Fred looks scruffy

[gingerkipps]

Fred has been on Lantus for almost a week and I now have a meter so I can check his blood. The numbers seem to be very high still (lowest was 265, highest 505). He's going in for a glucose curve on Monday. I was just wondering about general health. He looks very scruffy, his fur looks thin, and he's thin. I know we're still in the beginning of this process and he's still not very regulated, but I wondered if his general condition would improve as he does get regulated. He's getting 1 unit of Lantus once a day right now and he eats like crazy most of the time. His favorite food, of course, is Hill's a/d, which is so expensive at my vet. Does anybody know of a place to get it for less than $1.60 a can? I supplement with various flavors of Fancy Feast, which he will still eat. He seems to get bored with the food, so then I start trying other things. All the other cats try to get into the bathroom when I'm feeding him because he's getting stuff that they're not.

Thanks,

Ginger and Fred

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

It does take some time at lower blood glucose levels for kitties to improve. When Oliver was diagnosed, his fur was dry and full of dandruff. He wasn't grooming himself. Within a few months, he was taking better care of himself and the wet food helped his fur look shiny and thick. It is sad to see them looking so bad, but I think things will start to improve once he is regulated and getting good food.

Hills AD is 13% carbs. If you can transition him to Fancy Feast or Friskies, Wellness or Merrick and pick a lower carb food, that might help bring down his numbers.

Many multiple cat families here feed everyone wet lo carb. It is more healthy for all cats, and might keep another one from becoming diabetic. And you don't have to worry about your diabetic eating something he shouldn't. You might post and ask for specific help with multiple cats diet, if you want to try that.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

In addition, we recommend giving insulin twice a day not once a day. As cats metabolize insulin faster. He is spending 12 hours without insulin which is why you may not be seeing the results you want.

If you refer to the lantus forum, you will get lots more informaiton on this subject and help as well.

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18139

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1581

 

[BJM]

...I now have a meter so I can check his blood. ...). He's going in for a glucose curve on Monday. ..

You can do a curve at home, for less expense.

Just test him at the regular pre-shot times, then every 2 hours after that. At each time, make a note of what behaviors you've observed over the 2 hours. Provide the record to your vet.