Bootsie was diagnosed 12/9/ and it has been a long road to get treatment started but he will start senvelgo on Monday. This thread does not look as active as some but thought I would introduce myself here. Any help always appreciated. For those of you a little further down the road with senvelgo is there anything you did that you feel really helped or that you would change if you had to do over. I am using pretty litter , have ketostrips and a hypo tool box ready. I feed low carb wet food 4 times a day. I have followup appointments at vet for rechecks on day 3, 7, 14 and 28. suggestions ? advise?
bootsie --- senvelgo starting.
- Thread starter PLUAC
- Start date
Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
Hello, We just started last month, and have our one month vet visit tomorrow (just a couple days late.) Testing has helped me a lot- maybe because I am a control freak but also because it lets you measure the impact of the meds and watch for any DKA or hypo signs quickly. Your signature mentions Prozinc? I keep hoping if more of us share Senvelgo experiences it will help others with future diabetic kitties.
Hey, The first vet Bootsie saw did not check ketones, or fructosamine and made several comments about not needing to check at home. She ordered prozinc, but had to special order it for me. Because of her comments and casualness was so at odds with what I was seeing on this site--and the insulin though paid for never came--I got a second opinion at another vet. He said Bootsie was a good candidate for senvelgo. I. decided to try senvelgo first just for simplicity. I'm not sure how to change my signature but think I got it changed on my spread sheet. I am nervous about starting this drug and was glad to see your successful story. What kind of test schedule do you do? Do you test blood ketones at home? Do you weigh Electra at home?
Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
I try to do a ketone (urine) test strip once daily but the timing depends on when I can catch Electra headed for the litter boxes. I bought several disposable paper cups and plastic cups and I can "catch" the testing sample as she pees. I test blood glucose (usually) once each day at about 3-5 hrs after she gets her meds. I have not tried a curve test yet, but it would be interesting to see how her bg changes over the 24 hr period. I have a digital baby scale I use to weigh my cats, and it is pretty close to what my vet office has, so I think it is pretty accurate.
I was really worried about starting this drug after seeing several horror stories online, but I know my Vet did a lot of research and made sure the blood and UA tests showed Electra was in the right spot for this drug; the papers that come with the meds have specific tests mentioned so if you got copies of your cat's blood tests you can look at how they compare. I read the inserts a few times for advice on how to give the meds and what to look for; they have a great website also. Document as much as possible- if anything does go wrong they promise to cover the switch to Prozinc, or emergency vet costs. My last diabetic cat was on Prozinc, so I know that is a good insulin, and if we had to switch it would be my first choice.
I can not imagine being able to catch pee--for now I have some non absorbent litter, but will try catching--lol. I just read the insert twice--and almost had a panic attack! I am retired and home with Bootsie a lot and will intentionally be home even more this first month. Do a glucose 3-5 hours in--good to know...and my vet did not tell me that. I am about terrified to give him this stuff-but I do have a who I think is a good vet now and will monitor as well as I can.. I may order a baby scale. Thank you for the support and tips--I hope I don't need it but good to know they will pay to have switched to insulin if fails.
Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
My Vet told me that the first two weeks are the most critical and that if your cat is likely to have a bad reaction (like DKA) it will most likely happen in that time period. The testing mostly makes me feel comfortable about how she is reacting to the meds; I note all kinds of things on my spreadsheet to track her behavior and attitude also, and shared it with my Vet so it can be reviewed before our appointments. If I forget something later I still have that record, which helps. ( I have three cats and four litter boxes, so I have to be on hand for samples or I can't be sure which cat is the contributor.)
