HarleysGirl
Member Since 2014
Hello Everyone:
First of all... apologies, as I posted under another topic, Newly Diagnosed Cat. I've copied the post here.
I am a caretaker for two cats, one of which was recently diagnosed with FD. I also have two cats of my own, was in the veterinary field (many moons ago), was a humane officer for years, and I also have two cats of my own. First, I appreciate all the info available here. Now, if I could only convert the owner and vet, I would be a happy camper.
Here are the issues I am dealing with: I make two trips per day to care for my second family. I have been taking care of them for over a year and it was me who suggested the owner get some blood and urine work up for Harley, the one who is now diabetic. I was suspicious and was trying to convert the owner on diet. Of course, it usually takes a crisis to get anyone to listen. I weighed Harley and he had lost 3 pounds. He isn't a touchy-feely cat, and it was just the way he looked at me that told me something was amiss.
Fast forward to the vet visit where his bg was tested at 450 (I think. I know it was over 400). I went with the owner to the vet's, so we could all learn together. Prior to the visit, I asked what type of insulin was being prescribed - Humulin N. I was given the vet's email address after stating my concerns to his receptionist. I emailed AAHA recommendations and peer review opinions. Well, none of that got through. He is insisting this is the way to go because, in his opinion, it is the lowest cost and once diabetic, always diabetic. I even rounded up a glucometer and all the paraphernalia to take with us. To no avail. He suggested 3 units of NPH, BID based on his weight and bg levels (He is now 13#.) My eyes flew open and I balked. I got him down to 2 units BID. I asked how he came to this dosage without doing a fasting bg and taking into consideration the cat may be stressed and now is on a lower carb diet. He told me that I was way ahead as far as doing curves. ( I managed to get the owner to change to Fancy Feast and pull the dry, since he was already eating FF.) I also ordered a timed feeder, since I am going at 8 a.m and 8 p.m. to give his injections.
Here is my question: He has now been on the insulin 3 days. I feel like this is a poke-and-hope situation. Can anyone tell me how often the cat should be fed to keep his bg levels as stable as possible? There is a 12 hour time lag between shots, I am not around for more than an hour at a time for each visit, and God help us all if he has a hypo episode while nobody is there. I should note that the owner is smitten with this vet and his clinic. I personally would never take my cat there after reading up on this and dealing with someone who isn't open to the latest information. He is in practice with his dad, and he is fairly young, so I know he hasn't been out of school that long. I made sure there is Karo syrup and honey available, but I am hoping he can regulate himself with food. I got the timed feeder, because I don't want him gorging and tossing it up (he's done it), but according to his owner, he doesn't seem as ravenous. I go tonight for my first shift on since the insulin began on Tuesday night (now Friday). Thanks so much for everything here! - Harleys Girl
First of all... apologies, as I posted under another topic, Newly Diagnosed Cat. I've copied the post here.
I am a caretaker for two cats, one of which was recently diagnosed with FD. I also have two cats of my own, was in the veterinary field (many moons ago), was a humane officer for years, and I also have two cats of my own. First, I appreciate all the info available here. Now, if I could only convert the owner and vet, I would be a happy camper.
Here are the issues I am dealing with: I make two trips per day to care for my second family. I have been taking care of them for over a year and it was me who suggested the owner get some blood and urine work up for Harley, the one who is now diabetic. I was suspicious and was trying to convert the owner on diet. Of course, it usually takes a crisis to get anyone to listen. I weighed Harley and he had lost 3 pounds. He isn't a touchy-feely cat, and it was just the way he looked at me that told me something was amiss.
Fast forward to the vet visit where his bg was tested at 450 (I think. I know it was over 400). I went with the owner to the vet's, so we could all learn together. Prior to the visit, I asked what type of insulin was being prescribed - Humulin N. I was given the vet's email address after stating my concerns to his receptionist. I emailed AAHA recommendations and peer review opinions. Well, none of that got through. He is insisting this is the way to go because, in his opinion, it is the lowest cost and once diabetic, always diabetic. I even rounded up a glucometer and all the paraphernalia to take with us. To no avail. He suggested 3 units of NPH, BID based on his weight and bg levels (He is now 13#.) My eyes flew open and I balked. I got him down to 2 units BID. I asked how he came to this dosage without doing a fasting bg and taking into consideration the cat may be stressed and now is on a lower carb diet. He told me that I was way ahead as far as doing curves. ( I managed to get the owner to change to Fancy Feast and pull the dry, since he was already eating FF.) I also ordered a timed feeder, since I am going at 8 a.m and 8 p.m. to give his injections.
Here is my question: He has now been on the insulin 3 days. I feel like this is a poke-and-hope situation. Can anyone tell me how often the cat should be fed to keep his bg levels as stable as possible? There is a 12 hour time lag between shots, I am not around for more than an hour at a time for each visit, and God help us all if he has a hypo episode while nobody is there. I should note that the owner is smitten with this vet and his clinic. I personally would never take my cat there after reading up on this and dealing with someone who isn't open to the latest information. He is in practice with his dad, and he is fairly young, so I know he hasn't been out of school that long. I made sure there is Karo syrup and honey available, but I am hoping he can regulate himself with food. I got the timed feeder, because I don't want him gorging and tossing it up (he's done it), but according to his owner, he doesn't seem as ravenous. I go tonight for my first shift on since the insulin began on Tuesday night (now Friday). Thanks so much for everything here! - Harleys Girl
