New Member - Bella is lethargic and not eating

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Krisy and Bella

Krisy and Bella

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Hello, my 14 year old cat Bella was just diagnosed with diabetes yesterday after a blood test. I brought her to the vet because she is normally alert and hungry but she had barely gotten out of her bed. She did drink some broth and eat some snacks. The same is for today.
I have no funds, I just spent them all (thousands) on treating her previous diagnosis of kidney disease for the last 5 months. We just moved to a new place and the new vet was unfortunately not compassionate or helpful. He said her kidney disease diagnosis was wrong. I do not know what to do or who to believe.
I just got denied for care credit. Not sure what to do.
 
KrisyCat said:
Hello, my 14 year old cat Bella was just diagnosed with diabetes yesterday after a blood test. I brought her to the vet because she is normally alert and hungry but she had barely gotten out of her bed. She did drink some broth and eat some snacks. The same is for today.
I have no funds, I just spent them all (thousands) on treating her previous diagnosis of kidney disease for the last 5 months. We just moved to a new place and the new vet was unfortunately not compassionate or helpful. He said her kidney disease diagnosis was wrong. I do not know what to do or who to believe.
I just got denied for care credit. Not sure what to do.
Click to expand...
Hi, Welcome, do not despair we are here to help you, below are several links for you and for us to help you, the Main Forum has many sticky notes with valuable information, most Vets unfortunately are not familiar with Feline Diabetes, here you will find experts in the matter that can guide your anxiety and your fur baby's health back to normal, I know the financial situation by experience can be devastating, since you were denied Care Credit is a good thing there are several Feline Foundations that can help you, the one assisting me is called D.C.I.N. you may contact THH@dcin.info
there you will find an application to apply/qualify for assistance for all the supplies needed to treat diabetes, except food of course, they are very very helpful, I do not know what I would have done without the, they are extremely quick in helping and response, go over these links below, the first link is where you will create your signature for the Forum, we are here to help you, any concerns in the mean time, please post us back, are you home testing?? this is very important, and that the diet should consist of Low carb wet can foods only between 0-10% carbs, no kibbles they are high content of carbs between 20-sometimes 30 % carbs including treats ok:bighug::cat::cat:
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/

https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-how-you-can-help-us-help-you.216696/
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/suggestions-on-how-to-stimulate-kittys-appetite.130770/
 
I just got the diagnosis 2 days ago after a work in at the vet down the street. (we just moved here last month) I have high anxiety and the vet was not helpful and just talked at me. So I left to go home and process. I have not made any decisions or gotten any supplies yet. I had my own personal doctors appointments yesterday for PTSD anxiety. As I said above, I have no funds. I spent them all on her blood test and anti nausea injection 2 days ago, moving here, and before that, her treatment of her previous diagnosis of Stage 2 kidney disease. I am unemployed. She is very lethargic and thirsty. I do not know what to do in this moment. Is it life threatening right now??
 
Should I put sugar water mixture in her mouth? Some wet food? Do I have the weekend to figure it out (while the vet is closed) or does she need insulin now?

I do not know yet what is an emergency or not.

Thank you for your responses.
I signed up for one time assistance for DCIN but they do not have any more emergency funds.
 
KrisyCat said:
I just got the diagnosis 2 days ago after a work in at the vet down the street. (we just moved here last month) I have high anxiety and the vet was not helpful and just talked at me. So I left to go home and process. I have not made any decisions or gotten any supplies yet. I had my own personal doctors appointments yesterday for PTSD anxiety. As I said above, I have no funds. I spent them all on her blood test and anti nausea injection 2 days ago, moving here, and before that, her treatment of her previous diagnosis of Stage 2 kidney disease. I am unemployed. She is very lethargic and thirsty. I do not know what to do in this moment. Is it life threatening right now??
Click to expand...
I was told at the beginning these words, take a step back, breath in and breath out, our anxiety our cats feel it twice as hard, write to the email I gave you for assistance,,in your situation they will respond immediately, also read the links I send you, they will ease your stress,, the most urgency is to start treating the diabetes,,it Is treatable in this Forum trust me. I was just like you in despair no money the Vet had no clue, we can help you but please we need more information about your cat’s day by day progress, we are here for you:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:​
 
Ok, breathing now. You are right about double the stress for our cats. I really appreciate your advice and kind words.
I will email the DCIN and read the links. Thank you.
 
