She hates her shots

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Sugar and Spice

Sugar and Spice

Member Since 2023
When I first started administering Sugar’s shots earlier this month, she handled it fine. She obviously didn’t love it but she tolerated it well; no meowing, yowling, nervous body language, hissing, nothing. I’ve noticed over the past week or so that every time I’m going to administer her shot, she gets more vocal about it, she walks out of my reach (but doesn’t leave the room), and she has just become less tolerant. Sugar doesn’t act aggressive or hostile, it’s more like she’s just telling me that she doesn’t want her shot. I give it to her regardless, because it’s for her wellbeing. She handles blood glucose testing better than she does her shots now, and aside from her shot time she’s my perfect angel who has no problem with me handling her or interacting with her. I don’t know what to do. I feel like there’s nothing I can do to placate her, and I can’t think of a way to positively reinforce this action of administering her shot. I assumed that it would get easier the more she got used to her insulin shots, but it seems that isn’t the case. Perhaps I’m overthinking it, but it’s discouraging and I just want the best for her…
 
I see no info on your spreadsheet or signature as to what insulin you’re giving and the dose? If you’re taking it out of the fridge and shooting cold it can sting more. It’s a good idea to rub the syringe with your fingers to get it warm. I used to hold it with the sock I nuked for the test since it was still warm and it helped to warm up the syringe.

Are you using the tent technique to pull up the skin between the shoulder blades and shoot?
 
In your first post, you mentioned your vet said you could reuse syringes. The locum vet showing me how to shoot said I could do the same thing. :banghead: Not a good idea as the rough edges of a used syringe can hurt. Are you now using a new syringe for each shot?

Have you gotten any blood sugar data you could put in your spreadsheet yet? Some cats seem to know they'll feel bad after shot, if she's going low. The 2 units you started with is a higher dose that we typically suggest for people using Vetsulin. A good starting place is one unit.

If you can edit your signature to add some basic information about you and your kitty, it'll really be helpful for us. More information on how to do that in this post: New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
 
Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) said:
I see no info on your spreadsheet or signature as to what insulin you’re giving and the dose? If you’re taking it out of the fridge and shooting cold it can sting more. It’s a good idea to rub the syringe with your fingers to get it warm. I used to hold it with the sock I nuked for the test since it was still warm and it helped to warm up the syringe.

Are you using the tent technique to pull up the skin between the shoulder blades and shoot?
Click to expand...
I have been updating the spreadsheet but if it’s not letting everyone else see it I’ll have to try and change that! I’ll try warming up the syringe first, thank you! And yes, I tent her skin.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
In your first post, you mentioned your vet said you could reuse syringes. The locum vet showing me how to shoot said I could do the same thing. :banghead: Not a good idea as the rough edges of a used syringe can hurt. Are you now using a new syringe for each shot?

Have you gotten any blood sugar data you could put in your spreadsheet yet? Some cats seem to know they'll feel bad after shot, if she's going low. The 2 units you started with is a higher dose that we typically suggest for people using Vetsulin. A good starting place is one unit.

If you can edit your signature to add some basic information about you and your kitty, it'll really be helpful for us. More information on how to do that in this post: New? How You Can Help Us Help You!
Click to expand...
I absolutely do NOT reuse her needles, and I never have ever since she started insulin. I think it’s ridiculous that a vet could even suggest that.
I think one unit may suffice, I don’t really know if I should bring it up to the vet because of their ignorance when it comes to things like their suggestion of reusing needles and giving me insulin that isn’t recommended by just about anyone in the feline diabetes community. Maybe they just don’t see people go above and beyond for diabetic animals around where I live? I don’t know, but I’ve been a bit wary about the vet in regards to her diabetes…
 
Sugar and Spice said:
I have been updating the spreadsheet but if it’s not letting everyone else see it I’ll have to try and change that! I’ll try warming up the syringe first, thank you! And yes, I tent her skin.
Click to expand...
I can see your spreadsheet but there are no BG numbers on it

Can you set up your signature, click on your name up top then tap on signature add the info
The signature is at the end of everyone's post in gray ,information about our cats
  • Add info we need to help you:
    • Caregiver & kitty's name
    • DX: Date
    • Name of Insulin (do not include dose or frequency)
    • 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.
 
Hi, Just wanted to pass along a few more suggestions regarding shots. You might have more success in giving the shot in a different area than the scruff. This sticky has a great section on "Shot Placement & Overlap: Flank vs Scruff." I give shots while Mikey is eating and come up behind him, run my hand along his flank till I reach the "love handles," press first with my finger to fake him out/distract, then insert the needle at a slight angle (not a straight jab), and push the plunger. I also leave the needle in for a second longer before I s l o w l y slide it out because if you're not careful, the removal can hurt worse than the actual shot. Another thing I did was practice on a sliced apple to try to visualize getting the right angle for the syringe and the right insertion/depth/removal with the least amount of pain.

Most of the information on the rest of the sticky is regarding Lantus/Levemir insulin and it looks like you're currently on Vetsulin, so be aware that there are significant differences between the two types of insulin.
 
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