Can you predraw insulin?

[KKL]

My cat right now gets the most eensy teensy dose...one drop (0.10 unit)...even a drop or two more sends him too low. If I were stuck at work late and my husband or a neighbor cat-care-giver were to give him his injection I worry about the dosing. Or if we had to go out of town for the weekend. Can you predraw the dose and keep it in the syringe in the fridge? How long in advance?

 

[RobinCot]

I have done it for same day shot. I had an event to go to in the evening so I filled the syringe in the am and boyfriend came by and gave pm shot but I think that the more experienced members will tell you that the insulin degrades over time once in the syringe. My catsitter is willing to learn how to fill the syringe. It's like playing doctor except I had to get him not to flick the syringe with his finger like they do on TV.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

It is not recommended for Lantus because the syringe lubricant can affect the Lantus. This would likely be worse for you because of the small dose you are using.

 

[KKL]

Thank you...would it be better to skip the dose than risk sending him hypo?

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

I would skip because my Bailey is a microdose cat and I have found that even a different amount of pressure on the syringe can give a slightly different dose - because the plunger is rubber and retains a little insulin. If he is that sensitive to low doses like you said, you are better safe than sorry.

 

[KKL]

Do they have ANY syringes on the market for microdose cats?? It is a notable difference between 0.1, 0.2 and 0.25 doses

I see there is a "1/4 cc (holds up to 25 units)" graduated syringe...wondering if anyone knows where to get them...

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

I wish but no..

 

[KPassa]

I was only ever able to find a 1/4cc glass syringe. I don't think they sell these to the general public, besides the work of having to replace the needles every time. :sad:

 

[KKL]

Oh that is frustrating...though the digital caliper someone recommended might help a lot!!