I'm new, Boots has diabetes

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lizwardia

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I have just joined the group with Boots who was diagnosed with diabetes in February. So far we have had no luck stabilizing his BG. He is currently up to 5 units twice a day. I feed him 1 cup of Royal Canin Diabetic DS with 2 spoonsfull of tuna and water mixed in twice a day at 7:30 am and pm, then I give him the insulin, lantis glargine, about 20-30 minutes afterwards. The vet said we would look into something else if the 5 doesn't work (it's not) for him, the appointment was last Tuesday. This is my first experience with feline diabetes and at first I thought it was a death sentence until I read about it on the internet. I'm hoping to find out even more information on this site about how to proceed and how to do the very best I can for him. How high of a dosage is it possible to go up to? What else is the vet referring to? On Tuesday at 2 pm his reading was 320, is that horrible? The vet checks him every 7-10 days. Here is the story about how Boots came to live with us. He was inspecting homes in the neighborhood starting in January. He would peer into the cat window next to my front door (I started to fall in love with that little face then) or sit on the back patio and look in the sliding glass doors at the rest of the cats that live here, there are 17 others. They must have given him a good report because he chose us!. At first I thought he was a neighbors cat but one day found him sleeping in a cat nest in the vacant lot next door. So I started feeding him and finally was able to pet him by the beginning of February. On Feb. 9 he got in a fight with a raccoon, was bloody, beat up and had many puncture wounds, I came home to find him waiting by the front door. I brought him to the vet, and while he was there had him neutered. I waited and waited for him to recover, the wounds healed, he lost a lot of weight, started urinating so much, and he just wasn't right. One day, about 10 days later, he had bloody stool and looked really weak so back he went to the vet and I was sure he was a goner for the second time. That's when I found out about the diabetes and have been struggling since then to get him well. He is the sweetest cat and is so happy here. He hangs out on one side of the house with Baby Girl who pretty much doesn't get along with the rest of the crew. He took to sleeping on the bed fast. So I don't know how old he is, how long he's been sick, nothing at all except he's a very special guy and is loved very much. Is it normal to take so long to regulate the insulin? Any ideas and suggestions are welcome. Thanks for reading.
 
What a wonderful story :smile: 18 cats??? You are wonderful and brave soul. First read around the site there is wonderful information here. You will be able to read how to start home testing the BG - the most important step to getting control of Boot's disease. You will also see a lot of information on proper diet for a diabetic cat and will find Janet & Binky's charts with the information to make good choices. Many kitties are able to reach regulation (and some remission) with a proper diet.

I am new to this, so I won't talk dosage other to say, you are correct that 5U is very high dosage. 320, though not a spectacular number, sounds like it might be an improvement to how sick he was when you were diagnosed. Hopefully some of the dosing gals will be around and will be able to help map out a path for you and Boots.
 
Lots of good info already provided for you to soak up.. so I will just say welcome! and you've come to the right place..

I want you to know that many (most??) of us ended up here with our cats so messed up.. and not knowing what to do.. as you read you may have some "ah crap! I've been doing it all wrong!" moments.. most of us went through the exact same thing.. I had Nova up to 3U twice a day, with BG numbers all over the freaking place, she felt like crap.. was eating garbage food.. I had no idea what was going on.. but now? She's eating the right food, on slightly less than 1U twice a day..and has better BG numbers then I (non-diabetic) do, pretty much all the time! She is super happy, volunteers and is quite content during testing/needles.. (it's all about the freeze dried treats afterwords :) ).

Follow the advice of those given, it'll be a second life (or 3rd or 4th by the sounds of it!) for your kitty.. 18 cats.. you are INSANE.. it's a rough road at first, getting into home testing (SO very important) and stuff.. but since you survive 18 cats.. I think Boots will be in good shape in no time.

Ask lots of questions! It's so overwhelming at first and we want to help you as much as we can.. so read the stickies in this forum, and ask everything you can think of!
 
