How do i know if i should take to vet?

[Vtambo & Rex]

last night in middle of night I noticed that Rex was not on the bed. I got up to look for him and noticed that he had not eaten any of the food I put out before bed. I always feed him before bed otherwise he tries to wake me up multiple times during the night. I also noticed that there was a very small amount of diarrhea in his litter box and that he had thrown up a small amount. I tried to get him to eat but he wouldn't even eat hamburger at this point (3 AM). I totally planned on taking him to the vet in the AM, but then I got him to eat some hamburger and some chicken and to drink some broth and he drank some water from his water bowl. since then he has eaten some more, but has not drank that much. I just gave him some broth and he did drink some of it but not all of it. he also had a bit more diarrhea just a little while ago. I gave him some raw food yesterday so not sure if it could be from that and my husband told me that he had caught and ate a mouse in the garage yesterday AM. with all this changing of food to switch to low carb, could this be causing? or? I was able to test him this AM before I gave him his shot and he was at 378 (which is pretty consistent with what he has been with all the tests I have been able to do so far).

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Sounds like a classic tummy upset. Maybe the raw food or maybe the mouse?

Do you test ant time around the middle of the cycle to see if hid BG drops lower. If he stays in the 300 s all the time it can mean his dose is too low.

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

Sounds like a classic tummy upset. Maybe the raw food or maybe the mouse?

Do you test ant time around the middle of the cycle to see if hid BG drops lower. If he stays in the 300 s all the time it can mean his dose is too low.

that is what I am hoping, but since I am kinda new at this, was thinking it could be DKA. I just tried to test him again and he fought me, so I guess that means he is feeling a little better because this AM when I tested him he didn't even flinch. it felt like he knew I needed to get that test before I could give him his shot. as far as testing, I am still trying to get this down pat. I have been able to get a test a few times, but most times I am unsuccessful. I did want to test him just now again because it would be about 4 hours since I gave him his shot, but like I said I didn't get it right with the first poke and he fought me and jumped down off the table. I didn't want to push it since I know he is already not feeling well. I may try again in a bit. funny thing you should say that about always being in the 300s. I called the vet yesterday because I have that same feeling, even though I don't test regularly at this point - all the times I have done it, the numbers have all been in the 300's, lowest 307. he had had a fructosamine test a few weeks ago with the result being 490. a substitute vet told me that was "excellent". I don't necessarily agree on that, but how can I argue with the doctor?? so yesterday when I was talking to my regular vet about my concerns, she said since I don't test regularly, even though when I do it is always in the 300's, that doesn't count for anything and since his fructosamine test was fine (even though I voiced my concern about the 490), nothing to worry about. she said to maybe think about bringing him in in a month or so to do another fructosamine test. I felt like I really accomplished nothing with that conversation. I have learned over the years with my own health struggles that you have to be your own advocate, so I guess I am learning this as well with my cat. I feel like I want to make some changes of my own, although probably wouldn't increase insulin without her approval, but might try some supplements, or ?? one issue I could have is that right now I use a Lantus pen and the increases are only in single numbers not halves or quarters. might have to try the vial or get a syringe to draw from the pen.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Working on getting a testing routine accomplished is the best thing you can do to help your kitty right now. Read other posts on that topic or post asking for help.

We often recommend fractional dose changes so moving away from using the pen as is would be wise. You can buy syringes for Lantus, open the pen to expose the end of the cartridge and push the syringe needle into the tiny grey rubber " bump" at the end to draw up a dose.

 

[Vtambo & Rex]

I just tested again and it was 340 (down from 380 this AM). I have to assume that there could be some elevation though because of the mini struggle we had in getting it an hour or so ago, and again now, and that he did have food/broth in the last little while, and the fact that there was just someone at the door and he ran and hid. still in the 300s though. I have been trying to test but have been pretty unsuccessful. however, I will say that I think I give up too easily because I don't want to stress him. and I get stressed, which I know stresses him. after this episode, call it a wake up call, I realize I need to get on the stick and get this done. I also need to get some ketostix. I am going to try to get four readings from him today and if they are all 300 or better, I am going to call the vet again and talk to her about it again.