Can I increase the dose tonight?

[Lauren & Red]

If you need any background context please view this thread:
https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/starting-over-and-need-help.250935/#post-2831939

I like the TR method because I want to get Red to safe numbers as soon as I can but I’m still so new to this that I’m falling in between the 2 dosing methods right now. I was told that was ok. Plus, I still don’t completely understand how this all works and wanted to ask for advice before increasing his dose.

I wanted to increase to 2u starting either tonight, or possibly tomorrow is better since I can watch him during the day (versus when I’m sleeping at night).

I could also go to 1.75 but I’m not sure if that will make much of a difference. The biggest problem is I don’t have quarter markings on my syringes. I can go halfway between 1.5 and 2. But it’s very hard to see and have no way to make sure I’m giving him a consistent amount. It will be close, but not 100%. Not sure if that matters…

Thoughts please?

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

The biggest problem is I don’t have quarter markings on my syringes. I can go halfway between 1.5 and 2. But it’s very hard to see and have no way to make sure I’m giving him a consistent amount.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as quarter unit marked syringes so we all just had to eyeball it the best we could. You can also use an old syringe and some type of colored liquid to make yourself a "sample" syringe so you'd have something to compare to.

The other option is to learn to use calipers instead of using the lines. When you use calipers, you ignore the lines completely. Here's information on Dosing with calipers.

I like the TR method because I want to get Red to safe numbers as soon as I can but I’m still so new to this that I’m falling in between the 2 dosing methods right now. I was told that was ok.

I think you must have misunderstood something along the way. It's important to choose one or the other. You can't use both, but if you do try TR and find it's not for you, you can switch to SLGS (or vise versa). The dosing method you use will dictate the advice we give you which is why you need to pick one.

If you do decide on TR, then yes, you would increase to 1.75 and just do the best you can to keep it as consistent as possible.

If you do SLGS, you'd hold the 1.5 for 6 more cycles and then run a curve (testing every 2 hours for 12 hours or every 3 hours for 18 hours)

 

[Lauren & Red]

I want to do TR. I just wasn’t sure if I qualified because I haven’t been accurately testing for very long (strips were expired except past handful of days).

For TR, if I’m only doing 4 tests a day (hopefully it will increase when comfort increases) but should I be testing at +2 or in the middle +6. Or random times like I’ve been doing? Someone told me that the testing needed to be more strict with TR but I never got a response when I asked what that meant.

I was also told to keep asking for advice on dosing. That I should not increase or decrease without getting help from people on here. Regardless of my method. Not sure why that would be necessary if I’m following the rules based on the dosing protocol.

I’m probably missing something, but can you please explain? Why do I need to ask when I’m supposed to follow one method or the another and shouldn’t be wandering in between? I only said I was between the 2 because I want to get him to the right numbers as fast as possible. But I’m still hesitant to do anything because it’s all so scary and new.

 

[Judy & Fritz]

Lauren, I’m new here too. You have to be patient, this is nothing to rush. It is up to Red’s little body to tell you by test results what he needs next. Isn’t he still adjusting to a diet change? Not trying to scare you, but I lost a girl to a hypo episode and it was one of the scariest, most horrifying things I have ever endured. I was following my vet’s orders and Maggie didn’t make it, sudden and shocking and AWFUL. I promise you, it will haunt you forever if you go too fast and give him too much. I remember your first post here the other day, you said it wasn’t about you, it is about Red. I am going super slow to let Fritz’s body acclimate to the insulin, and I am so thankful for the members of this board who share their vast experience with us. I really hope you will do the same, and slow down, I would hate for any of y’all to experience what I did. Be safe and keep Red safe!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

For TR, if I’m only doing 4 tests a day (hopefully it will increase when comfort increases) but should I be testing at +2 or in the middle +6. Or random times like I’ve been doing?

If you're only planning on 4 per day, getting a test somewhere mid-cycle (+5 to +7) is most important because we base dosing decisions on how low it takes them.

