Lynn and Kitten/ need med advice/ terbulatine

[Katlyn]

Hi all. I could use some input on Terbulatine which is used for an oral bronchodilator. I know it is based on weight.
Anyone have asthma kitties as well? I am
concerned because I read on drugs.com that it can increase BG. I spoke with the drugstore pharmacist and she said yes it can. I just called the hospital to double check and they said it was perfectly safe. Sounds risky. Also, can you use the Lantus pens for 1.5 units. The pharmacist is going to check as she said probably not. Also, anyone use Zyrtec with their sugar/asthma babies? Thanks

 

[BJM]

Tell the pharmacy you will be using an insulin syringe to withdraw the insulin, not the pen needle. You'll be treating the pen like a mini-vial.

Terbutilin not a steroid, so minimal BG worries from that. You treat the asthma and adjust the insulin if needed. It may slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure. It may be combined with oral or inhaled steroids and those may increase BG.

See Fritz The Brave for an awesome website on feline asthma

 

[Katlyn]

Hi. So that is how u use pens? You all do not use the pen needles then? Darn it. I was hoping to eliminate the needle. I have researched on FritztheBrave. She is on Albuterol Inhaler plus the Flovent Inhaler. I do not do at home testing so I cannot adjust the insulin myself. She has a Fructo curve coming up soon. I am concerned about the same thing u stated.. That combined with the albuterol inhaler it can raise BG levels. Even drugs.com said this. The hospital is acting like it is no big deal. So do I understand this right? The Terb by itself raises BG less than if it is combined with the inhaler. I wish the ER doc had told me about the BG effect. Her IM specialist never called me back and I filed a complaint with the hospital liason. I have a specialist to answer all my questions... Too bad she does not return calls. The ER doc also prescribed a cough medicine that has corn starch in it. They wanted me to give these both to her and never alerted me to monitor her more closely for increased BG?

 

[BJM]

I saw you started to do the home testing, then quit. You may find it helpful to begin a training program where you reward small steps towards her allowing testing. Start by rewarding her for coming where you are going to test. Then allowing you to touch her ears, and so on.

While you are working towards being able to blood test, please see my signature link on Secondary Monitoring Tools for supplemental methods for monitoring you cat's health.

 

[Katlyn]

I would not say quit... Rather taking a break. She had a rough week last week with coughing fits and not eating. Also, an abrasion and being revved up on an appetite stimulant. kitten is now getting used to her insulin shots. She has stopped the growling and jumping and now I can shoot her by myself. I really wanted to focus on her shooting routine to calm her. I am increasing her flovent puffs which will help the most with the coughing. I am going to work on controlling her coughing because It is exhausting and painful for her but so I can get some ear pricks. My hubby and I drew blood twice, but had to let her go. I am going to try the warming the ear but she hates her ears touched, always has. Not enough blood comes out and her eats feel warm already. Our other cat bleeds a perfect size droplet. He is not diabetic. But, his BS read 40.. Seemed low but I guess its normal. Thank you so much for your replies and I will read your link now

 

[Lisa and Merlyn (GA)]

You have gotten good advice already but I just wanted to add that almost EVERY med on the planet has warnings for humans to check with their doctor -if diabetic that it might raise bgs. I think some Might? But its more of a CYA (cover your ass) warning so that people are aware in case it does.

Carlys diabetic in remission and shes been on flovent inhaled and shes still in remission. The terbutaline (prior to the flovent) didnt raise them either. Of course Every cat is different..