11/12 mowgli PMPS 344 +4.5 230

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Mowgli and Keri

Mowgli and Keri

Member Since 2010
~~~~siiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh~~~

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i am putting polysporin on his ears...but they still look so battered and beat up...i mean really i feel like taking a picture to see if this is bad bad bad..i feel like he doesn't even have a vein anymore...and i don't want to repoke areas, but am really having no choice....
also, it seems like i get blood but it is too watery for it to pool...even in the poly i put on before the poke....
so i get blood then it runs everywhere and even if i get the stick in there, it doesn't collect onto the stick...thoughts?
also if it matters, he was once again a very cat(2)_steam kitty at me this morning...so I am not sure if that would contribute to higher numbers?
anyway,
here is hoping for due diligance from me throughout the day...cause i KNOW we need to figure out what his numbers are doing...i just feel like the blood will not come for me.... gah.....
--too early for drinks, ya?--- ;-)
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418

I can't really help - I'm so new to this myself. We don't hit the vein on Maverick's ear - between the vein and his ear edge and "milk out" a drop of blood. In the beginning we were warming his ear by petting him (including all over which he loved) with a warmed rice sock. We use one of them stick on LED lights meant for cupboards for the other side of his ear. It lights his ear right up and provides a firm backing for lancing.

I can see how this ear compares to the other ear... much more red along his outer edge. The other ear doesn't seem to want to bleed at all and he flinches if I try on this ear for some reason. He's fine on the ear we test on. Just wish I could give this ear a break.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418

Keri, you're doing a good job. The ears do tend to get bruised in the beginning, but the bruising will improve and the testing will get easier as time goes by. You are not doing any permanent harm to his ears. If you are having trouble with the blood not pooling, you can try putting a dab of vaseline before you poke..not too much though. Karrie makes a good point about not aiming for the vein, you want to poke between the vein and the edge of the ear. Some people have used a flashlight behind the ear to help you see where the vein is and to use as a surface to poke against. You can use both edges of the ear, and both ears if you need to. I tend to poke in the same areas, just move around through the day so I don't poke in the same place right away. You can take a pic and post it if you want to...it might make you feel better to get opinions if there's a problem with his ears. The cats with light colored ears always look worse!

If he's really annoyed, yes, it could affect the tests, make them higher. Not much you can do about it, just make a note on the SS maybe...that's what I did in the beginning....pretty much everybody goes through this in the beginning.

It's never too early for a virtual drink! drinking09
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418

No no, i don't intentionally hit the vein....But apparently I have sometimes...i tried the flashlight trick, he will not sit still with that near his ear.... i just have probably hit it accidentally on too many occassions and now i feel like i can't find that sweet spot between his ear an the vein.....
one more time, so even if i have poked vein..that will not harm his ear right?
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418

It won't cause harm to him if you poke his vein, it will make it bleed more and tend to bruise more. If you hit it accidentally, it's ok...just making sure you aren't trying to aim for the vein. Don't stress over it, you will get better at testing with practice, his ears will heal and the bruising will not cause any permanent harm. Think positive...you have a much easier time when you are relaxed, right? :smile:

How is Mowgli feeling this morning/afternoon? Have you resaraned the litterbox yet? :lol: Love to hear about the kitty antics!
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

Hi,
Well I drew some more blood...
I have decided to try a +5, and +8...see how that goes today get some different perspective...
The civvies are dominating the litters...and the litter room... as soon as they are done partying in the litter room, I will re-saran his corner and try an get more urine...
Which BTW ya, now he ISN'T so fond of extra water in his food.....----i am guessing one of the sugarkitties hit the keys again while their bean was peeing-----
I actually don't think mowgli has pooped yesterday either.
hmm
yes, LETS throw some more factors into everything....

oooooooo mmmmyyyyyy

On a brighter note my friend is in school to become a nurse and she had to give her first "fleet" this morning.....and lets say that didn't go so well....Don't get me wrong I don't take pleasure in that, but it makes me happy that I am HERE and not THERE! lol
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

I'll take pics of Maverick's tool - it really is extremely handy and easy to hold and do both things at once. BRB.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

oh i like pictures!!
P.S.S
MOWGLI PEED IN A DIFFERENT CORNER...ohhhh these kitties!
lol
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

Don't worry too much about Mowgli's ears. Most outside kitties get their ears beat up just by fighting amongst themselves so the ears are built to heal. Also, are you squeezing his ear after the poke? This will help prevent bruising. And one more thing, you don't absolutely have to go between the vein and the ear. You can actually poke almost anywhere on the ear.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

I've been known to hold a small flashlight between my teeth to see the pokey spot on Donovan's black ear better. And like others have mentioned, his ear looked a little beat-up and lumpy initially, but it seems perfectly normal now. I only use his right ear. I started by testing him while he was in my lap, and that's the way he always oriented himself. Now I reach over and test him wherever the heck he happens to be lounging, but it's still always the right ear.

