? Frequent challenge!

[Chancepistolsmommy]

My baby boy has developed a large callus where his shots are given, in his shoulder blade area.
Where else may the injections be given. He often gets uncooperative and very stubborn as to refusing his Insulin injections. He tends to fight me, flat out tell me NO by shaking his head and runs off.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

This diagram shows alternate locations:

Are you rotating side to side at the shoulders? I shot mostly shoulders for 5 years but in a circle around and alternating sides.

What type of insulin are you using and what gauge needles?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Are you letting him eat while you do the injection?. Often a cat will not notice if he has his face in the trough!

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

This diagram shows alternate locations:

Are you rotating side to side at the shoulders? I shot mostly shoulders for 5 years but in a circle around and alternating sides.

What type of insulin are you using and what gauge needles?

Lantus 11units twice a day, 6mm 31g.
Yes, I have been rotating side to side, high n low . A circle silver dollar size, as I was originally instructed.

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

Are you letting him eat while you do the injection?. Often a cat will not notice if he has his face in the trough!

He knows when his shot times are....lol.
About half the time he flat refuses to eat until he gets his treats and refuses to cooperate with shot while eating his meal, he has treats when he gets his shot or its not happening, shakes his head no and jumps away or runs off. Very stubborn this boy!!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Lantus 11units twice a day, 6mm 31g.

At that dose I would consider changing to Levemir since at the doses you are now using Lantus tends to sting.
I wouod also consider using a longer needle, like 8mm (5/16") since going deeper may lessen the callus formation.

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

I wasn't aware that Lantus tends to sting, thank you that would explain "some" of the stubbornness, and jerking away here n there as I'm giving shot. I'm currently using for a few weeks not by choice, the 8mm. He's been doing the same thing. Also, I've mentioned to his Doc about trying a different insullin. His # when 1st found he was diabetic was low 800. Nearly lost him. Over 4 years, it stays between 410 to 470+.
Yeah, I know, still TOO high. He has 1 disease of 4 even without diabetes, that fights against the insulin, it's called "Acromegaly". Chance is 25 lbs. BIG BOY!! As if the 2 health issues there aren't enough. My baby has Feline Eye Herpes, Viral Tracheitis (FVR), Feline Immundeficiency Virus (FIV) & Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

 

[Holtfam6]

My cat tends to fight too but I consider it a sign of maybe his health is improving! Chance has always been a spirited cat! I tend to distract with food and it works sometimes if he really likes his food. I don't shoot right away. I pet him for a few minutes, tell him what a pretty boy he is and then hit him. Now, he's catching on to that so I usually have one of my kids come and be ready for an escape or turn around and try to bite me attack. Luckily as a nurse, I've learned how to give shots quick. Still learning cats though

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

It's just me & Chance. So I have to come up with new distractions n such, because he's so smart n catches on pretty fast.
But still is a challenge half the time. He is a pampered puss big time get babied ALOT....lol he back talks, argues with me n even slaps at me once in while when he gets in trouble n scolded.
This is his house, he just let's me stay here n pay the bills n cater to him. But, he is my happy place!

 

[Holtfam6]

Maybe something to do with the name chance? LOL! Mine's Chance too. He also talks back and holds conversations. He will hiss when he's grumpy. my daughter did buy Nature's miracle cat calming spray that she uses when we poke him for blood. She thinks it helps him. It's cheaper than the phenohormones. We never noticed a difference with that.

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

lol , now that's awesome,, I mean what are the chance's of 2 Chance mom's both having boys who are attitude-ish, back talkers and diabetic?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Are you saying Chance has been tested for Acro and was positive?
We have someone here very experienced and knowledgeable about Acro and who will be able to help you. I will tag @Wendy&Neko (see post 7 Wendy)

It would be really helpful if you could set up a spreadsheet and signature so that we can see that BG data and also all about Chance and his history. You will find the link to these in HELP US HELP YOU
If you have any trouble setting up the Spreadsheet I can ask @Bandit's Mom to help you.
I also agree that swapping to Levemir is a very good idea. I found Sheba was much happier and more settled on Levemir……I have no idea why, but she was.

