Our cat is 11 years old, we have been treating her for three years with PZI. We have rearranged our routines and lives multiple times to keep this cat in good health. Our budget is tighter than ever and our medical bills increase and the expenses for our four small kids increase. We left our vet because we felt he was insensitive to our financial situation and made us feel like terrible pet owners. I feel I have gone above and beyond to care for this pet. I really don't know what to do at this point. Her insulin is almost gone. No vet will see her without at least $200 in medical test to confirm she's diabetic even though we have her records. HOw much is to much before you decide to let go :cry:
Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old cat
- Thread starter ralapic
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tuckers mom
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I think you're not ready to give up since you are doing research and have found this board. I know how hard things can get, my husband sells cars and things are not what they used to be.
Can we help you try to get the costs under control? I hometest my cat and do not need vet visits for blood sugar levels. It saves a huge amount of money, plus my cat is safer in general because I can avoid hypos and ketones.
Changing the diet may lower the need for insulin and therefore save money.
Can you tell us more about what type of food your kitty is eating and how much insulin she is on?
I think you're not ready to give up since you are doing research and have found this board. I know how hard things can get, my husband sells cars and things are not what they used to be.
Can we help you try to get the costs under control? I hometest my cat and do not need vet visits for blood sugar levels. It saves a huge amount of money, plus my cat is safer in general because I can avoid hypos and ketones.
Changing the diet may lower the need for insulin and therefore save money.
Can you tell us more about what type of food your kitty is eating and how much insulin she is on?
Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
What area do you live in?
Do you test your kitty's blood sugar at home?
We may be able to help you with tips for reducing your kitty's expenses and even some donated supplies.
What area do you live in?
Do you test your kitty's blood sugar at home?
We may be able to help you with tips for reducing your kitty's expenses and even some donated supplies.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
She gets a 1/2 can of wet food three times a day. I think it's friskies. Because I had to go back to work full time, the times she eats aren't always as regular and her first and second feeding are very far apart. 5 am, 4 pm. She always tries to steal some dry food from our other cat but we give both cats a lot of fresh water daily. Sadly, and I say this with much guilt, she has become a stress more than anything because she's so expensive and she gives nothing back. The only time she's shows affection is when she wants to eat. I just feel terribly guilty whenever I look at her. I feel guilty that I'm sacraficing Christmas presents for my kids, not paying my mortgage on time, and not even liking the cat anymore, but I do not have the heart to try and place her somewhere and put her life in misery. I know she's content being old and lazy. Her insulin is pretty much gone. Is there a way to treat her without it? Our time is so limited as it is and I've done the glucose checks with another cat that had to be put down many years ago. What would happen if we just stopped her insulin. How much would she suffer? We live in Pottstown, PA
She gets a 1/2 can of wet food three times a day. I think it's friskies. Because I had to go back to work full time, the times she eats aren't always as regular and her first and second feeding are very far apart. 5 am, 4 pm. She always tries to steal some dry food from our other cat but we give both cats a lot of fresh water daily. Sadly, and I say this with much guilt, she has become a stress more than anything because she's so expensive and she gives nothing back. The only time she's shows affection is when she wants to eat. I just feel terribly guilty whenever I look at her. I feel guilty that I'm sacraficing Christmas presents for my kids, not paying my mortgage on time, and not even liking the cat anymore, but I do not have the heart to try and place her somewhere and put her life in misery. I know she's content being old and lazy. Her insulin is pretty much gone. Is there a way to treat her without it? Our time is so limited as it is and I've done the glucose checks with another cat that had to be put down many years ago. What would happen if we just stopped her insulin. How much would she suffer? We live in Pottstown, PA
Phoebe_TiggyGA_NortonGA
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
If you stop insulin, she would gradually starve to death while eating everything in sight.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar gradually causes damage to organs - especially kidneys and eyes, and can lead to circulation / nerve damage in the extremities (feet). It can lead to Diabetic Keto-acidosis - a very painful condition that requires hospitalization.
Please edit your first post to add your area - we do have some members in PA.
Please check out DCIN - a charity that helps Diabetic Cats In Need -- with donated supplies. Many members here donate either supplies or money to help out kitties in need.
If you stop insulin, she would gradually starve to death while eating everything in sight.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar gradually causes damage to organs - especially kidneys and eyes, and can lead to circulation / nerve damage in the extremities (feet). It can lead to Diabetic Keto-acidosis - a very painful condition that requires hospitalization.
Please edit your first post to add your area - we do have some members in PA.
Please check out DCIN - a charity that helps Diabetic Cats In Need -- with donated supplies. Many members here donate either supplies or money to help out kitties in need.
