Freestyle Libre

[Julie & steve j]

Hi,

I'd welcome some advice about the application of the Freestyle Libre . I had a Libre fitted to my cat yesterday following an increase in insulin. Unfortunately, it has been unsuccessful and I have been unable to obtain any readings. Following application, I immediately scanned the sensor using my phone. It went through the 60 minute start up program, but was then unable to read the sensor. The message received was to remove the sensor and start a new one. Because I am using on a cat, Abbott will not provide any assistance

. My current vet has applied 3 libres to my cat, and this is the second time this has happened

. Is anybody able to explain what may be causing this? It was applied just below the shoulder blades in the middle. A previous vet applied one to the same spot and it lasted the full 14 days. The only thing I can see, is when I removed the sensor earlier today the catheter appeared bent. I'm not sure if it bent during application or removal by me. I'd appreciate any advice as I can't afford for this to keep happening and my cat is prone to bouncing when insulin is increased. Thank you

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hi I'm sorry but I can't help you with the Libre, but one thing I notice your cat is on lantus now, can you please change that on your signature
Your SS is not up to date, last time you tested was 6-29?
Have you read the dosing methods for lantus?
You have no tests at night so you are missing half the picture
His numbers are still high
You need to stick with one meter or the other,since you can't afford for that to keep happening can you just stay with the Alpha Trak?
Where are you from, maybe some one can suggest using a human meter
That's what most of us use

Here are the dosing methods
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/thr...-low-go-slow-slgs-tight-regulation-tr.210110/
@Julie & steve j

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@PerfumedCatMom
Hi Katherine, when ever you get a chance ,I know you are busy, but do you think you can give Julie some advice on the Libre, I was trying to remember who else has used it. Thanks

 

[Larry and Kitties]

See:
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/results-of-using-libre-on-my-badger.212928/#post-2359139
That sensor lasted the whole 14 days. Subsequently, I had 3 sensors attached to my wiggles, the first 2 lasted 10 days and the last 13 ½ days.
I think that along the centerline like you applied is bad since since movement of the cat, can pull out or move the little filament that measure the glucose level. You whant a blace that remains sort of flat with movement of the cat. Also, you need a close shave and ta little tissue glue seems to help

 

[Julie & steve j]

Many thanks for your replies, they are appreciated. I don't think on this occasion, the filament penetrated the skin as there is no puncture mark. Perhaps will have to try a different spot if I have one fitted in the future. It's a shame it hasn't worked out because when past ones have been applied in other spots, Benny has been able to scratch them off with his hind legs and whilst they have worked initially, they haven't generally lasted more than a few days. The libre is a big help as I'm on my own with Benny and whilst I can get readings with the alphatrak, I don't always find it easy getting the blood to come when it is cold and dark.
ps will change my signature to Lantus

 

[Lion]

Hi,

I have had a lot of success with FreeStyle Libre. Lion is older, so he is mellow and that may be helping.

We apply between the shoulder blades. My vet puts him on the ground between her knees and places it on him and holds for 60 seconds. So to some extent she is using her body weight. She removes the applicator using a small tool to help separate the monitor from the applicator. We use 3 drops of cat/vet glue (tissue glue). My guess would be your filament got bent at application and not removal.

I hope that is somewhat helpful!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Benny has been able to scratch them off with his hind legs and whilst they have worked initially, they haven't generally lasted more than a few days.

I have used a harness to cover the sensor s well as a neck wrap. Other have used a Thundershirt ir a baby's onesie to cover the sensor.
https://www.amazon.com/onesie/s?k=onesie&tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

 

[Lion]

Oh, I forgot to say Lion sometimes wears this. It's lightweight and short enough that there is never a litterbox concern. I have to leave it on for a week after the previous removal so he does not lick that area (its a little red). I'm planning one week on and one week off. We'll see how it goes. But highly recommend the t-shirt.

FRISCO Basic Dog & Cat T-Shirt, Teal, Medium - Chewy.com

 

[Julie & steve j]

Thank you for all your helpful suggestions. Just wish I could get to the bottom of why it is failing to work following application. The vet did try to remove the applicator very quickly and the glue hadn't stuck, so not sure if the filament bent at this stage or if it never penetrated the skin in the first place.

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

I put the Libre on the side of my cat's neck. It's harder for her to scratch it off there and I put a Kitty Kollar on to protect it. The Libre stayed on very well after a few drops of Vetbond but then the sensor itself only lasted 6 days and then malfunctioned.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

The vet did try to remove the applicator very quickly and the glue hadn't stuck, so not sure if the filament bent at this stage or if it never penetrated the skin in the first place.

The filament is hollow and the applicator (the thing you press on the cat the apply the sensor and then pull off) contains a small rod

the rod
that goes through the filament so the filament can penetrate the skin. Once you pull up on the applicator the rod pulls out of the filament. Thus, if you try to apply it again the rod does not go into the filament so it the filament can't penetrate the skin again. I would say when your vet tried again the filament just bent and did not penetrate the skin.