Just wanted to say welcome! So glad you have found this board...it is such a life saver for so many who are in your position, as was I when I stumbled upon it two years ago with a very sick diabetic kittie. Had it not been for the advice and support from this board, Thomas would have never gotten as far as he did (OTJ! and with many other health issues, complicating his care) He is unfortunately GA now, (guardian angel, in case you don't know the abbreviations here yet) but he was so well loved here. This place became our 'family', and it I hope it will for you, too.

I also thought 'I've done everything wrong'...you will be amazed how quickly you learn with all of the input you get from reading and learning, and from all folks here. I never thought I would learn any of it, least of all how to test. It's hard to believe that it became second nature...all of it ...in time.

Boots is lucky to have found you! :-D
 
Also just stopping by to say hello, and welcome to Lantus. You have come to the right place. I know you'll get lots of support here -- everything you need to give Lantus the time it needs to work, if it's going to.

haven't read your thread on Health. But Boots has a loving mama, and a good vet. You'll get him better.

And by the way, my Kitty was up to 5.25 units before he started to improve. It's a lot, but it doesn't mean you can't make progress.
 
Hi just wanted to offer my support and let you know you are in the right place!! It takes a while to get regulated on lantus. There are many really qualified people on here that can help you with the dose! I wanted to pull my hair out when I first started here but now after only 2 months we are down to .5units. Ask as many questions as you need and there is always someone here to help! Welcome and look forward to seeing how Boots is doing!!!
 
Welcome! Just wanted to agree with everyone else =) You've found the right place to get your guy feeling better!

I came here not even a month ago, Tugger was on 4.5 units twice a day. I finally got him to change diet from dry to high protein/low carb canned and WHAM his insulin needs changed. He's now on a half a unit (.5 like Michelle's Scrabble, the boys seem to be in a race, we're just along for the ride lol) eats right, and he feels SO much better =)

All thanks to this forum. I read, I learned, I listed and did what they told me and now my big guy is on the road to being healthy =)

Ask lots of questions =) Someone will have an answer for you!
 
welcome! This is a board you will soon come to love! There is a ton of information and support available on this site. My best advice is to listen to the wise people on here, they want nothing more then to help you get boots better! Hopefully with the right food, and the right lantus amount, boots will be feeling better in no time :-D
 
Hi Liz and Boots, As everyone has said already, you have come to the right place. This board is made up of knowledgeable and compassionate people who will help you every step of the way. Everyone here was once in your shoes. We learn from those of us who have tons of experience and we also learn from those of us who are "learners" and who make mistakes and are skillfully and patiently guided to correct our mistakes. FD is a steep learning curve, but for someone who cares for 18 (!) cats, learning how to care for a cat with FD will be a rewarding challenge. Hang in there!

Ella & Stu
 
Wow! 18 cats and now FD. You are truly a kitty angel!

Welcome to LL. Everyone here is waiting to offer support and a few can be counted on for advice. Often someone will pop on with encouragement, a) to give encouragement, b) it moves you to the top of the list for more attention. We post a new condo (thread) every day to keep from getting too long, put in a link to the previous day for continuity. As if you didn't have enough else to learn, please go to the Tech section to learn how to set up a spreadsheet and a Profile on Google Docs, also set up your user profile here.

Yeah, lots of little things to remember, but it help you to get advice more quickly if all the background is there in one place. Also, let us know where you are. someone may be close by for hands on help, especially when you are learning to test. Members on this forum are all over the world, knowing your location also helps with time frame considerations.

Lastly, breathe, cuddle your kitties. It's going to be all right.
 
Hello and welcome you have come to the right place such a wonderful group of people here and such a great source of information I am no help in giving you advice but I know others will be along to help you there :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon
 
Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. I have read the links you've sent and am ready to start. So, I'm going to buy the Walmart meter and things that go with it. Then, what? Start with the canned food from the list, or test for a day to see what's going on, or go to the vet, or mix the dry food with wet first, you see my problem here? And should I follow the instruction from Tilly's Homepage? or ? But should I keep giving him 5 units? And where can I find a blank spreadsheet? I do understand that once I figure this out it will come easy, right? Did you all test yourselves first to make sure it didn't hurt? And how can I edit my profile to say I live in Palm Bay, FL, and add the results I get, and add a picture of Boots, of course... Sorry to have so many questions but I don't want to make any mistakes. confused_cat
 
I can help w/ the Tech stuff, but I'm not a dosing expert.