Jen & Squeak
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Forgive me if I'm wrong, because it has been awhile since I've had to buy supplies, but the supplies shouldn't be that much, and hometesting is much cheaper than testing at the vet clinic. I understand if even testing supplies and insulin are too expensive for you, but if the issue is vet visits then we can definitely help.
edited because what I wrote didn't come out properly
Forgive me if I'm wrong, because it has been awhile since I've had to buy supplies, but the supplies shouldn't be that much, and hometesting is much cheaper than testing at the vet clinic. I understand if even testing supplies and insulin are too expensive for you, but if the issue is vet visits then we can definitely help.
edited because what I wrote didn't come out properly
BJM
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Vets around Pottstown, PA
Check with your local shelter/humane group and find out what vets they use; they may be able to help you find a lower cost vet. Here are 2 which seem close:
Women’s Humane Society
Humane Society of Berks County "Veterinary Hospitals of the Humane Society of Berks County are now accepting new patients!" and "Most other services, treatment, testing and medications are approximately half standard rates and are subject to change."
If you aren't able to get what you need to care for your cat properly - insulin, testing supplies, appropriate food, etc - and aren't able to find her a home which can do that, the kindest thing will be to have her euthanized. Starving to death in the face of plenty because your body can't use what you eat is a miserable way to go.
If I didn't already have 11 cats, some of whom fight with each other ...
Vets around Pottstown, PA
Check with your local shelter/humane group and find out what vets they use; they may be able to help you find a lower cost vet. Here are 2 which seem close:
Women’s Humane Society
Humane Society of Berks County "Veterinary Hospitals of the Humane Society of Berks County are now accepting new patients!" and "Most other services, treatment, testing and medications are approximately half standard rates and are subject to change."
If you aren't able to get what you need to care for your cat properly - insulin, testing supplies, appropriate food, etc - and aren't able to find her a home which can do that, the kindest thing will be to have her euthanized. Starving to death in the face of plenty because your body can't use what you eat is a miserable way to go.
If I didn't already have 11 cats, some of whom fight with each other ...
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
The economy is hard on many of us right now, but if money wasn't an issue, do you think you might want to stick around FDMB and learn how to hometest and treat your cat? Learn how to enjoy your cat again if the guilt of the insulin cost was out of the way for a little bit?
The glucose checks you did with your other cat may be very different from how things are done these days. I've been here since '06 and things are quite different from when I started.
We have "newbie kits" that you can get from Lori and Tom, see this link:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19541
The economy is hard on many of us right now, but if money wasn't an issue, do you think you might want to stick around FDMB and learn how to hometest and treat your cat? Learn how to enjoy your cat again if the guilt of the insulin cost was out of the way for a little bit?
The glucose checks you did with your other cat may be very different from how things are done these days. I've been here since '06 and things are quite different from when I started.
We have "newbie kits" that you can get from Lori and Tom, see this link:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19541
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
So you have seen what we can offer if you will give this a try.
Free newbie kit which will have a free meter, lancets, rice sack - everything you need to get started That will save you the money you are spending at the vet. viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19541
Support and hand holding day and night
Here is a site with ideas for ways to save: http://felinediabetes.com/vetbills.htm
Has there been a personality change? If your kitty is unregulated, she is literally starving. Her body does not process her food, so yes, she is hungry all the time and probably pretty grumpy. Once you get her insulin regulated, her personality will improve.
This disease is easily treatable in almost every case. It will take some energy on your part in the beginning, but most cats here are regulated or in remission.
.
So you have seen what we can offer if you will give this a try.
Free newbie kit which will have a free meter, lancets, rice sack - everything you need to get started That will save you the money you are spending at the vet. viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19541
Support and hand holding day and night
Here is a site with ideas for ways to save: http://felinediabetes.com/vetbills.htm
Has there been a personality change? If your kitty is unregulated, she is literally starving. Her body does not process her food, so yes, she is hungry all the time and probably pretty grumpy. Once you get her insulin regulated, her personality will improve.
This disease is easily treatable in almost every case. It will take some energy on your part in the beginning, but most cats here are regulated or in remission.
.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Thank you all so much for your feedback as I have been crying most of the day about this. My wonderful supportive husband was wondering if we can use the testing kit I have from when I had gestational diabetes. It's a meter with the sticks and I guess a pricker. It's been five years so I have to get it out. In the mean time I will check out all the other sites that everyone suggested. You are all very compassionate and it's very appreciated in such a stressful time in our lives.
Thank you all so much for your feedback as I have been crying most of the day about this. My wonderful supportive husband was wondering if we can use the testing kit I have from when I had gestational diabetes. It's a meter with the sticks and I guess a pricker. It's been five years so I have to get it out. In the mean time I will check out all the other sites that everyone suggested. You are all very compassionate and it's very appreciated in such a stressful time in our lives.
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
That would be great! You will probably have to buy some new strips as yours may be expired. The first batch at the drug store will be expensive, but from then on you can get them on ebay for less than half the price in stores.
Check out this site for beginners: http://www.sugarcats.net/sites/harry/bgtest.htm and this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8 The other thing you will need is a rice sack to warm her ears. Take a thinnish sock, fill it with raw rice and knot. Then heat in microwave until very warm but not hot. The ears need to be warm to bleed.
Since your kitty is motivated by food, put some treats down for the first poke.
Not everyone succeeds the first time. Don't get discouraged. We all have tips and tricks that worked for us.
I am so glad you are taking this step. You literally are on the way to saving your kitty's life. Thank you.
That would be great! You will probably have to buy some new strips as yours may be expired. The first batch at the drug store will be expensive, but from then on you can get them on ebay for less than half the price in stores.
