Insulin question

[shawna]

Heartbreaking. Going through old age with a pet is a part of life right...and I should be and I am thankful...and everything is going to be fine. Everything will be fine, right.

His blood sugar is 213 and I don't know if it went high (considering what it has been ) because of what I fed him for lunch - higher carbs without realizing it, or can it be because he just got super angry at me and was screaming because I had to help him because he couldn't get to the litter box. Doesn't anger or stress make their numbers go up? Or maybe I've been giving him too much insulin. Or maybe I just don't know what to do! and I'm really sad!
And then sometimes I think I know what I am doing...from all that I've learned here. And then I find myself upset and unsure.

I'm really sad because he's in pain. And he really is getting to the point where he can't walk. And if I help him he sometimes screams from pain. And I don't know what to do. I'm doing everything I can for him. It's just breaking my heart. I'm never getting another pet ever again. I wouldn't change having him though, best fourteen years and he's my best friend. I just gave him a dose of buprenix so he is zoned out for the night.

Can someone please tell me if should I give him 1 unit? I'm assuming so. I think I'm just upset and maybe someone could look at his spreadsheet and give me advise for his dose?

I need to toughen up.
Thanks for being such lovely sweet people xoxoxo

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Hi Shawna . Are you able to try 0.75U? It is possible if he's upset/stressed/angry then his numbers could be slightly influenced so if you want to err on the side of caution, you could stick with 0.5U and still try to test him before bed. It looks like you're doing fine with his doses . Just remember, Prozinc dose is based on PS numbers AND nadir. Is his inability to walk due to the arthritis or neuropathy? Have you tried Zobaline?

 

[shawna]

Hi Shawna . Are you able to try 0.75U? It is possible if he's upset/stressed/angry then his numbers could be slightly influenced so if you want to err on the side of caution, you could stick with 0.5U and still try to test him before bed. It looks like you're doing fine with his doses . Just remember, Prozinc dose is based on PS numbers AND nadir. Is his inability to walk due to the arthritis or neuropathy? Have you tried Zobaline?

Thank you xoxox Ok I did .75 or maybe S1.
I'll test him tonight...he's not eating all his dinner, but he'll eat again and I'll be home.

The vet said she believes it is from nerve damage from old age. She said not necessarily from the diabetes or arthritis. I asked her why he would have nerve damage and she said old age. So I really don't know.
He lost the ability to use one front leg throughout his year and the last month I've watched his other front leg slowly deteriorate. He can't stand on them. His back legs are weak too but he can use them a little better then the front ones. I don't know how he makes it to his litter box and back onto the couch when I am at work (he had little cat steps because he's determined to be on the couch)
But I carry him to the litter box or wee wee pad (whatever he wants) twice a day so he can go to the bathroom.
And I wash him in the sink quite often because he doesn't clean himself and he falls and stuff when going to the bathroom.
I used to give him the Zobaline but I never noticed a change, but I might try it again. Can't hurt. The adequan shots were working. But now it just seems like it's getting so bad.
I know he has really bad lower spine pain. Sometimes he slowly tips over when he is going to the bathroom so I don't know if something neurological or if it's just the pain of trying to stand. And I always wondered why he would get left side ear problems, left side teeth pain, (no ear or teeth problems now though) and the left leg was the one that he has problems with first. Just always made me wonder why his left side. But now I'm noticing more overall, not just left side anymore.
Awhile back she took X-rays and there wasn't a tumor. She thinks just neurological nerve problems.

My poor sweet boy. I just hope I'm doing the right thing for him.

 

[Becky & Baby Girl GA]

Glucosamine chrondroitin maybe? I know it takes time to help if it’s joint related. Also I don’t have any experience with pain meds but everyone says bupe is good. If there’s more nerve damage that may not help. Bless you, & it sounds like he may just be having a bad day! I live in pain & believe me, it makes me so grouchy sometimes! You seem to have the bg under control. Good luck & I’m so sorry he hurts!

 

[shawna]

Glucosamine chrondroitin maybe? I know it takes time to help if it’s joint related. Also I don’t have any experience with pain meds but everyone says bupe is good. If there’s more nerve damage that may not help. Bless you, & it sounds like he may just be having a bad day! I live in pain & believe me, it makes me so grouchy sometimes! You seem to have the bg under control. Good luck & I’m so sorry he hurts!

