Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
Withhold food 2 hours before morning and evening pre shots
you replied yesterday but thanks again! Great number for a midday test!!
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Diane Tyler's Mom GA
Member Since 2018
Thanks Ale I should have said PM alsoWithhold food 2 hours before morning and evening pre shots
you replied yesterday but thanks again! Great number for a midday test!!
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Thank you so much! What a wonderful, helpful group. I’ve updated Sailor’s spread sheet. He refused to eat the wet food last night and this morning. Both cats are refusing to eat any of the fancy feast flavors. I ordered three cases over the weekend. I think I’ll leave some dry food out for a bit. I can ask my teen son to pick it up later this morning. All schools in our area are virtual so he will be home. The cats thought the wet food was a treat until they realized the dry food was gone! Now they are protesting.
He was at 112 this morning, but then he hasn’t been eating so I will not give insulin And 112 is pretty low. Due to my work schedule I will be testing around 6 am and 6 pm, then feeding (if he eats) and the insulin afterwards. I give insulin only if numbers are higher and he eats? Does that sound right?
I received the results of his CBC yesterday. Everything except his glucose was in the normal range! He will see a feline veterinarian tomorrow. Thanks again all!
He was at 112 this morning, but then he hasn’t been eating so I will not give insulin And 112 is pretty low. Due to my work schedule I will be testing around 6 am and 6 pm, then feeding (if he eats) and the insulin afterwards. I give insulin only if numbers are higher and he eats? Does that sound right?
I received the results of his CBC yesterday. Everything except his glucose was in the normal range! He will see a feline veterinarian tomorrow. Thanks again all!
Bandit's Mom
Member Since 2019
Hi Julia
It can be hard to transition kitties who have been eating kibble all their life to canned food. Here are some tips for transitioning - https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/transitioning-your-cat-from-dry-to-wet-food.956/
What is the dry food they have been eating? Most dry food is way to high in carbs. Just a transition to low carb wet food can bring down BG numbers significantly.
Bhooma
It can be hard to transition kitties who have been eating kibble all their life to canned food. Here are some tips for transitioning - https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/transitioning-your-cat-from-dry-to-wet-food.956/
What is the dry food they have been eating? Most dry food is way to high in carbs. Just a transition to low carb wet food can bring down BG numbers significantly.
Bhooma
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Trouble was an addict. I mixed a little can into his dry adding a little more can every day until it became a little dry into the canned I served. It worked but he STILL wanted his dry. He use to sit and stare where his dry food bowl USE to sit.
I felt like a monster but it was the best for his diabetes and health.
CATS AND THE GUILT TRIPS!
I felt like a monster but it was the best for his diabetes and health. CATS AND THE GUILT TRIPS!
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Update, Sailor saw his new doctor today. He had not been eating for a couple of days so I did not give insulin. The vet gave me some diabetic dry food (I know, it’s not good stuff) but I have an order in for some Dr. Elsey’s dry food that should arrive next week. I’m going to try to transition him to the wet food but he’s a dry food addict. Baby steps. At least he ate some this afternoon, tonight’s BG 325, I gave him 1 unit Lantus. He’s had diarrhea so the doctor gave me metronidazole for his tummy and an appetite stimulator. I hope he is feeling better soon. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement!
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
He was eating Iams weight management before his Dx. He’s lost 15 pounds since April. Switched to fancy feast union Dx, but he’s not impressed. I’ve ordered some Dr. Elsey’s chicken kibble but it won’t be here until next week. I’ll start mixing a little wet into the dry. All pets were used to grazing, they are not happy with the new dining policy.
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
Ugh sending positives they catch on thats it makes them feel better...Hey it could happen.
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
Does he act like he’s nauseated? Like goes up to the food and smells it but won’t eat it? Or licks his lips when he smells it? If yes, ask the vet to call in a prescription for an anti-nausea like Cerenia or ondansetron. The stimulant won’t work if he’s nauseated. Good luck!!
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
He ate some of the dry food this evening but I will watch in the morning for any signs of nausea. Thanks!
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
New question. How long should I wait between starting insulin and the day I do his first curve? Sailor started getting insulin on 9/13. I will need to do the curve on a Sunday since I work during the week and most Saturday mornings.
BTW, he is eating better but I feel his numbers are still too high. He’s still drinking/peeing a lot.
I had to supplement with Dr. Elsey’s dry food for him to snack on between wet food feedings.
I bought a lancing device so testing is going MUCH better. Less stressful for me means less stress for him. And he’s enjoying the freeze dried salmon treats for being such a good boy.
BTW, he is eating better but I feel his numbers are still too high. He’s still drinking/peeing a lot.