Check out this site for beginners: http://www.sugarcats.net/sites/harry/bgtest.htm and this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8 The other thing you will need is a rice sack to warm her ears. Take a thinnish sock, fill it with raw rice and knot. Then heat in microwave until very warm but not hot. The ears need to be warm to bleed.
Since your kitty is motivated by food, put some treats down for the first poke.
Not everyone succeeds the first time. Don't get discouraged. We all have tips and tricks that worked for us.
I am so glad you are taking this step. You literally are on the way to saving your kitty's life. Thank you.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I'm confident that she will be okay with the pricking as she's kind of use to the insulin needle. I also check out Berks County Humane Society and it's pretty close to our house so I'm going to give them a call tomorrow. In the mean time, I guess I'm digging out that kit.
I'm confident that she will be okay with the pricking as she's kind of use to the insulin needle. I also check out Berks County Humane Society and it's pretty close to our house so I'm going to give them a call tomorrow. In the mean time, I guess I'm digging out that kit.
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Your batteries may not be fresh so the meter may not work.
What brand meter is it? Maybe we can tell you if it will take more or less blood than others. Some popular name brands are: Freestyle, One Touch Ultra, Accu Check, or Contour. Many of use the Walmart Relion brand.
Your batteries may not be fresh so the meter may not work.
What brand meter is it? Maybe we can tell you if it will take more or less blood than others. Some popular name brands are: Freestyle, One Touch Ultra, Accu Check, or Contour. Many of use the Walmart Relion brand.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Hello,
I have not had time to make a post yet, but Scruffy is now off his insulin. I believe this is due in large part to this site and help I got here. It is an excellent source of information. With help here and proper diet, perhaps you can get your cat off insulin. Or as others suggested, his dose would be lowered and his insulin would last much longer.
I will testify to the fact that Scruffy is back to his old self now that his BG is normal. We thought he was acting like he was due to getting older (13), but it was the DB that was doing it. I took him in today for a full work up and he currently has a UTI, probably picked that up when his BG was still not in check and he had sugar in his urine. But once that clears up he will be back to normal and in perfect health. It only took me about 6weeks on insulin and he got better. Perhaps we were lucky, but again I think a lot has to do with the diet change and the BG curves suggested here.
11 years old is not old either, I would bet the change in behavior is due to the DB. Try accepting some help here before you have him put to sleep.
Hello,
I have not had time to make a post yet, but Scruffy is now off his insulin. I believe this is due in large part to this site and help I got here. It is an excellent source of information. With help here and proper diet, perhaps you can get your cat off insulin. Or as others suggested, his dose would be lowered and his insulin would last much longer.
I will testify to the fact that Scruffy is back to his old self now that his BG is normal. We thought he was acting like he was due to getting older (13), but it was the DB that was doing it. I took him in today for a full work up and he currently has a UTI, probably picked that up when his BG was still not in check and he had sugar in his urine. But once that clears up he will be back to normal and in perfect health. It only took me about 6weeks on insulin and he got better. Perhaps we were lucky, but again I think a lot has to do with the diet change and the BG curves suggested here.
11 years old is not old either, I would bet the change in behavior is due to the DB. Try accepting some help here before you have him put to sleep.
Lisa dvm
Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I don't mean to sound so negative here but please do not do the above. First of all, no humane society will take a diabetic cat but, most importantly, that is never going to be a good answer for any cat. Euthanasia would be FAR more humane than to take a cat from its home and put it in a cage or even a large room with a bunch of other cats.
I am strongly opposed to 'warehousing' any creature just to keep them alive. Quality of life is important - not quantity of years lived.
Now...on a more supportive note...I really feel for you and your situation and want to offer my support that if you do decide to go with euthanasia....please do not feel guilty about it. Easier said than done, I know....
Please try to work with the wonderful people on this board but if things are just not working out for your finances and your cat, and you opt for euthanasia, please do not beat yourself up about it.
Another note...I am not sure if anyone has mentioned it above since I did not read the other posts but...your older meter is going to require a big drop of blood so you are much better off getting a newer meter that will use less blood.
ralapic said:
I don't mean to sound so negative here but please do not do the above. First of all, no humane society will take a diabetic cat but, most importantly, that is never going to be a good answer for any cat. Euthanasia would be FAR more humane than to take a cat from its home and put it in a cage or even a large room with a bunch of other cats.
I am strongly opposed to 'warehousing' any creature just to keep them alive. Quality of life is important - not quantity of years lived.
Now...on a more supportive note...I really feel for you and your situation and want to offer my support that if you do decide to go with euthanasia....please do not feel guilty about it. Easier said than done, I know....
Please try to work with the wonderful people on this board but if things are just not working out for your finances and your cat, and you opt for euthanasia, please do not beat yourself up about it.
Another note...I am not sure if anyone has mentioned it above since I did not read the other posts but...your older meter is going to require a big drop of blood so you are much better off getting a newer meter that will use less blood.
Dana & Thomas
Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
yes, I have been rearranging our schedule for ten years now, and at the age of 17, Thomas is becoming quite a lump--but he is our lump!
yes, I have been rearranging our schedule for ten years now, and at the age of 17, Thomas is becoming quite a lump--but he is our lump!
