Help Sept. 2nd, 2020 Blaze and Paola.

I am not sure, but it is possible that his tummy might be off due to the change in food. Last night he didnt get much dry food...just a little bit...I am puzzled but I will get some tests in today for sure to see how his levels are without the insulin shot and how much they rise.
 
As well as with diet changes, sometimes the early days of treatment with insulin can unsettle the system. Some cats experience GI upsets upon cessation of insulin treatment when they enter their remission trials. I've seen cats who have a bit of a wobble after seeing low (but safe) numbers for the first time. Also the really precipitous drops in BG typical of insulins like Caninsulin and Novolin N can make some cats feel really lousy, my own beloved girl included. (Saoirse had a miserable time on Caninsulin. :( )

I suggest keeping an eye on the eating side of things during the day. Perhaps feeding Blaze little and often might help settle his tum.

Just in case Blaze might be feeling a little queasy, here are some signs to look out for:

Nausea Symptom Checklist


Mogs
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That list is
As well as with diet changes, sometimes the early days of treatment with insulin can unsettle the system. Some cats experience GI upsets upon cessation of insulin treatment when they enter their remission trials. I've seen cats who have a bit of a wobble after seeing low (but safe) numbers for the first time. Also the really precipitous drops in BG typical of insulins like Caninsulin and Novolin N can make some cats feel really lousy, my own beloved girl included. (Saoirse had a miserable time on Caninsulin. :( )

I suggest keeping an eye on the eating side of things during the day. Perhaps feeding Blaze little and often might help settle his tum.

Just in case Blaze might be feeling a little queasy, here are some signs to look out for:

Nausea Symptom Checklist


Mogs
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that list is very useful, thank you for it. He has done slightly a couple of those things listed...I wonder if he is a little nauseus...
 
When Max was nauseous he became inappetent. For him it turned out to be pancreatitis. I’d ask your vet if you could try cerenia or get an RX for the human drug, ondansetron if it continues. I really found ondansetron helped for nausea. The stress of all he’s been through can sometimes tick off the pancreas.
 
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Fingers 'n' paws crossed for good test results. (((Ash)))

I echo Elise's comments about ondansetron. I have my civvie, Lúnasa, on it at the moment to help her through a food change and a protracted course of antibiotics. When it comes to feline nausea, ondansetron can be a real game changer.

There is much useful information on treatments for nausea and inappetence on the linked page above.

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Hi Paola,

Just checking in to see how your day is going. I see from your spreadsheet that Blaze has stayed fairly steady thus far today. Hope you've benefitted somewhat from the lull. :)


Mogs
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Hi Paola,

Just checking in to see how your day is going. I see from your spreadsheet that Blaze has stayed fairly steady thus far today. Hope you've benefitted somewhat from the lull. :)


Mogs
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Hi Mogs,
Yes the day today was much calmer.
I worked online all day and only finished 1 hour ago. Now both boys are sleeping and I am catching up on my pvr.
Thank you for checking in.
Yes i tested him 2 times today. He hasn't eaten that much but only a little bit.
 
I had hoped his appetite would have picked up a bit more. Can you make a note of how much he's eaten versus how much he should have eaten a little while before the next PS test is due (so we can get a feel for how Blaze is doing).


Mogs
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Appetite aside, how has Blaze been doing overall today in terms of energy/activity levels, mood, etc? In particular, did he pick up more as the day went on?


Mogs
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Appetite aside, how has Blaze been doing overall today in terms of energy/activity levels, mood, etc? In particular, did he pick up more as the day went on?


Mogs
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Today he has been low energy, he has been sleeping for most of the day. He doesn't seem to be picking up yet...i am gonna write the note for sure, i think i did but my brain is fried...gonna double check.
 
I have a question regarding Ketone strips. I bought them, do they also measure the sugar level in the urine or that is another type of strip...
 
I have to do the PMPS in 30 minutes...I am curious to see how much it is not having eaten much and no insulin this morning
 
I have a question regarding Ketone strips. I bought them, do they also measure the sugar level in the urine or that is another type of strip...
Depends on the strip. Some do both (e.g. Keto-diastix), others just do either ketones (e.g. Ketostix) or the glucose (e.g. - yes, you've guessed - Diastix).

