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- Thread starter ettevyva
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Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
Let's start with some basics -
Please tell us
your name
your cat's name and age
where do you live - city, state, province, country is all you need to share
when was the cat diagnosed
how was the cat diagnosed
are you giving insulin
what type of insulin and how much and how often
what food are you using - how do you feed the cat - free feed, meals?
are you home testing
are you familiar with home testing
would you like to learn
what questions do you have - and don't worry, we will give you lots of information
give us this info and we can go from there and provide you with specific info for you and your cat
and take a deep breath - we are here to help and will do everything we can
Please tell us
your name
your cat's name and age
where do you live - city, state, province, country is all you need to share
when was the cat diagnosed
how was the cat diagnosed
are you giving insulin
what type of insulin and how much and how often
what food are you using - how do you feed the cat - free feed, meals?
are you home testing
are you familiar with home testing
would you like to learn
what questions do you have - and don't worry, we will give you lots of information
give us this info and we can go from there and provide you with specific info for you and your cat
and take a deep breath - we are here to help and will do everything we can
ettevyva
Member Since 2013
your name: Dianna
your cat's name and age: Espresso
where do you live - city, state, Williamsburg, Virginia
when was the cat diagnosed: A few months ago. Vet said his blood sugar was 225, (I think).
how was the cat diagnosed: Vet after I noticed he pees too much, dandruff and losing weight
are you giving insulin: I don’t know how to do any of this stuff yet and terrified of the expenses. I'm a three time cancer survivor.
what type of insulin and how much and how often: I’m a brand newbie.
what food are you using - how do you feed the cat - free feed, meals? Wellness turkey and chicken but he stopped eating it, so I changed to the Fancy Feist turkey and giblets, or FF Chicken Classics. He was eating 2 cans a day and up to 5 or 6 until he got so dehydrated yesterday we (my son and I) took him to emergency vet for fluid, antibiotic, and blood sugar test (445). Now he's not wanting to eat or drink, and did drink a little bit of tuna water.
are you home testing: I need to learn how plus how to afford this. My Cancers wiped us out (I'm a single mom).
are you familiar with home testing: No and it’s scary to me right now.
would you like to learn: Yes.
what questions do you have - and don't worry, we will give you lots of information: The vet said back when he gave him pills that the insulin would make him too unstable. But then I was told on the Feline Diabetes site to never give him the pills as it would make him worse, so I just tried taking him off all dry foods, and giving him low carb foods. At first he lost all his symptoms, but then the symptoms came back. This is all overwhelming and scary to me.
your cat's name and age: Espresso
where do you live - city, state, Williamsburg, Virginia
when was the cat diagnosed: A few months ago. Vet said his blood sugar was 225, (I think).
how was the cat diagnosed: Vet after I noticed he pees too much, dandruff and losing weight
are you giving insulin: I don’t know how to do any of this stuff yet and terrified of the expenses. I'm a three time cancer survivor.
what type of insulin and how much and how often: I’m a brand newbie.
what food are you using - how do you feed the cat - free feed, meals? Wellness turkey and chicken but he stopped eating it, so I changed to the Fancy Feist turkey and giblets, or FF Chicken Classics. He was eating 2 cans a day and up to 5 or 6 until he got so dehydrated yesterday we (my son and I) took him to emergency vet for fluid, antibiotic, and blood sugar test (445). Now he's not wanting to eat or drink, and did drink a little bit of tuna water.
are you home testing: I need to learn how plus how to afford this. My Cancers wiped us out (I'm a single mom).
are you familiar with home testing: No and it’s scary to me right now.
would you like to learn: Yes.
what questions do you have - and don't worry, we will give you lots of information: The vet said back when he gave him pills that the insulin would make him too unstable. But then I was told on the Feline Diabetes site to never give him the pills as it would make him worse, so I just tried taking him off all dry foods, and giving him low carb foods. At first he lost all his symptoms, but then the symptoms came back. This is all overwhelming and scary to me.
emchic
Member Since 2012
Ettevya,
I know how hard this must be for you, and I think it's great that you want to do what's right for Espresso. There are tons of tips and advice on the message board on economical ways and means to care for your sugar kitty, and it's helped me immensely.
