ISO FD Knowledgeable Vet, ASAP -- Maryland/DC metro area

[stefani&toonces]

Friends,

I received the following email from a foster with the rescue group I foster with. She has since found a vet that has more experience than this one, but if anyone can recommend a truly good/knowledgeable FD vet in the metro Maryland area (Montgomery county or near) please let me know ASAP:

Hi Stefani,

If you have a moment, I wondered if I could pick your brain about something. I fostered a cat named Teddy who was adopted out about a year ago. He was recently diagnosed with FD and was started on 3 units of insulin BID. Then was upped to 6-8 units. He's been going back in for bloodwork rechecks, but adopter is not home-testing. She's willing to do it, but vet isn't pushing it. When I tell her it's really important to home-test, she asks "but how do you know what dose to give?" and I can't answer that........ so we're back to her vet.

Teddy started peeing around the house again. He's been in the hospital (@ her general vet's) for the last few days and they're trying to get him regulated. She said today he's up to 20 units and his BG is still high and he's not eating - which is very unlike him. Poor guy is also battling a URI because adopter brought home an 8 wk old kitten a few wks ago (don't get me started!!). Aside from stress & infection, I don't know if Teddy needs to be on Lantus instead...... or if some of this is Somogyi effect...... or if vet doesn't know what he's doing.

I've only had 1 diabetic cat so I have very little experience to draw on. Can you recommend a vet who's skilled at managing FD? Would Teddy benefit from an IM consult? I don't want to suggest Vet Referral unless we have reason to think they have more expertise with this, because it'll cost her a small fortune and she's already spent a bunch on Teddy's hospitalizations.

Thanks so much!
--------------------------------------

Stefani

 

[Byt2luv]

Oh my goodness... I know of some good vets that we (Fancy Cats Rescue Team) deal with and we have had some good success with 4 of our diabetic kitties. Dr. Colvin or Dr. Johnson (more Dr. Colvin) at the Burke Animal Clinic in Burke VA. We also use Pender Veterinary Clinic in Fairfax VA (Dr. Denny). I know these are both a distance but all of these doctors have done really well by us and they are willing to work with rescues and seem to REALLY CARE about the kitties. I know first hand that both Dr. Colvin and Dr. Johnson were really good with Dakota (my ex-foster) and they are still currently helping me with Ginger my current diabetic foster.

I really hope Teddy is going to be okay. Please let me know if I can help in some way

Ronda
Gingers foster mom

 

[Anonymous]

Stef, I'm sure you've already asked her if she wanted to post here? Sometimes that is all it takes to get on the right track.

 

[Kathyh]

I live near Solomons, Md. and would be willing to drive up to help test and show how if that would be of any help. It's about a 2 hour drive, but I'm used to driving long distances and can always squeeze in a trip to G st fabric when I'm up that way. Sorry, no vet help from this corner.

 

[Kathyh]

My Maisey only had diabetes, and after finding this group and reading all the stickies then posting, I felt confident I could do this without them. I'd truly be happy to go and help this person get started and tell them how wonderful everyone here is. This is totally doable without vet once you have the insulin. I wish I could say I knew someone with a good vet experience but I don't.