Aw thanks...I'm so sorry to hear you live with pain. I have to remember he has bad days and good days. Just lately it's mostly bad days and it breaks my heart. I don't blame him for being grouchy. I just wish he could walk. I'll try giving him something again for joints. His Gabapentin I think works well for pain. It's hard to tell because he's usually always grumpy so I can't really tell.
Thanks for your message...xoxoxo

 

[Becky & Baby Girl GA]

Oops sorry, didn’t see the that on you signature. I think I need new glasses too! My left side is the bad side?!? Go figure. Always something on the left, I just found out one spinal joint/vertebrae is missing there! Is zobaline for pain & does the bupe not work?
Thank you!

 

[JanetNJ]

It can't hurt to give zobaline. You can give that along with dasuquin and adequan. You can also try giving cucumin (active ingredient in the spice tumeric)... It has Anti inflammatory properties and is supposed to boost the immune system.

Is so hard when they get older.

 

[shawna]

Oops sorry, didn’t see the that on you signature. I think I need new glasses too! My left side is the bad side?!? Go figure. Always something on the left, I just found out one spinal joint/vertebrae is missing there! Is zobaline for pain & does the bupe not work?
Thank you!

Oh really your left side is worse too? So maybe it's common in people and animals...I just always wonder why is left side.
Sounds like you have so much pain to deal with, I'm truly sorry and wish I could take it away for you. I hope you have some sort of good pain management?

The buprenix works, usually, but it makes him zone out...huge eyes and he just stares...and makes him have a hard time sleeping. So I don't like him to be that way and I'm afraid this medicine would be hard on his organs...so for those reasons I just am cautious with the medicine. At this point if it made him more relaxed and worked better for pain I'd give it to him more because right now I'm looking at immediate quality of life for my sweetheart.
Tonight I gave him some but he still is in pain. I really hope today was just a bad day and tomorrow will be better.
Zobaline is suppose to be good for diabetic cats for nerve pain. I didn't notice a difference when I gave it to Theodore, but I think his pain just got too great for me to notice if it helped or not. But I've heard wonderful things about it!

 

[shawna]

It can't hurt to give zobaline. You can give that along with dasuquin and adequan. You can also try giving cucumin (active ingredient in the spice tumeric)... It has Anti inflammatory properties and is supposed to boost the immune system.

Is so hard when they get older.

Thanks, I've not heard of the cucumin.
Hey how often do you give adequan shots? Have you ever read anything about it being dangerous to give more frequently than once a month after that initial stage?

 

[JanetNJ]

I give the adequan every 3 weeks instead of once a month. My vet said for one of her cats thats what she does. Or he starts limping again. I found the same with cc so I do every three too.

 

[Becky & Baby Girl GA]

Thank you for the info & such kindness. I feel for you & your beloved Teddy!
My son is always buying me turmeric;; cucumin . I try to eat it & I hate the taste. I guess I need to try the capsules.
I do have a great pain specialist & spinal shots help for awhile; then wear off.
I just want our fur babes to be ok! That keeps me happy! I just want to hold them & heal them! Magic pill or whatever! Hugs & prayers for you & Teddy!
Quality life... decisions

 

[JanetNJ]

Thanks, I've not heard of the cucumin.
Hey how often do you give adequan shots? Have you ever read anything about it being dangerous to give more frequently than once a month after that initial stage?

This is the cucumin I give. It's a tiny scoop that comes with it.... Maybe 1/8 teaspoon, per day. My vet suggested cucumin.

Dr Mercola Curcumin For Pets - With Microactive Curcumin From Turmeric - Immune System Booster for Dogs & Cats - Premium Pet Supplements https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QWECZ2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Q.faAbPV9R5YF

 

[Becky & Baby Girl GA]

I guess I need to try & remember all of these pain, nerve & joint meds. I guess I am such a greenie (new to all these meds for pets) or have had the worst vets along with not having a clue! I really haven’t had to go through pets with so much pain because they were gone before it got so bad. One in particular haunts me to this day. I know there could have been more done for her & I had a choice of 2 vets at the time. One was always “lets operate” & the other must have attended school in 1910!!! I’ll never let a pet die right under my nose at home again. 18 yrs ago & it feels like it was yesterday! The horror of that day will go with me....forever. I’m so glad I know there are many options when they are in pain! How could I have not known! Gotta stop thinking now.