In my own experience: I'll admit that, for me at least, home testing was scary at first, but it didn't take long at all for Zoozey (my diabetic cat) and me to get used to it. Really, it was all quite scary and overwhelming to me at first, but it didn't take long for us to get into a routine.
I'll let other people who are more experienced than me give you advice because I've been doing this for less than a year, but the people here are great and incredibly helpful. Good luck!
I know how hard this must be for you, and I think it's great that you want to do what's right for Espresso. There are tons of tips and advice on the message board on economical ways and means to care for your sugar kitty, and it's helped me immensely.
In my own experience: I'll admit that, for me at least, home testing was scary at first, but it didn't take long at all for Zoozey (my diabetic cat) and me to get used to it. Really, it was all quite scary and overwhelming to me at first, but it didn't take long for us to get into a routine.
I'll let other people who are more experienced than me give you advice because I've been doing this for less than a year, but the people here are great and incredibly helpful. Good luck!
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Dianna, please remove your last name. Trolling spammers and such search for those kinds of things. Go back to your post where you gave us your last name. Click on the edit icon over towards the right. Delete your last name and submit the post to save this change.
So your cat has been diabetic for several months now and not receiving insulin? Is that correct.
Have you been taking him to the vet for regular weekly blood tests?
Welcome to the FDMB. Hopefully, we can get your cat feeling better. And help with money saving ideas.
Trying the food change was a good first step, but your cat Espresso, needs more than that. He needs to be on insulin.
So your cat has been diabetic for several months now and not receiving insulin? Is that correct.
Have you been taking him to the vet for regular weekly blood tests?
Welcome to the FDMB. Hopefully, we can get your cat feeling better. And help with money saving ideas.
Trying the food change was a good first step, but your cat Espresso, needs more than that. He needs to be on insulin.
ettevyva
Member Since 2013
I haven't been taking him for regular vet visits due to the cost. We are in a devastating financial crisis due to my own cancers three times and ongoing medical bills. I'm a single mom, soon to be empty nester, also. The financial situation has gotten far worse the past year. This is much of what is making everything so overwhelming. We already had financial crisis, and this has gotten worse. The emergency vet yesterday was $250 for the limited things they did. (They would not do more because of our financial situation). I already owe maxed out credit card, loans and overdrafts. I have to make payments for the emergency vet visit over the next several months with interest. We have two indoor kitties. My female cat is about 10 years old and the diabetic cat about 11 years old. I was hoping to cure our kitty with a change of diet, but it didn't. His symptoms got better at first with change of diet but the symptoms soon came right back.
emchic
Member Since 2012
You might try looking into Diabetic Cats in Need. Zoozey is one of the kitties dcin helps, and they've been of enormous help to me. They're on this board and on facebook. Here's a link to their website: http://fdmb-cin.blogspot.com/
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
Hi Dianna,
Thank you for giving us that base information. We understand how scary diabetes is and the reality is that we can help you get past the fear and learn how to administer insulin, home test and do it all economically.
You are already doing the first thing correctly which is feeding a low carb food - the fancy feast classics is just fine to use, even the wellness is good (if Espresso will eat it).
So, the next two things we need to start is home testing and insulin.
At first home testing can be scary, but it really isn't hard to do and if you make it fun for Espresso, such as give him special treats only when you test - you may find that he actually looks forward to testing. Some cats go running to their testing spot just to get their treats. Maui used to refuse to leave her test spot until I brushed her (that was her treat, brushing).
Treats can be food or brushing or anything that your cat loves and finds special.
Here is a link to low carb healthy treats - viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9172
to home test you need supplies. You can do this economically by going to Walmart and buying the Relion brand meter, matching strips and lancets. You don't need to buy an animal specific meter. A human meter will work just fine.
