Am I freaking out over nothing?

C

Cat Mom97

Member Since 2023
Hello everyone!

I'm currently in the process of updating Mus's chart, but today's test result have really scared me. He's been trending a little higher these past 2-3 days, but nothing too crazy from his usual. This test I just did has really scared me though. The ReliOn Premiere said 240. He hasn't been in the 200s since he was first diagnosed. Then I tried an old AlphaTrak 2 and that result was 345. I'm now panicking over this. He has had periods where he's trended a little higher, but this is far more than those times.

I took him to the vet yesterday and he is currently on medication for an ear issue, which could be the reason he's so high. I'll be contacting his vet in the morning. Am I worrying over nothing?
 
Hello! I'd say it's fine to feel concerned, but don't freak out.
The next couple of days will give you more of an idea of what's going on. Any kind of infection or inflammation can increase #s.

But get your SS filled out with the recent #s, and we'll all help & watch. Hoping this is just a temporary high reading.

And don't freak out: cats can read our moods so easily, so we always have to be as calm and positive as possible 🤗
 
Lara & Luciole (Lu) said:
Hello! I'd say it's fine to feel concerned, but don't freak out.
The next couple of days will give you more of an idea of what's going on. Any kind of infection or inflammation can increase #s.

But get your SS filled out with the recent #s, and we'll all help & watch. Hoping this is just a temporary high reading.

And don't freak out: cats can read our moods so easily, so we always have to be as calm and positive as possible 🤗
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I've updated it finally. I only test him twice a day and he's not on insulin. I'm hoping he'll go pee soon to I can check his ketones, so far no luck. He's on medication since yesterday, but I'm hoping that this doesn't reverse his progress.
 
Cat Mom97 said:
Hello everyone!

I'm currently in the process of updating Mus's chart, but today's test result have really scared me. He's been trending a little higher these past 2-3 days, but nothing too crazy from his usual. This test I just did has really scared me though. The ReliOn Premiere said 240. He hasn't been in the 200s since he was first diagnosed. Then I tried an old AlphaTrak 2 and that result was 345. I'm now panicking over this. He has had periods where he's trended a little higher, but this is far more than those times.

I took him to the vet yesterday and he is currently on medication for an ear issue, which could be the reason he's so high. I'll be contacting his vet in the morning. Am I worrying over nothing?
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I you might want to test during the day to crest a pattern
 
CORKY said:
I you might want to test during the day to crest a pattern
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I'm going to do a curve over the weekend. As I'm researching, I'm reading that liquid antibiotics can affect their BG. I told my vet about his diabetes, but that's what she gave me. I'll be calling tomorrow to see if that's the issue and if we can make a change.

Does anyone know if this can permanently mess up his BG?
 
Cat Mom97 said:
I'm going to do a curve over the weekend. As I'm researching, I'm reading that liquid antibiotics can affect their BG. I told my vet about his diabetes, but that's what she gave me. I'll be calling tomorrow to see if that's the issue and if we can make a change.

Does anyone know if this can permanently mess up his BG?
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You are doing the curve at home right? Cats get really stressed out with a vet visit, and you will not get an accurate reading, if BG is too high the vet might put her on insulin, you don’t want that, a curve definitely is better at home, tge weekend is great let us know cats are very unpredictable, they love to keep in on our toes
 
Cat Mom97 said:
I'm going to do a curve over the weekend. As I'm researching, I'm reading that liquid antibiotics can affect their BG. I told my vet about his diabetes, but that's what she gave me. I'll be calling tomorrow to see if that's the issue and if we can make a change.

Does anyone know if this can permanently mess up his BG?
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If the liquid antibiotics have any sugar or sugar substitute in them, that can boost numbers. And sometimes, the put flavoring in them that contains these sugary ingredients. Is that a possibility??
 
