RenaRF
Member Since 2011
Ok. So I DO have experience with FD. My sweet Clide (God rest his soul - lost him to cancer on 3/5/13) was a diet-controlled diabetic. I home tested, so I know how to do that.
I do a lot of senior and special needs cat rescue. I got a call from the manager of a pet boarding facility. A kitty boarded with them fell ill during boarding and, per the boarding agreement, was taken to the vet (this was last Sunday). Vet diagnoses FD, BGs around 600 (!!). The boarding facility manager called the owner, who clearly stated she would not be treating for diabetes and would take kitty to the shelter. Boarding manager called me for help. Boarding manager also bought insulin out of his own pocket for this kitty so that he could be treated at the vet's.
Kitty is about 7 years and 7 months old, black tabby, very handsome and very friendly. Fixed. UTD on shots. He's 13lbs. right now, and could frankly use some additional weight to be at an ideal weight (1/2 to 1lb would be great). Vet has been trying to get him regulated. He is on a wet only diet (big change from what he was getting) and he's getting Lantus insulin. I am not clear right now on the amount. He's staying at the boarding facility and seeing the vet for his insulin on my dime - I'm going to give him a few more days for them to try to get him regulated. He's been bouncing all over the place, apparently - 600 one moment then nice and comfy at 120 but shooting up in the hours post-shot to 250-ish. Bouncy.
I've never given insulin. I've given SubQ fluids, though, so I do understand tenting. I've read all through the website and I am supposed to give the insulin shot in the abdominal region? Is that a requirement? Can it be given elsewhere, like in the "saddle" region? What gauge needle is appropriate?
I don't understand the spreadsheets everyone uses or how and when to test and use them to ensure a safe insulin dose. Can anyone walk me through it very simply? For example - do I test before he eats? After he eats? Both? What do I do if he's very high before eating and before a shot?
Are there cheaper sources to obtain insulin than from the vet?
It is very highly likely I will bring him home this coming weekend. He'll be separated from my other cats initially for everyone's comfort, and I will be feeding any of the numerous commercially available low carb high whole protein wet foods, which raises a separate concern. He's currently being given prescription wet - I don't know which one just yet. But if it's Hill's it has 14% calories from carbs. if Purina, it has 3% calories from carbs. I tend towards the Merrick low glycemic products, which seem to be between 5-10% calories from carbs. Do I need to be worried about changing him when I get him home, or should I continue the prescription food and make a slow change? Any advice on how to safely make a slow change?
This cat is a SWEET cat. I'm so thankful he won't end up at a shelter. But I have no clue what to do on the insulin front and need help fast!! Thank in advance!!
I do a lot of senior and special needs cat rescue. I got a call from the manager of a pet boarding facility. A kitty boarded with them fell ill during boarding and, per the boarding agreement, was taken to the vet (this was last Sunday). Vet diagnoses FD, BGs around 600 (!!). The boarding facility manager called the owner, who clearly stated she would not be treating for diabetes and would take kitty to the shelter. Boarding manager called me for help. Boarding manager also bought insulin out of his own pocket for this kitty so that he could be treated at the vet's.
Kitty is about 7 years and 7 months old, black tabby, very handsome and very friendly. Fixed. UTD on shots. He's 13lbs. right now, and could frankly use some additional weight to be at an ideal weight (1/2 to 1lb would be great). Vet has been trying to get him regulated. He is on a wet only diet (big change from what he was getting) and he's getting Lantus insulin. I am not clear right now on the amount. He's staying at the boarding facility and seeing the vet for his insulin on my dime - I'm going to give him a few more days for them to try to get him regulated. He's been bouncing all over the place, apparently - 600 one moment then nice and comfy at 120 but shooting up in the hours post-shot to 250-ish. Bouncy.
I've never given insulin. I've given SubQ fluids, though, so I do understand tenting. I've read all through the website and I am supposed to give the insulin shot in the abdominal region? Is that a requirement? Can it be given elsewhere, like in the "saddle" region? What gauge needle is appropriate?
I don't understand the spreadsheets everyone uses or how and when to test and use them to ensure a safe insulin dose. Can anyone walk me through it very simply? For example - do I test before he eats? After he eats? Both? What do I do if he's very high before eating and before a shot?
Are there cheaper sources to obtain insulin than from the vet?
It is very highly likely I will bring him home this coming weekend. He'll be separated from my other cats initially for everyone's comfort, and I will be feeding any of the numerous commercially available low carb high whole protein wet foods, which raises a separate concern. He's currently being given prescription wet - I don't know which one just yet. But if it's Hill's it has 14% calories from carbs. if Purina, it has 3% calories from carbs. I tend towards the Merrick low glycemic products, which seem to be between 5-10% calories from carbs. Do I need to be worried about changing him when I get him home, or should I continue the prescription food and make a slow change? Any advice on how to safely make a slow change?
This cat is a SWEET cat. I'm so thankful he won't end up at a shelter. But I have no clue what to do on the insulin front and need help fast!! Thank in advance!!