So here is what you need to buy:
Relion meter - most people like Confirm
Matching test strips
lancets - which look like push pins, and are inexpensive - you can get ones that go with the device included with the meter or you can get others and free hand the poking. It is up to you what you prefer. purchase lancets that are 28 or 29 gauge.
neosporin with pain relief - you can get generic brand
Here is a link that provides step by step instructions, video, pics, etc on how to home test:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287
Next is insulin. There are three types of insulin that are good for cats - Lantus, Levimer and Prozinc
May I suggest that for economical reasons you choose Lantus or Levimer - as you can purchase single pens with coupons for $25 - this will save you a lot of money for the cost of the insulin. These two insulins work in similar fashion and yes there is a learning curve, but don't worry, we will help you with that.
Most states require a prescription for insulin and syringes, so you will need to get a prescription from the vet - for insulin and syringes.
Ask the vet to write a prescription for Lantus solostar pens and a second prescription for U100 insulin syringes, 0.3 cc, 5/16 needle length with 1/2 unit markings.
When you go to Walmart for the meter, you can buy insulin syringes there - a box of 100 syringes is $13.
Here is a link for the coupons for the insulin - viewtopic.php?f=15&t=36964
We have loads more information to share, but for now, this is good enough to help you get started and learn to overcome the fear.
Thank you for giving us that base information. We understand how scary diabetes is and the reality is that we can help you get past the fear and learn how to administer insulin, home test and do it all economically.
You are already doing the first thing correctly which is feeding a low carb food - the fancy feast classics is just fine to use, even the wellness is good (if Espresso will eat it).
So, the next two things we need to start is home testing and insulin.
At first home testing can be scary, but it really isn't hard to do and if you make it fun for Espresso, such as give him special treats only when you test - you may find that he actually looks forward to testing. Some cats go running to their testing spot just to get their treats. Maui used to refuse to leave her test spot until I brushed her (that was her treat, brushing).
Treats can be food or brushing or anything that your cat loves and finds special.
Here is a link to low carb healthy treats - viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9172
to home test you need supplies. You can do this economically by going to Walmart and buying the Relion brand meter, matching strips and lancets. You don't need to buy an animal specific meter. A human meter will work just fine.
So here is what you need to buy:
Relion meter - most people like Confirm
Matching test strips
lancets - which look like push pins, and are inexpensive - you can get ones that go with the device included with the meter or you can get others and free hand the poking. It is up to you what you prefer. purchase lancets that are 28 or 29 gauge.
neosporin with pain relief - you can get generic brand
Here is a link that provides step by step instructions, video, pics, etc on how to home test:
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=287
Next is insulin. There are three types of insulin that are good for cats - Lantus, Levimer and Prozinc
May I suggest that for economical reasons you choose Lantus or Levimer - as you can purchase single pens with coupons for $25 - this will save you a lot of money for the cost of the insulin. These two insulins work in similar fashion and yes there is a learning curve, but don't worry, we will help you with that.
Most states require a prescription for insulin and syringes, so you will need to get a prescription from the vet - for insulin and syringes.
Ask the vet to write a prescription for Lantus solostar pens and a second prescription for U100 insulin syringes, 0.3 cc, 5/16 needle length with 1/2 unit markings.
When you go to Walmart for the meter, you can buy insulin syringes there - a box of 100 syringes is $13.
Here is a link for the coupons for the insulin - viewtopic.php?f=15&t=36964
We have loads more information to share, but for now, this is good enough to help you get started and learn to overcome the fear.
Hillary & Maui (GA)
Member Since 2009
The diet change is a tremendous help and for some cats, it is all that is needed. Of course, some cats also need a little bit of insulin to help get them into remission and Espresso may need insulin, for hopefully just a short period of time.
and since you took him to the emergency vet - they should be willing and able to write the prescriptions you need that I listed in my above post - without requiring another visit or charging you - they may even call it in to the pharmacy for you - and yes you can use walmart pharmacy.
and since you took him to the emergency vet - they should be willing and able to write the prescriptions you need that I listed in my above post - without requiring another visit or charging you - they may even call it in to the pharmacy for you - and yes you can use walmart pharmacy.
ohbell
Member Since 2011
I will be sending overnight test kit, strips, ketone strips, rice socks and some 100% freeze dried treats today. Hopefully, she will be getting by the end of tomorrow.