MJ&Donovan
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

anywhere on the ear???---my vampire fangs magically appear---
well now, this should be at least a little bit more space to try... I do squeeze the ear after poking.. at this point it may just be preventing further bruising?
he hates being "milked" btw....
but again, another thing he will learn to love..
in all honesty he is a good boy...cause even when he is growling and trying to bite me...if I let him go...he comes right back to me after a few swats at the civvies...lol
Mowgli seems to bleed better from his left ear, is funny that you all mention generally one bleeds better than the other...
~~side note~~ all this stress and I am not even losing weight! WHAT IS THE POINT OF STRESS IF NOT FOR THAT! :lol:

An ya, Mowgli has the white, errr HAD the white ears so I shouldn't complain....My female would be a challange with the calico black ears she sports..... The extra challange of the black ear!
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

I'm posting the pics because it worked for me right from the beginning. I was so nervous about being able to see the vein and ending up with him having a tattered ear. The too works because its a flat flashlight. I wonder if you can find them smaller. This is something I use to look for clothes when my husband is sleeping.

Ignore my fat legs and the hairy dog bed. Maverick used to be a very wild cat. He needed a feeding tube 2 years ago and almost died. He had it for ten weeks. During this time Maverick decided he loved getting his belly rubbed and now loves cuddles. He does not like to be constrained. I bring him to his dog bed (he's 15 lbs) and he lies back between my legs. I don't squish him or force him to be there. He gets belly rubs and head buts. And I pet him with the warmed up rice sock. Not just on his ear but all over lol. Lately we haven't needed the rice sock, just some ear massaging.

I have the test meter pre-loaded (with the strip not all the way in), the lance in my mouth (25 gauge needle tip not the needle part though obviously), tissue paper for squeezing his ear after. I lance his ear and put the light down and massage his ear pushing outwards so the blood forms a small drop. I hold his ear or else he flicks it (blech). If he's extra testy - I put some a tiny piece of purebites chicken on his mane and he starts routing for it and ignoring me.

Here are pics of the tool. Since I was operating the camera at the same time, I couldn't show lancing it at the same time. I can do that another time if it would help. The light provides a firm backing for the lance at the same time so it really helps.

One touch push and the light turns on.
DSCN0312.jpg


Holding his ear next to it - I normally have it turned on before I do this. Just so you can see without the glare from the light.
DSCN0319.jpg


I tried to get the vein to show up clearly but the strong LED light prevented a closeup. This is as good as I can get. The vein shows like his ear is see through. He has dark grey hair on his ears.
DSCN0317.jpg
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

Keri

A couple things I do with Gracie and let me say, at first she was growly and hissy and would jerk her head. As she got more insulin in her and felt better, she stopped all of that...I knew she felt really bad because she is NOT a growly/hissy cat. Maybe Mowgli just doesn't feel good and once he's got more insulin on board, he'll feel better. BUT my suggestions that work great for us are:

1. I tried the flashlight, too (a small one) and she didn't like it hear her ear so I got the idea to take the small, round cap off of one of my contact lens cases..it's only an inch in diameter and I just put it on the inside of her ear so when I poke her ear, I've got something on the other side to poke against...it's small enough that it doesn't bother her.
2. I bought a pkg of baby washclothes and right before we poke, we get one wet and cold, wring it out, and as soon as we poke, we squeeze her ear (gently) with the cold cloth. It immediately stops bleeding (altho we are pretty good at just getting drops now and her ears don't excessively bleed) and it prevents bruising and scabbing.

Hope this helps!! You'll find something that works for you and Mowgli.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373

WOW that Maverick looks awfully comfortable!! lol WOW!!! I imagine, as you said that it took some time to get him that used to it! awwwww, and great about using their fabulous manes for our benefit! I never thought bout putting his treat in his mane!! LOL GREAT!
I am getting so many great tips, and appreciate them all!!
I will try and find me a flashlight and see if someone I know who wears contacts has an extra cap..or old one..
can't have too many tricks, and having them all available when they are needed will give me some peace of mind I am sure!
making new shopping list now....
:smile:
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344

Keri, I know you're working on the testing a lot today, but I'm wondering about the ketone test...did you test where he peed in the other corner? If not, please try to get a test somehow. I know it can be a challenge, it is important though. Once they test positive, it's something to keep a close eye on.

Also, you said he doesn't like the added water in his food now...can you encourage him to drink more? Maybe run the faucet, my kitties love to drink from the faucet. Some people put out extra water bowls, maybe add ice cubes? Just some other ideas. How is the eating going?

The extra water may help his numbers too....
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344

i did test where he peed...using the litter an water trick....it tested negative is why i am still trying to get actual urine...i have not given up...
i leave the bathtub tap running an have added two more water dishes in the house as well...
dka....another thing never mentioned to me by the vet with regards to fd....
