may include two links; you may separate pieces with commas, dashes, | etc. This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
      • Add any other text, such as
      • Caregiver & kitty's name (optional)
      • DX: Date
      • Name of Insulin
      • Name of your meter
      • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
      • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
      • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
      • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
      • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
      • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
    Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.
     
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  27. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    https://felineconstipation.org/prevention.html
     
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  28. Dusty & Roe

    Dusty & Roe Member

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    Apr 28, 2020
    Was wondering what you thought of the wet cat foods that have pumpkin in them in my search I have seen a few . Do you think that would help ? They are more costly then FF or Friskies though
     
  29. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    And now this also makes me think of S Boulardii probiotic to go with everything else. I was giving Minnie SEB but for the nausea. She couldn’t stand the smell/taste of it. S Boulardii is a bit easier
     
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  30. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Alright, thank you. I'll try to get to this later tonight when I have some time.

    Just to update you all, at this point since the glucose is relatively normal, my main goal is un-constipating my boy again.

    I gave his first dose of miralax about an hour ago. Going to do one more later tonight w/ his dinner. Hopefully we see some action.

    Luckily I can see my vet tomorrow if I am feeling iffy about it and he doesn't poop. We also have a quick follow up on Thursday I believe that was pre-scheduled a few weeks ago.
     
  31. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Again Good luck Well be watching for your updates!
     
  32. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Ask your vet about all the options we suggested as well like the fiber and probiotics. Good luck! :cat:
     
  33. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello Everyone,

    Another Razor update!

    Luckily he was able to poop a bit this morning (which was close to 2 1/2 days at this point). I still took him to the vet to get some fluids.

    We now have Razor on a plan of Miralax + fiber (half pill) 2x a day with his wet food. If he goes 36 hours without pooping, she said to give him some Lactulose. We are trying to NOT have to do enemas anymore.

    I have also severely limited his Glycobalance down to only a few hours a day, so his diet is primarily 80+% Fancy Feast pate wet food.

    Will take his glucose tomorrow to make sure we are back towards the 80-130 range and not the higher 100's like he was on Sunday. Last I checked yesterday, he was 132.

    Also more good news, he pooped again! You can tell he's a little backed up, but my old saying is some poop is better than no poop at this point!

    EDIT: He also gained 1/10th of a pound!!! Our long-term goal besides kicking his diabetes & constipation was weight gain, so we are on the right track. He was 9 LBs when I adopted him, went up to 11 a year later, then 13 a year after that, back down to 11, and recently almost dipped to below 8 when the diabetes was clearly taking it's toll. But we are back to bulking!
     
  34. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Great news and thank you for the update!!! :bighug:
     
  35. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    YAAAAY RAZOR!!!!
     
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  36. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Out of curiosity I did test his BG a little while ago, it was at 217. Which was close to the peak rating on Sunday, which was also a Lactulose + Prednisolone day. Yesterday (non med day) it was normal.

    I'm definitely thinking that the mixture of those 2 medicines spike his BG a bit. So hopefully the pooping keeps up for no more lactulose & the sneezing subsides so I can lower the pred a bit as well!

    Does anyone here have any specific info on how much pred would spike the BG during a medicine day?
     
  37. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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  38. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Thank you. I am curious, because to date (granted not that much of a sample size, only a few weeks) Razor has not eclipsed 180 on a non-medicine day (which tomorrow will be).

    The only 2 days he's been above even 150 BG really have been on Lactulose + Prednisolone days.
     
  39. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    These guys will probably want to see your ss. Did you get a chance to plug in the numbers? You can add to the notes comum things like pred day or lactulose day too!
     
  40. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    And if you can do your signature too, that will be helpful:

    Make sure your signature is up-to-date.
    • On the left, under Settings, Click on Signature. This is where you will put information that helps us give you feedback.
      • There is a limit of two lines which may include two links; you may separate pieces with commas, dashes, | etc. This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
      • Add any other text, such as
      • Caregiver & kitty's name (optional)
      • DX: Date
      • Name of Insulin
      • Name of your meter
      • Diet: "LC wet" or "dry food" or "combo"
      • Dosing: TR or SLGS or Custom (if applicable)
      • DKA or other recent health issue (if applicable)
      • Acro, IAA, or Cushings (if applicable)
      • Spreadsheet link. Please put the signature link on the bottom line of your signature information, on its own, so it is easy to find.
      • Please do not put any information about your location in the signature for security reasons. If you wish to add your country location, please add it to your profile.
    Be sure to click the 'Save Changes' button at the bottom. If you need help urgently it is important we know these things at a glance. We don’t want to waste valuable time finding out information.

    Thank you!
     
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  41. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Bah, not yet. I'm hoping to get to that spreadsheet tomorrow! Had a busy day with work.
     
  42. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    GREAT IDEA!
     
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  43. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    I started with his spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...V2moQfNGUpxMIak___OHdk5io/edit#gid=1182885903

    I do have a question. Since Razor has not been on insulin for weeks, and in general, I don't know where to put my BG readings? I typically only take it once a day. So what does +1 mean, is that 1 PM?