Lol-- I have 4 cats and 4 litter boxes and haven't figured that out yet - but think maybe once a day I will shut bootsie in my bed /bath area with the "special litter box" and just sit with him till he pees- I can always clean a drawer or read-lol. With 3 cats how do you handle feeding- I have always free fed and now am feeding all wet 4-5 times a day ( like split a 6 ounce can 4 ways multiple times a day). All 4 heads go down but anything left- bootsie and his brother clean up. All 4 cats have lost weight since I start feeding low carb - and they all needed to. My vet said maybe feed a prescription diet and gave me a script for royal canin DM and Hill's Md. It is higher fiber and carb and lower protein than fussie cat and weruva and just as expensive . I've been trying to stay really low carb -like less than 3 % since it has taken so long to get him on medicine. Is that too low? What do you feed? Suggestions? My other male has had trouble in the past with urinary crystals so no dry.
Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
I haven't changed food much yet- Electra liked Fancy Feast and has been eating it for years, and the younger two are more adventurous but like Weruva, Tiki, FF, and they all like the dry foods we have had. As we switch for the allergy trial I will take away the FF and only use the new food as the dry- the Weruva can still be out until Electra decides she is desperate and tries to eat it. Dr. Elsey's dry foods are quite low carb (4-7% average) and I am waiting to get more answers from Chewy on a couple other dry food carb content.
help--just unsure of my self--draw up med... the flat part of syringe is at number of dose I want...? Im just so nervous-- but it is done for today...hope it was right. its like and inverse syringe smaller number furtherest from the med entrance point--feels weird. Been about an hour and so far so good.
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Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
Sorry, I don't have online access when I am at work. I use the syringe that comes with the meds, and I just go to the line closest to the cat's weight- I might be a little under since I decided to err on the side of caution. It is not easy to tell which line the numbers are next to at first- was tempted to bring it to a vet appt and ask them but haven't yet.
Bootsie had his 48 hour follow up visit today after starting senvelgo on Monday. His sugar was 148... Wow! However with that- his blood ketones went from 1.6 to 2.2. urine ketones negative. Vet says that is ok and will recheck on Monday. Bootsie eating less ravenously but eating ok. No vomiting, no lethargy. This Is an internist at a specialty practice with great reputation - I trust him but am a nervous soul by nature---- some of the things I see online with senvelgo. Anyone else had this happen? Did it resolve at next visit?
BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
Hi there! Sadie has been on Senvelgo since November. If I remember, her ketones did increase slightly her first week, but by the second week they came back down. Unfortunately it wasn't until after that I decided to purchase a blood ketone meter as a backup to the urine strips. She has been negative for ketones since then.
I will note, I am discovering some other side effects not thoroughly indicated in the medication pamphlet. This is not to scare you, but just putting it here so even others are aware.
We noticed on her last lab work her liver enzymes were elevated. I learned this can be a side effect of Senvelgo. I also noticed she has consistently been in the 80s and 90s when I test her, and sometimes she looks a little tired. I recently read a DVM article that notes cats CAN go hypo with Senvelgo. I'm glad I'm still testing, but I need a day where I can do a full curve to identify how low she is actually going. If she is getting lower than I'd like, I may chat with the vet to see if there is something additional we can do to prevent that.
I will note, I am discovering some other side effects not thoroughly indicated in the medication pamphlet. This is not to scare you, but just putting it here so even others are aware.
We noticed on her last lab work her liver enzymes were elevated. I learned this can be a side effect of Senvelgo. I also noticed she has consistently been in the 80s and 90s when I test her, and sometimes she looks a little tired. I recently read a DVM article that notes cats CAN go hypo with Senvelgo. I'm glad I'm still testing, but I need a day where I can do a full curve to identify how low she is actually going. If she is getting lower than I'd like, I may chat with the vet to see if there is something additional we can do to prevent that.
Thank you so much for sharing that Sadie's ketones raised slightly--that makes me feel better--I was so dreading giving Bootsie a dose tomorrow! Scary stuff -but when it works--it's easier than insulin. I did read something about liver and kidney enzymes can be affected. My vet said they can go hypo but it is unlikely. I have not bought a ketone meter-i have urine strips but im sorta in that same frame of mind-maybe I need one. Which did you buy-do you like it?
Glassgoblin
Member Since 2018
I've only ever used the strips- I don't think ketones was part of my vet's blood tests either, but they didn't seem concerned since the ua was negative. If there is one that could test blood glucose and ketone from same sample that would be awesome, but I don't know much about meters.
BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
The one I purchased was called KetoSense. Like the glucometers, it's designed for human use, but on my other cat forum many folks use it for their cats too. I used it every other day the first two weeks; now I use it once a week. I'll probably work back to every two weeks soon since she's doing well.
I hope that helps!
I hope that helps!
thanks ill order one now.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
My cat was found to have ketones in his blood but not in his urine. The vet said as long as hes eating normally he is a candidate for Senvelgo. I heard people saying its not ok to give a diabetic cat Senvelgo if ketones are present in his blood but the vet said it was fine. I'm just a little worried because sometimes vets can be wrong and the internet has plenty of horror stories so I wanted to talk to someone with a similar experience to my cat.
HEY, Scary stuff . Bootsie is doing great on Senvelgo. As for blood ketones - never greater than 2.4 mmol/liter is ok. Vets usually consider less than 3.4 ok but senvelgo site sets the bar lower. If his blood ketones were over 2.4 mmol he is NOT a good candidate for senvelgo. Nether the senvelgo specific nor the traditional ketone levels would be above the renal threshold so urine should always be negative. I read so many horror stories my hands shook the first few times I gave it. Things can always go wrong but I think if your kitty is appropriately screened it's a good drug-at least has been for my kitty. For my vet-screen was. 1).never on insulin. 2) eating well -no vomiting. 3) other than diabetes healthy cat with no kidney issues, thyroid issues etc. 4)no history of of DKA 5) blood ketones less than 2.4. He also had me return after 2 days,7 days, 14 days and 28 days for rechecks. Now boots goes once a month for few months then once every 3 months for life. I hope that helps-let me know how he does.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
The bloodwork report they gave me doesn't have any reading for his ketones but the vet just pulled something that looked like a stopwatch out of his pocket and it read high which confused me because he had just did the urinalysis not the bloodwork. So its possible it was over 2.4 but the report doesn't state it. I went in and talked with him today and he seemed to contradict what he had told me earlier which really makes me start to question the accuracy of the information - at least in my head. He never ran a fructosamine test either but when I asked why he said he didn't need it and was 100% sure he was diabetic.
I tried to do a test run with Pepper and used a ear dropper with some water in it but he didnt like that at all even though he was wrapped up in a purrito and i tilted his head back he just let it seep out of his mouth onto my hand - and mind you that was water. In the past he was prescribed Lactulose for his constipation and he wouldn't take that orally either so I had to switch to over the counter Miralax in his food - which may be the only other option to administer the Senvelgo. Do you give it to your cat through a syringe or find that putting it in his food is better? He is a very stubborn cat which is why I don't think hes gonna do well with the taking it orally through a syringe.
I tried to do a test run with Pepper and used a ear dropper with some water in it but he didnt like that at all even though he was wrapped up in a purrito and i tilted his head back he just let it seep out of his mouth onto my hand - and mind you that was water. In the past he was prescribed Lactulose for his constipation and he wouldn't take that orally either so I had to switch to over the counter Miralax in his food - which may be the only other option to administer the Senvelgo. Do you give it to your cat through a syringe or find that putting it in his food is better? He is a very stubborn cat which is why I don't think hes gonna do well with the taking it orally through a syringe.
I don't know if their are a lot of different kinds of ketone meters or not... mine and my vets is small -but bigger than a stop watch-and you put a drop of blood on a strip which goes into the meter and reads out-- almost exactly like a glucometer (the way they check for sugar) but for ketones. When you called him - did you ask for the results? He should be able to give you a number. I would just say for my own piece of mind and for me to keep a record of his response to this drug could you tell me the number. I would call back and ask that -you paid for the test -he should give you the results. Senvelgo is new and I did have to switch vets to find one familiar with it. Bootsie is a pistol too-- I put his dose on top of a teaspoon of his favorite wet food and he gobbles it. Seems to like the taste of it honestly. I never tried to do it with the syringe- but think I would wear more than he would get if I did. Did the vet tell you what his glucose was and was it elevated just the one time?... my first vet did not do a fructosamine level. Bootsie was losing weight and his glucose (sugar) was high enough I was sure she was right about the diagnosis but the second vet did one before we started senvelgo for comparison purposes. Like I said bootsie dropped to 148 glucose from over 400 in two days and has maintained there---so when it works, it does really good! I -being a little nervous to start with- was really afraid to start it and I don't think I could have made myself do it with out really feeling sure my vet was on top of things. It is new to the vets too and I think a lot of the horror stories are when cats aren't screen well. In what way did he contradict himself?
