? 5/20 Ozzy-Need help interpreting numbers/next dose pls. Thanks!

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Here is our last condo http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...-bad-insulin-ketones-etc.214488/#post-2375692

We are back..... again!

I have been testing Ozzy regularly for the last week and a half and have updated our numbers on our SS. I'm hoping my kitty committee friends can weigh in on Ozzy's numbers and let me know your thoughts.

Since his DM diagnoses years ago, Ozzy consistently has been a 1U kind of cat. 1+ - 1.5U would always eventually crash him after his depot got full on this dose. And under 1U is not enough insulin for him. Sometimes we had to go up to 1+ for awhile but we always end up back at 1U.

His numbers right now are off and are concerning me. This is not his typical pattern. The red number is WAY abnormal for him and we tested him several times that day to see if that was a fluke (it was not). We have not gone up to 1.25U in years and as you can see, he is barely pulling a blue number at this dose. As much as I know we should try to increase his dose to 1.5U, I know my kitty has never been able to handle this much insulin.

We are still treating the eye condition with the antibiotic (even though an eye infection was ruled out). I still wonder if something with his eyes is at play here because these numbers and insulin dose are not normal for Ozzy.

Can a long term diabetic be on the same dose for years and then just all of the sudden need a higher dose?

His eating habits and diet are the same/similar.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Can a long term diabetic be on the same dose for years and then just all of the sudden need a higher dose?

Yes....He's older now and as he ages, his body is going to change.

As much as I know we should try to increase his dose to 1.5U, I know my kitty has never been able to handle this much insulin.

Just because he's gone too low on 1.5U before doesn't mean he'll do it again. The only way to know is to try it.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Yes....He's older now and as he ages, his body is going to change.



Just because he's gone too low on 1.5U before doesn't mean he'll do it again. The only way to know is to try it.

Hey @Chris & China (GA) !! Hope you and China are doing well!

I figured we were headed for a dose increase but are not used to this much insulin so it makes me nervous to bump up especially while at work and unable to monitor. Think we are ok to go up in the morning?

Ozzy is still throwing low level ketones. Been 0.4 for almost a week now.

 

[Taffysmama]

Here is our last condo http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...-bad-insulin-ketones-etc.214488/#post-2375692

We are back..... again!

I have been testing Ozzy regularly for the last week and a half and have updated our numbers on our SS. I'm hoping my kitty committee friends can weigh in on Ozzy's numbers and let me know your thoughts.

Since his DM diagnoses years ago, Ozzy consistently has been a 1U kind of cat. 1+ - 1.5U would always eventually crash him after his depot got full on this dose. And under 1U is not enough insulin for him. Sometimes we had to go up to 1+ for awhile but we always end up back at 1U.

His numbers right now are off and are concerning me. This is not his typical pattern. The red number is WAY abnormal for him and we tested him several times that day to see if that was a fluke (it was not). We have not gone up to 1.25U in years and as you can see, he is barely pulling a blue number at this dose. As much as I know we should try to increase his dose to 1.5U, I know my kitty has never been able to handle this much insulin.

We are still treating the eye condition with the antibiotic (even though an eye infection was ruled out). I still wonder if something with his eyes is at play here because these numbers and insulin dose are not normal for Ozzy.

Can a long term diabetic be on the same dose for years and then just all of the sudden need a higher dose?

His eating habits and diet are the same/similar.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

Wow, I always trip out a little on my ESP powers! I check in here every so often, but something told me to take a look tonight and look who's here... it's our old friends Ozzy and Mom Jo! I think of you every once in awhile I hope you, hubby, and your new little one are all doing well! I also saw your posts about your other kitty troubles & I hope something worked out regarding that.

