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Kandi and Oliver

Kandi and Oliver

Member Since 2020
Hi guys! The more I read these threads and search online, the more questions I have! After my cat, Oliver, got his blood test done yesterday and the vet called to let me know he had diabetes, only the one vet tech was left in the office when I was able to pick him up. She gave me a really quick rundown on how to give the insulin shot and that’s about it. I’m realizing it’s soo much more! They said nothing about testing levels at home etc. Eek. I have a few initial questions. For one, can I give a syrup swab in Oliver’s gums if he becomes extra tired seeming but am not sure it’s hypoglycemia? Also can I do that if it’s nearing time for his second dose of insulin? I love my boy so so much and this is so much less important than him of course, but I had a weekend trip out of state this weekend. Should I cancel or would it be safe to have my parents keep him if I teach my mom how to give him the insulin shots? I will only be gone two full days but I know she won’t be home the entire time during the day to monitor him but could check every few hours I’m sure. This might sound silly, but I really just have no idea. If I have to miss my trip, I have to miss my trip but I just am lost on what is the right/reasonable thing to do. Okay this will be enough to get my started. :) Oh. Last thing, The vet has me on a combo of prescribed dry food and wet food. I have read on here though to avoid all dry food. Should I be giving him wet food only and how do you guys arrange feedings as the wet food could go bad being left out right? And the vet said to let him graze throughout the day? This is so much and I’m trying to stay strong and not be overwhelmed but I’m sad for my boy and there’s so much to learn and I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong. Also I do have an appointment to go in beginning of next week to have him tested at Dr request. Thank you guys!
 
Welcome to the FDMB! You've come to the right place!

Have you already started the insulin? What kind? How much?

If you haven't started insulin yet and your cat didn't have any signs of ketones when diagnosed, it's perfectly reasonable to do a diet change first. Most of us feed our own cats Fancy Feast Classics, Friskies pates or 9-Lives ground because they're under 10% carbs, easy to find and affordable. You do not need to buy any "prescription" foods (and if you already have, you can return it! It's 100% guaranteed. Just tell your vet he won't eat it)

If you have a WalMart nearby, you can get everything you need to test his blood glucose. The Relion Prime is a favorite here. It's $9 and the strips are $17.88/100. Add a box of lancets (and a lancet device if you want one...a lot of us just freehand the lancet) and some cotton cosmetic pads (to protect your finger and apply pressure after you get a sample from your cat) and that's all you need to start!
 
Thank you SO much!!! It might be silly to even ask, but should I cancel my trip? He would be staying with my parents. I would teach my mom to give him his food and insulin. I would only be gone for two full days. My vet told me it would be okay and a vet friend told me basically it wouldn’t be okay. My kitties health comes first but I just want to know I’m making the right choice if it’s not necessary to cancel considering I invited the people going with on the trip. Sigh I’m trying so hard not to be too overwhelmed. So glad I found you guys!

Also he started 2 units twice a day yesterday and it’s Novolin.

Chris & China (GA) said:
Welcome to the FDMB! You've come to the right place!

Have you already started the insulin? What kind? How much?

If you haven't started insulin yet and your cat didn't have any signs of ketones when diagnosed, it's perfectly reasonable to do a diet change first. Most of us feed our own cats Fancy Feast Classics, Friskies pates or 9-Lives ground because they're under 10% carbs, easy to find and affordable. You do not need to buy any "prescription" foods (and if you already have, you can return it! It's 100% guaranteed. Just tell your vet he won't eat it)

If you have a WalMart nearby, you can get everything you need to test his blood glucose. The Relion Prime is a favorite here. It's $9 and the strips are $17.88/100. Add a box of lancets (and a lancet device if you want one...a lot of us just freehand the lancet) and some cotton cosmetic pads (to protect your finger and apply pressure after you get a sample from your cat) and that's all you need to start!
Click to expand...
 
Kandi Fenton said:
Also he started 2 units twice a day yesterday and it’s Novolin.
Click to expand...

My personal opinion? If you just started yesterday and there weren't any ketones, I'd stop the insulin and do the diet change while I learned to home test.

