10/14 Buddha Accidental morning double insulin dose

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Donna & Buddha

Donna & Buddha

Member Since 2009
I need some advise. Buddha is a long term diabetic, 10ish years, and we've been using Lantus for many of those. His regulation hasn't always been great, but I test at least before each shot. He is also on thyroid medication and I think we will be treating for CKD soon. He's about 16 1/2 years old.

His dose is 2 units and both my husband and I accidentally tested and gave him insulin this morning. The advise that I need is: when is it likely that the effects of the double dose will hit? Will it be soon, or because of the "shed" will it be tonight or tomorrow or later? We'll keep a close eye on Bu, and I know how to treat hypoglycemia, but if I knew the critical time period to be vigilant, it would much help. There are also other pets and little humans in the house that also require attention.

TIA,
Donna
 
It's hard to say unfortunately. I've seen some have no effect and others who tank and needed ER attention. I would monitor more closely the next 24 hours.
 
Unfortunately, there is absolutely no way to predict what will happen. His numbers could plummet this cycle or next or it could be a complete non-event. If it were me, I'd be monitoring very closely.
 
Thank you for the replies. We have honey and syrup on hand. Drizzled over chicken, and I am sure he will eat for me. Otherwise, his appetite is variable. Up until the last few months he has always been good about eating whatever (fancy feast) variety has been put in front of him. Lately, he's not so reliable about cleaning (or tasting) his plate. The vet gave us Mirtazapine which is supposed to help. I have only used it once. Bu is a loud cat. It made him louder. Do others have experience with Mirtazapine to increase appetite? I think I will use it today. We also use sprinkles of Fortiflora on his food to get him started, as needed. Other suggestions are welcome.
 
One of mine had a reaction to meowzapine too. I prefer cyproheptadine which is a human drug as it can be dose up to twice a day. Zyrtec also might work, regular strength just 1/3 or 1/4 regular strength. Ask your vet about trying one of those. My IM was fine with them. I hope you have an uneventful day.
 
Meowzapine! That perfectly describes our one time experience. On his good days, Bu is like a BFF with a really annoying laugh. Bu on meowzapine was like spending two days with that BFF at a comedy fest. Well, we do what we gotta do. I'll ask the vet about cyproheptadine. I might have Zyrtec on hand, but won't introduce any drug until later.
 
Both cyproheptadine (Periactin) and mirtazepine (Remeron) are human drugs. Some cats do become activated/agitated on them and some cats don't. The only thing to be aware of is to not give them together. They counteract each other. I've never heard of Zyrtec acting as an appetite stimulant.

Have you tried sprinkling freeze dried chicken on Buddha's food? For some cats, adding some baby food may also get them interested.

 
I have not tried the freeze dried chicken. I cannot find it local, and always forget to order online. But that is why I have Prime. Baby food I will try. I have picked up kitten fancy feast. The first can was gobbled up.
 
The vet also gave me a can of A/D, which I haven't tried yet. I've been trying to keep some stuff in reserve for the difficult times that I know are in our future. Also, I'm not sure how that fits in the carbohydrate spectrum. Anyone know? Should I think of it as similar to ff classic varieties?
 
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They talk about using Zyrtec often as an appetite stimulant on the Hyperthyroid Cats facebook group that I am a member of. That and cyproheptadine, which I prefer.
Have you gotten a BG test recently?
 
The Hill's A/D is high in carbs. Their webpage says it's over 13% carbs but I'm not sure how they're calculating the numbers since they don't put "as fed" values on their website.

How is Buddha's BG doing?
 
I used Zyrtec for Max when he was sneezing and it did increase his appetite. One of tge sites I’m on for CKD mentioned this often. It’s an antihistamine just like cyproheptadine. I found it even milder even thou Max just needed a sliver of Spyro. ECID but it’s worked for many including some others here.
 
I'd be curious to know what Buddha's number was for the AMPS and what they are now. I so hope everything goes okay!

My 18 year-old Burmese gets 0.2 ml of liquid Mirtazapine 2x/day, and I consider it a great blessing, as before that getting her to eat enough for the insulin was a huge challenge. I've seen no change in her behaviour other than that she will now eat a reasonable amount of food. That's just my two cents re: several months on Mirtazapine so far. :-)

Wishing you the best of luck! :-)
 
Hey all! Thought I should report back that Buddha did fine. His BG was between 50-100 all day. He was at 79 at PMPS and my husband gave Bu a 1/2 dose. I tested again at bed time and all was well. Bu got extra treats for good measure. The next AMPS were a bit high, either a rebound or due to the 1/2 dose. And we're mostly back to normal today.

Mirtazapine did it's job. Bu ate 3 or 4 cans of fancy feast on Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for all the advice!
 
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