MILO Update plus questions as we are back on insulin

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milosmommy

Member Since 2009
I took the 911 off the thread from this morning and since this was long thought I'd start a new thread.

We are now back on insulin to start. Vetsulin 1 unit twice daily.
The blood work showed everything was good kidney, etc wise. There were slight ketones in urine and his glucose tested 400 there. I had checked at home before we went and got 221. He was very stressed there.
I honestly thought I was losing him this morning. When we first got to the vet they weighed him and he just layed on his side on the scale and closed his eyes. Milo drank there and used box. Xray of back showed everything was fine. No problems.

The vet spend 1.5 hours with us and was great. He said he believed the diabetes was coming back and he wanted to start on insulin now. He gave Milo a shot while we were there. Milo also got pain pills he is taking for 3 days. The vet believed the pain could be from the diabetes. Milo is walking much better and when we came home he walked up the stairs, ate, used box, drank and is now lounging in the dining room.

We go for a recheck in 2 weeks BUT if no improvment noticed by Monday we are to get him back in.

So we had been OTJ for 5 years. Last time we were on Prozinc. He put us on Vetsulin as he was out of Prozinc. He said we could switch insulin. Is there one that is better than another? I know there are so many different kinds.
We are using a U40 syringe which is what Vetsulin calls for. I came home with 4 and a prescription to get more- is there a cheap place to buy them?

The Vetsulin was about $60. Is that a normal price or is there a cheaper place to get?

I know to check level before injecting. Since we are just starting should I check before each injection? I honestly can't remember if I should inject then feed or vice versa?

Of course they recommended but did not push the Alpha Trak meter. I do have one I bought years ago BUT quit using and was using the Freestyle light. I have had that meter about 4 years. When Milo was having issues recently someone said they thought there had been concerns about the testing on the Freestyle. I tried to read up but it seems there are so many views on meters. I did purchase a new one last week and got the Walgreens Tru 2go meter. It seems to show about the same numbers as the Freestyle. Is there a better monitor to use? I saw have read some of the posted links at the top but sometimes just asking seems better.

I appreciate any help and guidance. I feel much better going into this than last time. We have been on low carb FF for years but have given some human food. Now we are going to be strict low carb wet food only. I did see and have been giving the Blue Wilderness grain free canned which if I am reading correct is lower carb than the FF wet on "the list' or am I totally reading wrong. My brain has been off the feline diabetes for a time so I apologize for all the quesitons.
 
Sorry to hit you with questions instead of answers but I'll come back later.

You said they gave him a shot? What was it?
And the pain meds....what, and what dose?

I saw your other post earlier and my thinking was "pancreatitis" which would fit the symptoms as I read them.
 
Gave him a shot of Vetsulin. One unit about 10AM my time. I did find a thread and just got done reading it about Vetsulin and how it can be harsh. That it 'wears off' after about 8 hours and you can get high pre-injection reading because of this. I am going to check Milo about 3 hours after this initial shot (which will be about 1PM). Then will check before shot today. Thankfully I am not working so I can get good readings at various times after the shots. If I am not comfortable I know the vet will switch the insulin and I am willing to pay more for it if needed.

The pain med is Onsior 6mg per tablet. He had 3 tablets and takes one per day for 3 days and took one today.

I was surprised as I came upstairs to get on computer and Milo was downstairs. I just went down to get info about pain med information and found him in the hall waiting for me.

Thanks again for assisting me. It is overwhelming and I appreciate it
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Vetsulin is not a good insulin for cats. It was designed for dogs. It does not last long enough for cats.
ProZinc is a lot better.


After I read that thread when I searched Vetsulin on these boards I agree. I did ask vet about Prozinc but they were out until Monday and he wanted Milo on insulin right away. As I said I will closely monitor. I need to go back and get my presctiption which I found I left for syringes. I am going to ask if I can pick up the Prozinc on Monday. I don't care about the cost. I want him to get the best so he can get better.
 
So sorry to hear that.

The 2 meters you have been using seem notorious for lower readings in cats.

Since it seemed like Milo was eating normally and then suddenly worsened, you should definitely keep monitoring the ketones.
 
What is the best meter to be using to get an accurate reading? MI'll has eaten twice since returning home. I will read up more about the ketones as that is new area.
 
Thanks Larry and Kitties!

I need to head out so I will go by Walmart and pick one up.
The vet just called and are mailing my prescription for syringes to me. I discussed the ProZinc and they are going to let me know as soon as it comes in. Said it was no problem switching.
Milo just ate and before he did that I took a +4 reading and it was 144 on my Freestyle light. I will do one later with the new meter after his PM injection (will test before and then maybe do a +3 or +4 depending on how late it is).
I know I need to get my spreadsheet started again (right now just writing on paper).

Thanks again for helping and answering questions ...
 
BJM said:
Did you find this Caninsulin/Vetsulin Guide? (Just checking)

No I hadn't seen that and really appreciate your linking it for me. I read last night.

Today
I fed Milo about 5am. Prior I checked his glucose and it was 203. I gave him shot at 545. He had a little more to eat at 630am.
He ate well and is moving better. I was happy with 203 as 10 hours after shot. I gave a little early as I want 6am and 6pm which works well on our normal schedule. Will keep him on that schedule during Christmas break too.

I want to thank everyone again for being here. Being out of remission is a huge change and everyone here is so supportive and helpful.
 
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