She has not had a dental check up, the vet said her teeth look fine based off of a routine exam. But maybe we should have them take a better look at them. So you think checking on the UTI would be the best option?
I'm a big proponent of making sure my veterinarian crosses all "t's" and dots all "i's" relative to treating my cat. I didn't used to be that vigilant, back before Bat-Bat became diabetic ... but now? I'm not shy about it at all!
(I'm not rude with him or anything; in fact, my current vet has commented
more than once that he's learned more from me about feline diabetes -
which is thanks to my involvement with the great people here at FDMB - than he ever did in vet school!)
In the end, we are the ones who have to be our kitties' own "best advocates" - because
they can't talk.
So yes, it's worth telling the vet you want a urine culture to make certain of
which bug caused the UTI & that the antibiotic actually
worked to get rid of it entirely; the last thing you want right now is a UTI left on "simmer."
And yes, it's worth having more than just a rudimentary "quick look" inside kitty's mouth, too.
Call me crazy but I am very concerned about her life span and I feel like I am on a ticking clock for some reason because her numbers have been consistently high and I just can't get it right with the insulin dose.
Aw, Kathryn ... I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so worried. Please keep in mind, though: Treating FD is a marathon, not a sprint. It
does take some time to achieve good regulation, but that said, it's always a good idea to rule out any problems that can be causing the pre-shot #s to remain static - especially after there's been a couple of dose increases.
How is it going on removing that small amount of dry kibble from Ember's diet and substituting a little more canned instead? That's one little step you can take to help lower the numbers ... but please try not to fret
too much, okay? I do know how hard it is
not to worry, but it's helpful to Ember for you to approach her treatment with the confidence that you
will be able to get your sweet kitty regulated --- and trust me, you have more supportive friends here than you know --- and we're all here to help guide you and Ember into better and better numbers. It WILL happen, Kathryn - really it will.
(Btw, what age is Ember --- and has she had a dental workup recently? Because if there's any gingivitis going on in her gums, this can also cause the BG numbers to remain elevated.)