I believe she has been in touch w/ DCIN already!
Very proactive!!!! What a good mamma bean.
I don't know if anyone lives close to her, but that would be nice.
Dianna & Expresso have been posting on facebook.
Hang in there, as I spoke of yesterday, this place is WONDERFUL!
Sending paw hugs their way,
Shellie
I believe she has been in touch w/ DCIN already!
Very proactive!!!! What a good mamma bean.
I don't know if anyone lives close to her, but that would be nice.
Dianna & Expresso have been posting on facebook.
Hang in there, as I spoke of yesterday, this place is WONDERFUL!
Sending paw hugs their way,
Shellie
Squeaky and KT (GA)
Member Since 2011
Dianna! HI! I just connected the dots and figured out you're on FB too...I'm the wierd little top hatted mouse with ID of 'LD Squeaky'....you already see me in your posts over there! I'm SO GLAD to see you over here!!!!
THANK YOU SHELLIE! Looks like you've got her all set!
BIG HUGS!!!
THANK YOU SHELLIE! Looks like you've got her all set!
BIG HUGS!!!
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Is he still not eating and drinking? Its very important that he eats so start tempting him with whatever you think he will eat... we can worry about the rest later.
Does his breath smell of nail polish remover?If yes then its very serious and he needs to be back at the vet. If not, we may want to test for them - you can get urine ketone strips from the walmart pharmacy for like $8. I would strongly recommend you get some asap.
Did the vet mention ketones?
Wendy
Does his breath smell of nail polish remover?If yes then its very serious and he needs to be back at the vet. If not, we may want to test for them - you can get urine ketone strips from the walmart pharmacy for like $8. I would strongly recommend you get some asap.
Did the vet mention ketones?
Wendy
ohbell
Member Since 2011
Wendy,
I am sending Bean's ketone strips today...overnite, so she should get them tomorrow!
I think she is working with Venita on vet stuff. Have not heard today yet. I plan to send package after work and visit w/ her when I get home. Hopefully, a good update.
Squeaky, thanks a bunch....my time to pay forward as if not for you guys here, I would have not only been lost, would have probably lost my Bean girl....
Just wishing someone lived close to help w/ testing! Tex. is a long way! lol
I am sending Bean's ketone strips today...overnite, so she should get them tomorrow!
I think she is working with Venita on vet stuff. Have not heard today yet. I plan to send package after work and visit w/ her when I get home. Hopefully, a good update.
Squeaky, thanks a bunch....my time to pay forward as if not for you guys here, I would have not only been lost, would have probably lost my Bean girl....
Just wishing someone lived close to help w/ testing! Tex. is a long way! lol
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
thats great! I am concerned about DKA if the cat isnt eating..
ettevyva
Member Since 2013
Thank You, Shellie, for your call. My phone went dead again. Espresso drank some tuna juice, a few chicken breast dried treats. He does throw up after tuna, but it stays down for a little while. He's had throw up problems on a daily basis for a long time now. He can't eat beef without throwing up, either. He's still not himself. His vet called after getting the emergency vet papers. He said I need to get the cat into him since Espresso's paws are still indented, and not puffy, which means he probably still has some dehydration. I've just sent Venita the details she asked for. I'm leary of the vet since he's the one only offered the pills "Glipazide" with conditions I would need to return (and pay vet visits) to continue monitoring blood sugar from the pills. The vet said insulin would make Espresso's blood sugar too unstable, so he didn't offer that. He, also, was pushing the Purina DM foods which he sold us, but the Feline diabetes site warned me not to use the pills or the DM. Therefore I've only fed Espresso low carb foods (Wellness Turkey or Chicken with no grains) until Espresso refused to eat that brand anymore. His symptoms went a way for a while. Then I put him on Classic Fancy Feist Turkey and Giblets. or Classic chicken, but he went from 2 cans a day to 5-6 cans, lost weight, got dandruff back, and started peeing more. I don't know why he became so dehydrated Saturday as he drinks so much water until then. I haven't found a local affordable vet that knows enough about diabetes. Didn't mean to go on and on, but I'm feeling so stressed with Espresso not well the past several days.