Lisa and Witn (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Yes, you can use that meter. You will most likely need to by new strips. Depending on the brand of meter, there may be other options since some of the strips can be expensive. Many of our members buy their strips on ebay and save quite a lot of money. Another option is to switch to a store brand meter such as Walmart's Relion brand meters. The meters are around $9 and strips are around $40 for a box of 100. This is about 1/2 the price of the strips for name brand meters.
ralapic said:
Yes, you can use that meter. You will most likely need to by new strips. Depending on the brand of meter, there may be other options since some of the strips can be expensive. Many of our members buy their strips on ebay and save quite a lot of money. Another option is to switch to a store brand meter such as Walmart's Relion brand meters. The meters are around $9 and strips are around $40 for a box of 100. This is about 1/2 the price of the strips for name brand meters.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
(((Hi))) What's your name, or what do we call you and your cat?
Besides the hundreds of active members here on the Board, you're just a bit up the road from three of us in Wilmington, DE. And Mad Scientist and Buddy is in Pottstown. You have lots of help close by.
The least expensive good meter and strips that you can get from Walmart is the Relion system. Meter is about $9 and 50 strips are $20 (plus tax).
It would be worth asking Mad Scientist where he vets locally. I vet with Dr. Alan Glassman at the Chester County Cat Hospital in West Chester PA. 610-701-6369. That's 45 minutes from you. Dr. Alan has worked with my cats on BCP PZI and Levemir. He's not one to insist on unneeded tests and procedures, but he's also not one to overlook obvious problems. He has several diabetic patients, and I have found him to be very compassionate.
You don't say what kind of PZI you have been using. BCP Vet Pharmacy makes sample vials of their PZI available to vets. It's only 3ml of a U100 formulation (this is the form a vet faxes in), but free is better than none.
It's likely you have been using a U40 PZI insulin. A U100 insulin requires different syringes. But you also can use the U100 syringes with U40 insulin. We can talk you through that when the time comes.
We have a forum here called the supply closet, where many folks give away supplies they no longer need. And just having posted what you have posted and being receptive the way you have, it's likely people will be sending you private messages offering help.
Take care, and please know that we are here for you and your cat.
(((Hi))) What's your name, or what do we call you and your cat?
Besides the hundreds of active members here on the Board, you're just a bit up the road from three of us in Wilmington, DE. And Mad Scientist and Buddy is in Pottstown. You have lots of help close by.
The least expensive good meter and strips that you can get from Walmart is the Relion system. Meter is about $9 and 50 strips are $20 (plus tax).
It would be worth asking Mad Scientist where he vets locally. I vet with Dr. Alan Glassman at the Chester County Cat Hospital in West Chester PA. 610-701-6369. That's 45 minutes from you. Dr. Alan has worked with my cats on BCP PZI and Levemir. He's not one to insist on unneeded tests and procedures, but he's also not one to overlook obvious problems. He has several diabetic patients, and I have found him to be very compassionate.
You don't say what kind of PZI you have been using. BCP Vet Pharmacy makes sample vials of their PZI available to vets. It's only 3ml of a U100 formulation (this is the form a vet faxes in), but free is better than none.
It's likely you have been using a U40 PZI insulin. A U100 insulin requires different syringes. But you also can use the U100 syringes with U40 insulin. We can talk you through that when the time comes.
We have a forum here called the supply closet, where many folks give away supplies they no longer need. And just having posted what you have posted and being receptive the way you have, it's likely people will be sending you private messages offering help.
Take care, and please know that we are here for you and your cat.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
To LISA DVM I was chekcing out the humane society to find out oabout lower cost vet visits. That's one of the things they offer. I have no intention, as stated in my original post, of trying to find another home for her. I know the stress that this would cause to her .
She is currently on 2 units of PZI 40 units per ml. The bottle is 10 ml and it costs us about $90 a bottle the needles are 40 dollars for a box of 100 that we reuse once. She currently eats a very controlled diet of 1/2 can of wet food, Friskies, three times a day. The feedings have been recently spaced weird because I went back to work. She eats at around 5:30 am, 4 pm and between 9-10 pm she gets her insulin. Because of my change in schedule and the availablity to bring her in 8 hours after the insulin, the vet hasn't gotten a great reading. The last reading was in 8/14/10 and it was 328. She has not been any less lethargic before or since then. She hasn't increased her liquid intake, she still goes up and down the stairs. She still has enough spunk to ward off kitty #2.
Is there a lower carb diet than the one we are feeding her that would be lower cost? We are not opposed to making the food ourselves?
To LISA DVM I was chekcing out the humane society to find out oabout lower cost vet visits. That's one of the things they offer. I have no intention, as stated in my original post, of trying to find another home for her. I know the stress that this would cause to her .
