Help! Shot or no shot? (Palliative care, near the end)

[Lola+Cali]

Cali had a bad stress-induced blood sugar spike about 7 weeks ago (due to a fall, dislocated hip, and then surgery). She reverted within about 2 weeks which was great.

Unfortunately, during the surgery they found a mass in her throat and she has tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. It's to the point it is partly blocking her airway and last night her breathing during sleep was so bad that I finally had to make the call to book her in-home euthanasia appointment tomorrow. (she is an anxious and delicate kitty and since surgery is even more terrified of her carrier, the car, and the vet). She's been drinking a LOT more water the past two days and I realized her blood sugar could be rising again.

I just checked, and her blood sugar is 14.3. When usually it's in the sixes. Do I give her a shot to make sure that her last day is as comfortable as possible? The problem is she does not eat much nor regularly. She eats a but here and there, and it's not very much. I know you're only supposed to give insulin just after they've eaten... but what do I do in this situation? I want her to feel as good as possible for her last 24 hours.

 

[Lola+Cali]

Her dosage is 0.5u Prozinc. Is ut safe to give her? Will she feel more comfortable, or is it dangerous b/c she is not eating consistently?

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Oh Laura, I am so very sorry to hear this about your dear Cali. You are heartbroken, I know. You have tried to do so much for her already with the hip surgery and to now have the squamous cell discovered at that time… it just hurts my heart to think of it and now I am crying for you.

As for the insulin dose, I am not sure what to say. You would not want her blood glucose to drop too low and have to intervene with carbs like honey or karo syrup. Also, you would need to test her and it sounds like you might want to not bother her much right now with that. Can you call your vet to inquire?

I think if she were my cat, I would just love on her and be near her as much as possible. I doubt if blood glucose in the yellow numbers is going to make her feel really badly.

 

[Lara & Luciole (Lu)]

Surrounding her with the blanket of your love for her entire life means everthing.

 

[Lola+Cali]

Thanks so much. I am heartbroken and I appreciate your kind words. It's the Thanksgiving Holiday in Canada - so my options for Veterinary help today are limited to emergency vets. I had to call a few before and couldn't find any that were able to comment on diabetes protocol.

We've got about 24 hours left together and I'm going to be spending every moment with her. We'll spend the afternoon in the backyard, and she'll get to scratch her favourite tree one more time. All the cuddles and pets and naps together thay we can fit in.

 

[Lola+Cali]

Surrounding her with the blanket of your love for her entire life means everthing.

I adopted her at 10yo and she's 14 now. Four years is way too short, but she means the world to me and I'm so grateful for the time we had.

 

[Lara & Luciole (Lu)]

It can never be enough, dear Lola+Cali. I think that's what heaven is for.

And if it's any help, when my beloved River was in this situation, my vet said to skip the insulin.

Bittersweet Thanksgiving for you! But I know your heart is full of gratitude.