Elliott Has Squinty Eyes

[DeannaD]

Hello, everyone! I'm new. My sweet 9-year old boy, Elliott, was diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago. He weighed 18 lbs. when I brought him home from the shelter, but he weighed a little over 9 lbs. when I took him to the vet. I've been giving him insulin for about a week now. (1 unit) How quickly should I see an effect? He seems to be gaining weight already, but he's still drinking a ton of water.

His fur seems to be coming out easily; but at the same time, he seems to be growing back the fur on the back of his ears. He also seems to be really squinty-eyed most of the time. What do those things mean?

Thanks for your advice. I'm REALLY glad to have found y'all!

 

[DeannaD]

Goober's on 1 unit of Lantus twice a day and Royal Canin Glycobalance twice a day. (Not free-feeding.)

 

[Idjit's mom]

Hi Deanna and Elliott (Goober?). I am sorry I can't offer input on his squinty eyes, or his fur. I hope all gets resolved very quickly.
It would be very helpful if you would create a signature so that Goober's info is available with your posts.
Here's how:
click on your name in the upper right corner of this page
click on "signature" in the menu that drops down
type the following in the box that opens: kitty's name/age/date of diabetes diagnosis/insulin you're using and dosage amount /glucose meter you're using/what (s)he eats/any other meds or health issues (s)he has. You can add your name, and a geographic location (sometimes the time zone matters) Be sure to save when you are finished.
Are you home testing Elliott's blood sugar? That is one of the three components of effective diabetic treatment along with proper low carb diet and insulin therapy. It's the best tool you have to keep him safe, be sure it's safe to inject insulin and see how the insulin is affecting the blood sugar. Human diabetics always test before insulin and during the cycle to monitor glucose levels. We do the same for our sugar cats. We can help you with suggestions for a glucose meter and supplies, plus learning to test at home.
The Royal Canin Glycobalance at 14% carbs is a bit too high in carbs for kitty, when we find out where you are, we can make some suggestions for lower carb food in your part of the world. We advise no higher than 10% carbs, less is better.
Please read the stickies at the top of the LANTUS forum for information on using that insulin and the protocols we use here.
There's a lot of information, and it's a steep learning curve, I know. But, Elliott is your special fur guy and he's worth every minute you spend learning how to care for him and keep him happy and healthy.