But anyhow, about Ozzy, he and Taffy are nearly identical if you remember we were newbies at the same time and often having very similar patterns. Taffy also has been very stabilized for over two years at 1 to 1.5u, same situation that you described he eventually crashes from that and we go down a little and he creeps back up and we go up. So all I can add is that in Taffy's case when he starts to have inexplicable high numbers for a week or more it is due to digestive issues from constipation. He may be going potty, but it's softer and he often cries, so it tells me something harder maybe stuck. I give him lactulose for a few days and it seems to resolve, he has a good poo, and numbers normalize. Usually I have to start giving him his probiotics too, the s boulardi. Taffy is prone to clostridium overgrowth I think the diabetes can cause that or make it hard to control. So it may not be digestion for Ozzy, but my best guess would be some type of infection and/or pain causing numbers to elevate. Does he seem okay in the peeing and the pooping areas? Didn't he have a problem in the past with urinary issues?

 

[Taffysmama]

Hey @Chris & China (GA) !! Hope you and China are doing well!

I figured we were headed for a dose increase but are not used to this much insulin so it makes me nervous to bump up especially while at work and unable to monitor. Think we are ok to go up in the morning?

Ozzy is still throwing low level ketones. Been 0.4 for almost a week now.

Oh, and also I wondered how frequently have you been able to test when his numbers have been so high? I know you have your hands full more than ever. But I had Taffy running high also for a little bit earlier this year, and our new vet said instead of increasing try reducing maybe he's just bouncing a lot and that ended up being correct that time. I had gotten to where I wasn't testing all night anymore, so I wasn't aware that he was dropping low and bouncing. Taffy's really a 1 unit kitty too, I only increase or decrease by drops rarely get up to 1.5 but can't really get below 0.5

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Think we are ok to go up in the morning?

Sure!! One cycle isn't going to make that much difference....and of course you never know when Ozzy's going to prove me a liar!!...LOL

Hope you and China are doing well!

Sadly, I lost China on Christmas Eve morning of what they think was undiagnosed cancer

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Am I missing something or does your spreadsheet only cover up to July 2017?

When was the last time Ozzy had a check-up at the vet? High numbers that are atypical could mean there's a medical (or dental issue) brewing.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Sure!! One cycle isn't going to make that much difference....and of course you never know when Ozzy's going to prove me a liar!!...LOL



Sadly, I lost China on Christmas Eve morning of what they think was undiagnosed cancer

Chris, I had no idea. I am deeply saddened by this news. You were amazing with China and an inspiration for us all in the way you cared for her and in how well you had her DM controlled. We all wished our kitties had her numbers. China is so lucky to have had you as her human! The timing of it all and the unexpectedness must have been difficult. I am so sorry for your loss
Sending you hugs through cyber space!

I can’t tell you how invaluable your advice has been to me over the years and how much I have appreciated the late night pajama parties. I’m positive others feel the same. And thank you for still being here to keep sharing your knowledge and in helping others. And through this good work you do, Miss China lives on.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Am I missing something or does your spreadsheet only cover up to July 2017?

When was the last time Ozzy had a check-up at the vet? High numbers that are atypical could mean there's a medical (or dental issue) brewing.

Ozzy had bloodwork done about a year ago and everything came back perfect except sugar in his urine which is typical for diabetics. He was just at the vet back in March as well. He goes back next month to do his blood work again and for a checkup. If we can’t get his numbers back in order here soon, he may be going back early.

My SS was out of date. We had been keeping records on a notepad since 2017 and tbh the last few months we have not been checking him as often as we used to. He is a long term diabetic and was pretty stable on his 1 unit for over 2 years. I did update numbers in the SS for the last 10 days or so. Are they not showing?

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Wow, I always trip out a little on my ESP powers! I check in here every so often, but something told me to take a look tonight and look who's here... it's our old friends Ozzy and Mom Jo! I think of you every once in awhile I hope you, hubby, and your new little one are all doing well! I also saw your posts about your other kitty troubles & I hope something worked out regarding that.

But anyhow, about Ozzy, he and Taffy are nearly identical if you remember we were newbies at the same time and often having very similar patterns. Taffy also has been very stabilized for over two years at 1 to 1.5u, same situation that you described he eventually crashes from that and we go down a little and he creeps back up and we go up. So all I can add is that in Taffy's case when he starts to have inexplicable high numbers for a week or more it is due to digestive issues from constipation. He may be going potty, but it's softer and he often cries, so it tells me something harder maybe stuck. I give him lactulose for a few days and it seems to resolve, he has a good poo, and numbers normalize. Usually I have to start giving him his probiotics too, the s boulardi. Taffy is prone to clostridium overgrowth I think the diabetes can cause that or make it hard to control. So it may not be digestion for Ozzy, but my best guess would be some type of infection and/or pain causing numbers to elevate. Does he seem okay in the peeing and the pooping areas? Didn't he have a problem in the past with urinary issues?