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344

i am kinda worried...
so he has been... well... "lethargic" i guess you could say..but i am not sure if it is different than just sleepy kitty time...
he has been sleeping with me while i watch the television..and now has moved to the floor to sleep...
not curled up sleeping...stretched out sleeping....
his appetite has been so so today... and i don't think he has drank much today...he has peed the two times, and not alot each time...
i would like to get actual URINE from him to check and ensure..
i am trying not to over react, as if the vet is necessary I have no problem taking him to the emergency vet clinic should he need it..but maybe he is just tired?
trying to stay calm..this is me..trying not to panic or over react..
gonna try and take his blood...
is a half hour early, but i will consider it his PMPS

-----he is up and about right now...i will keep an eye on him, and NOT over react....being that i am not used to being around all day i am sure he does sleep most the day away...---okay
i'm good,thanks for listening..
i wish i had supportive people around me..
instead of all the negative nancy's in my life who just don't get it....
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344

DKA is not a place you want to go -- trust me, been there, done that. It's life threatening and will involve a stay at a 24/7 ICU. It's why we're pressing you to get ketone tests and to keep Mowgli well hydrated. Providing there's not a dramatic change in Mowgli's numbers tonight, what would you think about increasing Mowgli's dose tomorrow morning? In addition to fluids, the other thing that can help to decrease ketones is insulin.

Please stalk Mowgli to the litter box. You really need to get a ketone test if you are seeing any changes in his behavior. It may be nothing but better safe than an emergency. If you notice an acetone-like smell (like nail polish remover), go to the ER.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344

appreciate it..i will keep following him...
P.S i do realize how life threatening it is, is why i am trying to stay calm... his numbers are pretty consistent today...
P.S.S sure--the civvies like the watered wet food...gah!
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Got some urine..
tested three strips..
am confident it says "negative" tonite...
i will continue to test his urine daily...
why do they have to have trace and negative colors so close???
I am CERTAIN they are negative tonite...all three strips--negative--
would this be weird to have had "trace" yesterday and negative tonite?
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Keri, I'm glad you got the test! Great that it says negative, but I think you should still try to keep a very close eye on it. I would test him as often as you can, because it can change quickly. Maybe that extra water you got into him last night helped....I would keep trying to encourage him to drink as much as possible. Even if you add just a little water to his food, every little bit helps. Don't get complacent now that this test is negative...it could be back to trace by tomorrow morning.

I agree with Sienne. The ketones call for stepping up the dose sooner if his numbers are not improving. What is your schedule like for this weekend? Will you be able to get some spot checks?

I would also consider getting that dental done...if he has an infected tooth, that could be contributing to the ketones AND the higher BG numbers. Is he done with the AB now?
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Oh I will NOT be complacent with testing his ketones, I know that this is something that can cause serious problems and I do NOT want problems! Unfortunately I am not okay with increasing his dose this weekend, as I will be gone from about 11-530 tomorrow and most the day on sunday. UNLESS spot checks through the night would be sufficient for saturday evening?? something to consider??... I am also continuing to add extra waters in his food too..
he is done his A/B and I also sent an email today to Barbs vet (barb and tori) to see about whether or not he would consider taking myself an mowgli on, and about getting his dental done..
as I believe that could be a contributing factor to his high BG as well.
i really want the best for him, and will not be passive about it, so please know that as much as I wish this was easier, i also will do what i can to help him, and get him at least regulated and ketone free....
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Keep in mind you don't have to give Mowgli just water. If you think he might like chicken broth more, that's fluid, as well.

Barb and Tori's vet (Doug?) sounds wondefful.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Great, Keri....I am glad to hear about looking into Barb's vet, he does sound really good, yay! It's so important to have a vet you are comfortable with! :-D

Let's see what happens tonight, hope those numbers come down.
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

hi..we are not having a good night...
will try again in a bit for blood.....
 
Re: 11/12 mowgli AMPS 418 +5 373 +8 344 PMPS 344

Hi Keri. Good to see that Mowgli's starting to come down a bit and that he tested negative for ketones. That's a real relief for you I know. You're doing good by your boy. You really are.

I'm so happy that you decided to contact Doug. He really is a great vet. I can't sing his praises enough. You know it's funny after all these years I never thought once of Emailing him. I always just call the office and ask to have him call me. If you don't get a response to your E mail I'd just call the office and say that you are looking for a vet for your newly diagnosed diabetic kitty and that you would like to make an appointment to see Doug because one of his clients recommended him. Feel free to use my name if you like. My last name is Price. I'm sure there won't be a problem.
 
Barb I have been trying to PM you, did you get any of them?

I hope to get in touch with Doug, I emailed him along with my SS, so if i don't hear back from him, i will be sure to call and name drop ;-)

Mowgli and I are having a really tough go....
i am sorry for sharing my roller coaster with everyone here, but i just don't know where else to vent...and hope i don't sound like a 24hour whiner...
:sad:
 
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