The benefit of also getting a +2 is that it can sometimes act almost like a crystal ball in predicting where they will go later in the cycle. If there's a drop at +2 from the Pre-Shot, that's your "early warning" that he might be having a more active cycle and it would be best to get some extra tests in.

Someone told me that the testing needed to be more strict with TR but I never got a response when I asked what that meant.

With TR being an already aggressive dosing method, there will be some cycles where just a Pre-shot and 1 other test just won't be enough to keep him safe. Also, generally speaking, with TR the more tests you have, the better you'll understand how Red responds to both food and insulin so you can learn more about how he's responding to treatment. I like to compare your spreadsheet to a puzzle. The more pieces (tests) you have sprinkled around, the easier it is to see the whole picture.

Not sure why that would be necessary if I’m following the rules based on the dosing protocol.

Being able to read spreadsheets and really understand what they are telling you can take months (or years) to get really good at. It was a good 6 months before I started feeling like I knew China well enough and understood how Lantus worked in her to start making my own dosing decisions, but even then, I'd ask for opinions to make sure I was understanding it right and making the best decision. (and that was despite my being a test-o-holic, not just testing the minimum 4 times/day)

If we could get our cats to read the "rules" for TR and follow them, it would be a lot easier but darn it, they just won't do it!

We all just want what's best for Red...to give him the best chance at remission while keeping him safe too.

 

[Lauren & Red]

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as quarter unit marked syringes so we all just had to eyeball it the best we could. You can also use an old syringe and some type of colored liquid to make yourself a "sample" syringe so you'd have something to compare to.

The other option is to learn to use calipers instead of using the lines. When you use calipers, you ignore the lines completely. Here's information on Dosing with calipers.



I think you must have misunderstood something along the way. It's important to choose one or the other. You can't use both, but if you do try TR and find it's not for you, you can switch to SLGS (or vise versa). The dosing method you use will dictate the advice we give you which is why you need to pick one.

If you do decide on TR, then yes, you would increase to 1.75 and just do the best you can to keep it as consistent as possible.

If you do SLGS, you'd hold the 1.5 for 6 more cycles and then run a curve (testing every 2 hours for 12 hours or every 3 hours for 18 hours)

Another issue I’m having is I found a really good vet. One that seems to be the opposite of my last vet.

He not only supports home testing, he strongly recommends it and urges all of his patients to be home testing on a regular basis. He said that he offers everyone the ability to come in as many times as needed for help getting comfortable with the process. And it’s free of charge. He agrees that no one should give insulin without testing first.

However, I just got off the phone with him. The one thing he disagrees with everyone on is that I should’ve started at 2 units twice a day, not less. I was explaining that I thought it was better to be safe than sorry and that you could always put more insulin in but you can’t take it out.

He said my last vet prescribed the right starting amount and that he would’ve prescribed the same. After I was telling him the BG numbers, he said he wasn’t surprised because I was not giving him enough insulin and that’s why it’s important to follow instructions on medicine.

Which got me thinking. Everyone says over and over how you wouldn’t treat your child by injecting insulin and not testing the blood glucose first. That’s 100% true. But I also would give the amount the doctor prescribed, not less. So I’m torn on wether I do 1.75 or 2, which is what I’m being urged to do by yet another vet. He seems more than qualified.

MINUS one comment he made that I didn’t like. He said he understands people’s fear but that the risk of hypo is very small and that being paranoid and overly cautious can have just as detrimental of an effect sometimes. I thought that was incorrect. Even a small risk of hypo, is still a risk that I don’t want to take. He said that’s why you home test. I didn’t argue anymore.

He wants to see the BG numbers after a 4 days at 2u and help me decide from there how much we should increase (he said it’s very unlikely it will decrease based on Red’s numbers). He told me I need to stop “dragging my feet and listen to the professionals”. He only wants 3 BG numbers - before each injection and one that’s halfway between the day and night shot. Additionally numbers would be great, he said, but not necessary. I was told not to inject if his BG was lower than 100 (wait and test again. If number is rising, shoot. If falling, skip), but otherwise dose as usual.

