After DX Vet Visits?

[Amy & Revson]

DX and DKA = Kitty ER for a week
Sent home with Lantus (1 fat unit 2x daily). Current numbers are in the mid-200s. I need to update the SS.
Hometesting before shooting. But still need to do the +6 check. *I am the only person at my vet's who home tests. She is not very experienced with this.*
Spot check for ketones using strips.
Follow up appointment for supplements.

But now what?

How often should we need to have follow up appointments with the vet (assuming all is ok)?
What kinds of tests should be done, when?

Amy

 

[BJM]

Well, if:
- you are home testing before each insulin injection
- and able to get a mid cycle test or 2 every day,
- and able to do a curv on the weekend,
- and you are getting good glucose levels following the instructions in the Lantus forum stickies,
- and there are no other things that are needed (vaccines, dental, other health issues),

... there really isn't a need to go in.

Your glucose testing pre-shot and mid-cycle make doing a curve at the vet or a fructosamine test a waste of money.

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

Amy,
You mentioned "supplements". Does Revson need some? I know Bob needed potassium, which I gave through sub-q fluids for weeks, so he went in every couple weeks for a blood test to check his potassium levels. Is the vet looking for a change in some sort of chemical or whatever that requires rechecks? His weight was checked every time too, since I was trying to add a pound or so, but not more than that, which I did by manipulating his daily calorie intake.

If it's only for BG checks, you're doing all that yourself, so it'd be money out of your pocket and into their pockets for no good reason.

Carl

 

[Amy & Revson]

Carl... They gave me supplements to help with Liver & Pancreas function. One vet said give Sub-Q fluids the other said not.

S-Adenosyl-100 (2x daily on empty stomach). Actually getting 1x daily
PancrePlus - (1/2 teaspoon 2x daily). Hates it, won't eat the food it's mixed with.
Vetri-Liver Feline (2x daily). Not getting, makes him puke.
Sub-Q Fluids, not getting at this time.

Amy

 

[BJM]

...
S-Adenosyl-100 (2x daily on empty stomach). Actually getting 1x daily
PancrePlus - (1/2 teaspoon 2x daily). Hates it, won't eat the food it's mixed with.
Vetri-Liver Feline (2x daily). Not getting, makes him puke.
Sub-Q Fluids, not getting at this time. ...

Given there are other issues, then follow up is important. It takes a while for these supplements to work, so ask the vet you are going to see when you should return. I'm guessing at least 2-4 weeks.

If you can do the fluids, that may help - if he is vomiting or having diarrhea or isn't drinking and eating, he may become dehydrated, further decreasing his interest in eating and drinking. Its a vicious downward cycle. If that is prolonged, he isn't going to make it.

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

Amy
See if they can put those supplements in the subq fluids maybe?
That is how Bob got his potassium. That would eliminate the vomiting or eating problems perhaps.

Carl