Nice to see you too!! Of course I remember how similar Taffy and Ozzy’s patterns were. We used to joke it must be something in this So CA weather!

Hope you are all well. Good idea about reintroducing probiotics. will give it a try.

As for my other kitty Figgie... yes, we have like a life changing (and saving) dramatic difference in Figgie ever since he started the Prozac!!! He is like a different cat. so chill. Just an amazing outcome I could have never predicted. Wish we would have put him on it sooner because he must have felt so stressed being such a spastic kitty.

 

[Ozzy Pawzbourne]

Oh, and also I wondered how frequently have you been able to test when his numbers have been so high? I know you have your hands full more than ever. But I had Taffy running high also for a little bit earlier this year, and our new vet said instead of increasing try reducing maybe he's just bouncing a lot and that ended up being correct that time. I had gotten to where I wasn't testing all night anymore, so I wasn't aware that he was dropping low and bouncing. Taffy's really a 1 unit kitty too, I only increase or decrease by drops rarely get up to 1.5 but can't really get below 0.5

we also stopped testing as frequently. I have wondered this exact same thing! If something doesn’t give here soon, will consider a reduction. We are trying to get more curves on him to see where the insulin is taking him and will make a decision this weekend when we have more time to test full cycles. Thanks for suggestion!!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I may not have scrolled down far enough. You might consider starting a new tab with the recent numbers.

Based on what's on the SS, Ozzy's numbers aren't that high. He may just need more insulin. Given there was so little variation in his numbers previously, you may be assuming that the 1 - 1.25u is his "good" dose -- and it may have been. However, insulin needs can change. For all we know, the tried and true food you're been giving Ozzy may have had a change in formula and it's a little higher in carbs and that's what you're seeing. He may get allergies in the spring and that's causing numbers to bump up. There's just no way to know. Fundamentally, he needs the amount of insulin he needs to get his numbers where you want them.

 

[Taffysmama]

Am I missing something or does your spreadsheet only cover up to July 2017?

When was the last time Ozzy had a check-up at the vet? High numbers that are atypical could mean there's a medical (or dental issue) brewing.

oh yes! You are so right! I forgot that Taffy numbers did stabilize dramatically after his dental late last year. It was very overdue because I had been so nervous about it and also because of the cost but I bit the bullet and got it done for him and it did help dramatically with his glucose numbers.

 

[Taffysmama]

Chris, I had no idea. I am deeply saddened by this news. You were amazing with China and an inspiration for us all in the way you cared for her and in how well you had her DM controlled. We all wished our kitties had her numbers. China is so lucky to have had you as her human! The timing of it all and the unexpectedness must have been difficult. I am so sorry for your loss
Sending you hugs through cyber space!

I can’t tell you how invaluable your advice has been to me over the years and how much I have appreciated the late night pajama parties. I’m positive others feel the same. And thank you for still being here to keep sharing your knowledge and in helping others. And through this good work you do, Miss China lives on.

Now I'm crying! But all so true!

 

[Taffysmama]

Nice to see you too!! Of course I remember how similar Taffy and Ozzy’s patterns were. We used to joke it must be something in this So CA weather!

Hope you are all well. Good idea about reintroducing probiotics. will give it a try.

As for my other kitty Figgie... yes, we have like a life changing (and saving) dramatic difference in Figgie ever since he started the Prozac!!! He is like a different cat. so chill. Just an amazing outcome I could have never predicted. Wish we would have put him on it sooner because he must have felt so stressed being such a spastic kitty.

That is wonderful news about Figgie. your post about it before a really sounded like it was a very upsetting situation and for you I'm really happy that the Prozac is helping so well!