So a couple of the comments rubbed me the wrong way. But he seemed knowledgeable on diabetes and I’m more confused than ever.

 

[Judy & Fritz]

Another issue I’m having is I found a really good vet. One that seems to be the opposite of my last vet.

He not only supports home testing, he strongly recommends it and urges all of his patients to be home testing on a regular basis. He said that he offers everyone the ability to come in as many times as needed for help getting comfortable with the process. And it’s free of charge. He agrees that no one should give insulin without testing first.

However, I just got off the phone with him. The one thing he disagrees with everyone on is that I should’ve started at 2 units twice a day, not less. I was explaining that I thought it was better to be safe than sorry and that you could always put more insulin in but you can’t take it out.

He said my last vet prescribed the right starting amount and that he would’ve prescribed the same. After I was telling him the BG numbers, he said he wasn’t surprised because I was not giving him enough insulin and that’s why it’s important to follow instructions on medicine.

Which got me thinking. Everyone says over and over how you wouldn’t treat your child by injecting insulin and not testing the blood glucose first. That’s 100% true. But I also would give the amount the doctor prescribed, not less. So I’m torn on wether I do 1.75 or 2, which is what I’m being urged to do by yet another vet. He seems more than qualified.

MINUS one comment he made that I didn’t like. He said he understands people’s fear but that the risk of hypo is very small and that being paranoid and overly cautious can have just as detrimental of an effect sometimes. I thought that was incorrect. Even a small risk of hypo, is still a risk that I don’t want to take. He said that’s why you home test. I didn’t argue anymore.

He wants to see the BG numbers after a 4 days at 2u and help me decide from there how much we should increase (he said it’s very unlikely it will decrease based on Red’s numbers). He told me I need to stop “dragging my feet and listen to the professionals”. He only wants 3 BG numbers - before each injection and one that’s halfway between the day and night shot. Additionally numbers would be great, he said, but not necessary. I was told not to inject if his BG was lower than 100 (wait and test again. If number is rising, shoot. If falling, skip), but otherwise dose as usual.

So a couple of the comments rubbed me the wrong way. But he seemed knowledgeable on diabetes and I’m more confused than ever.

RUN.

 

[Lauren & Red]

Lauren, I’m new here too. You have to be patient, this is nothing to rush. It is up to Red’s little body to tell you by test results what he needs next. Isn’t he still adjusting to a diet change? Not trying to scare you, but I lost a girl to a hypo episode and it was one of the scariest, most horrifying things I have ever endured. I was following my vet’s orders and Maggie didn’t make it, sudden and shocking and AWFUL. I promise you, it will haunt you forever if you go too fast and give him too much. I remember your first post here the other day, you said it wasn’t about you, it is about Red. I am going super slow to let Fritz’s body acclimate to the insulin, and I am so thankful for the members of this board who share their vast experience with us. I really hope you will do the same, and slow down, I would hate for any of y’all to experience what I did. Be safe and keep Red safe!

I just read this after my last post. I’m glad I started low to be safe. But if you read what I wrote just prior to this you will see that it’s hard when a professional tells you something different.
With all the animal lovers in the world, I’m surprised there hasn’t been an action to change how veterinarians handle diabetes. If so many of them are giving incorrect information, something really should be done to bring the issue to light. Not that I would know how to do that. Just thinking out loud

 

[Lauren & Red]

If you're only planning on 4 per day, getting a test somewhere mid-cycle (+5 to +7) is most important because we base dosing decisions on how low it takes them.

The benefit of also getting a +2 is that it can sometimes act almost like a crystal ball in predicting where they will go later in the cycle. If there's a drop at +2 from the Pre-Shot, that's your "early warning" that he might be having a more active cycle and it would be best to get some extra tests in.



With TR being an already aggressive dosing method, there will be some cycles where just a Pre-shot and 1 other test just won't be enough to keep him safe. Also, generally speaking, with TR the more tests you have, the better you'll understand how Red responds to both food and insulin so you can learn more about how he's responding to treatment. I like to compare your spreadsheet to a puzzle. The more pieces (tests) you have sprinkled around, the easier it is to see the whole picture.



