Old member, new cat Henry - bad shape

[Karrie and Henry]

Henry 11 year old long hair. Adopted from shelter at 1.5 years old. BG 24

Long story short, brought Henry to vet last October because he was starting to walk on hocks. He has a growth in the muscle on his back leg - aspiration came back inconclusive. No diabetes, pancreatitis, potassium fine. No markers for cancer. Brought back in March-ish because he was having a harder time walking - more on his haunches - vet diagnosed arthritis. Gave a cartrophen injection that Henry had a bad reaction to and went downhill fast. Yesterday brought to vet because he has an infection around his privates. He has been leaking urine and I didn't know it. He has always drank a ton of water and peed a ton - I've tested him in the past for diabetes and always normal. Given a covenia injection (sp) and topical antibiotic cream. Blood work came back with blood glucose at 24. He is kibble fed at this time - science diet senior.

I have to run around and get supplies. Lantus, syringes, a meter, test strips, and karo syrup. Missing anything?

The vet wants me to shoot 2 units this week without doing a curve. Can you guys help me get through the first day or two, until I make my way through the posts and information to come up to speed?

Thank you.

Karrie and Henry.
Angel Maverick

 

[Karrie and Henry]

Also, my boss just let me know he has just switched to another meter and he has an accucheck aviva with a ton of test strips that he can give to me. Any issues with this meter for Henry?

 

[Bandit's Mom]

Linking your post in the LBL forum here:
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/henry-diagnosed-3ml-or-10ml-vial-of-lantus.247345/

 

[tiffmaxee]

Also, my boss just let me know he has just switched to another meter and he has an accucheck aviva with a ton of test strips that he can give to me. Any issues with this meter for Henry?

You are fine to use that meter. I am wondering if that starting dose is too high? How much does he weigh? Any chance the topical contains a steroid?

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I agree the staring dose may be too high. Are also changing his diet to low carb? If so, I suggest starting at 1/2 unit to 1 unit at the most.

Do they do a urine culture? There is a good chance that he will need a different antibiotic that is used to treat the specific cause of his infection. As the infection clears up his BG levels should start to become lower. This is another reason to start at a lower dose.

 

[Dyana]

Hi Karrie.
Long time no see. I agree with starting at a lower dose. I would not listen to your vet and test before every dose, and get at least one other test mid cycle, especially if you are slowly changing his diet to a lower carb food. Did the vet do a fructosamine? I also wondered about whether a steroid was given, and agree that when the infection clears up the BGs may come down. Wishing you the Best Of Luck!