CORKY said:
You are doing the curve at home right? Cats get really stressed out with a vet visit, and you will not get an accurate reading, if BG is too high the vet might put her on insulin, you don’t want that, a curve definitely is better at home, tge weekend is great let us know cats are very unpredictable, they love to keep in on our toes
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Absolutely! Sometimes they have tested him at the vet's office when we visit, but I've never had them keep him for a curve. His comfort and the accuracy of the readings is super important to me. It's thanks to this forum that I've learned that and more.
 
Mary & Jude said:
If the liquid antibiotics have any sugar or sugar substitute in them, that can boost numbers. And sometimes, the put flavoring in them that contains these sugary ingredients. Is that a possibility??
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I've only done a brief search online, but it looks like that's the case with a lot of liquid antibiotics. It's liquid Clavamox, if that helps.
 
I have all of Jude's liquid medications compounded at a pharmacy with strict instructions not to include any sugary ingredients. Because we've had problems with this before.
 
Good--it seems like the red liquid I've received in the past was a problem. That said, I've also received a white opaque version of a liquid med from the compounding pharmacy that had sugar in it (this was before I knew to threaten them with hell-to-pay if they put sugar in my cat's medicines).

Okay, so at least one of those enzymatic toothpastes does have sorbitol in it, which is a sugar: this is the brand. That said, if you have been using it, and it hasn't spiked his bg, then I wouldn't think that would be the issue. There have been some on the board who have used this with no issue and others who've seen a bg increase.
 
Mary & Jude said:
Good--it seems like the red liquid I've received in the past was a problem. That said, I've also received a white opaque version of a liquid med from the compounding pharmacy that had sugar in it (this was before I knew to threaten them with hell-to-pay if they put sugar in my cat's medicines).

Okay, so at least one of those enzymatic toothpastes does have sorbitol in it, which is a sugar: this is the brand. That said, if you have been using it, and it hasn't spiked his bg, then I wouldn't think that would be the issue. There have been some on the board who have used this with no issue and others who've seen a bg increase.
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That's exactly the brand of toothpaste I use. I'll see if I can find a substitute if this toothpaste ends up doing more harm than good. All I can say is that I went through an entire tube previously and it never really impacted him, that I could tell at least.

Yes! I already ask a lot of questions and stand up for my baby, but it looks like I'm going to have to be tougher. I've learned something new to bring up at future vet visits, I just wish it wasn't at his expense.
 
Okay, update.
He's been in the 200s since yesterday night. I called the office and they told me that there's no sugar in the liquid antibiotic. That I should keep giving him at least the ointment and antibiotic once a day.
Unfortunately, I couldn't test him before my family fed him his snack so the only result I could get upon coming home was after he'd eaten. It was still higher than his usual. I called the doctor again and they said I could walk in tomorrow for labs to see what's going on.
I really hope he isn't back to needing insulin. Any guidance?
 
Did they, by chance, give him a steroid shot along with the antibiotic?

You mentioned earlier that he has an ear issue (infection?), and you're right, infections/inflammation can raise bg. Also, I noticed that comment on his sheet about the tooth--dental issues can also raise bg. What did the vet say about the tooth? Any plans to remove, etc.?

BTW, what insulin was he on? His numbers were so good; I sure hope this is a temporary something. :confused:

I know it's worrying to you.

I hope Sienne weighs in with some advice soon.
 
Mary & Jude said:
Did they, by chance, give him a steroid shot along with the antibiotic?

You mentioned earlier that he has an ear issue (infection?), and you're right, infections/inflammation can raise bg. Also, I noticed that comment on his sheet about the tooth--dental issues can also raise bg. What did the vet say about the tooth? Any plans to remove, etc.?

BTW, what insulin was he on? His numbers were so good; I sure hope this is a temporary something. :confused:

I know it's worrying to you.

I hope Sienne weighs in with some advice soon.
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They didn't give him a steroid shot while at the vet. Just used the ear ointment and gave me the medicines to give him later.