Being able to read spreadsheets and really understand what they are telling you can take months (or years) to get really good at. It was a good 6 months before I started feeling like I knew China well enough and understood how Lantus worked in her to start making my own dosing decisions, but even then, I'd ask for opinions to make sure I was understanding it right and making the best decision. (and that was despite my being a test-o-holic, not just testing the minimum 4 times/day)

If we could get our cats to read the "rules" for TR and follow them, it would be a lot easier but darn it, they just won't do it!

We all just want what's best for Red...to give him the best chance at remission while keeping him safe too.

Thank you for explaining that! I appreciate it.
My +2 numbers are always VERY close to my preshot numbers. So does that mean something is wrong? Maybe he’s not reacting to the insulin at all? Everyone always wants a +2. But it’s always been basically the same number. Once it was the exact same. Weird, right? What does that mean?

 

[Lauren & Red]

RUN.

Ok, I won’t listen to him. It’s just upsetting. He was my last name on the list. I need a vet. Don’t I? If nothing else, to prescribe the insulin. And there has to be more pieces to the puzzle. I can only see his blood glucose and ketones. What about everything else?

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

My +2 numbers are always VERY close to my preshot numbers. So does that mean something is wrong? Maybe he’s not reacting to the insulin at all? Everyone always wants a +2. But it’s always been basically the same number. Once it was the exact same. Weird, right? What does that mean?

While the +2 is a good predicter in most cats, in some cats, the +3 is a better indicator of how the cycle is going to go. Right now, you really don't have enough test data (with good strips) to really know for sure which test will work best for Red. You could try getting some +3's in some cycles and +2's in others and see if you can start to see some kind of pattern.

It's important to remember...insulin is a hormone. It's not going to act the same way every time. The best we can do is try to figure out what kind of pattern our cat usually has (but as soon as we figure it out, the critters go and change it....LOL)

 

[Lauren & Red]

1.75 it is

 

[Sarah&Soph]

However, I just got off the phone with him. The one thing he disagrees with everyone on is that I should’ve started at 2 units twice a day, not less. I was explaining that I thought it was better to be safe than sorry and that you could always put more insulin in but you can’t take it out.

He said my last vet prescribed the right starting amount and that he would’ve prescribed the same. After I was telling him the BG numbers, he said he wasn’t surprised because I was not giving him enough insulin and that’s why it’s important to follow instructions on medicine.

Which got me thinking. Everyone says over and over how you wouldn’t treat your child by injecting insulin and not testing the blood glucose first. That’s 100% true. But I also would give the amount the doctor prescribed, not less. So I’m torn on wether I do 1.75 or 2, which is what I’m being urged to do by yet another vet. He seems more than qualified.

MINUS one comment he made that I didn’t like. He said he understands people’s fear but that the risk of hypo is very small and that being paranoid and overly cautious can have just as detrimental of an effect sometimes. I thought that was incorrect. Even a small risk of hypo, is still a risk that I don’t want to take. He said that’s why you home test. I didn’t argue anymore.

When Sophie started back on insulin in May, her vet prescribed 1u, which was the appropriate dose based on her weight. I said I wanted to start with 0.5u, which she was fine with. The very first dose of 0.5u I gave dropped her blood sugar to 87. Now imagine if I had doubled that dose. It could have been bad. All that’s to say, I don’t think it was necessarily a bad thing to be conservative with the starting dose, especially with your inability to test Red’s blood sugar when you were first starting out. You can always work up to a good dose if you start too low. You can’t take the insulin out once it’s given.

You’re most likely not going to find a vet that knows 100% everything about diabetes. Sometimes the more important thing is to find a vet that’s willing to listen and work with you. When it comes to dosing, I would trust the advice of the people on this board. I can guarantee that collectively, they have seen and helped many times over the number of diabetic cats your vet has. And as someone whose cat has had two symptomatic, nearly fatal hypos, I don’t think being “paranoid” about them is a bad thing. The advisors here will keep your cat safe. That’s why each protocol has the guidelines they do in regards to testing, etc.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

So I’m torn on wether I do 1.75 or 2, which is what I’m being urged to do by yet another vet.