Novolin isn't really a good insulin for cats at all. It hits hard and fast and usually only lasts 6-8 hours. Here's lots of information on using Novolin. It's a fine insulin for dogs, but hasn't been approved for cats for several years unless it's the only insulin you can afford to use. 2 Units is also a high starting dose. Most cats should start at .5 to 1U twice a day. You can always go up in dose if it's not enough. You can't take it out if it's too much.

As far as going out of town this weekend, it would depend on if you intend to continue the insulin and if your parents are willing to home test. There's no immediate rush to start insulin (again, as long as there aren't any ketones in the picture). It takes a long time for diabetes to do damage....it's the low numbers that can kill quickly.

I personally didn't start insulin for about 10 days so I could get China eating a low carb canned diet only and while I learned to home test so that when the low carb food wasn't enough to bring her numbers down to normal, I was ready to keep her safe on insulin. We used Lantus though which is a much gentler insulin. It's pricey, but most of us are buying it from Canada because it's 1/3 to 1/2 the price. For $190 (including shipping) you can get 5 pens which is 1500 units and enough to last most cats at least a year (and some up to 2 years)
 
Thank you so so much for all of that information! I’m about to go to bed but I’m going to re-read it tomorrow and might have a couple more questions. But my quick question would be, how long does it take you guys to get that insulin shipped from Canada? And would it be bad on his body since he’s taken three doses already for me to take him off of insulin? The whole reason I found out he had diabetes is because he had a weird episode Friday night where I thought he was just in pain and thought he had hurt his hind leg where he wasn’t wanting to eat or drink or walk. I took him to the ER vet and they put him on a couple pain meds and he was better the next day and then found out a couple days later at the local vet he had diabetes after blood tests. I guess that was multiple questions. Once again thank you so so much! This info is all changing everything and helping dramatically. The vet barely told me anything on diabetes or what to do other than a very quick show of how to give the shot and that’s literally it.
 
Kandi Fenton said:
But my quick question would be, how long does it take you guys to get that insulin shipped from Canada?
Click to expand...

About 7-10 days for the first order. Refills are usually much faster. You just have to send them a picture of the script (or have the vet call it in or fax it) They give you a tracking number so you can track it too. Here's more information on Buying insulin from Canada

Kandi Fenton said:
And would it be bad on his body since he’s taken three doses already for me to take him off of insulin?
Click to expand...

No, not with Novolin.....it's an "in and out" insulin...so as soon as the shot wears off (6-8 hours after it's given in most cases) there's zero left in his body. Again, as long as there's no ketones in the picture (and you'll want to watch carefully that he doesn't become lethargic, start refusing to eat, hiding, acting like he's really sick...those are all signs of ketones) You can also get urine ketone test strips to test for them at home. You can use something like aquarium gravel or even dried beans or peas instead of litter to get a clean urine sample or you can put a plastic bag over the litter or even crumple up some Saran Wrap and put it in the area of the litterbox he usually pee's in. It only takes a drop to get a test. Some people use something like a soup spoon and put it under the cat while he's peeing too. There's lots of idea's on getting a urine sample.

Kandi Fenton said:
The vet barely told me anything on diabetes or what to do other than a very quick show of how to give the shot and that’s literally it.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, that's a pretty common story here. But the people here have years of real life experience to share with you so you're in the right place!
 
I just wanted to say welcome, and that we are here for you. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It's very treatable and they can live long healthy lives. How wonderful your mom is willing to learn to inject!

I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
 
WELCOME TO FDMB! Its a good thing you found us and we are glad you did. You've landed in a SAFE place place for Oliver.
Theres a ton of information here, with good people to help you digest it all. I wont lie to you and say this will be easy. Its a steep learning curve you and Oliver are embarking on, but I believe you are up for the task. We will be with you every step of the way. We have capable members all over the world so we are here almost 24/7.

WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY:bighug:

Your first big decision is whether to leave your boy for two days. I agree with Chris:
"My personal opinion? If you just started yesterday and there weren't any ketones, I'd stop the insulin and do the diet change while I learned to home test."
BUT you need to buy some ketone strips and test Oliver's urine (maybe even teach your mom to do this) Theses strips are available in any drug store in the diabetic section. (Yes human strips.)

To give you an idea how this board works I'm including a link for your convenience
New? How You Can Help Us Help You!