She is currently on 2 units of PZI 40 units per ml. The bottle is 10 ml and it costs us about $90 a bottle the needles are 40 dollars for a box of 100 that we reuse once. She currently eats a very controlled diet of 1/2 can of wet food, Friskies, three times a day. The feedings have been recently spaced weird because I went back to work. She eats at around 5:30 am, 4 pm and between 9-10 pm she gets her insulin. Because of my change in schedule and the availablity to bring her in 8 hours after the insulin, the vet hasn't gotten a great reading. The last reading was in 8/14/10 and it was 328. She has not been any less lethargic before or since then. She hasn't increased her liquid intake, she still goes up and down the stairs. She still has enough spunk to ward off kitty #2.
Is there a lower carb diet than the one we are feeding her that would be lower cost? We are not opposed to making the food ourselves?
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
hello. i so sympathize with your situation. it is hard, very hard. i spoke to a girl a month or so back who was in your situation. she was so desperate to rehome her kitty she was having a nervouse break down. i very calmly told her the only humane way to go was to let the kitty pass away with loving arms wrapped around him...pts.
once she fully accepted this and talked it over with her husband, she came to the conclusion that her cat was part of her family. she was going to keep him.
i cried.
now if you do have to pts, that would be all i'd beg of you is to do it so he feels loved, secure and gently falls asleep into the long night.
but if you do decide to keep him there are a number of us here capable of helping tremendously and you may get you kitty no even needing insulin any more.
it is your decision and i certainly would not judge you for it.
but if you stay...make sure you avail yourself of all we have to offer.
this includes but is not limited to syringes, meters, strips, cheap and low carb food good for both of you cats so the hard crunchies are gone for good. we are all about helping.
just wanted you to know.
prayers for you and your kitty.
lori
and tomtom
hello. i so sympathize with your situation. it is hard, very hard. i spoke to a girl a month or so back who was in your situation. she was so desperate to rehome her kitty she was having a nervouse break down. i very calmly told her the only humane way to go was to let the kitty pass away with loving arms wrapped around him...pts.
once she fully accepted this and talked it over with her husband, she came to the conclusion that her cat was part of her family. she was going to keep him.
i cried.
now if you do have to pts, that would be all i'd beg of you is to do it so he feels loved, secure and gently falls asleep into the long night.
but if you do decide to keep him there are a number of us here capable of helping tremendously and you may get you kitty no even needing insulin any more.
it is your decision and i certainly would not judge you for it.
but if you stay...make sure you avail yourself of all we have to offer.
this includes but is not limited to syringes, meters, strips, cheap and low carb food good for both of you cats so the hard crunchies are gone for good. we are all about helping.
just wanted you to know.
prayers for you and your kitty.
lori
and tomtom
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Lots of us feed Friskies. You just want to feed the lower carb varieties, usually the ones without gravy. Check this food chart for foods between 8-10% carbs. http://www.felinediabetes.com/diabetic-cat-diets.htm
You can also feed raw. The same Dr. Lisa DVM has a great website with food information, including how to make raw cat food: http://www.catinfo.org
Lots of us feed Friskies. You just want to feed the lower carb varieties, usually the ones without gravy. Check this food chart for foods between 8-10% carbs. http://www.felinediabetes.com/diabetic-cat-diets.htm
You can also feed raw. The same Dr. Lisa DVM has a great website with food information, including how to make raw cat food: http://www.catinfo.org
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
My husband just looked up Dr. Lisa site. Thank you Dr. Lisa! It's amazing how much we learned in such a short amount of time just by my posting this message. I had no idea about such low cost meters and doing the glucose checks at home. My former vet never once mentioned it to me. Not ONCE! I can certainly afford the WALMART meter. Our cat has been treated for diabetes there since 3/2008 and not once did he ever give us suggestions to keep down the costs. He took excellent care of her and so did his staff, but I really think the vet needs to be sensitive to the family taking care of the cat too, and that was where he was severely lacking.
My husband just looked up Dr. Lisa site. Thank you Dr. Lisa! It's amazing how much we learned in such a short amount of time just by my posting this message. I had no idea about such low cost meters and doing the glucose checks at home. My former vet never once mentioned it to me. Not ONCE! I can certainly afford the WALMART meter. Our cat has been treated for diabetes there since 3/2008 and not once did he ever give us suggestions to keep down the costs. He took excellent care of her and so did his staff, but I really think the vet needs to be sensitive to the family taking care of the cat too, and that was where he was severely lacking.
dian and wheezer
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
walmart special kitty is even cheaper. I buy the large cans that are .68 each. I use turkey and giblets, mixed grill and super supper. next in price from sams club which is $4 more 48 cans of the 5.5oz cans at $17 something. as I said walmart is $4 cheaper than the sams.they had 2 kinds. one was the pate kind and the other gravy stuff. /....DO NOT GRAVY TYPE FOODS
hope this helps
and the walmart relion meters and strips are the cheapest
walmart special kitty is even cheaper. I buy the large cans that are .68 each. I use turkey and giblets, mixed grill and super supper. next in price from sams club which is $4 more 48 cans of the 5.5oz cans at $17 something. as I said walmart is $4 cheaper than the sams.they had 2 kinds. one was the pate kind and the other gravy stuff. /....DO NOT GRAVY TYPE FOODS
hope this helps
and the walmart relion meters and strips are the cheapest
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Vets are like gps. They know a little about a lot of stuff, but not so much about feline diabetes unless they are specialists. I also think they see a lot of people overwhelmed at the idea of giving shots, so they don' t go any further into the possibilities.