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
For the eating could it be scarf and barf? How soon after eating does he throw up and how digested is the food? is it immediately after eating?
Classic fancy feast is a good choice - feed him that if he will eat it.. and then we can start worrying about the diabetes once we get him eating again.
Can you google another vet? Here are some questions when you call to find out if they are any good: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1BqrojKe9oBVAoexL59pUWidEd7viNmxSqW5l2IBTWjY
When their blood sugar is high they drink a lot to try and clear the sugar - which is why he is drinking so much!
Wendy
Classic fancy feast is a good choice - feed him that if he will eat it.. and then we can start worrying about the diabetes once we get him eating again.
Can you google another vet? Here are some questions when you call to find out if they are any good: https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1BqrojKe9oBVAoexL59pUWidEd7viNmxSqW5l2IBTWjY
When their blood sugar is high they drink a lot to try and clear the sugar - which is why he is drinking so much!
Wendy
ohbell
Member Since 2011
Dianna & Expresso,
Express should get his test kit tomorrow and ketone sticks. Although, the vet said no ketones Saturday, it wont hurt to test again.
Hopefully, Venita will respond soon and Expresso can see the vet tomorrow. You just need to tell them that he would not eat the dm and be done with it. Be nice but stern!
:shock:
If you will use this site as much as you can, you will find it the BEST PLACE TO BE! :smile:
I am only one voice and this forum board has many many to guide, direct, and get support from with many more years of experience than Bean and I had. I remember LIVING on this site for days on end.....getting support, reading, learning and yes crying my eyes out! But at the end of the day, Bean is still with me and now I am able to make a call to you and offer that support in any way I know how!
Hang in there, breath and share any parts of your story you feel like, share your frustration & vent and feeling overwhelmed! Read all the newbies stories, they really helped me not feel alone!
I will pm you with some areas to view..... ear testing, tenting for shots as I am sure others will as well.
Let me know when Expresso gets his care package!
Paw hugs to ya,
Shellie & the girls!
Express should get his test kit tomorrow and ketone sticks. Although, the vet said no ketones Saturday, it wont hurt to test again.
Hopefully, Venita will respond soon and Expresso can see the vet tomorrow. You just need to tell them that he would not eat the dm and be done with it. Be nice but stern!
:shock:
If you will use this site as much as you can, you will find it the BEST PLACE TO BE! :smile:
I am only one voice and this forum board has many many to guide, direct, and get support from with many more years of experience than Bean and I had. I remember LIVING on this site for days on end.....getting support, reading, learning and yes crying my eyes out! But at the end of the day, Bean is still with me and now I am able to make a call to you and offer that support in any way I know how!
Hang in there, breath and share any parts of your story you feel like, share your frustration & vent and feeling overwhelmed! Read all the newbies stories, they really helped me not feel alone!
I will pm you with some areas to view..... ear testing, tenting for shots as I am sure others will as well.
Let me know when Expresso gets his care package!
Paw hugs to ya,
Shellie & the girls!
ettevyva
Member Since 2013
I foresee a little problem with testing urine. Ever since we got the kitties, they go in the laundry room by themselves to use the liter box. If one of us walks in (my son or I) they get spoofed and run out. Even if they went in to pee...they run out without peeing until no one is in there. Once in a while if the other cat walks in on the other one - the same thing happens, they get spoofed and run out without using the liter box til no one is there. I'll have to figure out how to get a urine sample under these conditions. Any suggestions?
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Here are some urine catching ideas that might work... https://docs.google.com/document/d/1quta5WLEjdO0Y_t2dAYSwN84h-LNZWxOdtVsJDKZ16A/pub
ettevyva
Member Since 2013
Thank You for the amazing replies ! I do think "some of Espresso" throwing up is scarf and barf, and others happen later. Thank You for the link of ideas for catching urine. Will start a new post on how the vet appointment went today. I gave Espresso his "very first" insulin while in the doctor's office.
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