Again this is scary but you have found the very best place on this planet, to learn everything you need to know, about feline diabetes and keeping Oliver healthy and happy.:bighug:
your new friend,
jeanne
 
You guys are theeeee best!!!! I’m about to go to Walmart to try to get the strips to test for ketones and the glucose meter, etc. My vet friend recommended Aplhatrak. Should I still get the Relion Prime? Thank you so so so much for all of your help! I would be so lost without you guys!
 
JanetNJ said:
I just wanted to say welcome, and that we are here for you. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It's very treatable and they can live long healthy lives. How wonderful your mom is willing to learn to inject!

I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! I just watched your video! I really don’t have a clue what number is he supposed to be at or what I am supposed to do when seeing what his numbers are. If that makes sense. This is all so new! Also I was going to go to Walmart to get a meter now and I’m debating if I should do that to be able to start testing sooner or if I should wait to order the alphatrak. Any opinion?
 
Kandi Fenton said:
Should I still get the Relion Prime?
Click to expand...
Yes. You'll save yourself a small fortune on test strips. The Alphatrak is a good meter but the strips are really pricey (c.$50 for 50 strips). You're talking probably $3-5 a day minimum strip costs for the Alphatrak (and $$$ if ever your kitty goes through a run of low numbers). The strips for the Relion Prime cost less than $20 for 100.


Mogs
.
 
Kandi Fenton said:
Thank you so much! I just watched your video! I really don’t have a clue what number is he supposed to be at or what I am supposed to do when seeing what his numbers are. If that makes sense. This is all so new! Also I was going to go to Walmart to get a meter now and I’m debating if I should do that to be able to start testing sooner or if I should wait to order the alphatrak. Any opinion?
Click to expand...
I have always used an alpha track but most on here use a human meter to save money. Normal on a human meter is 50-120 and on a pet meter it's 68-150. You will probably see numbers much higher than this in the beginning (300+ is very common) but we will aim to get your cat into normal range for at least part of the day. Most important is your don't want the cat going too low which is why we suggest raising doses in very small increments.
 
  • Since your cat is on Novolin I would set this up so themembers won't have to keep asking, and I saw a member said 2 units is a high starting dose


  • It would be helpful if you can set up your signature
  • 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)
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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.


tap on your avatar where it says your name ,then hit profile page ,tap on that ,then go up to the very top, upper right hand side and tap on your name ,it will bring down a drop box, tap on signature, the signature will be under settings, tap on the signature then and you can start to add what I posted above, make sure you hit save ,
Welcome to the best place you could ever be and an awesome group of people
 
Here's lots of information on using Novolin
I suggest you read about Novolin

Did you buy 26 or 28 gauge lancets

















If you plan on going away I would start testing asap and record the
the BG on your spreadsheet.
I will give you the link so you can set it up so if you need help with dosing
members can see what's going on.

If you need help with the spreadsheet just ask we have members who can help you.
Take a look at Tyler's so you can get an idea how it works

Don't know what you are feeding Oliver , if he drops low you will need some
high and medium carb food to bring him back up to safe numbers.

I'll post some below and also post the food chart, try to stay under 10% carbs
for his food.

So if you can fill out the signature first that would be great

You should always test his AMPS ( morning test) to see if his BG number is safe
enough to give the insulin

I don't know anything about Novolin but you should test again
@+2 ( 2 hours after the time you gave him the insulin)
@+4. ( 4 hours. Ditto
@+6. (6 hours. Ditto

Test again
PMPS ( Night time test)
@+2. Same as above and maybe get a +6
 
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STARTING DOSE - N/NPH

Please remember to post on this forum or on the Health forum if you are worried about a low pre-shot number or have a question that needs immediate attention.

With an insulin with an early onset, it is important that your cat has eaten before you give a shot. Generally, you want to feed your cat and give a shot an hour after your cat has eaten. The order for this process is:
(1) test, (2) feed, (3) wait 60 min, (4) shoot

Remember: Insulin is given twice a day at 12-hour intervals.