Our vet is great with most things. She just never had thought about testing at home. Most vets are fine with hometesting once they see the numbers on a chart and see the progress at home.
Dr Lisa is great. She often posts here and helps out. She is a FD specialist!
Vets are like gps. They know a little about a lot of stuff, but not so much about feline diabetes unless they are specialists. I also think they see a lot of people overwhelmed at the idea of giving shots, so they don' t go any further into the possibilities.
Our vet is great with most things. She just never had thought about testing at home. Most vets are fine with hometesting once they see the numbers on a chart and see the progress at home.
Dr Lisa is great. She often posts here and helps out. She is a FD specialist!
Donna & Buddha
Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I have several boxes of U40 syringes that I could send you. My kitty switched insulin and we now use U100 syringes. ($40 seems awfully high. Was that the vet price?) If you want me to send them to you, pm me your address.
I have several boxes of U40 syringes that I could send you. My kitty switched insulin and we now use U100 syringes. ($40 seems awfully high. Was that the vet price?) If you want me to send them to you, pm me your address.
dian and wheezer
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
you can also buy the walmart U-100 syringes and use a conversion chart with your u-40 insulin
http://felinediabetes.com/insulin-conversions.htm
I did this when using PZI way back when
edit to add.
get the syringes with the 1/2 unit markings. makes dosing a lot easier
you can also buy the walmart U-100 syringes and use a conversion chart with your u-40 insulin
http://felinediabetes.com/insulin-conversions.htm
I did this when using PZI way back when
edit to add.
get the syringes with the 1/2 unit markings. makes dosing a lot easier
Lisa dvm
Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I agree.
I am the Queen o' Cheap and I do whatever I can to help keep costs down for the client while maintaing great care of the patient. The issue of cost is also one of the reasons why I ramble on about different subjects on my website.
Ironically, home testing is not only cheaper but it results in MUCH better patient care. Spot checks at a vet clinic are close to worthless. This is a huge pet peeve of mine....
ralapic said:
I agree.
I am the Queen o' Cheap and I do whatever I can to help keep costs down for the client while maintaing great care of the patient. The issue of cost is also one of the reasons why I ramble on about different subjects on my website.
Ironically, home testing is not only cheaper but it results in MUCH better patient care. Spot checks at a vet clinic are close to worthless. This is a huge pet peeve of mine....
BJM
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Dr Lisa - That Humane society is running a low cost vet clinic, which is why I referred her to it. The quick search I did was merely to identify places who probably look for low cost vets themselves, and then have her contact them for referrals.
Lisa dvm said:
Dr Lisa - That Humane society is running a low cost vet clinic, which is why I referred her to it. The quick search I did was merely to identify places who probably look for low cost vets themselves, and then have her contact them for referrals.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Do get one of the newer meters - they use less blood which makes testing easier. Walmart sells the cheapest strips off the shelf; people with other meters often get strips from e-bay.
I'm glad you found this site. It's amazing how treatable diabetes is with the information here.
Do get one of the newer meters - they use less blood which makes testing easier. Walmart sells the cheapest strips off the shelf; people with other meters often get strips from e-bay.
I'm glad you found this site. It's amazing how treatable diabetes is with the information here.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
please order the newbie kit. you will recieve a meter, strips, lancets, a rice sock (helps warm the ear for easier bleed) and a catnip toy. i can try to locate the meter you prefer and i will send as many strips as i can...some meters i only have 20 for, but others i may have 40-50, i have a relion confirm and a relion micro and i have 50 strips i can send you.
i can also send some syringes.
all in all a very good deal.
lori
newbie kit link in this ppost below my name...go to web store.
please order the newbie kit. you will recieve a meter, strips, lancets, a rice sock (helps warm the ear for easier bleed) and a catnip toy. i can try to locate the meter you prefer and i will send as many strips as i can...some meters i only have 20 for, but others i may have 40-50, i have a relion confirm and a relion micro and i have 50 strips i can send you.
i can also send some syringes.
all in all a very good deal.
lori
newbie kit link in this ppost below my name...go to web store.
Lisa dvm
Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
ok-makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.
I wonder if a low-cost HS clinic would get involved with diabetes management. I usually think of those places as dealing with more of the basics like vaccines, etc.
BJM said:
ok-makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.
I wonder if a low-cost HS clinic would get involved with diabetes management. I usually think of those places as dealing with more of the basics like vaccines, etc.
WCF and Meowzi
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
small world :mrgreen: meowzi's former acupuncturist used to work there. i haven't been to the clinic, but i had the impression they were a full-service clinic. i don't see her name listed on the HSBC site anymore (to my surprise), but i just sent her an e-mail to ask if she still goes in there. she's a lovely vet, and we've talked about hometesting of sugarkitties, and she's seen me test meowzi, so she knows it can be done. i'm not sure if she's up to date on diet, but if this kitty can get an exam and an rx for insulin written at the clinic (or any other), the board members here can help guide this bean on fd mgmt.