So the issue was that he scratched himself a little too deep in his ear and he had some dried blood. His tooth hasn't caused any problems so far despite being a little off. She said we can discuss removal if it starts to cause him discomfort. For now I'm just maintaining with daily brushing and observing him. He's a senior cat now so that's a big concern.

I'm pretty sure it was Novolin that another vet sent. He had only ever gotten one shot of it before I realized that putting him on a strictly wet food diet could lower his glucose and I didn't want to risk a hypoglycemic episode. Don't know if that was smart, but his bg did get down to manageable levels and hadn't given me trouble since. Some other forum users also informed me that the units I was told to give him were too high for a cat just starting insulin.
 
Is important that you test several times during the day or cycle, normally the BG IS high at AMPS/PMPS, if we can have some readings during the daily cycle, in between, is better to know what’s going on, I tagged another member, she’s likely to plug in sooner than Sienne, she’s working during the day, breath in breath out, cats are very sensitive to stress , you stress, they stress. All cats are different, Corky is on ProZinc, very tightly regulated, a lifetime diabetic, still, his BG is always higher on AMPS/PMPS than during the days cycle. I’m sure one of the members will have an answer to your concern😉
 
CORKY said:
Is important that you test several times during the day or cycle, normally the BG IS high at AMPS/PMPS, if we can have some readings during the daily cycle, in between, is better to know what’s going on, I tagged another member, she’s likely to plug in sooner than Sienne, she’s working during the day, breath in breath out, cats are very sensitive to stress , you stress, they stress
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Definitely planning to do more testing. I'm doing my best to be calm in this situation for both our sake, just worried that we're going back to the beginning.
 
I understand your worries, but you need to clear your head, wait till Wendy plugs in and she may help you thru your concerns, maybe is a UTI, that can cause a hike on his levels, I’m just thinking out loud, don’t quote me on it please! I wish I can do more to make you feel better 😞
 
CORKY said:
I understand your worries, but you need to clear your head, wait till Wendy plugs in and she may help you thru your concerns, maybe is a UTI, that can cause a hike on his levels, I’m just thinking out loud, don’t quote me on it please! I wish I can do more to make you feel better 😞
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Well tomorrow I'm going in to do labs for him so maybe that can give me some answers? He just tested 250 before dinner and I'll test him again in 2 hours.

I appreciate you. 🫂
 
Cat Mom97 said:
Well tomorrow I'm going in to do labs for him so maybe that can give me some answers? He just tested 250 before dinner and I'll test him again in 2 hours.

I appreciate you. 🫂
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Back in May 18th 2025 Corky's BG values just started to go up, out of nowhere, I was just as frantic as you are right now, by 5/20 he was in the mid 200s, he also was not hungry, which is odd, I took him to the vet, he took X-rays, did not see anything wrong, he assumed it was a UTI, gave him antibiotics, the next morning I woke up at 6:00 AM to feed and shoot, and Corky was cleaning himself, and I noticed a lot of RED Gooie stuff by his tooshie, and a hole, I freaked ran to the vet and it happened to be a burst gland, there were two holes, apparently the antibiotic pushed the rest of the full gland out, he had a very high fever as well, I did noticed that his ears were very hot in the morning, once cleaned, and given instructions, by night time the BG began to reside, this is an example that anything may be happening, cats hide illnesses very well. so, I am sure is not anything you did wrong, or did not do, or not something to get scared about, our cats love to have us on our toes. relax, put your feet up, continue to test, during the cycle, and perhaps you can test after 2nd shot at +2 and +4 then rest tomorrow is another day., show the Vet the SS so he can have an understanding of the daily cycle, and not assuming, insulin all over again, discard everything else first, follow your instincts, you know your cat better than your vet! 🤗 🫶 I am tagging another member
@Staci & Ivy
 
@Cat Mom97 You might want to be prepared tomorrow to ask for insulin, and if that's the case, let me recommend either Lantus (Glargine) or Prozinc. They are the two best insulins for cats.

