Karrie and Maverick
Member Since 2010
WOOOOHOOOOOO DANCING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3/8 Sasha AMPS 393 ketone and R help, please
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Laurie and Mr Tinkles
Member Since 2010
YIPPEE!!!!
That is great news, Tara! I'm soooo happy to see this. cat_pet_icon Definitely moving in the right direction.
I never thought I would be happy to see small/trace ketones..... :lol:
You're doing a great job! Like Libby said....stay vigilant.
In addition to what Marje said about the food and letting us know if he stops eating as well....it's important to keep a very close eye on his numbers if that happens, because his BG may drop low and you want to catch that and boost him up if necessary.
That is great news, Tara! I'm soooo happy to see this. cat_pet_icon Definitely moving in the right direction.
I never thought I would be happy to see small/trace ketones..... :lol:
You're doing a great job! Like Libby said....stay vigilant.
In addition to what Marje said about the food and letting us know if he stops eating as well....it's important to keep a very close eye on his numbers if that happens, because his BG may drop low and you want to catch that and boost him up if necessary.
Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)
Member Since 2010
Tara, you and Sasha are doing a fantastic job (with a little help from your friends!). I've been following, but keeping out of the way.
I would like to suggest a wonderful Veterinary hospital that is not far from Yonkers: Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center,
546 North Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507; tel.: 914-241-7700.
The internal-medicine vet we saw there (it was an emergency and we were far from home) was kind, compassionate, and really knew her profession. I wish I didn't live 300 miles from this hospital!
I am so happy that Sasha is doing so much better tonight.
Many hugs to you both,
Ella & Rusty
I would like to suggest a wonderful Veterinary hospital that is not far from Yonkers: Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center,
546 North Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507; tel.: 914-241-7700.
The internal-medicine vet we saw there (it was an emergency and we were far from home) was kind, compassionate, and really knew her profession. I wish I didn't live 300 miles from this hospital!
I am so happy that Sasha is doing so much better tonight.
Many hugs to you both,
Ella & Rusty
DD & Tinkerbell
Member Since 2009
I am so happy that the ketones are clearing! Tara, what an awesome job you are doing! And you too, Sasha. You two keep it up and we'll be watching. It's often said here, but I'll say it again, welcome to the best place in the universe you never wanted to be.
Lots of good news in your condo tonight!!
There's also a ton of information. I'm going to try to give you a short summary so information doesn't get lost.
As for the vets, I would strongly suggest you get a copy of Sasha's records from the vet hospital. In particular, get the ultrasound report, lab tests, and the notes from Sasha's hospitalization. I'm not comfortable with someone saying that there is a kidney infection and then saying, "Oops! My bad. No infection." Have the information in your hands if for no other reason than if you change vets, you have Sasha's most recent tests. Baytril is not a trivial antibiotic and antibiotics should not be given, "just in case." That's a great way to cause antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
Most vets haven't a clue about whether home testing stresses a cat. The reason is that most people don't home test. The vets don't have a baseline. On the other hand, if people don't home test, they have to go to the vet for curves and fructosamine levels and the vet makes money.
You've been doing great. Please do try to get some rest. Hopefully, Sasha has turned a corner but there's still a way to do.
There's also a ton of information. I'm going to try to give you a short summary so information doesn't get lost.
- The good news is the ketone levels are coming down. DO NOT become complacent. Ketone levels can rise quickly. Please keep on your toes and doing what you've been doing (because it's working!!).
- Test for ketones whenever you can. This is the best early warning system you've got.
- Stick with what you've been feeding. Right now, you're balancing all of the insulin you're giving with food. If you lower the carbs, you may need to lower the insulin and that's not a good idea at the moment. (When Desi's Tawny was dealing with the same issues as Sasha, I told her I didn't care if she fed Tawny a hot fudge sundae. Calories help to combat ketones.)
- Keep being as careful as you're being so you don't confuse which insulin is which. If you're not sure, start over. Wasting a syringe that's filled with insulin is far less expensive than shooting too much R.
- Know that there are a lot of people here to support you. Many people may not be posting in your thread because they want to make sure you are getting the information you need at a critical time. If you need anything, ask.
As for the vets, I would strongly suggest you get a copy of Sasha's records from the vet hospital. In particular, get the ultrasound report, lab tests, and the notes from Sasha's hospitalization. I'm not comfortable with someone saying that there is a kidney infection and then saying, "Oops! My bad. No infection." Have the information in your hands if for no other reason than if you change vets, you have Sasha's most recent tests. Baytril is not a trivial antibiotic and antibiotics should not be given, "just in case." That's a great way to cause antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
Most vets haven't a clue about whether home testing stresses a cat. The reason is that most people don't home test. The vets don't have a baseline. On the other hand, if people don't home test, they have to go to the vet for curves and fructosamine levels and the vet makes money.
