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Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by KAC, Jul 31, 2020.

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  1. KAC

    KAC Member

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    Jul 31, 2020
    My cat Pumpkin was diagnosed with diabetes May 31st. He was started on Lantus. Didn't seem to be working. Switched to Vetsulin. This also didn't seem to be working (on Hill's w/d during this time). My vet was stumped. I got on the computer and found Dr. Pierson of CatInfo.org. Got Pumpkin off the w/d and put him on Fancy Feast classics and back on Lantus. The lowest number I've gotten on him was 386 with 5 units. We are starting 6 units tonight.

    Pumpkin has the unkept look to his fur. He still wants to go outside and sit on the back porch and he visits a little next door. He doesn't have ketones in his urine.But he just doesn't seem right. I'm worried. I'm worried I'm going to lose him. Every time the number goes down, it crawls back up. the curve doesn't show Smoeygi. Just can't seem to keep the number down. Not sure if I'm panicking and not giving insulin enough time or is Lantus not working for him. Has anyone else had this issue.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2020
    Reason for edit: not enough info
  2. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Hi there, are you hometesting? We're happy to take a look at his numbers and see what's up but can't do much without the results! :)

    Welcome to FDMB!
     
  3. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    WELCOME TO FDMB!
    We are dedicated to helping every and any diabetic kitty that finds us! There is a wealth of information here with good people that will help you navigate this disease. 6 units is a huge dose. Not that its unheard of but its more rare than not, unless Pumpkin has underlying issues. I'm curious does Pumpkin eat dry food? Dry food is packed with carbs and actually feeds diabetes. If not we will help you find out whats going on with pumpkin.
    Again welcome to the best site on this planet to help you and Pumpkin get the best outta life!
    Hold on for more replies!
    jeanne
     
  4. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

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

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    Feline diabetes is a marathon not a sprint, as we like to say here. It really hasn’t been that long and you have to give the insulin and the doses time to work. I also think you’re increasing by too much each time and could have skipped through the ideal dose. We recommend increasing or decreasing by .25 unit and not 1 full unit.

    welcome and so happy to hear you went back to Lantus!! It’s a much better insulin for cats. It’s gentler and long acting too! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2020
  5. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

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

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    Dec 21, 2019
    And what kind of food are you feeding him? I’d recommend home testing if you’re not already doing that :cat:
     
    jt and trouble (GA), KAC and Panic like this.
  6. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Her post says she's got Pumpkin on FF Classics, a great choice. :cat:
     
  7. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

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

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    Dec 21, 2019
    Oops, sorry I missed that!
     
    jt and trouble (GA) likes this.
  8. KAC

    KAC Member

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    Jul 31, 2020
    I have been home testing for a while. The vet is increasing the dose by one full unit. How can I let you see his numbers? Do I just post them here? Sorry I'm new to message boards.......
    I'm just concerned because he seems to not feel well, not his usual lovey silly self. It's almost like the insulin makes him feel bad, but his clinical symptoms (ravenous appetite, thirst) are lessening....?? But his numbers are still high. Best number so far was 386
     
  9. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    We all use a special spreadsheet to keep track of our test numbers. It color-codes which makes it easier for us to see "patterns" as well as tests that seem "out of the ordinary" which might explain current test numbers.

    Here are the Instructions on Getting the FDMB Spreadsheet If you have trouble with it, feel free to send me a private message and I can set it up for you. Just click on my name and choose "Start a conversation".

    Also, creating a Signature will help us to help you. The Signature is the information you see below each of our comments. It's basic information like:

    Your name, Cat's name, age, sex, date of diagnosis, type of insulin, type of meter, type of food, any other health problems or meds?

    That way we don't have to ask the same questions every time you need help. Your spreadsheet link would go in your Signature too when you get it so anytime you post for help, whoever is helping you can see what kind of test numbers you've been getting lately.

    This post on Making the most of your Lantus, Basaglar and Levemir Land experience has a lot of useful information for you (including how to do the Signature, etc.)
     
    Diane Tyler's Mom likes this.
  10. KAC

    KAC Member

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    Jul 31, 2020
    I've put my numbers in the spreadsheet. I don't know if I've done this correctly. I'm tired!! Can you check and see if my spreadsheet can be seen.
     
  11. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Yes I can see it and you've done it correctly. Now that you have the spreadsheet set up I would start a new post and title it Need Advice On Dosing , Please look at my spreadsheet

    When we increase doses we increase by 0.25 units
    You could be skipping over a good dose by increasing his insulin by whole units
    You might want to go over to the Lantus forum where a lot more members will see this.
    If you do so you would want to go to the top of this post and copy what is in the URL so members can look back at this one.

    Go to the top , it's right above the pic of the cat that is in the left hand corner
    Above it you will see https:www.diabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-member
    Press on that and it copy, then go to the Lantus forum , and after you post your new title , go to where you would start writing and press your finger down if you are on a tablet and the word paste will come up hit that and your thread from the previous day will appear, then continue with what you want to write.

    I'm not that experienced to give dosing advice put I'm sure you will get replies
    Lantus is a good insulin , I just think you are increasing his dose too fast and should have started off on a lower dose, it might be why you are seeing all those high numbers.
    Pumpkin is such a cutie :cat:
     
  12. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I agree with the others. Too much insulin too fast. I am in no way an expert but I believe if you take the advice given, you can "right this ship".
    These good folks know what they are talking about.;)

    BTW Pumpkin is ADORABLE swooooon:bighug:
     
  13. KAC

    KAC Member

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    Jul 31, 2020
    He is my heart!! Sweetest cat I've ever had.......and I've had some wonderful kitties over the years. Thank you so much I'm starting to feel better about all this. I'm climbing out of despair.
     
  14. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

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

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    He is sure a cutie pumpkin pie!!

    He’ll feel better soon. The fact the clinical signs are improving is great so focus on that :cat:
     
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