Home testing cannot be emphasized enough

[Misterbeesmom]

was the thought going around my head this morning,

If i wasn't home testing, i would be giving my cat too much insulin right now.

We had been increasing his dose over the weeks, and he was stonewalling me in the pinks. Things began to shift these past couple days, him suddenly hitting a good streak of yellows and blues, actually earning him a decrease in dosing, at least for the time being. If i wasn't home testing regulary, i would be merrily and blindly dosing him the units determined by the vet, which as of 2 days ago suddenly would be too much. I can attest that scenario was playing out in May of this year, when he was getting too much Lantus but we didnt know it because i wasnt home testing. It cost a lot of emotional anguish, lots of unnecessary testing, and an expensive 3-day stay in the hospital.

So for anyone having a tough time thinking about pricking their cat's ear a couple times a day, please don't fret. Just buy a kit and do it. It's not only the most effective way to determine dosing, but its the safest way to take care of your diabetic kitty.

 

[Lisa and Smoky]

Just an option but a few of us test our kitties paw pads instead of their ears. Smoky has very poor circulation in his ears so it's difficult to get a blood sample. He doesn't seem to mind me testing his paws. I thought it might be easier for others to home test in this way if they feel it's too hard to test their ears. You are so right about the importance of home testing. I try to do it as often as I can, it should be easier with my new work schedule. Most people I know blindly follow their vets advice on caring for their pets. It's ironic that none of them have sugar babies though. thanks for putting that thought out there about the importance of home testing.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Jen

Thanks for posting this. It is SO important for people, especially new members to know just how important home testing is and how it can keep our kitties safe. Regular testing can prevent hypo episodes and not only keep the kitties safe but save the petparents a lot of headaches, heartaches and money, by keeping the kitties out of the ER