Please make a run to the pharmacy and pick up Ketostik. These are urine test strips. You dip them in your cat's urine stream to test for ketones. Any time someone mentions that their cat is lethargic and not eating I become concerned about ketones.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Please make a run to the pharmacy and pick up Ketostik. These are urine test strips. You dip them in your cat's urine stream to test for ketones. Any time someone mentions that their cat is lethargic and not eating I become concerned about ketones.
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Well, if you are not home testing you do not know his glucose level , if you have not treated with insulin his BG might be very high or very low, you don’t want to chance it by giving sugar water or honey or syrup he might get hypoglycemic that’s dangerous, do you know anyone that’s diabetic that you can use their monitor and a strip?? You can pick the tip of the ear and check his BG most of us use the human monitor ReliOn Premier monitor and strips the monitor is $9.00 at Walmart and $9.00 for 50 strips or 100 for $17.88, the DCIN can provide you with it as well, but is important he’s BG gets tested see main forum on how to test sticky and Sienne is guiding correct about checking for Ketones she is well informed about the matter:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
 
CORKY said:
Well, if you are not home testing you do not know his glucose level , if you have not treated with insulin his BG might be very high or very low, you don’t want to chance it by giving sugar water or honey or syrup he might get hypoglycemic that’s dangerous, do you know anyone that’s diabetic that you can use their monitor and a strip?? You can pick the tip of the ear and check his BG most of us use the human monitor ReliOn Premier monitor and strips the monitor is $9.00 at Walmart and $9.00 for 50 strips or 100 for $17.88, the DCIN can provide you with it as well, but is important he’s BG gets tested see main forum on how to test sticky and Sienne is guiding correct about checking for Ketones she is well informed about the matter:bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
Click to expand...

Ok I will go get a monitor, ketostik, and test strips. What is "how to test sticky"?
 
KrisyCat said:
Are there good generic versions of Relion monitor and ketostik? (Need lesser price)
Click to expand...
The sticky note in the Main Forum to teach you how to test with the monitor and strips, the cheapest monitor by far is the ReliOn Premier, you do not need much but a small amount of blood on the strip, to test also you'll need lancets thin ones they are like $5.00 for about 100, in total you will probably be spending no more than $25.00 for the three items, strips monitor and lancets, later when you are approved by the DCIN they will supply you with insulin, strips and syringes enough for every month, they will probably send you a monitor as well with a little toy and a small sock tied containing rice in it to place inside the ear to hold and test easier, you'll be ok sweetheart, I was just if not more desperate than you, the next day after I brought Corky from an 8 days stay from the hospital and $8,000 later, the insulin bottle fell from my fingers and broke int Pieces, you say you suffer from PTSD well, I am Bipolar, my nervous breakdown was just a step away from madness, we'll get thru this, before you know it you will be a pro, and laugh about it all, the important thing is that you trust this Forum blindly, like I have, and Corky 11 this 18th id as gorgeous and healthy and well monitor with the help of all these amazing, experienced guardian Cat owners, just like us.;):bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
 
Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them
Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are 17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197
At least if you need more test strips you can run into Walmart and pick them up or if you're running low you can just order them from Walmart


Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up
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 he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 10 or 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand not the lancing device
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
Look at the lancet under a light and you will see one side is curved upward, that's the side you want to poke with