Right now (tonight), there is no real need to do a lot of testing because he's not on insulin, so there is no threat of a hypo episode.
 
Please keep us updated. Best to you and Mus, rest, please you need a clear mind tomorrow, ask questions a lot of questions, and again, follow your instincts, go into the vet calm cool and collected, you you do not want him to see you desperate, you want what MUS needs not what the vet wants, clear mind tomorrow, it’s probably nothing to be alarm to, do not let it get the best of you, Mus has been without insulin for a while, I’m sure is just a minor upset! Best to you tomorrow!👌😉🤗
 
I think you should wait till you see the vet tomorrow, if that would be the case, make sure you insist on ProZinc or Lantus in a small dose, I do know the we always recommend a dose of 0.25u especially after Mu has been on Remission, do not get sold on a higher dose, although I do not gove dosing advice be cautious! Follow your instincts!
@Staci & Ivy
 
CORKY said:
Back in May 18th 2025 Corky's BG values just started to go up, out of nowhere, I was just as frantic as you are right now, by 5/20 he was in the mid 200s, he also was not hungry, which is odd, I took him to the vet, he took X-rays, did not see anything wrong, he assumed it was a UTI, gave him antibiotics, the next morning I woke up at 6:00 AM to feed and shoot, and Corky was cleaning himself, and I noticed a lot of RED Gooie stuff by his tooshie, and a hole, I freaked ran to the vet and it happened to be a burst gland, there were two holes, apparently the antibiotic pushed the rest of the full gland out, he had a very high fever as well, I did noticed that his ears were very hot in the morning, once cleaned, and given instructions, by night time the BG began to reside, this is an example that anything may be happening, cats hide illnesses very well. so, I am sure is not anything you did wrong, or did not do, or not something to get scared about, our cats love to have us on our toes. relax, put your feet up, continue to test, during the cycle, and perhaps you can test after 2nd shot at +2 and +4 then rest tomorrow is another day., show the Vet the SS so he can have an understanding of the daily cycle, and not assuming, insulin all over again, discard everything else first, follow your instincts, you know your cat better than your vet! 🤗 🫶 I am tagging another member
@Staci & Ivy
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CORKY said:
Please keep us updated. Best to you and Mus, rest, please you need a clear mind tomorrow, ask questions a lot of questions, and again, follow your instincts, go into the vet calm cool and collected, you you do not want him to see you desperate, you want what MUS needs not what the vet wants, clear mind tomorrow, it’s probably nothing to be alarm to, do not let it get the best of you, Mus has been without insulin for a while, I’m sure is just a minor upset! Best to you tomorrow!👌😉🤗
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🙏 Thanks for sharing that story and for your encouragement! I'm really hoping that that's the case and he has a little fever that'll pass. Yesterday he did feel a bit warmer, but that could just be me imagining things. I guess I'll know when we get there and they take his temperature.

He's still has his same energy and bathroom habits, as far as I can tell. He hasn't been emptying his water bowl like when he was first diagnosed either. These things do give me some hope.

Mary & Jude said:
@Cat Mom97 You might want to be prepared tomorrow to ask for insulin, and if that's the case, let me recommend either Lantus (Glargine) or Prozinc. They are the two best insulins for cats.

Right now (tonight), there is no real need to do a lot of testing because he's not on insulin, so there is no threat of a hypo episode.
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Staci & Ivy said:
Good luck tomorrow at the vet!
We are here to answer questions when you have them. 🥰
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Holding out hope that this is just an episode and it won't need to get to that, but I'll be sure to discuss everything with the vet. The testing is just to see if he'll go down even a little over the next few hours.

