Fundamentals

[Anyname]

Vet will call today about LB's blood test results for pancreatitis. In the mean time have increased to 5units of Lantus. Just a couple of things; Vet seemed to be saying that you keep raising the dose until kitty stablises. The general idea being that diet isn't significant just gotta give more insulin no matter what the diet is*.

What is wrong with that statement?

He also said that all kitties who go into remission will eventually go back on the juice. He said each time they fail the period of time in remission is shorter until they are back on insulin permanently.

*I have more problems with providing suitable diet because of LB being so allergic but I'm pretty sure that his diabetes has made him more sensitive to allergens. Partly going round in circles with him. Vet seems to think he can help a lot once we know what is going on.

 

[Blue]

what were the results from the pancreatitis test?

 

[Angela & Blackie & 3 Others]

There are some kitties on here who have gone into remission, and have remained in remission. There are some on here that have gone into remission, and come back on after a short period of time. Diet is a key factor in getting your cat stabilized. If your cat is on a high carb diet, then yes, you're going to need insulin, and more than likely a lot of it over time. I've had Blackie on high carbs before, (was feeding her the Hill's Prescription Diet W/D formula that the vet wanted me to feed her when she went into a hypoglycemic episode one afternoon... Her SS tells the story), and at the time she was on 8 units of Prozinc 2x a day. Each weekend, the insulin amount kept going up, and it was baffling us. Until I found this forum. This forum has taught me a lot, and they're still teaching me. They have taught me that putting Blackie on a low carb wet food will help. It has, and I've also learned that in order for her to have better #s, her low carb food needs to be no carb food. She's carb sensitive now. She's fed Evo 95% Chicken & Turkey 6x a day and steamed chicken 2x a day for between her meals. Her #s are much more improved, and I've had 2 insulin decreases in 2 weeks... Soon to be a 3rd decrease in 2 days.

Now, my vet's onboard with what I'm doing, and when I go there for something not Blackie related, she asks about "my cat". I tell her, and the last time that I saw my vet, she told me that she didn't want to see Blackie for anything. The only time I'll take Blackie in is if there's something wrong. The next time I see my vet, I will have a printout of her SS.

Feel free to continue to ask questions in this board. You WILL learn a lot from the others on here, and you can pass on the information to your vet. Hang in there! With the help of us on here, you'll get through this. :smile:

 

[Anyname]

I think that if you remove carbs and then allow them again they react more than previously. I'm like that with gluten.

However, I have diet issues with LB. Food allergies push up his numbers. With carbs and allergies his diet is very limited. Vet claims he's going to sort him out.

No phone call yet re pancreatitis. LB just pooped on the carpet. What a smell OMG - he is very humiliated as we weren't as gracious about it as he was expecting us to be. Invited him to watch the clean up.

At least he's not constipated. @-)

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I guess my thinking is a bit different.

When we have cats that have a medical condition, such as IBD, they often need steroids. Steroids will increase BG levels. We adjust the insulin to accommodate the medication. If LB has a limited diet and a higher carb food will allow him to eat and not have an allergic reaction, you can go up on the insulin dose to adjust for the higher carb food. A lower carb diet is preferable but if LB isn't eating or allergies are an issue, you have to adjust -- food pretty much trumps everything else.

 

[Anyname]

Yes, it's logical. If they can't eat they won't live very long. Juggle everything to get maximum benefit in their circumstances available.

Been cruising in yellow range for two weeks (two pinks and two blues) with several dose increases. Hardly any carbs to this point but will use them to help if need be. Allergic reactions eerily quiet. (added kangaroo yesterday when rabbit run out) Normal scratching and licking. Not constipated. Hungry. Higher numbers the big issue at the moment. Thought I followed the dose increase protocol but just entered in the last few days to find only did 2 days at 4.75 units. Damn. Will hold on 5 for as long as possible. Will call vet tomorrow - no news on pancreatitis. Need to get to bed as lots of interuptions in the night from hungry kitty.