Starting Dose:
  • For a cat that is eating dry food or other higher (over 10%) carbohydrate food, the starting dose is 1.0u.
  • If the cat is eating a low carbohydrate (preferably) canned or raw food diet, the starting dose is 0.5u.
If and when to shoot: Generally speaking, if you are new to managing your cat’s diabetes, it’s recommended that no N/NPH is given if the BG is below 250 mg/dL [13.8 mmol/L] on a human glucose meter. You may wish to use a slightly higher ‘post and ask for help’ number such as 300 mg/dL [16.6 mmol/L] in certain circumstances. Experienced members will guide you through your options if your cat has a lower than expected pre-shot number. As you gain experience, you will be able to lower your threshold for when to shoot.
 
This is what you need to feed Oliver if he ever drops to low

Such as

You should always have a few can of these on hand in case you need to bring up


Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Beef Feast in Gravy 20% High Carbs


Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Gourmet Chicken Feast in Gravy. 15% Med Carbs




Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Turkey Feast in Gravy. 15% Med Carbs


Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Chicken and Beef Feast in Gravy 15% Med Carbs
 
If you go away this weekend I would also teach your mom how to test Oliver
to make sure his BG number is safe enough to shoot
I would try and get as many tests in as possible day and night before you go away
to see how he is responding to the Novolin.
So the members here have something to look at and maybe can suggest what
to give while you are away

Please re read #4 each post or reply had a number in the bottom right of each reply or
post
 
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Diane Tyler's Mom said:
If you go away this weekend I would also teach your mom how to test Oliver
to make sure his BG number is safe enough to shoot
I would try and get as many tests in as possible day and night before you go away
to see how he is responding to the Novolin.
So the members here have something to look at and maybe can suggest what owe
to give while you are away

Please re read #4 each post or reply had a number in the bottom right of each reply or
post
Click to expand...


Hi thank you so so so much for all of the information! To be honest, I’m going to have to re-read everything and really absorb it all because it seems like so much. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed but it’s a lot to take in!

are most of you home with your cats throughout the day? What if you can’t test them throughout the day? Also, my mom thinks that it is a bad idea for me to go out of town and that I should be monitoring Oliver. I’d be leaving 7pm Friday and returning late afternoon Monday. I honestly wasn’t sure what was reasonable because the vet had told me I would be fine since I started him on the insulin Monday if my mom gave him his shots, and also said I would know if he was going to respond well to the insulin within the first day or two.

Also they have him on two units. He is a big kitty though if that makes a difference?
 
Kandi Fenton said:
Hi thank you so so so much for all of the information! To be honest, I’m going to have to re-read everything and really absorb it all because it seems like so much. I’m trying not to get overwhelmed but it’s a lot to take in!

are most of you home with your cats throughout the day? What if you can’t test them throughout the day? Also, my mom thinks that it is a bad idea for me to go out of town and that I should be monitoring Oliver. I’d be leaving 7pm Friday and returning late afternoon Monday. I honestly wasn’t sure what was reasonable because the vet had told me I would be fine since I started him on the insulin Monday if my mom gave him his shots, and also said I would know if he was going to respond well to the insulin within the first day or two.

Also they have him on two units. He is a big kitty though if that makes a difference?
Click to expand...
I would say a lot of us are home with our cats, some work and are able to come home on their lunch hour to get a test in and then test after work and at night, and can get more tests in on weekends.

Members that do work will know how their cat responds to the insulin probably from prior tests and feel comfortable if they are at work.

Do you know what his BG was when he was tested at the vets?

I really can't say if the 2 units is too much or if that has to do with him being a big cat.
Did you pick up everything at Walmart
I can tag @Chris & China (GA)

@Wendy&Neko

Hi Ladies do you gave any advice for Mandi?
Thanks guys :cat:
 
I work a 12hr day 4 or 5 days a week. My schedule changes from time to time. I work nights right now from 5pm to 5 am currently working a 60 hour work week. It is ruff at times if not down right scary, especially in the beginning.

The saying know thy cat really says it all here. Once you know how he or she responds to insulin and or the different carb foods it becomes doable. If I'm ever concerned with shooting a number lower then I'm comfortable with I will skip or leave out a higher carb food depending. Better too high for a night then too low for a minute. If I can do it anyone can.
 