Spreadsheet is probably the most important fo others to keep track of Boots progress.

These are all found in the Tech Support forum here http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewforum.php if you want to go back and change things, which you will.

Can't wait to see the pix of Boots. :-D
 
I did not test myself first, I tested my husband. I don't like sharp pokey needly things. Apparently, I don't mind poking other beings, but I very much mind poking myself nailbite_smile It took me three or four tries recently when I thought my meter was giving me funky numbers, someone said to test myself and big baby that I am it took me forever to finally find my guts and just poke. Then I said a string of bad words that would make my sailor husband blush and then I ate chocolate. Since then I don't poke Tugger's ear hard enough to get blood so I'm having to try two or three times. I, personally, was better off never poking my own finger :lol:

It will get easier. Really. It will. One thing at a time. Get your profile (Top of your screen you should see User Control Panel, that's where you can edit your profile and such) filled in and get your information organized so the dosing ladies have everything they need ready to help you. I think the blank SS is in the Tech forum? I've forgotten where I found it. While you work on that stuff, some of the others will come along with answers to the other questions =)

When you go to Walmart, get an extra package of strips. You always want to have a backup pack. I really like my Relion meter, I got the micro because it takes a very small drop of blood. It's very simple to use. Also get some neosporin with pain relief for the ears. It helps. Then head over to your favorite candy/cake/treat and stock up. Also, make a pit-stop in the baby section, you need some baby socks. You will put a bit of rice in them and tie a knot in the end, pop in microwave for 10 or 15 seconds and use that to warm up a cold ear to make the blood flow for ya. I have two or three because they grow legs and walk off on me.

Then, go to Petsmart or somewhere and find some all meat treats, freeze dried chicken treats (found in the drooler section, we just don't tell the kitties who they are marketed towards ;-) ) are the overall favorite it seems. I call it FDCC Freeze Dried Chicken Crack because I get mauled when I bring it out. Treats make the whole process easier.

That will buy a little more time for some more answers to be posted for you =)
 
hey there, fwiw, i sent a message to a gal I believe is there in Melbourne, FL which looks to be pretty close to you. I haven't seen her around the board too much lately but just in case I thought I'd see if I could contact her in case she can be of help to you at all. So make sure to keep an eye on this thread for a couple days in case she pops in here. Her name is Lisa. :)

I would swear also that we had someone join in the last year or so from Port St Lucie but I can't seem to remember who that was.
 
Just another thing to add to your shopping list.....

Since you will likely be lowering your dose and switching food and, and....you find Boots will have an adjustment period where he may have some higher BG for a few days and during this time it is very important to make sure he doesn't develop ketones which can be very dangerous. To test for ketones we use Ketostix or Ketodiasticks. These are test strips that are dipped into urine and show a color change when ketones are present. You can get them at the pharmacy at Walmart, if you don't find them on the shelf with the diabetic supplies ask the pharmasict they likely have them behind the counter. They are not expensive.

My recommendation would be to get your supplies and begin testing ASAP, it might be frustrating and take a day or two before you actually get some readings once you have an idea where he is at we can better help you to decide on a dose and once you have that and are able to regularly test his BG you will be ready to begin the food change. Just how the food change should work will depend on Boots' willingness, and his test results and general tolerance of the change (some cats get bowel problems during the change so you have to move more slowly) some cats can make the switch from one meal to the next you will have to "play it by ear". Good luck!
 
Poly/Neosporin is a must have to put on the ouchies afterwords.. also putting a little tiny bit of vaseline on the area before poking the ear can help the blood pool.. other then that you'll need a meter, test strips, chocolate (for yourself), freeze dried treats (any of the 100% single ingredient ones, cat or dog.. get a few kinds.. bribing the kitty is the key here ;) ).. and a lancet device/lancets or needles for poking for blood for tests (not sure what gauge is typically used, I don't use this method).. You'll also want test strips for ketones.. ask the pharmacy, they will know what you're talking about.. it's a urine test.