Lisa dvm said:
small world :mrgreen: meowzi's former acupuncturist used to work there. i haven't been to the clinic, but i had the impression they were a full-service clinic. i don't see her name listed on the HSBC site anymore (to my surprise), but i just sent her an e-mail to ask if she still goes in there. she's a lovely vet, and we've talked about hometesting of sugarkitties, and she's seen me test meowzi, so she knows it can be done. i'm not sure if she's up to date on diet, but if this kitty can get an exam and an rx for insulin written at the clinic (or any other), the board members here can help guide this bean on fd mgmt.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Hi there, I am not sure if you would be interested but I have a brand new bottle of PZI that I cannot use, it did not work for Putter, we are on Lantus. If you pm me I WOULD LOVE TO DONATE IT TO YOU if you still need it. The expiration date is 9/20/12 so it is long dated. I would much rather donate it to someone in need than to have it sit in my fridge.
I know how it feels to have a rough time paying for vet bills, I started a memorial fund in my dogs memory to help pay for vet bills for clients who cannot afford care for their pets and the prognosis is good. I am a vet tech and I see people who deal with this terrible decision every day, I want more than anything to help our wonderful fur-kidz out as much as I can.
Blessings
Hi there, I am not sure if you would be interested but I have a brand new bottle of PZI that I cannot use, it did not work for Putter, we are on Lantus. If you pm me I WOULD LOVE TO DONATE IT TO YOU if you still need it. The expiration date is 9/20/12 so it is long dated. I would much rather donate it to someone in need than to have it sit in my fridge.
I know how it feels to have a rough time paying for vet bills, I started a memorial fund in my dogs memory to help pay for vet bills for clients who cannot afford care for their pets and the prognosis is good. I am a vet tech and I see people who deal with this terrible decision every day, I want more than anything to help our wonderful fur-kidz out as much as I can.
Blessings
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Just want to say how wonderfully proud I am to be part of this caring, supportive community. The outpouring of help, supplies and support for this kitty and her parents has been incredible.
And ralapic - I don't think we even know your name or your kitty's name yet - how proud I am of you for starting on this sugar journey. We can't guarantee it will be always be easy, and there may be times when you are overwhelmed, but we will be here for you.
Just want to say how wonderfully proud I am to be part of this caring, supportive community. The outpouring of help, supplies and support for this kitty and her parents has been incredible.
And ralapic - I don't think we even know your name or your kitty's name yet - how proud I am of you for starting on this sugar journey. We can't guarantee it will be always be easy, and there may be times when you are overwhelmed, but we will be here for you.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I can relate to the expense. I had a chat with my Vet right at the beginnning and he did take take off some of the extra charges that all Vets seem to add to the bill..
I also went on Freecycle and gota meter adn strips from a ladt ,her mother had just passed away and had nouse for the meter and strips.. Worth a try if you a freecycle in your area .
Good luck \
Hugs
Kathy and jack
I can relate to the expense. I had a chat with my Vet right at the beginnning and he did take take off some of the extra charges that all Vets seem to add to the bill..
I also went on Freecycle and gota meter adn strips from a ladt ,her mother had just passed away and had nouse for the meter and strips.. Worth a try if you a freecycle in your area .
Good luck \
Hugs
Kathy and jack
Monica0808
New Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
We're all pulling for you. With help/info from this website on diet, my 9 y/o male was off insulin (Glargine) in 21 days, and is in complete remission. My vet was shocked. I would urge you as others have to do home testing (Relion is the cheapest); I feed Bubby Fancy Feast Classic which has NO wheat gluten. FF website lists the gluten free flavors. Don't feed the seafood too often, and supplement with cooked cut up chicken; chicken is cheap if you shop sales. My 2 16 y/o males are also eating this, and BS levels in all three are WELL under 100. My last thought is this costs a little more, takes some dedication to the cat, not much time once you get it down, but vet bills in my case were eliminated. I don't have 4 children, but we all have stress and this economy is tough. If your feelings toward this furbaby are negative due to your stressors and the illness, I would tell you it's ok to say "I can't handle this" and let this baby go to the Rainbow Bridge. To me it's better than lowering the pet's quality of life, all the stress you are going through, your guilt, the stress on the kids, etc. Not everyone can handle an animal with a life changing illness, and that is not a reflection on you as a person. Making a humane choice is what defines people. Take Care!
Love, Monica, Bubby, Devin, and Sampson
We're all pulling for you. With help/info from this website on diet, my 9 y/o male was off insulin (Glargine) in 21 days, and is in complete remission. My vet was shocked. I would urge you as others have to do home testing (Relion is the cheapest); I feed Bubby Fancy Feast Classic which has NO wheat gluten. FF website lists the gluten free flavors. Don't feed the seafood too often, and supplement with cooked cut up chicken; chicken is cheap if you shop sales. My 2 16 y/o males are also eating this, and BS levels in all three are WELL under 100. My last thought is this costs a little more, takes some dedication to the cat, not much time once you get it down, but vet bills in my case were eliminated. I don't have 4 children, but we all have stress and this economy is tough. If your feelings toward this furbaby are negative due to your stressors and the illness, I would tell you it's ok to say "I can't handle this" and let this baby go to the Rainbow Bridge. To me it's better than lowering the pet's quality of life, all the stress you are going through, your guilt, the stress on the kids, etc. Not everyone can handle an animal with a life changing illness, and that is not a reflection on you as a person. Making a humane choice is what defines people. Take Care!