Try putting a thin layer of Vaselineon the ear so the blood will bead up

@KrisyCat
 
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CORKY said:
The sticky note in the Main Forum to teach you how to test with the monitor and strips, the cheapest monitor by far is the ReliOn Premier, you do not need much but a small amount of blood on the strip, to test also you'll need lancets thin ones they are like $5.00 for about 100, in total you will probably be spending no more than $25.00 for the three items, strips monitor and lancets, later when you are approved by the DCIN they will supply you with insulin, strips and syringes enough for every month, they will probably send you a monitor as well with a little toy and a small sock tied containing rice in it to place inside the ear to hold and test easier, you'll be ok sweetheart, I was just if not more desperate than you, the next day after I brought Corky from an 8 days stay from the hospital and $8,000 later, the insulin bottle fell from my fingers and broke int Pieces, you say you suffer from PTSD well, I am Bipolar, my nervous breakdown was just a step away from madness, we'll get thru this, before you know it you will be a pro, and laugh about it all, the important thing is that you trust this Forum blindly, like I have, and Corky 11 this 18th id as gorgeous and healthy and well monitor with the help of all these amazing, experienced guardian Cat owners, just like us.;):bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
Click to expand...


Your kind words are so comforting and helpful. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. I am glad your baby is well and I look forward to being a pro at this.
 
KrisyCat said:
Your kind words are so comforting and helpful. Thank you so much for your patience and understanding. I am glad your baby is well and I look forward to being a pro at this.
Click to expand...
No to worry, I’m glad I can help, any concerns you have post it keep this title post to 50 then continue another with the same title type Continuation then the date, you’re doing great already;):bighug::bighug::cat::cat:
 
KrisyCat said:
There was blue but it was 30 gauge.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't get these the higher the number means you might not get enough blood when you poke
You can get these at Walgreens . But the ones you posted are just fine
The lower the number on the lancets mean it will make a bigger whole , don't panic , you don't even see it
@KrisyCat
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KrisyCat said:
Sorry, I do not see the sticky note in the Main forum for how to test the BG?
Click to expand...
@KrisyCat
I posted a pic above also
Wendy gave you the links above
Here it is again
Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also.Just keep rubbing the ears with your fingers to warm them up
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 he won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.
When you do get some blood you can try milking the ear.
Get you finger and gently push up toward the blood , more will appear
You will put the cotton round behind his ear in case you poke your finger, after you are done testing you will fold the cotton round over his ear to stop the bleeding , press gently for about 10 or 20 seconds until it stops
Get 26 or 28 gauge lancets
A lot of us use the lancets to test freehand not the lancing device
I find it better to see where I'm aiming
Look at the lancet under a light and you will see one side is curved upward, that's the side you want to poke with

Try putting a thin layer of Vaseline on the ear so the blood will bead up

Here is a video member did testing her cat. Ignore what she says about coding the meter because she's using a pet meter with a human meter you don't have to . Just showing you how to test

VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugar
 
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The ReliOn Prime test strips I got are apparently not compatible with the ReliOn Classic monitoring system? What are the compatible ones? My nephew is at the store now.
Does it have to be the relion brand?
 
KrisyCat said:
The ReliOn Prime test strips I got are apparently not compatible with the ReliOn Classic monitoring system? What are the compatible ones? My nephew is at the store now.
Does it have to be the relion brand?
Click to expand...
@KrisyCat
Yes they have to be the Relion Test strips

Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them
Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

@KrisyCat

See the pic below

The Relion Prime meter is discontinued, they only still have the test strips available for those that still have that meter
 
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Diane Tyler's Mom GA said:
@KrisyCat
Yes they have to be the Relion Test strips

Here is the link for the meter and test strips so you don't have to search for them
Relion Premier Classic Meter at Walmart for 9 dollars
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-CLASSIC-Blood-Glucose-Monitoring-System/552134103

The tests strips are17.88 for 100
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ReliOn-Premier-Blood-Glucose-Test-Strips-100-Count/575088197

@KrisyCat

See the pic below

The Relion Prime meter is discontinued, they only still have the test strips available for those that still have that meter
Click to expand...