    I have been keeping track of when I do it. I rarely ever do first thing in the morning, so I know it's not that column.
     
  44. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Uhhhh I get a need access page. :(
     
  45. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Hmmm, try now? I thought I did the permissions last night but I guess I was wrong haha. Let me know if it still doesn't work.
     
  46. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    BINGO! THANKS :D
     
  47. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Did I ever tell you what a cutie pie Razor is? I suspect he got his name for obvious reasons??? :p
     
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  48. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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  49. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    Thank you! I actually went to the shelter with the intention on adopting another cat, but Razor is the biggest cuddle bug ever. He basically wouldn't leave me alone and I couldn't say no despite his age & health problems.

    He's actually named after Razor Ramon the old WWF wrestler haha. But I figured it fit perfect due to his claws. His original name was Bootsie apparently, but since he's deaf I guess his name doesn't matter to him :)

    OK, thank you. Now that all makes sense! Haha. I might have to make some adjustments. Since like I mentioned, Razor has not had a shot in over 2+ weeks. Hoping to keep it that way!

    The general consensus as been that on non medicine days his readings have ranged between 90-150 for the most part. On days where he's had meds, they have went as high as 222.

    A good test will be tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a pred day, but NOT a lactulose day as he's been pooping woooo. So if his BG still hovers in the 200-225 range, I know the lactulose didn't really do anything to him and it was strictly the pred.
     
  50. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    hee hee hee I guess not! :D:p:bighug:
     
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  51. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    OK everyone, I have updated my spreadsheet to the best of my ability!

    Since he does not take insulin anymore currently and I usually do not test more than once a day, I made my first column BG for blood glucose, if I tested more than once I utilized the hour system with the +1, +2, +3, etc.

    His reading today a few hours post wet food, about 6 hours post glycobalance dry food, and NO pred / lactulose - the BG reading was 132.

    So as mentioned, tomorrow will be interesting to see what his reading will be with pred only and no lactulose.

    He seems to be settling in around the 120-140 range on non medicine days, which is great. I truly think that cutting the pred dosage down and changing the diet did the trick. Fingers crossed for the long haul!
     
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  52. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    I wonder what the readings would be if you swapped back and forth testing from morning to evening. I guess one experiment at a time. ;):coffee:
    j
     
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  53. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    Those of us who have been here a while will tell you he needs a little insulin support. Even on an AT, his numbers should be lower than they are. Of course, it would also be helpful to see BGs in the evening.

    How much of a spike pred causes depends on the cat and the dose. I’ve seen some cats on a moderate dose with large spikes and other cats that didn’t even see a change.

    You can also see if his pancreas is trying to work a bit by, on a non-pred day, testing him, feeding him, and then retesting 3 hours later to see if his BG drops. If it does, his pancreas is trying to work but, again, IMHO, he needs a bit of insulin. Even a drop twice a day might make a difference.
     
  54. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    Good idea, I will do this soon enough. I'm sadly running out of test strips so I might have a day with no testing due to bills this month.

    I will keep this in mind and discuss with my vet again shortly, thank you. I am curious to see the readings tomorrow with no Lactulose in his system and just the pred.

    Prior to the last ER visit due to the constipation (last Friday), his readings were consistently in the 90-120 range, I think his average on his glucose curve day (which was last week) was about 109.

    Razor was on 1 unit of vetsulin in the AM only. We got a few readings that were in the low 60s I remember while doing that.
     
  55. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Great job on the signature!! ;)

    what meter are you using again? If money is an issue, you might want to consider switching to ReliOn from Walmart. I’ve been using it for a few months now and have no issues with it. The test strips are the most affordable at $17.99 for 100. The meter itself is $9.99
     
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  56. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Thanks Marje! I was waiting for someone more experienced than me to pop by with great advice :bighug:
     
  57. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    You’re welcome!
     
  58. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    I am currently using AlphaTrak 2. That's the one the vet recommended that I get. The test strips seem to be pretty pricey which stinks.

    I might consider changing in the near future TBH, but for now I'll probably stick with it since it's been working & I hate change, hahaha.

    Also everyone just a general update... Razor pooped again overnight. So I think we're finally getting over our constipation issues! He might be on maintenance Miralax for a while, but I'd rather that then a $200-$300 ER trip to get horrific enemas weekly.

    His appetite has picked up greatly in the last week and a half which is wonderful. Seems to be drinking way less than the diabetic days. Seems to be gaining weight.

    I currently couldn't be happier!

    The one thing I'm trying to keep in mind here is that Razor has always been against the odds. He's 16, had chronic URIs, horrific allergies, deaf, no balance and was diabetic for likely a few months. I do everything I can for my boy to give him a great life. I gotta remember to keep doing that, but to also start living in the moment. I find myself worrying about this & that too much, when in reality it's like... Razor's had 3 pretty good days in a row here all around, let's enjoy our time together and not freak out unless something drastically goes awry.
     