Test on yourself a bunch to get the hang of things.. or another human if you are a wuss like Marvie ;).. it does sting a bit yes, and at least initially your cat will probably make it seem like its the end of the world.. you absolutely have to believe us, once you get good at it.. it barely bothers them at all.. someone the other day tested their cat and the cat slept right through it.. my cat Nova meows and runs to her testing spot to volunteer for the treats..

Of course even the initial trauma (for you both hehe) is way less painful than over-dosing your cat.. so just stick with it.. know it's for his own good and that in no time at all he'll nag you to test for the rewards.

As for his dose.. the 5U concerns me.. it's not impossible for cats to need a dose that high or higher.. but it is uncommon.. I would be tempted to say start over at 1U and switch the food asap.. but wait for more experienced people to throw in their thoughts..
 
I'd get him on the wet/canned food ASAP. Buy several different varieties and rotate to see what he likes. Just be sure to stay under 10% carbs. (janet/Binky list)
I transitioned Hank to0 quickly I think, and upset his tummy. They say it's best to try to do in 25% increments. But every cat is different, yours may take to it more quickly, especially if he has not been on this other food long or isn't so addicted to carbs.

Here's are some links:
http://www.catinfo.org/
http://www.catinfo.org/TipsforTransitio ... -18-09.pdf
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=11426&p=113895&hilit=transitioning#p113862 A post just yesterday.

You can also try Evo dry as the 'dry' food during the transition period. I bought some when he was diganosed & using it a little here and there still with Hank. Sometimes even 4-5 pieces on TOP of a wet food will get him to eat it. If you have to have some dry in the interim, this is the one w/ lowest carbs. It's also better for my civvie who IS a carb addict...so i am working on him with this first. I find that several small meals throughout the day work best for Hank. I put only small amounts of the wet out, and add a few drops of warm water to it to moisten it even further. This will also freshen up leftovers that have been out a bit. Too long though and it gets funky and you end up tossing. Another trick is to slightly (5-6 seconds) warm in micro to get the smell to come out, especially if the canned has been in the fridge.
Read Tugger's condo's back a few weeks. He is the poster-cat for what change to canned food can do for a diabetic kitty. Marvie will have all KINDS of stories for you. And most of them will be a hoot!!

Hank loves the Halo Liv a little freeze dried chicken treats the best..but they are pricey. He would do just about anything for them. He now jumps on the testing table and waits for me purring...sometimes early. he wants his chicken (crack) treat. I think there are cheaper ones out there we plan to try next. Some people here will also just boil chicken and use that for treats.

Don't forget to get a hypo-kit together while you are shopping. Read the stickies for the list. Especially with this dose you've mentioned. if you start changing his diet BE VERY CAREFUL to test and especially before shooting. His insulin needs could change rapidly.

Check with the more experienced advisers for dosing suggestions. I imagine they will have much to say about this dose your vet has you on. I'd certainly try to get their attention before your next shot.
Edit your post title to add something like: Dose advice? Oh yeah, each day, you want to open a new thread with the date and Boot's name. You then link your post from the day before at the top of the text of your new post so everyone can keep up with the chronology .

It really is so overwhelming in the beginning, but you will learn more each day and get the hang of it before long. You're doing great!

So glad you made it to LL.

betty and hank
 
Liz & Boots said:
Thank you all for taking the time to answer my questions. I have read the links you've sent and am ready to start. So, I'm going to buy the Walmart meter and things that go with it. Then, what? Start with the canned food from the list, or test for a day to see what's going on, or go to the vet, or mix the dry food with wet first, you see my problem here? And should I follow the instruction from Tilly's Homepage? or ? But should I keep giving him 5 units? And where can I find a blank spreadsheet? I do understand that once I figure this out it will come easy, right? Did you all test yourselves first to make sure it didn't hurt? And how can I edit my profile to say I live in Palm Bay, FL, and add the results I get, and add a picture of Boots, of course... Sorry to have so many questions but I don't want to make any mistakes
Click to expand...