Love, Monica, Bubby, Devin, and Sampson
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
_____________________
My former clinic was spay neuter only. We were high volume to keep costs low and no way could we deal with other situations altho out vet was a doll and did a $200 eye operation once on a client's cat, just out of the goodness of his heart.
If ANYone ever wants to open a spay clinic, I have a million dos and don'ts to offer.
Lisa dvm said:
_____________________
My former clinic was spay neuter only. We were high volume to keep costs low and no way could we deal with other situations altho out vet was a doll and did a $200 eye operation once on a client's cat, just out of the goodness of his heart.
If ANYone ever wants to open a spay clinic, I have a million dos and don'ts to offer.
Charlies Mum
Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
Just my two cents-- I completely understand how you're feeling, and your frustration with vets, the things they charge you for, and the things they don't tell you. In my case, I still love the cat (Charlie is sort of a jerk, but a lovable one). I have also fallen on hard times, but not before spending thousands of extra dollars on a vet's mistakes and useless treatments (not for the diabetes, but for another of my animals). It's so hard to find a good vet that you can really trust, and who cares about your animal, you, and your finances. I hope the Humane Society clinic can help, and that the rest of this journey becomes easier for you, your family, and your cat-- no matter what your decision.
I sent you a PM Friday, but I don't think you've read it. If you've decided to try other avenues to save your cat, then disregard the first part of it, but I included a couple of links at the bottom that might be helpful to you if you're going to keep her. If these is a glitch and you haven't gotten my PM, please PM me to let me know and I'll send it again.
Best wishes and happy thoughts to you, your family, and your cats.
Just my two cents-- I completely understand how you're feeling, and your frustration with vets, the things they charge you for, and the things they don't tell you. In my case, I still love the cat (Charlie is sort of a jerk, but a lovable one). I have also fallen on hard times, but not before spending thousands of extra dollars on a vet's mistakes and useless treatments (not for the diabetes, but for another of my animals). It's so hard to find a good vet that you can really trust, and who cares about your animal, you, and your finances. I hope the Humane Society clinic can help, and that the rest of this journey becomes easier for you, your family, and your cat-- no matter what your decision.
I sent you a PM Friday, but I don't think you've read it. If you've decided to try other avenues to save your cat, then disregard the first part of it, but I included a couple of links at the bottom that might be helpful to you if you're going to keep her. If these is a glitch and you haven't gotten my PM, please PM me to let me know and I'll send it again.
Best wishes and happy thoughts to you, your family, and your cats.
chriscleo
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
can you change the icon on your first post, hon?
the candle means the cat has passed away, so i've been reading your thread worried your cat had already gone.
this board can really work miracles. i know my cat wouldn't have lived much longer if i hadn't found help here.
the change in food is critical. dr lisa has a great handle on nutrition. we can help you get insulin if that's a problem. i see you already have an offer, and hope you'll be able to connect to get the bottle offered.
welcome aboard.
can you change the icon on your first post, hon?
the candle means the cat has passed away, so i've been reading your thread worried your cat had already gone.
this board can really work miracles. i know my cat wouldn't have lived much longer if i hadn't found help here.
the change in food is critical. dr lisa has a great handle on nutrition. we can help you get insulin if that's a problem. i see you already have an offer, and hope you'll be able to connect to get the bottle offered.
welcome aboard.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
i sent a pm a week before that and it has not been opened. i think we lost her guys.
i'm proud of the way everyone stepped up to the plate tho'.
that was impressive.
i sent a pm a week before that and it has not been opened. i think we lost her guys.
i'm proud of the way everyone stepped up to the plate tho'.
that was impressive.
Charlies Mum
Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I emailed her Friday, but she hasn't responded to mine either. Mine is still in my "outbox" instead of my "sent" box, so I think it hasn't been read. I assume she's decided to keep trying for a while longer.
I emailed her Friday, but she hasn't responded to mine either. Mine is still in my "outbox" instead of my "sent" box, so I think it hasn't been read. I assume she's decided to keep trying for a while longer.
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
I just checked my PM after reading this. I offered to send some $ when the post was made but never heard back. In checking my PM I see it says send, but in the sent folder it is not listed. I am showing 1 post in the outbox and can't seem to select an option to send it?
I just checked my PM after reading this. I offered to send some $ when the post was made but never heard back. In checking my PM I see it says send, but in the sent folder it is not listed. I am showing 1 post in the outbox and can't seem to select an option to send it?
MommaOfMuse
Very Active Member
Re: Can no longer afford vet visits and PZI for 11 year old
It will sit in you outbox until the person it is sent to has read it. It was sent if it has moved to the outbox but not been picked up and read which is why it is still in your outbox.
Hope that helps,
Mel
It will sit in you outbox until the person it is sent to has read it. It was sent if it has moved to the outbox but not been picked up and read which is why it is still in your outbox.
Hope that helps,
Mel
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