I had to supplement with Dr. Elsey’s dry food for him to snack on between wet food feedings.
I bought a lancing device so testing is going MUCH better. Less stressful for me means less stress for him. And he’s enjoying the freeze dried salmon treats for being such a good boy.
Bandit's Mom
Member Since 2019
Hi Julia, is it possible for you to get any tests in besides the pre-shot ones? Say one before bed or before leaving for work etc? Sailor could be going low during the day or night and bouncing off those lows at pre-shot.
It would be a good idea to get a curve this weekend to see how low the current dose is taking him.
It would be a good idea to get a curve this weekend to see how low the current dose is taking him.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
I can do a curve on Sunday. I’m curious to see where he is between insulin injections
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
I think what @Bandit's Mom means is daily. Can you get additional tests daily aside from the Sunday curve. Since we adjust dose by the nadir, it’s pretty impossible to get an idea of what his nadir is with preshot tests only. She’s suggesting a before bed test and another test before you leave for work...?
jt and trouble (GA)
Member Since 2009
awesome
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
In one more day you can increase the dose again
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Got home a little while ago, he was at 176! Just fed him a can of Fancy Feast, I think he’s getting used to it and looking forward to being fed after testing. I also wonder if he’s been getting into the dog’s food? My little dog is a grazer and I’ve been feeding her when I feed the cats, but sometimes I forget to pick up her bowl of uneaten food.
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
176 is a bit too low for the normal dose. Did you shoot already? If you did, please make sure to get a +2 to see if he’s going up and I’d also leave food out for him tonight so he doesn’t drop too low overnight!
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)
Member Since 2019
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Oh my gosh, yes. I was planning on testing tonight before I went to bed. He was just wrestling with the dog, they’re about the same size. He’s now stretched out on my bed looking very comfortable. I
He’s been playing with the dog, he just walked around, went up and down the stairs ok. Got a drink of water. I’ll certainly keep an eye on him and I will definitely test before I go to bed. What should I watch for? I’ve read that they get wobbly. What else?
Panic
Member Since 2019
If you're referring to hypoglycemia, most cats aren't going to show symptoms. Some cats even drop very very low without symptoms, so you of course test to make sure.
If a cat DOES show symptoms, you need to use karo syrup and provide high-carb gravy food. Do you have those on-hand? Everyone should as a back-up.
Here is the article on symptoms and how to treat hypoglycemia.
Symptomatic hypos are a bigger deal than just low numbers. A cat showing symptoms in the 40s is a larger concern than no symptoms in the 30s. They're both bad, but symptomatic hypos are very serious, we don't want to get to that point.
If a cat DOES show symptoms, you need to use karo syrup and provide high-carb gravy food. Do you have those on-hand? Everyone should as a back-up.
Here is the article on symptoms and how to treat hypoglycemia.
Symptomatic hypos are a bigger deal than just low numbers. A cat showing symptoms in the 40s is a larger concern than no symptoms in the 30s. They're both bad, but symptomatic hypos are very serious, we don't want to get to that point.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
I did a curve yesterday. In the afternoon he started vomiting, the first was a hair ball, since then it’s been a foamy clear liquid, small amounts, not copious. He refused to eat 12 hours after morning insulin so I did not give him pm insulin. His BG was 433 this morning, he ate a little bit canned Ff and is drinking water. He’s had Dr. Elsey’s dry available if he wants to nibble. I gave him 1 unit of insulin. I’m not sure what’s going on with him. His numbers from yesterday are in his spreadsheet. He is still on the transdermal appetite stimulator 1x a day, rubbed inside ear in the morning. He’s acting normal. Any ideas?
Panic
Member Since 2019
What's he on the appetite stimulant for? Is this the first time he's not wanting to eat? Is he acting nauseous (licking his lips, going to the food bowl but turning away)?
AMPS looks normal, probably bounced from last night + the fact that he went 12 hours without insulin. Check for ketones any time you skip insulin. It's natural to want to skip a shot if a cat isn't eating, but not eating + no insulin is a recipe for ketones so try to avoid skipping completely at times.
AMPS looks normal, probably bounced from last night + the fact that he went 12 hours without insulin. Check for ketones any time you skip insulin. It's natural to want to skip a shot if a cat isn't eating, but not eating + no insulin is a recipe for ketones so try to avoid skipping completely at times.
THH & Snowcrash (GA)
Member Since 2020
Sounds like it could be pancreatitis? Any diarrhea?
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
He’s been off and on about food Since diagnosis. Not licking his lips but will go to the food, sniff and walk away sometimes. I broke down and gave him his favorite Fancy feast flaked fish and shrimp this morning and he ate a little of that.