First, you will make mistakes. We all have and still do. If you think you've made a misstep, post. People are here pretty much 24/7 and someone will lend a hand or talk you down or through the problem or tell you what you need to do to get help.

Others have provided links for spreadsheets, profile, etc. You have to go back into your User Control setting to add information as to your location. However, if you post on the Health Board with a subject line something like, "Help for home testing - Palm Bay, FL", it will get the attention you need.

When you pick up a meter and strips, remember to buy lancets (the things you poke with). There are lancet pens or you can freehand. You'll have to practice to see what's most comfortable for you. To be honest, if you poke yourself in the finger, it's going to hurl like heck. We have lots of nerve endings in our fingertips. Cats' ears are not as dense with nerve endings since ears frequently get bitten or scratched when a cat is in a fight. It wouldn't help with survival if a cat were incapacitated if an ear were bitten. Also, cats have a very high threshold for pain. People generally are not as tough as our kitties!

Here's what I would suggest. Start testing and get comfortable with monitoring Boots' BG. This will take a couple of days unless you are pretty fearless and Boots will hold still. Remember to give him low carb treats after testing. (Freeze dried chicken or salmon are popular. Many people will steam chicken and use that as a treat.) Start posting the results of your testing in Boot's spreadsheet so people here can take a look at what's going on and make some suggestions to you. Once you are more comfortable with testing, begin the food switch. You can expect to see a drop in numbers due to canned food vs. dry so it's important that you are testing. See if Boots will eat canned food without a transition over from dry. If he will readily eat canned, no worries. If he balks and won't eat, then you have to transition him. I'd look over what Dr. Lisa recommends and follow her guidelines on making the transition. Just be aware that we've had some cats go into remission largely due to a food change so the drop in numbers can be dramatic. I'm not saying this will happen with Boots but I'm underscoring the importance of learning how to test before you switch to canned food.

You may need to change Boots' dose while you transition. However, without seeing a spreadsheet and having some idea of Boots' numbers, it's hard to know what more to suggest. You can certainly use the Tilly Protocol to guide you. Most of us post here and get feedback/input from each other as well as support and some socializing so we don't feel like we're doing this all on our own. I do think it's a little overwhelming at first to try to follow the protocol and do everything else when you're flying solo. It can get a little confusing. There are some very experienced Lantus users here who can help to guide you through.

So, my general thoughts are to get a spreadsheet (SS) and profile put together and start testing and posting numbers. We'll be able to see what's going on with Boot's BG levels. At the same time, start transitioning Boots (and as many of your herd as possible) to a wet food diet. (It's going to be a lot easier to keep Boots out of dry food if dry is no longer being served at your house.

Please take this slowly. I know we are all dumping a great deal of information in your lap and it can only add to feeling both overwhelmed and frenzied. Take it one step at a time. Breathe. Keep asking questions -- we're more than happy to help.
 
Also, you don't have to remember every bit of this... you can find it all again later. Just hit the link near the top right of your page that says "view your posts" and it'll show you every post you've made since you joined. Once you start posting in other people's threads if you want to find something that is related to Boots you can do a search for your username+boots in the thread titles that should weed out stuff you don't want to see about the cool new boots so and so just bought last month ;) I've done this a few times to find something I know someone mentioned but can't recall what day.
 
Hi and welcome.

I live in West Melbourne. Although my sugarcat has left for better things (supervising others at Rainbow Bridge) I still hang around the messge board.

I never used Lantus so won't offer any advice on that, but if you have local vet questions, etc., just let me know. And, if you want to chat, drop me a private message and I will give you my phone number.

Lisa & Spooky (GA)
 
I just wanted to say Welcome!! There has been so much posted her already that I won't offer anymore - they are those in the know anyways. You have found a great place here - the support and knowledge is exceptional! Welcome Aboard!
 
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