Mid AM testing 59

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Mugsy went to the vet this morning. He's sill on Vetsulin because the Lantus hasn't come yet (it's due any day). I checked my meter against the vet reading while there - it's accurate. The vet reading was 59 and the meter was 53 a few minutes later. Poor cat - it took me 4 sticks again. We weighed him and he is down to 8.8 pounds from 11 from 16-18. Wish I could get some more weight on him - he's a big cat that has become a bonerack. I'm going to reduce his pm dose with numbers this low - I don't want him going lower. I will also test him again later to see how he's doing when he's under less stress. Right now I have mixed emotions with his weight and BG so low, Lantus on the way (does he really need it :? ), and except for weight how he has improved - playful, active, and eating well. I worry what other side effects he might suffer. :YMSIGH:
 
sally i'm afraid i don't understand your spread sheet. it appears you are not testing pre shot and you are shooting 5 units. you only test +3 or +4...am i missing something?
 
I wonder too if you could just stay with the Vetsulin; it seems to be working well and you are rapidly lowering the dosage. I will be interested in your number at home - it could be quite low which would translate into a lower dosage again. Or it could be that if you start with one unit of Lantus, that may work well too. Your call - one of those every cat is different things..... I wonder if your next batch of Vetsulin will work as well as this one since they are having quality control issues. I agree with Lori - especially now that you are seeing low numbers and reducing dosage, you need to be testing before each shot to make sure it is safe to give insulin. Your nadir numbers will help you determine dosage.

As far as weight, how much are you feeding Mugsy? I fed Oliver 2.5 cans of Fancy Feast while he was unregulated, and he was overweight. Maybe you could feed a little more?
 
To Lori and Sue - I just got the meter and am still learning to use it. Mugsy eats about 20 cans of Fancy Feast a week anytime he wants (except when I'm sleeping). I cannot get any more Vetsulin and the Lantus is in transit. I am lowering his shot tonight because I don't want his BG to drop lower but, I will start with one unit of Lantus when I get it. I had to rely on the vet for testing but, that's a 20 minute trip, $, shaving his good leg, and the needle which makes him very upset - each time it's worse - so, home testing will be unpleasant but, better. I hope this clears up your questions.
 
sally do you know about ear testing?
i'm sending a link k?
 
Is there any way/tips we can give you about hometesting?

What kind of meter/size of sample needed?
What size lancet?
Are you warming the ear?
Do you poke at a slat?
Do you use vaseline to help the blood bead up?
Are you sure poking in the right place?
Is it because he moves or is he pretty patient?

We all have our little secrets that might help. Or you may have tried them all.
 
I'm still on paw pad sticks and it doesn't matter what you touch - he doesn't like his ears, tail, or paws touched ever and he gets revenge when you persist displeasing him. I've gotten him used to not using his teeth to drag me out of bed (he's drawn blood doing that) because he wants food or out. He fights like mad - it took three of us at the vet's to test him after the vet got done. His revenge is persistent attacks to whatever he can reach on you with his teeth and if you slap him, its worse - only a spray bottle stops the attacks. I'm would do better at sticks and getting it on the strip if I could keep him from fighting so much. I'll win but, it's going to take time. He has gotten so that he tries to escape before I can give him his shot, even. The only thing that helps that is that I'm faster than him and will dig him out of anywhere he tries to hide. Treats are out of the question - he won't eat them. He likes Hartz malt flavored Hairball remedy, tapioca (which he can't have but, he would kill for), and people tuna water (which isn't a treat if he has it too often). He dislikes catnip; he's not happy with the canned food. Like I said...it's going to take time. He's actually a sweet, cowardly, loving cat in spite of how it sounds.
 
Read about it - haven't tried it. Hold him there but, the rest keeps moving.
 
The first time you might find a friend who will help you get the clothespins on? It is supposed to "paralyze" them - like when the mother cat picks up the kitties by the scruff of the neck.
 
I'm checking it out. Have also been reading about calming cats, cat hypnosis, etc. Think I have a strategy beside reminding him it's preferable to the vet (which is fresh in his memory). We'll see how I do tonight. :smile:
 
good luck sally. i really think it will get easier with time. as you master the art of 'the vampire'
 
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