I see now the difference Back to Walmart.
 
As I read more, I want to add that Bella has been on prednisolone steroids and gabapentin everyday for atleast 5 months now for her painful degenerative spine disease. Should I discontinue or try to lower any of her meds?
 
KrisyCat said:
As I read more, I want to add that Bella has been on prednisolone steroids and gabapentin everyday for atleast 5 months now for her painful degenerative spine disease. Should I discontinue or try to lower any of her meds?
Click to expand...
I'm sorry I really don't know but I do know you should definitely add that to your signature it's important
Can you do that ?
@KrisyCat
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
 
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KrisyCat said:
Is there another brand I can get? All are sold out in the vicinity
Click to expand...
Yes any ketone strips for urinalysis any brand
Also found this posted by a member
What you do if ketones show depends on the level. Anything above trace is at least a phone call with a vet, if not a visit. You should also increase his fluid intake if trace ketones show, whether it's adding water to his food or fluids (provided vet and his heart is OK with him getting fluids).
@KrisyCat
 
KrisyCat said:
Hello, my 14 year old cat Bella was just diagnosed with diabetes yesterday after a blood test. I brought her to the vet because she is normally alert and hungry but she had barely gotten out of her bed. She did drink some broth and eat some snacks. The same is for today.
I have no funds, I just spent them all (thousands) on treating her previous diagnosis of kidney disease for the last 5 months. We just moved to a new place and the new vet was unfortunately not compassionate or helpful. He said her kidney disease diagnosis was wrong. I do not know what to do or who to believe.
I just got denied for care credit. Not sure what to do.
Click to expand...
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
Hi Bron you might have to read all her posts to know what's going on so sorry
Thank you Bron

This board is crazy busy tonight
 
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KrisyCat said:
As I read more, I want to add that Bella has been on prednisolone steroids and gabapentin everyday for atleast 5 months now for her painful degenerative spine disease. Should I discontinue or try to lower any of her meds?
Click to expand...
I would not change these at the moment. We can work around them.

I'm glad you are getting ketostix and testing the urine for ketones…very important we establish whether or not Bella has any ketones..
It’s also very important Bella eats so at this point, let her eat whatever she will eat.
HillsK/d is very high carb so not suitable for a diabetic cat but we can sort that out a bit later.
At the moment priority is to get her to eat anything and to find out if there are any ketones. And then to start the insulin.
How did they diagnose the diabetes? did they do a fructosamine test?
And vetsulin is not a good insulin for cats. Ask the vet for Lantus or prozinc.
I’m glad you are going to home test.
You are doing great! Bella is lucky to have you.:)
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I would not change these at the moment. We can work around them.

I'm glad you are getting ketostix and testing the urine for ketones…very important we establish whether or not Bella has any ketones..
It’s also very important Bella eats so at this point, let her eat whatever she will eat.
HillsK/d is very high carb so not suitable for a diabetic cat but we can sort that out a bit later.
At the moment priority is to get her to eat anything and to find out if there are any ketones. And then to start the insulin.
How did they diagnose the diabetes? did they do a fructosamine test?
And vetsulin is not a good insulin for cats. Ask the vet for Lantus or prozinc.
I’m glad you are going to home test.
You are doing great! Bella is lucky to have you.:)
Click to expand...


I just tested! Her ketostix was none for one test strip and Trace for one test strip and her blood glucose is 246.

She had a blood test on 10/2 that showed her glucose level was 302. He said diabetes. No fructosamine test done.
In April she was diagnosed this at my former vet after several thousands of dollars of comprehensive tests (we just moved a month ago):
'Straining to defecate - secondary to severe spinal pain vs gut motility disorder vs secondary to dehydration from chronic kidney disease
vs open
IRIS Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease
Invertebral Disc Disease'
And she also had a UTI that was successfully treated with meds. I just looked back her glucose level was 151 then.
On 10/2 brought her to the new vet because she was not eating and very tired. Thought it was because of her kidneys but according to the new vet, she never had/doesn't have Kidney Disease and she has diabetes. I loved my old vet and am not a fan of the work-in vet we saw recently, respectfully. I am frustrated to get 2 conflicting diagnosis.