The TR protocol says if his nadir is below 300, you only increase by .25. Will he need 2U? Maybe, maybe not but if you want to follow the protocol, I'd only go up to 1.75. You only have to hold that dose for a minimum of 6 cycles so it's not like you'd leave him on 1.75 if it's not getting the results we want

 

[Lauren & Red]

When Sophie started back on insulin in May, her vet prescribed 1u, which was the appropriate dose based on her weight. I said I wanted to start with 0.5u, which she was fine with. The very first dose of 0.5u I gave dropped her blood sugar to 87. Now imagine if I had doubled that dose. It could have been bad. All that’s to say, I don’t think it was necessarily a bad thing to be conservative with the starting dose, especially with your inability to test Red’s blood sugar when you were first starting out. You can always work up to a good dose if you start too low. You can’t take the insulin out once it’s given.

You’re most likely not going to find a vet that knows 100% everything about diabetes. Sometimes the more important thing is to find a vet that’s willing to listen and work with you. When it comes to dosing, I would trust the advice of the people on this board. I can guarantee that collectively, they have seen and helped many times over the number of diabetic cats your vet has. And as someone whose cat has had two symptomatic, nearly fatal hypos, I don’t think being “paranoid” about them is a bad thing. The advisors here will keep your cat safe. That’s why each protocol has the guidelines they do in regards to testing, etc.

Thank you! When you put it that way, it makes a lot more sense than what the vet is saying. He’s just so strict and sure of himself that I start to question things. But I appreciate everyone bringing me back to the reality of things and reminding me why I’m doing it the way I am. I appreciate everybody’s input.

I know it has all been said before and honestly it’s not that I’m not listening. It’s just when I was talking to the vet, I felt like a child again in trouble at the principal’s office. But I have snapped back to reality. Thank you!

 

[Lauren & Red]

The TR protocol says if his nadir is below 300, you only increase by .25. Will he need 2U? Maybe, maybe not but if you want to follow the protocol, I'd only go up to 1.75. You only have to hold that dose for a minimum of 6 cycles so it's not like you'd leave him on 1.75 if it's not getting the results we want

Thank you! I will hold 1.75 for 6 doses and then ask for my nexts steps from there. Obviously if there’s a unexpected number or low number I will ask sooner.

 

[Sarah&Soph]

Thank you! When you put it that way, it makes a lot more sense than what the vet is saying. He’s just so strict and sure of himself that I start to question things. But I appreciate everyone bringing me back to the reality of things and reminding me why I’m doing it the way I am. I appreciate everybody’s input.

I know it has all been said before and honestly it’s not that I’m not listening. It’s just when I was talking to the vet, I felt like a child again in trouble at the principal’s office. But I have snapped back to reality. Thank you!

I think it feels counterintuitive to A LOT of us in the beginning to go against what our vets say because they are supposed to be experts, and why shouldn't we trust the experts? But the reality is that most general practice vets just don't see a whole lot of diabetic cats. Also, they are general practice, they are not specialists and we shouldn't expect them to be experts about every single disease. I love my vet, but she does not know a lot about diabetes. But what I love most about her is that she is willing to admit that she is not an expert, listen to and look at the evidence I show her, and say, "Ok, it looks like you've researched this a lot, so let's go for it".