You guys I’m feeling so defeated and so sad for Oliver. I went out and got everything I needed for the glucose monitor tonight and just tried for a good long while and had to poke him too many times I’m comfortable with and couldn’t get enough blood. I don’t want to put through anymore tonight. Do you think I’m OK to test him in the morning? Also I didn’t see any 28 gauge lancets and got 30. I think there were 26 but I didn’t know if that was too big
 
Kandi Fenton said:
You guys I’m feeling so defeated and so sad for Oliver. I went out and got everything I needed for the glucose monitor tonight and just tried for a good long while and had to poke him too many times I’m comfortable with and couldn’t get enough blood. I don’t want to put through anymore tonight. Do you think I’m OK to test him in the morning? Also I didn’t see any 28 gauge lancets and got 30. I think there were 26 but I didn’t know if that was too big
Click to expand...
 
I copied this that one of our members posted thanks @Aleluia Grugru & Minnie :cat:


There are lots of tips about testing here and each of us does something that helps so you can take what works for you and leave the rest. For me:

1. Warming up the ear, as someone already mentioned with the nuked sock filled with rice, is key. Her ear needs to be warm to the touch and then I know I’ll get a nice size droplet
2. Start with a larger lancet gauge like 28 or even 26. They make slightly bigger pricks and you’ll get more blood out. As you get better at it, you can switch to a 30 gauge - larger numbers indicate smaller needle tips
3. I use a few cotton ovals that I place behind the ear for support so it’s a) easier to apply the needed pressure with the lancet and b) it protects my finger in cases the needle does go through
4. Apply pressure with the cotton oval onto the spot after you got the blood out so it won’t bruise.
5. Always aim for the sweet spot
c2b8079a-b471-4fa6-ac36-9ac1c8d6dcca-jpeg.57072
fec17d29-5ab4-44a8-912b-3a91944c3954-jpeg.57073

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If she won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there
7. I always sing a lullaby as I’m testing. It works to calm us both down and now when Minnie hears the lullaby she knows it’s testing time
8. I use a small flashlight that I hold in my mouth and aim at the spot so I can see well what I’m doing and the bevel of the needle going in, which could be bevel side up
9. I always give her either food or a treat immediately after
 
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26 lancets would be better, you can also get an empty pill bottle and put warm water in it and put but on Oliver's ear. Make sure it's not too hot

Since you haven't tested before when giving him the insulin, you might as well
wait until morning.
Go back and get the 26 gauge lancets, you are doing it freehand , not using a lancing device.
I freehand.
When heating up the rice sock make sure it's not too hot
put it on the inside of your own wrist, like you would test milk that you would give to an infant
 
Patty & Teal'c said:
I work a 12hr day 4 or 5 days a week. My schedule changes from time to time. I work nights right now from 5pm to 5 am currently working a 60 hour work week. It is ruff at times if not down right scary, especially in the beginning.

The saying know thy cat really says it all here. Once you know how he or she responds to insulin and or the different carb foods it becomes doable. If I'm ever concerned with shooting a number lower then I'm comfortable with I will skip or leave out a higher carb food depending. Better too high for a night then too low for a minute. If I can do it anyone can.
Click to expand...
Thanks for replying back @Patty & Teal'c , Kandi is having a rough time , she plans on going a way for the weekend, don't know if you read all her posts
and her cat is on 2 units of Novolin, I think she might have given 4 doses already, no testing, and was going to have her mom shoot without testing. See #25. Thank you Patty
 
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  • Kandi can you please just do your signature so members won't keep asking you what insulin,or dose Oliver is on. What food are you feeding etc, they don't have time to go thru all the posts
  • Since your cat is on Novolin I would set this up so the members won't have to keep asking, and I saw a member said 2 units is a high starting dose
  • It would be helpful if you can set up your signature
  • 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.


tap on your avatar where it says your name ,then hit profile page ,tap on that ,then go up to the very top, upper right hand side and tap on your name ,it will bring down a drop box, tap on signature, the signature will be under settings, tap on the signature then and you can start to add what I posted above, make sure you hit save ,
Welcome to the best place you could ever be and an awesome group of people

Take a look at mine it's the gray writing at the end of my posts
 
Kandi Fenton said:
You guys I’m feeling so defeated and so sad for Oliver. I went out and got everything I needed for the glucose monitor tonight and just tried for a good long while and had to poke him too many times I’m comfortable with and couldn’t get enough blood. I don’t want to put through anymore tonight. Do you think I’m OK to test him in the morning? Also I didn’t see any 28 gauge lancets and got 30. I think there were 26 but I didn’t know if that was too big
Click to expand...
Are you still giving insulin shots?

