I'm new here, and I'm starting to lose hope! Murphy was diagnosed 3 months ago after rapid weight loss and lots of urination and drinking. When he was diagnosed his sugars were 397, and they remained in the high 300s for the first month on fancy feast and 2 units of vetsulin. The second month, we moved to 3 units with no change. The vet then suggested that we move to 4 units, and he's in the high 200s for the first time. We were told our goal number was 150. I feel like I'm doing everything I should be, and I asked about prozinc rather than vetsulin, but the vet wants him to stay on vetsulin and get him regulated. I test with a alphatrak2 during the day at different times. Am I doing something wrong here? Suggestions? Murphy is 7 years old and had previously experienced hepatic lipidosis after a month long escape in the wild with no food. This guy can't catch a break.
Murphy needs help
- Thread starter Misty_R
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Sharon14
Member Since 2015
Hi Misty, welcome to you and Murphy. Don't lose hope! While Vetsulin isn't considered to be the best insulin, many people have had success with it. Since you are home testing, if you set up a spreadsheet it will help you, your vet and us to see exactly what's going on and thus be better able to help you. We always test before we shoot insulin and then get as many mid cycle tests as you can. That way we can see how well and how long the insulin works. If you have trouble setting it up, just ask and someone will help.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
Sue and Oliver (GA)
Member Since 2009
The insulin could be the problem (some cats are difficult to regulate with Vetsulin) or the doses could be. We generally suggest increasing by .25 or .5 instead of whole units, so a good dose isn't skipped.
Can you give us some ideas of his numbers? The preshot numbers are important but midcycle numbers show you how low the insulin takes him. With Vetsulin, that low (nadir) can be anywhere from 3-6 hours after the shot. So getting a curve (numbers every 2-3 hours) on a given day can give you really good info.
As Sharon says, your data on a spreadsheet will help you and us see patterns and trends and help us give advice.
You have the right to get the insulin that you think will work best for your kitty. Are there any other vets in your town?
Can you give us some ideas of his numbers? The preshot numbers are important but midcycle numbers show you how low the insulin takes him. With Vetsulin, that low (nadir) can be anywhere from 3-6 hours after the shot. So getting a curve (numbers every 2-3 hours) on a given day can give you really good info.
As Sharon says, your data on a spreadsheet will help you and us see patterns and trends and help us give advice.
You have the right to get the insulin that you think will work best for your kitty. Are there any other vets in your town?
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