I'll be sure to update you all with what the doctor says and how Mus is doing! Thanks for all the support! ☺️

CORKY said:
I think you should wait till you see the vet tomorrow, if that would be the case, make sure you insist on ProZinc or Lantus in a small dose, I do know the we always recommend a dose of 0.25u especially after Mu has been on Remission, do not get sold on a higher dose, although I do not gove dosing advice be cautious! Follow your instincts!
@Staci & Ivy
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I certainly won't make the same mistake as last time just trusting vets blindly. Even when I'd told the one who diagnosed him that I was changing him over to wet food only, she wanted me to keep giving him the same units (3u twice a day). Did not even tell me he could have a hypo episode until I brought it up and she told me to just keep honey on hand. 🤦‍♀️
 
Cat Mom97 said:
It's called Animax.
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Animax ointment is a prescription medication for dogs and cats used to treat inflammatory skin conditions and ear infections, combining antifungal (nystatin), antibacterial (neomycin, thiostrepton), and anti-inflammatory (triamcinolone) ingredients to reduce itching, swelling, and fight bacterial or fungal infections, including dermatitis, anal gland infections, and ear infections (otitis)

Triamcinolone is a powerful synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, itching and swelling so it's very possible that's also causing the increased blood glucose.

Also, from prior experience, despite what your vet said, it's possible the Clavamox has some kind of sugar in it. Vets tend to only pay attention to the active ingredients and don't know what inert ingredients are also in the mix.
 
Chris & China (GA) said:
Animax ointment is a prescription medication for dogs and cats used to treat inflammatory skin conditions and ear infections, combining antifungal (nystatin), antibacterial (neomycin, thiostrepton), and anti-inflammatory (triamcinolone) ingredients to reduce itching, swelling, and fight bacterial or fungal infections, including dermatitis, anal gland infections, and ear infections (otitis)

Triamcinolone is a powerful synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation, itching and swelling so it's very possible that's also causing the increased blood glucose.

Also, from prior experience, despite what your vet said, it's possible the Clavamox has some kind of sugar in it. Vets tend to only pay attention to the active ingredients and don't know what inert ingredients are also in the mix.
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I'll be asking about that at my visit tomorrow. Is it possible that it could affect his bg long term? Or only while he's taking it?
 
Alright, the update is that Mus's ear is doing a lot better. Vet says that the ear is clean and all that's left is a little scratch. I made sure to pull up my SS as well as tell her what I've learned about the medications and how they're possibly affecting his glucose, although she disagreed that the medications did anything to his bg. We settled on that I would stop giving him the medication, observe him and try to get him to walk more. If he keeps trending high after having been off of the medication, then we can make another appointment to discuss further action.

The last time I gave him the Animax was yesterday evening and this morning he was at 293. I hope it's out of his system soon.

What do you guys think?
 
It's entirely possible that the steroid in the ear medication is the culprit. Just like with people, some cats may be more sensitive to the effects of a steroid. Ostensibly, the ointment is not systemic the way a pill would be. However, Mus may be sensitive. In addition, if he was given an antibiotic, did the vet think there was an infection? Blood glucose can be elevated in response to any infection or inflammation. Keep an eye on the numbers and keep fingers crossed that the numbers drop back down. Remember, that a cat in remission is still a diet controlled diabetic so the medical issues may have caused the increase in the numbers.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
It's entirely possible that the steroid in the ear medication is the culprit. Just like with people, some cats may be more sensitive to the effects of a steroid. Ostensibly, the ointment is not systemic the way a pill would be. However, Mus may be sensitive. In addition, if he was given an antibiotic, did the vet think there was an infection? Blood glucose can be elevated in response to any infection or inflammation. Keep an eye on the numbers and keep fingers crossed that the numbers drop back down. Remember, that a cat in remission is still a diet controlled diabetic so the medical issues may have caused the increase in the numbers.
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My understanding is that it was to prevent infection as he had scratched pretty deeply in his ear. Upon checking the ear today she said that it was better so we stopped the medication. His glucose was lower before his lunch today, but still in the 200s before and after his dinner. Keeping my fingers crossed though that the medication just needs time to get out of his system.
 
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