Milo not really responding to Vetsulin need help

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milosmommy

milosmommy

Member Since 2009
Just rediagnosed after 5 years otj. On Wednesday at vet level 400. Has been on one unit Vetsulin twice daily. Preshot numbers average 300. I've done +5 +3 and +8 with averages 240 or slightly higher. I plan on spreadsheet today.
I'm just not seeing a major change. Previously on prozinc but vet ouy of and getting next week. He has no issue with me switching. So should I be seeing a better result with vetsulin . I know it is shorter acting.
I have neighbor whose cat uses prozinc. I was considering seeing if we could use until my vet gets in. Would you do this or stick with vetsulin. I want best for him to get improvement.

Is Lantus one that would be better?

He is eating well but still just not himself.
 
Vetsulin is a short acting insulin and usually does not work well for cats. Lantus, Levemir, Prozinc and PZI are longer acting insulins. Lantus and Levemir are human insulins. Your vet will need to give you a prescription for these to fill at your pharmacy. If your vet prescribes either one of these, ask for a prescriptions for the pens instead of vials. The pens are smaller containers, but you get 5 pens in a package. You should be able to use almost every drop before the insulin becomes ineffective. That is the issue with vials, they become ineffective long before you will use it all and you end up throwing away a lot of insulin. Also check the manufacturer's websites, they usually have discounts for the pens.

PZI & Prozinc are pet insulins that you will get through your vet.

All of these work well in cats.
 
Thanks Lisa.
was going to call vet to do prescription for prozinc
I saw my Meijer has for 129 which is cheaper than vet by 20
I'm hoping they have in stock. Was going to call there prior to vet so he knows they have etc.
I like what I read about Lantus but cost is so high but if that is better I would buy.
Idk if my vet who I really know does well had Lantus experience.
Am I being unrealistic expecting better results
 
Does the $129 include shipping? Overnight shipping is required and that can cost at least $20.
Also, each 10 ml vial of ProZinc only included 400 units of insulin while a 10 ml vial of Lantus contains 1000 ml. Y have to take that into account when comparing cost. Also, most of use purchase the 5 pack of 3 ml pens of Lantus since usually you can use up the whole pen before the Lantus loses effectiveness.
 
There's a saying here that the best insulin is the one that works for your cat. It might depend on your schedule. The advantage with PZI is that it is more forgiving in terms of dosing and 12/12 schedule. Both Lantus and Levemir work well in cats; if you can stick to a tighter schedule, I think I might try one of them. It is a guessing game which might work best and you don't know till you try. (unfortunately)

Generally, in my experience, I have seen in cats coming back on the juice, it can be harder to get them in remission again. I do think your numbers on Vetsulin are not unusual, especially as it has only been a short time. I would guess they will come down, at least some. That said, as you know, Vetsulin is not ideal and I think your plan to switch to a longer lasting insulin is definitely wise. Which one? Go with your gut or your schedule. :mrgreen:
 
Hidey's numbers just kept going up and up when he was on vetsulin, once I switched him to Prozinc his numbers started to lower and went OTJ in a month. I loved the flexibility of Prozinc.
 
Thanks for the replies. I phoned my vet and am waiting to hear back. I am going to discuss both Lantus and Prozinc with him (there are 2 men vets in the practice who are wonderful--the younger one very open to trying 'new' things last time Milo on insulin BUT the older one said he'd switch him if I wanted on Wednesday).
I called Meijer which is a local grocery here in midwest. Online it stated they carried pet meds and PROZINC was on that list. Even if I had to wait for it to be ordered I'd do that but of course they don't carry and can't order. IDK why it listed but I don't know how old that list was.
Vet said they'd get in early next week which makes me think I will just use my neighbors to get him off this Vetsulin after talking with my vet.
I also in the back of my mind wondered if another vet would sell a vial if I took a prescription from my vet...I live in a small town and thought maybe they would but I was afraid to call one and ask. Might ask my vet if he knows of one that would.
I just want Milo off Vetsuliin ASAP. I have spent a long time reading how it is not the one for cats, etc. Even the new released one. At 6AM when I gave Milo his shot I thought about going to neighbors to get Prozinc...I'm taking care of dog during the day so I can just go in and get and she wouldn't care at all but I decided to wait.
Our +2 this morning was 274 which is not down much.
Last time we were on Prozinc and had great results. I do need to pull up his old spreadsheets and start new ones later today.
I learned last time here that sometimes you need to trust people here and go with your gut...I know that is how we got OTJ then and we want to go OTJ now. With no improvement in numbers (but his behavior is better and no pain like on Wednesday) I just want to get numbers down and get my kitty back. He is still eating great and moving well.
Thanks again for everything. You are all great and I will update this thread after I talk to my vet. I have to run errands later and I will forward my home phone to my cell so I make sure I don't miss his call.

Meredith and Milo
 
Don't know if this will be cheaper for you with the shipping added but once you have the script Dr. Fosters and Smith does carry ProZinc and I've always had very good luck with their shipping in the past for other stuff that I have ordered from them when I still had my horses and was giving my own vaccinations.

Mel and The Fur Gang
 
Gave Milo shot at 6PM. Took +2.5 reading. 336 prior to shot. 215 at +2.5 reading. I gave 1 unit rather than 2 units. I can tell he feels better. Up more and his meow is working. Will set feeder for 530 am and test and give shot at 6am.
Will reorder from that site when we need to reorder.
Thanks again
 
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