You've been doing great. Please do try to get some rest. Hopefully, Sasha has turned a corner but there's still a way to do.
julie & punkin (ga)
Member Since 2011
Sasha&Tara said:
i think you've just expressed why we are all here. someone else did the very same thing for us, and we've stayed with our cats and tried to help out others. there is so much to learn, but when you've got it and can teach someone else it's all worth it.
we're having a big HOO-HAW at our house for Sasha right now! punkin's expressing himself and he's very happy for sasha. either that or he's hungry and ready to be tested, fed and shot! :lol: i'm going to call it and say he's happy for Sasha and that's why he's yelling! :lol:
we'll stay with you and help you keep him progressing forward.
Sienne is very correct about the baytril...it has to be given at the correct dose for the correct condition and it is very often used for kidney infections and urinary tract issues. If you can get the records and ultrasound report, we can help you sort it out.
Sandy and Black Kitty
Member Since 2009
For the rest of this PM cycle, to try and keep things going in the right direction, at +6 give Sasha 0.1u R.
Based on the data you collected from the 0.1u doses given during the AM cycle today, I think you can grab some sleep between +6 and +11.
If still pink at AMPS, 0.25uR following the 3u lantus.
grab a ketone test at every opportunity. keep the calories coming. keep the fluids going according to the recommendations you received from those with experience.
Great job today
Based on the data you collected from the 0.1u doses given during the AM cycle today, I think you can grab some sleep between +6 and +11.
If still pink at AMPS, 0.25uR following the 3u lantus.
grab a ketone test at every opportunity. keep the calories coming. keep the fluids going according to the recommendations you received from those with experience.
Great job today
Lydia & Sid & Jake(GA)
Member Since 2010
Hi Tara,
I'm really glad you found FDMB and that Sasha's ketone level is reduced. I wanted to tell you about Sid - he was in a very similar situation to Sasha and was hospitalized 3x with DKA in about 6 weeks. He would be at negative to trace ketones and then his level would skyrocket and he would become acidotic so fast. One day he would be eating and acting relatively normal and then the next day he would be hiding, vomiting, lethargic. I was told time and time again that I could not treat the ketones at home so I took him to the hospital each time I knew the ketones were back. Now I know better because my vet finally told me about R insulin when I told him that I couldn't afford to hospitalize Sid again!!
In fact the last time I brought him home from the hospital, he had moderate ketones the very next day. I used R along with SQ fluids and he was at trace then negative the next day. That day was so scary.
The first time Sid was hospitalized, he did have a kidney infection and was on antibiotics for weeks. Then he was diagnosed with IBD and small cell lymphoma. It wasn't until these conditions were under control that we were able to avoid ketones. So far it has been a month and he has not had to go to the hospital but he has been back to the vet countless times. I"ve been very vigilant about testing him for ketones every day with a pee stick, sometimes more than once, and now I have a ketone meter that is helpful too.
I've had the same experience with vets that you describe too. They are horrified that I give R insulin at home and tell me I can't treat him here, etc, but luckily for us we have a wonderful support system with FDMB.
Keep giving Sasha his baytril because he has some kind of underlying infection somewhere that is contributing to his predisposition for ketones. Wish you and your sweet buddy all the best.
I'm really glad you found FDMB and that Sasha's ketone level is reduced. I wanted to tell you about Sid - he was in a very similar situation to Sasha and was hospitalized 3x with DKA in about 6 weeks. He would be at negative to trace ketones and then his level would skyrocket and he would become acidotic so fast. One day he would be eating and acting relatively normal and then the next day he would be hiding, vomiting, lethargic. I was told time and time again that I could not treat the ketones at home so I took him to the hospital each time I knew the ketones were back. Now I know better because my vet finally told me about R insulin when I told him that I couldn't afford to hospitalize Sid again!!
In fact the last time I brought him home from the hospital, he had moderate ketones the very next day. I used R along with SQ fluids and he was at trace then negative the next day. That day was so scary.
The first time Sid was hospitalized, he did have a kidney infection and was on antibiotics for weeks. Then he was diagnosed with IBD and small cell lymphoma. It wasn't until these conditions were under control that we were able to avoid ketones. So far it has been a month and he has not had to go to the hospital but he has been back to the vet countless times. I"ve been very vigilant about testing him for ketones every day with a pee stick, sometimes more than once, and now I have a ketone meter that is helpful too.
I've had the same experience with vets that you describe too. They are horrified that I give R insulin at home and tell me I can't treat him here, etc, but luckily for us we have a wonderful support system with FDMB.
Keep giving Sasha his baytril because he has some kind of underlying infection somewhere that is contributing to his predisposition for ketones. Wish you and your sweet buddy all the best.
Sasha&Tara
Member Since 2012
AWWWW Lydia, I just saw this now!!!!! He finished his Baytril, but was only on it for about 10 days... ughhhhhhhh and they said no kidney infection, it was just a precaution...I dont believe them. I think I'm going to storm up to that animal hospital tommorow and ask for more... Its so frustrating with these vets... sending my thoughts and prayers to you and Sid, I've only been doing this for a week and its draining me but I'm going to kick those ketone's butts!!!
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