 

[Judy & Fritz]

I just read this after my last post. I’m glad I started low to be safe. But if you read what I wrote just prior to this you will see that it’s hard when a professional tells you something different.
With all the animal lovers in the world, I’m surprised there hasn’t been an action to change how veterinarians handle diabetes. If so many of them are giving incorrect information, something really should be done to bring the issue to light. Not that I would know how to do that. Just thinking out loud

I was told the very same thing by my 1st new vet recently as when Maggie was diagnosed, shoot 1 unit twice a day, twelve hours apart, don’t bother with home testing, inject as soon as her head is in the bowl. Well, Maggie’s head was in her bowl, I injected, she refused to eat another bite and starting seizing so suddenly it was unreal. So no, I will be sure a meal has been eaten before I inject. Fired that vet. 2nd new vet told me to raise Fritz from 0.5 unit to 1 unit after a week, then she would be on vacation. Going to new vet No. 3 on 8/17 for urinalysis and glucose curve. This one admitted they weren’t taught to work with pet parents who home tested, but she was supportive and has ordered me an Alpha Trak meter just as a backup. She told me not to raise Fritz’s dosage until his curve is done, that it is dangerous. So you can see they are all over the place on this subject. There is nothing wrong with vet shopping. My vet of many years went elsewhere during the pandemic so I am starting over. And it will be on my terms because they will be treating someone I dearly love. They barely even cover diabetes in veterinary school, I have had two of them tell me that. It’s almost as if an animal gets to a certain age and they don’t want to bother. It is disgraceful. Fritz is only 10, Maggie was 12. Lots of life left at that age if this is handled well. Chris kept China alive for almost 7 more years, she was 19! That’s far better than any vet I know. Lauren, you and I and these boys are in excellent hands here.

 

[Judy & Fritz]

I think it feels counterintuitive to A LOT of us in the beginning to go against what our vets say because they are supposed to be experts, and why shouldn't we trust the experts? But the reality is that most general practice vets just don't see a whole lot of diabetic cats. Also, they are general practice, they are not specialists and we shouldn't expect them to be experts about every single disease. I love my vet, but she does not know a lot about diabetes. But what I love most about her is that she is willing to admit that she is not an expert, listen to and look at the evidence I show her, and say, "Ok, it looks like you've researched this a lot, so let's go for it".

I would dearly love to find a vet like yours! And, hopefully, I have. We’ve only spoken on the phone so far, but she was supportive of home testing and going slow. And yes, it does feel counterintuitive but I have now been told by two vets that they barely covered diabetes in veterinary school. Scary!

 

[Judy & Fritz]

When Sophie started back on insulin in May, her vet prescribed 1u, which was the appropriate dose based on her weight. I said I wanted to start with 0.5u, which she was fine with. The very first dose of 0.5u I gave dropped her blood sugar to 87. Now imagine if I had doubled that dose. It could have been bad. All that’s to say, I don’t think it was necessarily a bad thing to be conservative with the starting dose, especially with your inability to test Red’s blood sugar when you were first starting out. You can always work up to a good dose if you start too low. You can’t take the insulin out once it’s given.

You’re most likely not going to find a vet that knows 100% everything about diabetes. Sometimes the more important thing is to find a vet that’s willing to listen and work with you. When it comes to dosing, I would trust the advice of the people on this board. I can guarantee that collectively, they have seen and helped many times over the number of diabetic cats your vet has. And as someone whose cat has had two symptomatic, nearly fatal hypos, I don’t think being “paranoid” about them is a bad thing. The advisors here will keep your cat safe. That’s why each protocol has the guidelines they do in regards to testing, etc.

Agree 1000%!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

She told me not to raise Fritz’s dosage until his curve is done, that it is dangerous.

Just remember, curves done at the vet's office can be unreliable due to vet stress which can cause the BG to be much higher than at home. I'd ask them why you can't do your own curve and send them the results?

 

[Judy & Fritz]

Ok, I won’t listen to him. It’s just upsetting. He was my last name on the list. I need a vet. Don’t I? If nothing else, to prescribe the insulin. And there has to be more pieces to the puzzle. I can only see his blood glucose and ketones. What about everything else?

Yes, you need a vet. I don’t know your location, but is he all that’s available? I am sorry, Lauren, but his attitude was all wrong. He has certain numbers in mind and that is simply arrogant and stupid. All cats are different. Red won’t react to insulin in the same way Fritz will, but you will carefully get him regulated. Fritz will react in his own way and I will get him regulated. We will have two boys with happy, healthy lives. I am not remotely impressed with that vet. “Stop dragging your feet and leave it to the professionals.” Omg, I would literally run for the hills, My spidey senses were tingling, lol. RUN. And do find someone who can do Red’s labs, prescribe his insulin, do checkups, etc. Bedside manner is very important to me, how the vet handles my cat. You are both in my prayers. I know exactly how hard this is.

