Quick scenario, last night Jimmy played, rolled around- his usual self. Woke up this morning licking, purring- wanting food. I gave him his shot 2 units of Lantus right after he ate and he then got very "tired" maybe 10-15 min. afterwards. I noticed this the other day too. Is it possible he doesn't need as much, and if so should I decrease at 12 hr intervals or increase the interval time? Any advice?
Dose question- Jimmy tired after shot
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tuckers mom
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It is possible that the dose is too high. Have you thought about hometesting? This would give you a definitive answer, save trips to the vet and help with your peace of mind. We can teach you how.
Julia & Bandit (GA)
Very Active Member
It's possible if you've recently changed his diet to low carb wet food that he needs less insulin. The only way to tell for sure is to home test so you know how high or low his blood sugar is. This is what all human diabetics do, so it's just the same for cats.
I saw your other post about Dianex, and I would be hesitant to use something like that because I haven't seen any studies where it was used on cats. However, 80+% of cats go into diet controlled remission with the combination of Lantus, a low carb wet diet, and tight regulation via home testing: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19592286 You already have two of those three things going on so you're almost there!
I saw your other post about Dianex, and I would be hesitant to use something like that because I haven't seen any studies where it was used on cats. However, 80+% of cats go into diet controlled remission with the combination of Lantus, a low carb wet diet, and tight regulation via home testing: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19592286 You already have two of those three things going on so you're almost there!
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Very Active Member
Celeste,
I just read your other post and this one.
So, let's start with some questions for you to answer - ok:
1) what size (gauge) needles are you using to give the insulin?
My guess is you are using anything from a 26-28 gauge. If you are, then I recommend that you get different needles - ones that are 30 or 31 gauge - and get the short needles.
What does this mean - the lower the number the larger the needle. The reason Jimmy may be feeling the shot - is because you may be using very large needles. Depending on the state you are in, you may need a prescription for the syringes - if you have a walmart nearby - you can pick up a box of 100 syringes for about $13.
So, what you need to tell the pharmacist and/or have the script written as is the following:
U100 0.3cc 31 gauge 5/16" length (short needle)
When you get this, compare it to what you have and you'll see a huge difference in needle size.
2) are you familiar with home testing yet? Are you willing to learn how to home test Jimmy?
Again, go to Walmart and pick up the relion brand glucometer and matching strips - make sure you get the one that only requires a small amount of blood and the strips are "sipping" strips.
Once you learn how to home test, you will be in control and able to test Jimmy to find out if the amount of insulin you are giving is too much.
3) others mentioned food - I'll reiterate here: you don't need to feed the prescription food - it's expensive and not any better quality than what you can get in the pet store. You can return the opened bag and cans to the vet for a refund. It's guaranteed. So you're not out money.
then to start, either buy fancy feast - classic flavors, or friskies - pate flavors
Additionally, pick up a few cans that are gravy based and keep them apart from the daily foods. You may need them in an emergency situation.
If you tell us where you are located, there may be someone close by who can provide in person assistance.
I just read your other post and this one.
So, let's start with some questions for you to answer - ok:
1) what size (gauge) needles are you using to give the insulin?
My guess is you are using anything from a 26-28 gauge. If you are, then I recommend that you get different needles - ones that are 30 or 31 gauge - and get the short needles.
What does this mean - the lower the number the larger the needle. The reason Jimmy may be feeling the shot - is because you may be using very large needles. Depending on the state you are in, you may need a prescription for the syringes - if you have a walmart nearby - you can pick up a box of 100 syringes for about $13.
So, what you need to tell the pharmacist and/or have the script written as is the following:
U100 0.3cc 31 gauge 5/16" length (short needle)
When you get this, compare it to what you have and you'll see a huge difference in needle size.
2) are you familiar with home testing yet? Are you willing to learn how to home test Jimmy?
Again, go to Walmart and pick up the relion brand glucometer and matching strips - make sure you get the one that only requires a small amount of blood and the strips are "sipping" strips.
Once you learn how to home test, you will be in control and able to test Jimmy to find out if the amount of insulin you are giving is too much.
3) others mentioned food - I'll reiterate here: you don't need to feed the prescription food - it's expensive and not any better quality than what you can get in the pet store. You can return the opened bag and cans to the vet for a refund. It's guaranteed. So you're not out money.
then to start, either buy fancy feast - classic flavors, or friskies - pate flavors
Additionally, pick up a few cans that are gravy based and keep them apart from the daily foods. You may need them in an emergency situation.
If you tell us where you are located, there may be someone close by who can provide in person assistance.
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