Murphy 9/24/10 - Question in Lantus Injections

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msmurphy2010

msmurphy2010

Member Since 2010
I noticed last night that Murphy has these little black scabs on the scruff of her neck. I am wondering if anyone has ever noticed this possibly say, after giving the injection of insulin after a few days. Could the bruising from the needle then cause a scab? The only other thing I can think of is that the d. cati is actually starting to take host in other places. Mostly I see it on the scruff of her neck.

Ideas?

I'll write back in a little while after I get her glucose. Lisa
 
Do you notice any similar scabbing or bruising on Murphy's ear where you test? If he tends to bleed easily, it may be from the injection. There's something nagging at the back of my brain that some others have had this experience but I don't want to say that for certain.
 
No, Murphy doesn't have any spots like this on her ears or behind her ears. Oh, just so you all know, Murphy is a "she!" :) Everyone mistakes her for a him, but she's a little doll baby!! :)

I first wondered about this when I brought her home from the hospital 3 weeks ago. She had a large scab on the back of her neck, and I thought it might have been from the IV fluids. I'll have her vet look at it tomorrow when we go in for her f/u appointment AGAIN!!

She's still in the mid-200s! This is soooo frustrating. Does it even out? Once I get her on the high protein/low carb diet, does it start to get a little lower?

Lisa
 
Is dry food still in the picture? If so, then the answer is "Yes."

I'm not sure what your weekday schedule is, but if there's any way to work spot checks in during the day would be helpful. If there's any way you can get more checks during the PM cycle? Many cats run lower numbers at night so getting spot checks during the PM cycle is important. While I suspect that a dose increase is needed, it's hard to know what the mid-cycle numbers look like right now. Will you be able to get even a mini-curve (i.e., a test every 3 hours) today?

(Sorry for having mistaken Murphy for a "he.")
 
So, you are saying that dry food is causing the increases? What about the cause of the bruising / scabbing? I'm confused and was questioning why she would get bruises and then do they scab over? On the wet food, what am I supposed to do during the day - doesn't she have to have food during the day? I'm not home and the only thing I could do is leave out the frozen cupcake idea for her during the day.

Yes, after we see the vet this a.m., I intend on doing a curve today every 3-4 hours or so. She's in the mid-200s right now for the most part, not many 300s which is good. No more frosty paws, but she still seems hungry.

It's going to be close to 100 degrees in S.C. today, so I'm staying indoors and watching movies and Murphy today!!!

Lisa
 
Dry food, even the lower carb food, seems to have an impact on BG numbers. You might want to take a look at this site on feline nutrition. It's written by a vet and it has a very compelling discussion of the impact of dry food on a cat's metabolism.

Making "catsickles" is one way to handle leaving food out during the day. When I did that, I was freezing food in ice cube trays vs. cupcake size. I've started using a timed feeder, instead. Gabby would lick the catsickles when they were frozen vs. waiting for them to thaw. The feeder makes it easier to make sure when food is being "delivered." I use the feeder to make sure there's food when I'm at work and also for an overnight, +8 snack.

There are several choices for feeders. Some are programmable and have 5 compartments. I didn't have much luck with this kind but others have. (The motor went on 2 different feeders.) Or ones that have 2 compartments and the timing mechanism is much less complex. Some varieties of the 2 compartment one have a space for an ice pack. I've never felt the need to keep the food cold. I add water to my kitties food and the water keeps the food in the feeder fresh.

I don't know what the cause of the bruising and scabbing is. Is there any chance of fleas? With all that you're trying to manage medically with Murphy, I think your vet may be the best resource to explain the scabs.

Murphy will be hungry until she's better regulated. It's the nature of the diabetes.
 
We've already ordered her new wet food from Merrick, but it had to be something that Oscie, my struvite boy could eat as well, and I know they are going to love it. I hope it arrives today! No, now way she could have fleas! They've never been outside, and I've never had flees in my home. It could be just scabbing from the injections.
 
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