I encourage you to re-read the first few posts of this thread — there was a lot of very good info there regarding the specifics of food change, N vs Lantus insulin, and things to consider re: going away this weekend. For what it’s worth, I agree with @Chris & China (GA) completely.

Good for you for getting the testing supplies. Many people don’t have success on their first try, so please don’t be discouraged. Warming the ear with either a rice sock or warm washcloth can help quite a bit. Also be sure to put something solid behind the ear, such as a rolled up Kleenex or even the test strip vial, and to push firmly when you poke (it’s easy to be tentative) and milk the ear a bit to help the blood bead up.

Only you know how important this trip is or isn’t, but I personally would be hesitant to send a newly diagnosed cat to my mom’s house with absolutely no test data and have her “shoot blind” 2 units of a notoriously harsh insulin like N while I was gone. That’s putting a lot on your mom, and if anything went wrong, you’d BOTH feel guilty. (As an aside, we had an FDMB member many years ago who went on a weekend trip and boarded her cat at the vet ... cat was overdosed accidentally, and old-timers will remember the long-term fallout).

If I chose to go on the trip, then (assuming no history of ketones) I’d send my cat to my mom’s but withhold insulin. The change to low-carb food is great as that can dramatically lower insulin needs anyway. You can start insulin after you get back and after you’ve mastered BG testing.

If I didn’t go on the trip, I’d prioritize mastering BG testing and collecting data. I personally would not be comfortable giving 2 units of N before I had that figured out. That’s a pretty hefty starting dose. And be careful about changing to a low carb food if you’re already giving insulin. It bears repeating — changing to low-carb food can dramatically lower BG levels, and thus the insulin dose needed. More than one newbie has inadvertently overdosed their cat by not understanding the correlation.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
 
JL and Chip said:
Are you still giving insulin shots?

I encourage you to re-read the first few posts of this thread — there was a lot of very good info there regarding the specifics of food change, N vs Lantus insulin, and things to consider re: going away this weekend. For what it’s worth, I agree with @Chris & China (GA) completely.

Good for you for getting the testing supplies. Many people don’t have success on their first try, so please don’t be discouraged. Warming the ear with either a rice sock or warm washcloth can help quite a bit. Also be sure to put something solid behind the ear, such as a rolled up Kleenex or even the test strip vial, and to push firmly when you poke (it’s easy to be tentative) and milk the ear a bit to help the blood bead up.

Only you know how important this trip is or isn’t, but I personally would be hesitant to send a newly diagnosed cat to my mom’s house with absolutely no test data and have her “shoot blind” 2 units of a notoriously harsh insulin like N while I was gone. That’s putting a lot on your mom, and if anything went wrong, you’d BOTH feel guilty. (As an aside, we had an FDMB member many years ago who went on a weekend trip and boarded her cat at the vet ... cat was overdosed accidentally, and old-timers will remember the long-term fallout).

If I chose to go on the trip, then (assuming no history of ketones) I’d send my cat to my mom’s but withhold insulin. The change to low-carb food is great as that can dramatically lower insulin needs anyway. You can start insulin after you get back and after you’ve mastered BG testing.

If I didn’t go on the trip, I’d prioritize mastering BG testing and collecting data. I personally would not be comfortable giving 2 units of N before I had that figured out. That’s a pretty hefty starting dose. And be careful about changing to a low carb food if you’re already giving insulin. It bears repeating — changing to low-carb food can dramatically lower BG levels, and thus the insulin dose needed. More than one newbie has inadvertently overdosed their cat by not understanding the correlation.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Thank you so much , I can't agree more with you and Chris :bighug:
 
I am still giving insulin shots I’m going to try to have a successful test this morning. I need to go out and get size 26 Lancet first. They were out of 28 and I don’t suppose they will be restocked today. I will also work on getting my signature done in a bit too.