  59. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    YAYYYY POOPS! :joyful:


    I think you are more relieved than Razor is:p

    NOTHING makes a caregiver happier. :joyful:;);):coffee:
     
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  60. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    I couldn’t agree more!! Being present in the moment is challenging but we have to aim for it and keep trying :)
    I’m very happy to hear the great news about Razor!!

    I hate change too and I was very stressed switching from freestyle to ReliOn but I actually like it better now. I can clearly see when it has enough blood and I like that it sucks it in instead of me having to scoop it up. All vets recommend pet meters. It’s another one of those marketing deals and the cost of the strips is what kills you. I was glad I came here and asked for suggestions before going with Alphatrack btw
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2020
  61. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    Haha, I totally am! Razor's probably like... will this guy just relax?


    I do appreciate the suggestion! I might actually check it out this weekend. I believe I have 6 test strips left for the AlphaTrak, so a decision needs to be made soon anyway!

    It will be nice, fingers crossed, to not have an ER visit this weekend. First one in 2 weeks without one (hopefully)!
     
  62. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Fingers and paws crossed!;):coffee:
     
  63. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    OMG I totally get how you feel. That was me with Minnie’s back to back hospitalizations. I’d watch her breathe and would wake up rushing to check on her and just keep praying for no more ER visits. Hang in there and I’m sending positive thoughts!!!
     
  64. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello Everyone,

    It's been a few days! I wanted to give another update here for Razor. We seem to finally be getting in the clear with a lot of our issues.
    • Appetite has been amazing for the last 2 weeks, is putting weight back on
    • Water consumption has been normal, as is his urination amounts/schedule
    • Since putting Razor on Miralax, he has consistently been pooping daily and some pretty large poops!
    • Blood glucose seems to have stabilized since the previous week when he was on prednisolone & lactulose (last checked on Saturday evening and he was 120, about an hour after a meal)
    • I have cut back the pred to 1.0 ML every 3 days, previously he was getting 1.4 every 2... I think it's made a world of different for his glucose, even if I sacrifice a few sneezes
    So all in all... Razor is doing very well! Probably won't update as much unless something takes a turn, but I think we're finally moving forward and getting used to the new routines.
     
  65. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    I’m very happy to hear that! YAY Go Razor!!! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  66. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Woo hoodie hoooooo! GO RAZOR GOOOOO!!!
    G
    OOD TO HEAR FROM YOU! please dont be a stranger;):coffee:
     
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  67. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    Hello Everyone,

    It's been a while! But that's because it's been all good! I just wanted to give everyone an update that helped me through that trying time.

    Razor's glucose has stabilized in the 80-90s range with only wet food + less prednisolone allergy medicine. I only take his blood 3x a week now, all different times of the day.

    Razor has no longer been constipated since getting on Miralax. Has a great appetite & seems properly hydrated.

    The only thing I'm still iffy about is if Razor is gaining weight. His last vet visit he gained a little bit. I have an appointment next Wednesday, so fingers crossed.

    If he's gaining weight or at least not losing it, I'd say that Razor has burst through and is in the clear!
     
  68. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Woooo hooooooooooooooo! GO RAZOR GO!!!
     
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  69. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Yay!!! Great news!! :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    What’s his daily calorie intake? Are you doing ideal weight times 20 to get that number? Maybe overfeed him a bit until he gains. I’d do 300 calories a day. You can weigh him on a scale at home. Go in without him then with him and subtract your weight. I do that with Minnie
     
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  70. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

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    Jun 28, 2020
    So I'm not quite sure. Since it's been a roller coaster, only until the last few weeks has his appetite been "normal". Prior to that it was touch & go due to the constipation.

    I think currently I'm giving him around 2, 3 oz cans of wet food a day. But I was reading that 3 would be better since he's close to 9 LBs? So I might start introducing more food slowly to not get him sick/plug him up.

    And that's a great idea! I do have a scale, a cat carrier, and he's a sport with getting in and out of his carrier easily. I'll still take him for his follow up (it's "free" because of my vet plan), but I'll maybe take his weight once a week at home to be safe.

    Really, his weight is my only concern. He truthfully might just not be eating enough. He was a free feeder & I cut out his dry food completely. Even with the feeding intervals, he's definitely not eating as much as he used to!
     
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  71. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    If you think 9 pounds is his ideal weight, he should be getting about 200 calories a day. You can ask your vet what his ideal weight is. Look at the back of the cans for the calorie count. Each FF is usually around 70-90 calories depending on the flavor

    OMG that’s awesome! My cats see the carrier and run the other way haha!
     
  72. razorsdaddy

    razorsdaddy Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    OK, thank you for that information!

    I personally feel like given the landscape of Razor's weights, his healthy weight is about 10-11 LBs. He peaked around 13 and he looked a little too chunky. The 10-11 range he seemed most healthy, definitely way better than when I adopted him and after the diabetes made him lose so much (which were around the 8ish range).

    Haha, it's actually quite humurous! He LOVES going in his carrier. If I put it down and open the gate he goes right in! My other cats though years ago, they would hide under the bed :)
     
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