 

[Judy & Fritz]

Just remember, curves done at the vet's office can be unreliable due to vet stress which can cause the BG to be much higher than at home. I'd ask them why you can't do your own curve and send them the results?

The only reason I am letting her do it is because I need to have another urinalysis done on him. Remember I took him off Orbax because it suppressed his appetite? This is a new vet I have only talked to on the phone. However, I was thinking today about doing the curve at home. I know that stress causes the numbers to rise and he hates being in the car. I am taking one of my others for her wellness check on Friday. I will discuss it with her then.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

And yes, it does feel counterintuitive but I have now been told by two vets that they barely covered diabetes in veterinary school. Scary!

It's amazing you found 2 that actually told you the truth! One of the most well known diabetes "experts" told one of our older members that he got 5 hours of education on diabetes in school and that covered all types of animals.

Vet schools only have 4 years so they can't go into depth about anything. If they took the time to learn what the experienced folks here have learned, it would take weeks for every different species of animal and by the time they learned a lot about everything, they'd be 110 years old....LOL

 

[Judy & Fritz]

It's amazing you found 2 that actually told you the truth! One of the most well known diabetes "experts" told one of our older members that he got 5 hours of education on diabetes in school and that covered all types of animals.

Vet schools only have 4 years so they can't go into depth about anything. If they took the time to learn what the experienced folks here have learned, it would take weeks for every different species of animal and by the time they learned a lot about everything, they'd be 110 years old....LOL

LOLOL. That’s true and considering all we’ve been discussing on this thread, it IS amazing that two of them told me that. One was my former vet, one is the new one Fritz hasn’t seen yet. She also told me that they discussed using honey or syrup to bring up BG during hypo, but they told them just a small amount when the reality is, you end up using about tablespoon or more!

 

[Lauren & Red]

I was told the very same thing by my 1st new vet recently as when Maggie was diagnosed, shoot 1 unit twice a day, twelve hours apart, don’t bother with home testing, inject as soon as her head is in the bowl. Well, Maggie’s head was in her bowl, I injected, she refused to eat another bite and starting seizing so suddenly it was unreal. So no, I will be sure a meal has been eaten before I inject. Fired that vet. 2nd new vet told me to raise Fritz from 0.5 unit to 1 unit after a week, then she would be on vacation. Going to new vet No. 3 on 8/17 for urinalysis and glucose curve. This one admitted they weren’t taught to work with pet parents who home tested, but she was supportive and has ordered me an Alpha Trak meter just as a backup. She told me not to raise Fritz’s dosage until his curve is done, that it is dangerous. So you can see they are all over the place on this subject. There is nothing wrong with vet shopping. My vet of many years went elsewhere during the pandemic so I am starting over. And it will be on my terms because they will be treating someone I dearly love. They barely even cover diabetes in veterinary school, I have had two of them tell me that. It’s almost as if an animal gets to a certain age and they don’t want to bother. It is disgraceful. Fritz is only 10, Maggie was 12. Lots of life left at that age if this is handled well. Chris kept China alive for almost 7 more years, she was 19! That’s far better than any vet I know. Lauren, you and I and these boys are in excellent hands here.

Thank you for sharing! Is there any kind of awareness program or a fundraiser type thing for this? I’m just wondering because I would donate to it. It seems like since so many vets give dangerous information, something should be done about it. Right?

 

[Judy & Fritz]

Thank you for sharing! Is there any kind of awareness program or a fundraiser type thing for this? I’m just wondering because I would donate to it. It seems like since so many vets give dangerous information, something should be done about it. Right?

Something should be done, I agree. After wrestling with Fritz tonight trying to get him to eat, I cannot form a coherent thought, but will think on it.