I will ask for the other insulins. Thank you for your time and advice and kind words.
 
She could have steroid induced diabetes. You don’t want to change her medication right now. When was the 151 at the vet? That is in normal range. Do you have a copy of the labs? A fructosamine would have helped to see if she has diabetes or kidney disease but there are other clues we can use. Was there sugar in her urine? What was the urine specific gravity, BUN and creatinine? If you were not given copies of all test results ? have them email to you.
 
I had wondered that.

3/28/24 her glucose was 87. Bun 29. Creatine 2.1. Started Prednisolone and gabapentin.
4/25/24 her glucose was 155. Bun 29. Creainine 1.7
10/2/24 her glucose was 302. Bun 27. Creatinine 1.7.

I do not see anything labeled fructosamine on her blood tests.
She hd a urinalysis in March but I don't have the results. They keep sending the same, wrong document. All it says is she had a UTI.
 
Should I wake in intervals during the night to make sure she is eating and drinking? Keep testing her Blood sugar and ketone?
I am not sure what to do in this moment.
 
Her creatinine was good. They need to send you complete labs and results from every test. You paid for them! My gut is telling me the new vet is on to something even if a jerk. If so prednisolone needs to be weaned off and not stopped abruptly. I’m not a vet but I question if needed and the earlier diagnosis. You really need all the paperwork. I’m so sorry and wish you had found a more compassionate vet.
 
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@Krisy and Bella

As Bron Vetsulin is not good for cats , it's used for dogs l.If you do start insulin I would suggest Lantus or the generic form
https://www.goodrx.com/lantus?label...d-pens-of-100-units-ml&quantity=1&slug=lantus
Make sure that the Match your prescription pull down menu says generic glargine 1carton of 5 3ml pens.

Lantus usually doesn't kick in until 2 hours after the shot

We buy the pens but use the syringes to draw out the insulin because if you use the pen you can only adjust by full units ,we adjust the doses by 0.25units
If you do switch to lantus the generic you will need
U -100 SYRINGES WITH HALF UNIT MARKINGS
I can suggest a few if you would like


Also
The 5 pens will last about a year, we use the pens just like a vial, you would just insert the syringe it the gray rubber stopper on the pen and draw out your insulin
Its generic lantus

If you use the Good Rx
GoodRX has a 1-800 number to assist you in using their services to get your pets prescriptions filled if the pharmacy gives you any issues.

I think I found it for you
GoodRx / Customer service

1 (855) 268-2822

I see some members will call CVS, Rite Aid, Costco, Walgreen's, to get the price for 5 pens
Just call around and see who has the cheapest price , it's really not that expensive

With Lantus or the generic such as Glargine you need U-100 syringes with half units markings

you can get U100 insulin syringes with half unit marks for $12.58/100.
You have to go into the store , you can't order them on line

Either of these 2 boxes are the ones you want (with a purple stripe)
upload_2024-4-22_23-37-23-jpeg.69946
 
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upload_2024-10-5_9-40-51.jpeg

The ones in the left is what we use

Just take the cap off the pen and use a U100 syringes and pull the insulin out of the pen! You will see a small gray rubber stopper, insert the syringe there
syringe-in-pen-pic-jpg.45006


We use the syringes because with using the pens instead of a vial you can only adjust the dose by whole units with a pen so we use the syringes since we either increase or decrease by 0.25 units at a time

@Krisy and Bella
 

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Good morning, she is much better today! She ate a bunch of food I left out throughout the night. She is much more alert and active and purring.We had our little morning walk outside like usual and now she is laying in her favorite spot in the sun. :cat: I am so relieved.
 
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