I tried to talk to my vet about him being on two units and if it was too much yesterday on the phone and he talked about possibly even increasing him this week?? I am deeply worried about what I should be doing. He is due for a shot in the next hour. Should I go against vets instructions and change to one unit? I’m so conflicted on knowing what is best and just scared to make the wrong choice


JL and Chip said:
Are you still giving insulin shots?

I encourage you to re-read the first few posts of this thread — there was a lot of very good info there regarding the specifics of food change, N vs Lantus insulin, and things to consider re: going away this weekend. For what it’s worth, I agree with @Chris & China (GA) completely.

Good for you for getting the testing supplies. Many people don’t have success on their first try, so please don’t be discouraged. Warming the ear with either a rice sock or warm washcloth can help quite a bit. Also be sure to put something solid behind the ear, such as a rolled up Kleenex or even the test strip vial, and to push firmly when you poke (it’s easy to be tentative) and milk the ear a bit to help the blood bead up.

Only you know how important this trip is or isn’t, but I personally would be hesitant to send a newly diagnosed cat to my mom’s house with absolutely no test data and have her “shoot blind” 2 units of a notoriously harsh insulin like N while I was gone. That’s putting a lot on your mom, and if anything went wrong, you’d BOTH feel guilty. (As an aside, we had an FDMB member many years ago who went on a weekend trip and boarded her cat at the vet ... cat was overdosed accidentally, and old-timers will remember the long-term fallout).

If I chose to go on the trip, then (assuming no history of ketones) I’d send my cat to my mom’s but withhold insulin. The change to low-carb food is great as that can dramatically lower insulin needs anyway. You can start insulin after you get back and after you’ve mastered BG testing.

If I didn’t go on the trip, I’d prioritize mastering BG testing and collecting data. I personally would not be comfortable giving 2 units of N before I had that figured out. That’s a pretty hefty starting dose. And be careful about changing to a low carb food if you’re already giving insulin. It bears repeating — changing to low-carb food can dramatically lower BG levels, and thus the insulin dose needed. More than one newbie has inadvertently overdosed their cat by not understanding the correlation.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Also I don’t have a computer or Internet or anything at the moment besides my phone to do the spreadsheet. I downloaded a spreadsheet app hoping I would be able to but see it’s view only, I will see if I can make my own on this app when I have time today
 
Kandi and Oliver said:
Also I don’t have a computer or Internet or anything at the moment besides my phone to do the spreadsheet. I downloaded a spreadsheet app hoping I would be able to but see it’s view only, I will see if I can make my own on this app when I have time today
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I am assuming that you've downloaded a copy of the FDMB spreadsheet template. If yes, then make sure that you're logged in to Google Drive. You need to be signed in in order to make changes to the spreadsheet. If that doesn't solve the problem for you, post again and we'll ask one of our spreadsheet people to assist you further. :)


Mogs
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Okay great! I was logged in but I will toy around with it more in a little bit. I need to go see if I can find 26 or 28 gauge lancets. Thank you so so much for your help!

Critter Mom said:
I am assuming that you've downloaded a copy of the FDMB spreadsheet template. If yes, then make sure that you're logged in to Google Drive. You need to be signed in in order to make changes to the spreadsheet. If that doesn't solve the problem for you, post again and we'll ask one of our spreadsheet people to assist you further. :)


Mogs
.
Click to expand...
 
Critter Mom said:
Happy lancet hunting! Sometimes the larger gauge lancets are labelled as suitable for alternate site testing.


Mogs
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Thank you so much! Also someone posted some tips on testing and attached a picture of the sweet spot to get a good test but the picture would not show up on my end. Anyone have the picture or any tips?
 
Kandi and Oliver said:
I tried to talk to my vet about him being on two units and if it was too much yesterday on the phone and he talked about possibly even increasing him this week?? I am deeply worried about what I should be doing. He is due for a shot in the next hour. Should I go against vets instructions and change to one unit? I’m so conflicted on knowing what is best and just scared to make the wrong choice
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Sigh. If I had a nickel for every newbie who showed up here saying that exact same thing. :-)

It’s hard to go against your vet’s advice, especially when the counter information is coming from strangers on the Internet. Yep, completely understand your concerns and hesitation, and you’re wise not to trust us blindly. HOWEVER, using N is a bit old-school, so unless the vet advised you that it’s not a great choice for cats, he might be a bit behind in his continuing education on feline diabetes. And that concerns me. I think you need to trust your “Spidey sense” on this — in other words, your instincts are good and you should be questioning his advice and how to proceed. After all, Oliver’s safety depends on it.