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I just talked to him and he said "high" means the number was bigger than the reader could show so that is not good at all. He assured me that if he is eating that is a good sign and he was going to do another blood test on Tuesday before giving the Senvelgo just to be sure he is safe to take it.
His blood glucose was 424 and his urine glucose was 1000 mg/dL so both are high. I just wish he would have ran that fructosamine test just to be sure it wasn't just raised that one time because he was stressed - although chatGPT told me 424 is high because even if his stress accounted for 100 of it thats still a number of 324 which signifies diabetes.
He contradicted himself by telling me we could not put him on Senvelgo on the original visit and then today saying it was ok. He said it was due to the fact that I told him Pepper stopped eating but admitted that it could have been due to his blockage and not his diabetes - especially if when he got home after the enema he was eating - which he is. He said, if he is eating now then he would conclude he is safe to take it but I'd have to monitor things like the prescence of ketones in his urine.
When the second vet did the the fructosamine test on your pet, did it confirm he had diabetes or no?
His blood glucose was 424 and his urine glucose was 1000 mg/dL so both are high. I just wish he would have ran that fructosamine test just to be sure it wasn't just raised that one time because he was stressed - although chatGPT told me 424 is high because even if his stress accounted for 100 of it thats still a number of 324 which signifies diabetes.
He contradicted himself by telling me we could not put him on Senvelgo on the original visit and then today saying it was ok. He said it was due to the fact that I told him Pepper stopped eating but admitted that it could have been due to his blockage and not his diabetes - especially if when he got home after the enema he was eating - which he is. He said, if he is eating now then he would conclude he is safe to take it but I'd have to monitor things like the prescence of ketones in his urine.
When the second vet did the the fructosamine test on your pet, did it confirm he had diabetes or no?
BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
Just my thoughts, if your kitty's glucose is that high, I would say he's most likely diabetic. If you want peace of mind, you can purchase both a glucose meter and blood ketone meter to test him yourself for accuracy. This is my second go-around with feline diabetes, and I can tell you both times it was scary. The first time more so, as I had to teach myself the ins and outs of testing. But kitties are pretty resilient, and you'll learn some tricks that work for you. Nico was hardly phased by testing, and would let me do it anywhere anytime lol. Sadie, well she's more of a pistol. I have to put a churu on a plate to distract her, but now I'm quick and have everything laid out so it's done in like 15 seconds. Same with the ketone meter, even though it requires a little more blood for the test. It might sound daunting, but I think either way you view the situation kitty will most likely need some medicine to help regulate the glucose, and both meters come in handy for regular insulin and Senvelgo.
On the plus side, this forum has lots of posts reviewing different meters, how to test, and various tricks of the trade. I found it to be a life saver sometimes, as Nico's journey was full of ups and downs. I hope you get some answers soon to ease your mind, or confirm your suspicions (I hope it's the former!)
On the plus side, this forum has lots of posts reviewing different meters, how to test, and various tricks of the trade. I found it to be a life saver sometimes, as Nico's journey was full of ups and downs. I hope you get some answers soon to ease your mind, or confirm your suspicions (I hope it's the former!)
