Lynn and Kitten/DKA

[Katlyn]

Hi all. I find this website confusing to use. I have also had technical problems. My 11 year old sweet cat almost died of Diabetes DKA about a week ago. She was hospitalized for four nights costing over $4,000. Her potassium was very low and she had a high calcium level which has caused a mass in her lungs to grow . She got Diabetes from a too high dose of Prednisone(12.5 daily for a few months) to control her asthma dx in Sept 2012. She was also on inhaled meds. Kitten had to have an etube put in because she would not eat. Kitten has been home since last Saturday night. The feeding tube has been a nightmare to learn. And I am trying to focus on her Diabetes. She is on insulin 1.5 twice a day along with other meds. The vet prescribed DM food and is supposed to be getting at least 150 cc's a day. She has lost 1/2 pound so far because she seems to be queasy and it takes all day around the clock just to get half her cc's in her. She eats a bit on her own. I use the BG and ketones urine strips. Her glucose usually runs on the very high end. Her ketones have been about negative and sometimes bordering on trace. She used to like the wet DM but now she will not touch it. I bought the dry and she is nibbling on that now at about 3 am in the morning.She has started drinking alot of water which concerns me. I bought the Relion BG meter but am cannot get any blood. I did once from her shaved leg four days ago and it was 114. Her BSL was 560 when she was hospitalized. She has an appt on Tuesday for that Fructosamine test because she cannot handle an all day blood curve. She is very agitated at vet. The vet said her insulin will have to thanbe adjusted. I want this feeding tube out and to cure the Diabetes. I cannot afford another hospital stay if the ketones come back. Kitten is on Ondansetron now and some Pepcid. I have been battling vets since September and they have all failed Kitten. I need help to get her through this. . I had to reregister using my husband's email. Lynn and Kitten. RI

 

[Amy & Papaya (GA)]

Sorry you're having a difficult time. I'm sure you'll get a lot of help from the experienced users on this board.

Just a small suggestion, the candle icon you used for your post is usually used when a cat has passed away, so if you use it when you have questions it might mean that people don't read your post right away because they think it's too late to help.
But you can put any specific problems or questions you have in the subject line so it catches the eye of people who can help.

Hang in there - you've got lots of people here to turn to for support!

 

[Tara & Buster]

Hi Lynn,

Sounds like you're having a rough time of it. Kitten is lucky to have someone willing to go through all of this with her. :YMHUG:

What happened with the attempt at getting a blood test? You'll want to be sure you're using a 26 or 28 gauge lancet to start. The fine ones used for humans will go right through the ear and not yield any blood. Also, be sure to warm the ear - that helps a bunch! Always reward (successful or not) with nummeh nummeh treats and try to be as calm as possible - Kitten will pick up on nervous vibes. I know, easier said than done.

I hope this gets easier for you and Kitten. Strength and healing vines to you both!