How about this: get your lancets, keep attempting to test, and post here with results (or ask for more testing help if needed) before you give the next shot. People here can give you advice and tell you why they’re recommending something, which will in turn help you learn and analyze as well.
 
Thank you very much! I really do trust you guys would know better as I know all human doctors and pet doctors don’t actually always know best. I’m not sure if this makes a difference, the reason I found out he had diabetes to begin with to make a long story short, is that I came home Friday night and he wouldn’t move wouldn’t eat or drink and seemed to be in a lot of pain. I took him to the emergency vet. Oliver is a tough kitty who gives the vets a run for their money so the first two vets could barely figure anything out because Oliver was so unmanageable growling and stuff and he ended up having to be sedated at the THIRD vet which I really really really hated and was against but they basically told me that was my only choice if I wanted answers. I’ve been relaying this information to bounce it off of my mom since she was there with me when all of this happened with Oliver. She keeps scaring me and saying because of that event Friday night with him she thinks it’s a terrible idea to take him off of insulin. Sorry that was a big rant, but basically I’m wondering if because he had such a bad event on Friday night if you would still advise the same.

JL and Chip said:
Sigh. If I had a nickel for every newbie who showed up here saying that exact same thing. :)

It’s hard to go against your vet’s advice, especially when the counter information is coming from strangers on the Internet. Yep, completely understand your concerns and hesitation, and you’re wise not to trust us blindly. HOWEVER, using N is a bit old-school, so unless the vet advised you that it’s not a great choice for cats, he might be a bit behind in his continuing education on feline diabetes. And that concerns me. I think you need to trust your “Spidey sense” on this — in other words, your instincts are good and you should be questioning his advice and how to proceed. After all, Oliver’s safety depends on it.

How about this: get your lancets, keep attempting to test, and post here with results (or ask for more testing help if needed) before you give the next shot. People here can give you advice and tell you why they’re recommending something, which will in turn help you learn and analyze as well.
Click to expand...
 
How was Oliver diagnosed? Was it from a single BG value or did the vet run a fructosamine (shows BG average over several weeks, similar to the A1C in humans).

Did Oliver have any other symptoms? Had he been drinking and peeing excessively, eating voraciously but losing weight?

Stressful situations can spike a cat’s BG, so that’s why I asked. I once had one of my non-diabetics freak out at the vet clinic—growling, hissing, climbing walls—and her bloodwork came back with a BG of 326. That’s unusually high for a non-diabetic simply due to stress, but I tested at home and her BG was (and stayed) in normal ranges. That’s also an example of why it’s important to test at home (sans stress) as well as do BG curves at home. The results tend to be more reflective of “real life.”
 
JL is right. If we got paid for all the advice we've heard coming from new people and their vets? We would all have yachts and sailing to the Bahamas. sigh
You cant go wrong taking JL's advice.
 
JL and Chip said:
How was Oliver diagnosed? Was it from a single BG value or did the vet run a fructosamine (shows BG average over several weeks, similar to the A1C in humans).

Did Oliver have any other symptoms? Had he been drinking and peeing excessively, eating voraciously but losing weight?

Stressful situations can spike a cat’s BG, so that’s why I asked. I once had one of my non-diabetics freak out at the vet clinic—growling, hissing, climbing walls—and her bloodwork came back with a BG of 326. That’s unusually high for a non-diabetic simply due to stress, but I tested at home and her BG was (and stayed) in normal ranges. That’s also an example of why it’s important to test at home (sans stress) as well as do BG curves at home. The results tend to be more reflective of “real life.”
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That makes total sense. I want to say they told me it was somewhere in the 400s and I believe that is how they diagnosed him (they didn’t keep and monitor him) although the previous vet very briefly seeing him thought the same thing because of his gate and other things. Now that you say it I did notice he was peeing more I just never really thought about it until now. I also think the same about his water intake but he seemed to be eating pretty normally. He had lost weight as well and his back is currently pretty boney
 
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