His Ketones were higher than the meter could read? I am not a vet and I feel better that he is going to recheck it--but I think that disqualifies him. I might would want a second opinion. A glucose of 421 and weight loss is probably diabetes - though I bargained and hoped just like you. Yes the fructosamine confirmed diabetes and provided a baseline to gauge response to senvelgo. If the vet is drawing blood on tuesday-- maybe he will check one for you if that helps you. It is hard to accept. I am so sorry you are going thru this. I was terrified but it did work out. If his ketones were that elevated- I definitely would want a second opinion before I gave senvelgo--. My understanding was my vet would pull bootsie off senvelgo and start insulin if at any point his blood ketones were above 2.4..,, and he hit 2.2 once when he first started it. thankfully they came right back down. I am not sure how to send you the page but google. todaysvetrinarymedicine.com and look at their article on 5 tips for using senvelgo. It is sponsored by the makers of senvelgo -- and agrees with my vet.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I believe he is under the impression that when he checks his blood for ketones again it will be a much lower number now that hes eating but its hard to say for sure because he had little time to fully explain it and they were extremely busy.
I believe he is a well-meaning man and much nicer than the other two female vets that work there. I would trust him over the other two for sure. One of them prescribed my cat food for his constipation and it made him worse due to the fiber.
Its two problems on top of another - he was blocked and couldn't poop but Pepper also has diabetes and hes not sure whether its progressed to the point where Senvelgo isnt safe or that it was simply due to the obstipation.
My mother will be here to watch him so he will have immediate help if the medicine does make him react in a bad way while I'm at work this weekend.
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pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
My living situation and my job would make it difficult to give him the care he truly needs to fight the disease. It would essentially change my life forever to the point where I'd be stuck and not able to take any risks because I have to be sure he is safe. I just graduated college and live alone with no family nearby - mother lives 2000 miles away in Phoenix, AZ, father passed away years ago. I have to work long long hours just to pay the rent and have food - I cant afford it - this economy is brutal. If I'm being realistic its hard to see a future where I get out of my current situation with the financial/time burden of taking care of a terminally sick cat and its causing me to have panic attacks in the middle of the night and extreme guilt at the same time. I almost wish he would just die in his sleep tonight so I can just move on with my life - I haven't ate in 3 days and ironically I am in ketosis. I'm tired from thinking and worrying.
He was my fathers cat and when he died I was the only one who could take him otherwise we would have had to find a no-kill shelter and theres no way he'd do well locked up in a cage (plus the fact that during the covid pandemic every shelter was short staffed and overpopulated). I felt it was the right thing to do to take him myself (even though I just smuggled him into my apartment and essentially destroyed a shelve to make room for his litter box) and over the last 4 years hes brought me so much joy and happiness. My fathers last wishes were for me to find him and home and I told him I would do that for him and thats why I'm so torn because its more than just a cat its honoring my father. He truly loved Pepper, honestly more than he loved me.
Bless your heart for honoring your Dad in such a loving way. I so hope hope he is able to do the oral's and stay with you. Please don't let this affect your health. You are doing everything you can for him and asking the right questions - no one could expect anything more of you. I don't know if his ketones are down and were only up briefly because he wan't eating -- maybe you can start senvelgo. That's a vet's call. The first 2 weeks he will need to be watched pretty closely, but the same would be true for insulin and long term I think it is easier for working folks. I set up a baby monitor. Once a day med and the cat does not suddenly drop his sugar like can happen with insulin. I feed a half portion when I get up, drink my coffee and be sure he eats. feed the medicine in a tablespoon of food and then put down the rest of his breakfast. I check his urine for ketones every other day. I watch for when he goes potty press a ketone strip into the fresh urine (right into the litter)-wipe it off with a tissue, time 40 seconds and compare it to the colors on the container. Other wise it is just paying action to did he eat, not vomit and is he acting normal- not hiding, playing, grooming etc. Medication needs to be same time of day but can be given anytime of day- so if night are less hairy for you -give it at night. What kind of food do you feed? I think canned is best and it helps them stay hydrated and I add a tablespoon of water and mix it in the food to help a little more. Let me know how it goes. Sleep eat and take care of yourself,
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I feed Pepper and his brother Nico a spoonful of Friskies wet food every morning before work and every night whenever I happen to get home. I leave them about a 1/2 cup each of Blue Buffalo grain free dry food daily. Nico will eat just about anything but Pepper is very very picky and he only licks the moisture from his wet food but he won't eat the meat. After doing some research I believe this is what contributed to Pepper having diabetes because he is eating too much dry food. I've tried to get him on FF Pate but he just wont eat it no matter if I take his dry food away or not. Hes just not a wet food eater. He will eat Delectables Squeeze ups but it says on the box those are just treats and not a balanced meal - I may have to use those to feed him his medicine since it is more liquidy. The vet told me that when he was in school the topic of whether diet was the cause of diabetes was and still is highly debated in the vet community. Some vets believe that cats are simply not supposed to eat a diet that is high in carbs and thats exactly what most dry food is. The counter to that is there are cats that only eat dry food their whole lives and never have these issues so theres something else going on there I suspect as two things can be true.