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

Yes his Doctor was beside himself, not understanding fully why Chance is at 11 units twice a day n here n there 12 units x 2 a day, but his #'s are staying so high. Other than the ONLY cat food his bullheaded/ stubborn (Chance self ) literally will eat.[ Another post for another day. Nearly lost him twice more during that that nightmare.]
But, YES lab's sent to Michigan State University after consulting with another vet and a weekend of his Doc doing research trying to find an answer, and yes he was positive for Acro.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Yes his Doctor was beside himself, not understanding fully why Chance is at 11 units twice a day n here n there 12 units x 2 a day, but his #'s are staying so high. Other than the ONLY cat food his bullheaded/ stubborn (Chance self ) literally will eat.[ Another post for another day. Nearly lost him twice more during that that nightmare.]
But, YES lab's sent to Michigan State University after consulting with another vet and a weekend of his Doc doing research trying to find an answer, and yes he was positive for Acro.

Then you have come to the right place to get help for Chance. Wendy will be along at some point to help you. There are treatment options that can help Acro.
Getting the SS and signature set up will be really important

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

Are you saying Chance has been tested for Acro and was positive?
We have someone here very experienced and knowledgeable about Acro and who will be able to help you. I will tag @Wendy&Neko (see post 7 Wendy)

It would be really helpful if you could set up a spreadsheet and signature so that we can see that BG data and also all about Chance and his history. You will find the link to these in HELP US HELP YOU
If you have any trouble setting up the Spreadsheet I can ask @Bandit's Mom to help you.
I also agree that swapping to Levemir is a very good idea. I found Sheba was much happier and more settled on Levemir……I have no idea why, but she was.

Ok, forgive me ,I'm new here. What's a spreadsheet consist of and for, HERE? & signature?
It would be a blessing for me & my baby boy as well as a miracle for any help in lowering his #'s after almost 4 years. And anyone with experienced knowledge of the Acro & Insulin War. Thank you!

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

A spreadsheet is where you document all the BGs (blood glucose) you take. And the signature tells us about Chance so we don’t have to keep asking you about him.
Experienced people who will help you will always look at the SS and the signature when helping you. If you look under my answers, or any one’s else’s you will see some smaller writing ….that is the signature. Then you will see the spreadsheet below it.
I will ask @Bandit's Mom if she can help you with it. She should be online soon.
Wendy will definitely be able to help you and Chance. We have quite a few Acro kitties here.

 

[Chancepistolsmommy]

A spreadsheet is where you document all the BGs (blood glucose) you take. And the signature tells us about Chance so we don’t have to keep asking you about him.
Experienced people who will help you will always look at the SS and the signature when helping you. If you look under my answers, or any one’s else’s you will see some smaller writing ….that is the signature. Then you will see the spreadsheet below it.
I will ask @Bandit's Mom if she can help you with it. She should be online soon.
Wendy will definitely be able to help you and Chance. We have quite a few Acro kitties here.

Awesome....!
As far as BG checks, I've always had to take him back to the vet everytime. Which is hard on him & me. Reckon I need to learn to do that myself?

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Awesome....!
As far as BG checks, I've always had to take him back to the vet everytime. Which is hard on him & me. Reckon I need to learn to do that myself?

Absolutely….it is not hard to learn to hometesting the BGs and it is much easier than having to take Chance back to the vet every time….and easier on the pocket as well!
Basically everyone on this board hometests. It’s amazing how quickly Chance will get used to it. My Sheba would come running when she heard me at the testing kit as she knew it meant a treat.
If you are in the US, I would recommend you get a ReliOn Prime human test meter from Walmart. It costs $9 and the box of 100 test strips cost $17.88. You will also need 1 box of 100 lancets size 26 or 28 gauge and some cotton rounds to hold behind the ear. Don’t let anyone talk you into a pet meter. They are expensive and not necessary.
I will send you the link to HOMETESTING
Everyone will take a few days to get it down pat so expect to have a few fails in the beginning. But always give Chance a low carb treat every time whether you are successful or not. He doesn’t know either way.

What food are you feeding Chances?

 

[Holtfam6]

I use libre 2 on my chance as he's very temperamental. Thank God he's missing one of his canine tooth, he's been a little nippy at times. People sometimes have problems with the sensor staying on the full 14 days but so far mine has being a nurse helps as I'm used to difficult dressings sticking. I have the scanner and scan him numerous times throughout the day. I also have the relion blood meter from walmart and use that to supplement if I don't agree with the libre or test a "high" result. Libre will not give a number above 400 and just say high and in chance's case, we want a number. I also have the novamax plus that I use to check for ketones.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

My girl also had acromegaly, though she only topped out at 8.75 units. We've seen some here on way more insulin. However, I wouldn't suggesting the dose much until you are home testing.

The reason I asked insulin type is that some cats do notice the sting from the acid base of Lantus. Levemir action is very similar to Lantus, with onsets and nadirs a bit later. But it doesn't have the sting. A lot of our higher dose cats end up on Levemir.