Feeling hopeful

[Janey]

Having been to the vets today we have been given the caninsular pen and have to give 1 unit twice a day to start. First dose at 7am in the morning. Fingers crossed we get it right first time. Don't want to stress her out by doing it wrong. Been advised to get her dose sorted before making any changes to her food ie low carb Anyone else had the same advice??

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Janey,

What a pretty kitty you've got there!

You need to learn how to home test before changing your kitty's food to low carb so that you will be able to monitor her changing insulin needs - and they can change dramatically and very quickly. Indeed, home testing is the best way to keep your kitty safe on insulin at all times, not just during the food transition. Here's a link to a vet-authored site on feline nutrition and health:

http://catinfo.org/?link=felinediabetes

Dr Pierson provides a full and frank discussion of why it is so important to be testing when you start the food transition in order to keep your kitty safe. And it's the truth: my cat's blood glucose levels dropped significantly within a few hours of starting the transition. My vet had insisted that I stick with the dose she was on and I went against everything I'd read here and on Dr Pierson's site and followed his instructions instead of trusting the research and my gut (rookie mistake). If I hadn't been home testing I could have lost my cat that night. Thankfully I was able to check her blood glucose levels and I was able to intervene in a timely fashion to raise her BG levels.

Fingers and paws crossed for everything to go OK for you both.


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[Janey]

Thanks critter mom. That info is really helpful. It's all such a mind field at the moment but all the info on here is certainly aiding us

 

[Critter Mom]

There's a major vertical learning curve at first and it can be quite overwhelming, but it does get much easier as you go along. Keep asking questions and we'll be able to point you to the resources you need.


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[Ferndoc]

The key not to stressing her out is not to be stressed out yourself. I know, that is hard but just keep telling yourself you know what you are doing and you are doing awesome, maybe even sing it to yourself while you are giving shots and test blood glucose, even when you have no clue what you are doing.

 

[Critter Mom]

The key not to stressing her out is not to be stressed out yourself.

This is very true. I had to start pretending I felt OK with things for Saoirse's sake and it helped her. When she felt better about things that made me genuinely feel less stressy; it sets up a positive feedback loop.


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[Janey]

We did the first dose without any hassle. Found it very easy and Gretal was very good and stayed very still whilst I did it. I was shaking like a leaf after! Now the first one is done I think I will feel a lot better about doing it. I agree if I can keep calm it will be better for her. Our Vet Nurse did tell us that it would probably phase us more than her and I have to agree!!

 

[Critter Mom]

Well done, you!


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