I'm glad to hear that if I have to check his urine all I have to do is put the dipstick directly into the pee in the litter - although I read that could yield inaccurate results. When he pees in the box he almost sits right on top of the litter so trying to catch it with a dixie cup would have been challenging, his brother Nico has "elevator butt" and forgets where the side of the box is sometimes so he has the opposite problem. It sounds like the Senvelgo route could work for me but I worry about it being a newer drug and it could possibly kill him but then again so could the insulin.
bootsie loves dry and it makes me sad he can't have it anymore but he has gotten use to it pretty quickly -- I feed all canned now. if pepper won't eat fancy feast - some of the Sheba wet food is low carb too. Maybe they would take that--look for the ones with no grains or potatoes . I know the Sheba chicken is 8 carbs but I am sure there are others. And I think Dr Elsie makes a dry that is better than most --- let me look at it for you. If you can lower his carbs his pancreas can rest some...and it needs to. Just change it slowly mixing in a small increasing amounts of the low carb food with his regular food .
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I went to the store and bought the Sheba Pate perfect portions but he only licked the moisture and left the meat. I even tried to put the rest in the fridge and see if he'd eat the rest for dinner but he didn't even though I heated it up for him in the microwave. He is just a very very picky eater.
I found some Churu meal complete mousse online that is supposed to be more of a balanced diet compared to the treats so maybe I'll try that with him since it is closer to the squeeze ups he likes? If he eats that then maybe I can start to reduce his dry food and/or find dry food that is low carb as well.
I know the vet is going to try and get him on some prescription dry food that I would have to buy from them and I've heard from others not to fall for that "trap". Any thoughts on that subject?
I found some Churu meal complete mousse online that is supposed to be more of a balanced diet compared to the treats so maybe I'll try that with him since it is closer to the squeeze ups he likes? If he eats that then maybe I can start to reduce his dry food and/or find dry food that is low carb as well.
I know the vet is going to try and get him on some prescription dry food that I would have to buy from them and I've heard from others not to fall for that "trap". Any thoughts on that subject?
