Good to hear you are feeling better.
for you and Luci! That's good news on both fronts. Hope you're 100% soon.
Sue, I will defer to someone more experienced in communicating effectively with vets. But please stand your ground on going slow. You don't want to miss an effective dose with Luci by skipping over it.
Thanks! I've modified my title to hopefully attract interest - in the vet question. Hoping someone will answer soon..I thought we were doing good. Her numbers are NOT in the 300's - already an improvement! I understand from my reading that Lantus is a 'fat' based insulin - meaning it is building up in her fat - that's gotta take a little time...didn't think it would be a fast results. Why are vets always in such a hurry?Sue, I will defer to someone more experienced in communicating effectively with vets. But please stand your ground on going slow. You don't want to miss an effective dose with Luci by skipping over it.
Heidi, how did you get a 'Time" column in your SS without the colored backgrounds? I was able to add a column using the insert tab; but when I wrote 8:00 AM it turned green.
It was in the early days when I didn't even know which end was up, so I honestly can't say. Having the time was more important to me than the food notes column. But... @Marje and Gracie can fix it for you or tell you how. Sorry I'm not more help on this.
I KNOW exactly how you feel - that's me right now - early days...lots of new things to do and learn...no idea how to manipulate that spreadsheet...
We'll get there...
Sue you don't need to check her ketones every day or even every other day with her in yellows. As long as you check periodically you're fine! Save your back for you really need it!
Why is he so freaked out about that? Her ketones were high when he drew blood last Friday - but so was her BG. It was over 300...I understand it's a dangerous condition and shouldn't be allowed to continue...but feel that lower numbers and her ketostix here at home were low enough...maybe he's just being thorough? Or doubts that I'm aware of the severity of her condition???Sue you don't need to check her ketones every day or even every other day with her in yellows. As long as you check periodically you're fine! Save your back for you really need it!
Freaked because ketones are serious. But keep in mind, not freaked about hypo from too much insulin. If you're between negative and trace its my understanding you're fine. And keeping her super hydrated will help!
Vets just have their own style of doing things from their training and their own experiences with diabetes. That's the way your vet is used to treating diabetes. The protocol and method we use here are not sliding scale, dose increasing race type strategies. Many vets seem to run on outdated knowledge of insulins as well, older type insulins can be dosed on preshots and have daily dose changes, Lantus and Lev are depot insulins and are dosed differently becuase of this. Some vets don’t seem all that familiar with depot insulins and instruct them to be used like the older types.
I think it’s good that he’s having a dialog with you and you’ve explained you’re reading up. At the end of the day, as well meaning as he is, or people on this board are, it’s your cat and you’re going to be the one dealing with the consequences of the decisions made, rather they are the vet’s or yours.
It sounds like he is concerned with keytones, and both of you should be. I’m far from well versed with DKA, but I do know cats can have keytones even when they are not in high numbers, so it’s best you stay vigilant to test for them since the history is already there. Is Luci still showing keytones and at what level? Also, because of the DKA history, some of the SLGS guidelines can be adapted in light of that situation, but it still wouldn’t involve whole unit increases every couple of days!
Right click in the cell or column and turn off conditional formatting.
Not true - cats can get ketones in yellows. With possible DKA in the history, I would continue to take every opportunity you can to test for ketones as you have been doing.
I’m glad Wendy caught this. I’ve seen cats in green get ketones and DKA.I mean to say that while ketones are very serious, if you get Luci regulated, ketones pretty much become a non issue with lower levels.
@SueGeorgeandLuci
No worries! I try to weigh everything - information wise. I don't feel like you told me what to do in any case. We're all learning here...@SueGeorgeandLuci
My apologies for the serious misinformation. That was my understanding and while as a newbie i try to do a good job of not giving advice but only support, i felt comfortable that'd I learned that. I was incorrect and I'm sorry for misleading you that you could test for ketones less frequently. Please remember that i did not say don't test, merely that it could be less often.
Thank you for the information and attached article! I'll read and try to absorb as much as possible - and then maybe share with the vet.
@SueGeorgeandLuci
My apologies for the serious misinformation. That was my understanding and while as a newbie i try to do a good job of not giving advice but only support, i felt comfortable that'd I learned that. I was incorrect and I'm sorry for misleading you that you could test for ketones less frequently. Please remember that i did not say don't test, merely that it could be less often.
We're ok with the second liter pan - for plastic pellets only; the only issue with that method right now is my back (recent and hopefully healing?) My hubby can get her big litter box put away at night; Is there a problem with the ketostix that I purchased this week?
There's no way Luci is going to let me near her while she's squatted in her box...nor could I hang there bent at that angle trying to get a stick under her hind quarters ...
Thanks for your suggestions though - all excellent ...I'm more of the problem here than Luci, I think
However, it's been a week now with my back - guess I'm going to have to find a people doctor - dread that process. Have asked for some recommendations from people I know - so I'll have to see how long before I can get an appointment. I was kinda hoping that it would get better with time, rest, Motrin and the heating pad...but not so much...bummer. Can't go to the beach like this...
Thanks for your suggestion - I'm doing ok with the keto strips so far, so good. Another NEG result on her urine this morning - she seems to be getting used to peeing on the plastic pills!
As for my back - what misery! And I can't even use winter as an excuse. We're in Naples, Florida for the winter - so the weather is pretty nice here - no snow/ice to deal with. It's a little cool right - now but it's sunny and beautiful - the 60's temps don't bother me a bit