What is the best way to check urine for ketones? I’ll need to buy strips. He’s been peeing out side the litter box at times but I’ve spread out potty pads around the litter box. I guess I could turn some upside down so he pees on the plastic.
Panic
Member Since 2019
That's nausea. I wouldn't give an appetite stimulant without anti-nausea, it makes it worse. I think you need to take him in for a pancreatitis test. Sooner than later to get it handled early. Preferrably a Snap fPL, a Spec fPL will tell you how severe it is if he has it, but it takes 2-3 days whereas Snap is in-house and is basically a "yes-no" deal.
I'm not 100% sure if dipping the urine stick on the pee-pad won't result in inaccurate tests. You usually try to catch it as they pee, or some people stick a spoon under them. Others take plastic wrap and put it in the litter box.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
If I put the plastic wrap in the litter box I couldn’t be sure if it was him or my other cat.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Actually, I have some from my own bout with diverticulitis recently. They are 8mg tablets. Sailor weighs about 12 pounds.
Must be nice to have it so quick! I hope it helps him feel better.
THH & Snowcrash (GA)
Member Since 2020
Pancreatitis requires a specific test, usually called an fPL. Usually my vet treats with anti-nausea meds, pain medications (pancreatitis is very painful), b12 shot, and fluid therapy (if needed). Diabetic cats tend to be prone to pancreatitis, unfortunately.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
Hello all. I just tested Sailor and he’s at 90. Right now he’s eating, with gusto, which is unusual for him, even before he had diabetes. Tonight he just dove into the Friskies Liver and Chicken pate. I have a question about insulin, as low as he is should I give it to him tonight? Give him less? I need some guidance, I don’t want him to go too low. Thank you.
THH & Snowcrash (GA)
Member Since 2020
How soon is he due for insulin? Nevermind, seems he's due now?
I think you probably should skip with SLGS, but hang tight--I'm still new to the dosing guidelines too.
THH & Snowcrash (GA)
Member Since 2020
I think probably skip, but hopefully someone more experienced with the dosing guidelines will reply.
you may want to start a new thread in the Lantus forum with today's date in the subject and the ??? symbol, so hopefully people will see it.
THH & Snowcrash (GA)
Member Since 2020
Here is the link to the Lantus forum: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/lantus-basaglar-glargine-and-levemir-detemir.9/
Chris & China (GA)
Member Since 2013
First, it's important for you to understand how to use Lantus. Lantus craves consistency so you need to find a dose that you can give both AM and PM without dropping him too low.
Every time you change or skip the shot, you disrupt the depot that has to build which is why Lantus works as well as it does. The dose should be based on how low it takes him, not the Pre-shot. The Pre-shot is only to make sure he's high enough for insulin at all.
Now with SLGS, until you get more data, if he's under 150 at Pre-shot time, you should skip.
Also, it's important for you to be getting tests on every cycle if you can. A curve once a week really just isn't enough information to be able to make good dosing decisions. IF possible, you should try to get at least 1 mid-cycle test on the AM cycle and at least a "before bed" test on the PM cycle. Most cats go lower at night so it really is important to get at least that "before bed" test.
If that 90 was a valid test tonight, I think it might be best to drop his dose down to .5 and then hold it (and get those extra tests in when you can) because if the 1U dose he got this morning dropped him that much and you skipped the dose last night, 1U may be too much.
Every time you change or skip the shot, you disrupt the depot that has to build which is why Lantus works as well as it does. The dose should be based on how low it takes him, not the Pre-shot. The Pre-shot is only to make sure he's high enough for insulin at all.
Now with SLGS, until you get more data, if he's under 150 at Pre-shot time, you should skip.
Also, it's important for you to be getting tests on every cycle if you can. A curve once a week really just isn't enough information to be able to make good dosing decisions. IF possible, you should try to get at least 1 mid-cycle test on the AM cycle and at least a "before bed" test on the PM cycle. Most cats go lower at night so it really is important to get at least that "before bed" test.
If that 90 was a valid test tonight, I think it might be best to drop his dose down to .5 and then hold it (and get those extra tests in when you can) because if the 1U dose he got this morning dropped him that much and you skipped the dose last night, 1U may be too much.
JulzSTL
Member Since 2020
I was thinking the exact same thing but wanted more experienced opinions.
My work schedule makes it difficult to get In more tests that are spaced out. I get up around 5:30-6am, test him, feed him and give him shot. This is usually all completed by 7. Then I leave the house an hour later at 8. I usually get home between 5:30 and 6 pm. I test feed and shot at that time, usually it’s all complete by 7pm. So he has a steady 12 hours between normally. So you see that during the week days it’s just not possible for me to test during the day. I need to get into the habit of testing him before I go to bed. Thanks so much for the advice.
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