Scheyderweb.com Corky sent me this carb calculator and it really helped me pick food. I did not check the Churo meal but see tapioca starch is pretty high up the ingredient list-which is a sneaky carb. You want it to have less than 10 on dry carbs basis. There is also a list of low carb foods on this site that was vey helpful. Try mixing with his regular canned diet and tapering to the new. Check how many carbs are in the friskies he likes first--maybe it is a winner! For the dry-if pepper must-try the Dr. Elseys Clean Protein chicken. Again mix it in slow. Most prescription foods are moderate carb not low carb and count on fiber to slow the glucose absorption to into the blood. That may help with getting Pepper to eat it. He does have to consistently eat to use senvelgo.The exceptions ive come across are Purina Proplan MD and the new royal canin Glycoadvanced formula both of which are truly low carb. Proplan boost its protein with soy--which I doubt cats can really use. All of it is overpriced for the quality of ingredients in my opinion. No--im not a fan of prescription food. If you are able and willing to spend that kind of money, there are some premium cat foods that are basically meat and vitamins...no carb or very low carb and human grade. For a cat as picky as Pepper--it's going to be a process. I am surprised a diabetic cat is that picky--mine acted like he was starving and I think that's more typical. Now that his sugar is down he is a little more choosey, but when his sugar was high -I think I could have fed him the carpet. Is your mom going to be able to be with you Tuesday? Waiting is so hard. If you need to chat-have questions etc- feel free to message me.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
Yes my mother is going to to vet with me on Tuesday. She wants to hear what he has to say with her own ears and I'm sure she is tired of me calling her explaining everything we need to do and consider. In her old age she takes awhile to really understand what I am saying and I feel this is something we need to be very rigid with - the vet can answer our questions but as when he was first diagnosed a few days ago I had little questions and was basically in shock still trying to process it. I told them I needed some time to think about this before I decided what to do and the vet tech told me there was nothing to think about - my cat had diabetes and that was it - which I thought was a little insensitive. I went in thinking he was just constipated like he was all the other times I brought him in - he would just need an enema and everything would be fine - but I was wrong. I'm still having trouble eating and sleeping and I hope someday I will go back to normal - I've actually lost 6 pounds in 4 days and I'm only 164 lbs to being with. I took a week off work which is going to cause some judgement from my boss and co workers that I needed all that time off for a cat. The vet bill was $800 after the bloodwork, urine test, fluids, and enema and I made a total of $0 this week.
I know the pet store near me sells Dr Elseys Clean Protein but I'm worried about switching to that so close to starting him on the medication - that could make it hard to tell how effective it is and such. On the otherhand if the dry food is making his numbers high I almost want to switch it now before he has the blood work done on Tuesday so theyd be closer to what they would be in theory after the food switch. Its just such a delicate situation - almost like I'm damned if I do damned if I don't. Plenty of people are saying the formula for Dr Elseys has changed recently as they added pork plasma and it made their cats throw up. I'm worried that once he takes the medicine and he throws up - well then was that from the dry food or the Senvelgo? Same reason why his constipation/blockage complicated the issue and made it harder to truly detect what was going on - since he likely wasn't eating from being blocked but that also mimics the signs of DKA. I hope that makes sense.
I know the pet store near me sells Dr Elseys Clean Protein but I'm worried about switching to that so close to starting him on the medication - that could make it hard to tell how effective it is and such. On the otherhand if the dry food is making his numbers high I almost want to switch it now before he has the blood work done on Tuesday so theyd be closer to what they would be in theory after the food switch. Its just such a delicate situation - almost like I'm damned if I do damned if I don't. Plenty of people are saying the formula for Dr Elseys has changed recently as they added pork plasma and it made their cats throw up. I'm worried that once he takes the medicine and he throws up - well then was that from the dry food or the Senvelgo? Same reason why his constipation/blockage complicated the issue and made it harder to truly detect what was going on - since he likely wasn't eating from being blocked but that also mimics the signs of DKA. I hope that makes sense.
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I would change the diet as soon as possible. After senvelgo was ordered for Bootsie it took several days to get it- you will know in that time if Pepper will tolerate it. Diet change is a big part of healing. DKA is a contraindication for senvelgo and the result can be very serious if ignored. It is complicated- just be sure your vet is confident the ketones were not DKA. I am glad your mom is able to come be with you. It is an overwhelming diagnosis,
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I just got back to the store and fed them the Dr Elseys Clean Protein Chicken Recipe - they seem to like it. I couldn't find the Churu balanced meal but the clerk told me to try the Delectable brand Bisque Chicken Flavor and said he knows cat owners feed them that as a a substitute but I read the label and it said its only supposed to be a treat. I guess if hes eating the dry food it won't matter - I just need something I can trust he will eat with his medicine.
As we speak he is really mowing down on the Dr Elseys dry food and I think he likes it a lot.