If they do both they should have two reagent patches on the strip.

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He had a few licks of the FF wet, I think I should give him 0.25 because he was at 13.4 all day...?
Ash is not eating either, just a few bites...they are probably both nauseous?
They have also been drinking more than usual today...
What is going on?
 
Ordinarily I would agree. You don’t want to shoot if he’s not eating though. I know you dint want him high but what will you do if he drops low and won’t eat? It’s very stressful. I had someone in that situation last night and she was up all night.

She started in green. With the skip and lower dose it might just be fine. If he was eating I would not hesitate. What do you think?
 
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Paola, bit tired so can't remember properly, did you give the cats some new dry low carb food last night?

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They had been on the wet low carb for several days without any apparent issue (thus far). The only new-ish thing in the mix I can think of right now is the dry low carb food.

Any ideas?

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It could be the food. Blaze wasn’t eating though which is why we tried the new dry so it’s not just that. It started before. He’s had a lot of different foods in a short amount of time.
 
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I think a call to the vetty bean in the morning for nausea meds might be in order. Such a sprag! Paola's been working so hard to help Blaze and they've been doing so well. Really annoying glitch for them. Grrrrr... :(

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Paola,

I'm about to sign off so I'll give you my two penn'orth now.

Given that both cats are off their grub I suggest you call the vet first thing in the morning to tell them about the symptoms you're seeing (refer to the nausea checklist as a guide). Also keep an eye out for soft or loose stools. Tell the vet about the recent food change and that you're not able to give Blaze his insulin safely. Ask about anti-nausea and appetite stimulant meds. Some vets insist that mirtazapine is a 2-in-1 anti-nausea and appetite stimulant med but any anti-nausea effect it may have is totally eclipsed by ondansetron.

If Blaze were my cat I would skip tonight. If the inappetence persists into the morning then first thing I would put a in a call to the vet requesting an emergency phone consultation in the morning with the vet, stressing that you can't give Blaze his insulin because he can't eat.

I don't know what to suggest to you for the morning because of the catch-22: it's not good for a diabetic cat to miss doses of the insulin they need, and it's not good to give a cat who can't eat their insulin (hence the reason why cats in DKA need to be treated in a hospital setting where insulin and dextrose can be administered intravenously).

I must away, with the intention of being on parade a bit earlier come morning.

Paola, when you set up a new thread in the morning, please tag me so I can find it. (I can't cope with the index on the LBL board, it completely freaks my brain out.)

Nite, all.

:bighug:


Mogs
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Sorry girls, I am back.
I tried to get a pee sample from him...to see if he had ketones...I dont know! I am desperate.
He has not eaten anything, he is on a food strike. I have tried to hand feed, to warm food up in microwave...you name it
 
Do they sell Gerbers baby food where you live? Or Beechnut? Mine prefer , especially ham. . Most cats will eat it when they turn down cat food but only the ones that are 100% protein, not those with other stuff in it. It’s easy on the tummy. Lots of liquid too. Have any chicken you can bake?
 
Good you skipped. Fortunately he’s not super high so less chance of DKA. Usually we are told to gradually change food so they dint get an upset stomach. My gut tells me that’s the issue. Too quick a change and too many different foods. Especially since both are reacting.
 
we have the Gerbers ones here I think. I have no kids of my own so I am not sure...but I think I saw them on the baby area on shelves...I don't have chicken in the house right now. I can buy some Gerbers tomorrow. Will look for ham
 
I am trying to do all these things...sorry I disappeared. Between waiting for him to pee, warming foods, try to give him old dry ones...I have been following him around but no luck.
 
we have the Gerbers ones here I think. I have no kids of my own so I am not sure...but I think I saw them on the baby area on shelves...I don't have chicken in the house right now. I can buy some Gerbers tomorrow. Will look for ham
You want Gerbers 2nds. It’s basically cornstarch and protein. It comes in chicken, turkey, beef, and ham. I’d get a few of each. The jars are small. Depending on the protein 70-100 calories. It’s easy to finger feed or syringe.
 
I tested him and I tried to use the Alphatrak this time. It said 18.3. Is the Alphatrack higher than the Onetouch? I just wanted to make sure I know how to use both.
 
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