I bought some ketone strips from cvs and I may try to do the method you were talking about as a test run later today. Just dip the strip right into the wet spot in the litter? It says to hold it for 15 seconds and compare the color to the ones on the box, it said if it changes to a different color after 15 seconds to ignore and go with the original reading which kind of worries me about its accuracy and the lack of fool proofness.
Edit: I did the test with his pee inside the litter box and the strip showed little to no ketones. I attached a picture of it - although it was more than 15 seconds after dipping the strip.
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Im so glad they accepted the dry with less carb. Did you check the canned food you have is it less than 10 carbs? If not, you might try the clean protein canned as well since they ate the dry so well. I can not really tell in the pic if there are any urine ketones. No ketones in the urine are acceptable for senvelgo. I so hope tomorrow goes well for you-let me know.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
Its not less than 10 carbs but he really doesn't even eat the meat and only the gravy which is basically the carb part of it. He strained in his litter box this morning so he might be blocked again which the vet told me was because hes dehydrated. Hes been sitting by his water bowl but barely drinking out of it. I put him on the counter and turned the faucet on for him and he started drinking like a fish. I've caught him trying to drink out of the toilet when I accidentally left the lid up, and last night he went into the shower like he was searching for water. He tried to jump from my bed onto the top of my dresser to sleep on a folded blanket - hes done that for years - but instead of making the jump his legs didn't make it and he fell to the ground. There are just so many subtle little signs that he is deteriorating and it really fills me with worry.
I just feel like his time may be up and I am starting to prepare my mind for if I lose him.
He likes the faucet - try a kitty water fountain? I have a stainless steel one-- I think it is a Pet Mate-i am not sure as I have had it for more than 10 years-mine love it. I am so sorry hear Pepper is not doing well. We change what we can to help them but unfortunately there is only so much. . Untreated diabetes is deadly- He needs low carb food ,plenty of water AND medicine. If senvelgo is not a choice tomorrow- then insulin is his only chance and delay is your enemy. It is a big undertaking -there is a lot of support on here if that is the route you need to go.
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
The vet told us today that he still had high ketones in his blood even though his blood glucose went down from 424 to 371. Therefore he was not a candidate to be on Senvelgo and insulin was the only treatment option. My mother has decided she take him with her to Phoenix, AZ on the plane and see the vet immediately so he can start insulin. A part of me is happy because it relieves me of the responsibility but I'm sad that I won't get to see him everyday. I do worry about him on the plane being so scared and upset but my mother has experience taking her own cat on the plane in the past. The vet said he didn't recommend giving him any sedatives so hes going to be a very scared cat and that breaks my heart. I feel that this is the best decision given the circumstances and I hope one day I can be at peace with it.
BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
I'm so sorry this has been stressful for you and Pepper. I hope he makes to AZ ok, if you can let us know how he does with your mom. 
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
She is leaving tomorrow morning and I have to drive her to the airport at 11 am. He has an appointment with the vet in Arizona on Thursday morning so he can start his treatment asap. The vet said he didn't see any reason why he wouldn't make the trip. Tonight will be hard because I know its the last time he will be "my cat" and his brother will miss him. Hes made me very happy and I just want him to be ok.I'm so sorry this has been stressful for you and Pepper. I hope he makes to AZ ok, if you can let us know how he does with your mom.
The good news is that he seems to remember my mom from 7 years ago. He already climbed into her lap and laid down with her on the couch so that gives me hope. She was his original "mom" so its basically come full circle. I wish I had more time with him - seems like it happened so quickly - but for his sake he needs to go tomorrow.
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BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
I'm glad he remembers her. I'm sure it will be an adjustment for all of you, but you're doing the best thing for him. Hang in there!
pepperthecat
Member Since 2026
I do worry about him getting stressed out to the point he goes into DKA on the plane. The vet said he thought he'd make it but I get there are no guarantees. I asked ChatGPT though and it said its risky enough to delay the flight but she already booked it so that just adds to my anxiety.
BellaBlue82
Member Since 2021
I totally understand that worry. I'll keep Pepper in my thoughts tomorrow and send good vibes for a safe and quick trip.
