Hi everyone. I am new to this site and would like some help, please!! My cat Jimmy was recently diagnosed with diabeties and immediately put on a fast acting insulin. He stayed the night at the vet and came home the next day with a perscription of 2 units of Lantus every 12 hours. His food was also changed. He's doing better. He had 1 ketone and a reading of 325. The help I need is how to pain free giive him his injection and can I possibly wean him off the insulin? I just ordered diaionex- not spelled right. And are there any "secret" tips to giving the injections? or maybe a topical anesthetic- orajel or something? I've watched videos but still seem to make him very unhappy with these needles. Thanks
new diabeties diagnosis
- Thread starter cali
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Anonymous
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Hi there,
All things are possible with the right tools.
First, can you give us yours and kitties names?
Next you will need to learn to test your kitties blood sugar at home.
We ALL do it. You can too.
We even offer newbie kits that have everything you need to test asap.
And tell us please, exactly what food are you feeding.
Lori
All things are possible with the right tools.
First, can you give us yours and kitties names?
Next you will need to learn to test your kitties blood sugar at home.
We ALL do it. You can too.
We even offer newbie kits that have everything you need to test asap.
And tell us please, exactly what food are you feeding.
Lori
A
Anonymous
Guest
Celeste, that is a dry kibble food is'nt it? given to you by the vet?
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
Hi Celeste (and Jimmy!),
The reason Lori asked about food - and if it was dry food - is that one of the most important things when dealing with diabetes is to make sure Jimmy is eating a low-carb canned food. Purina DM is really not that bad in those terms. There is a list called "Binky's List" which you can find if you read the FDMB FAQ thread.
You want a food that is less than 10% at most carbs. Purina DM is on the list, and it says "7%" carbs. Many people here use Fancy Feast classics and Friskees pates. There are lots of other choices on the list that are good as well. Most are easily available from the grocery store.
The other 2 things that are highly recommended is that you home test for Jimmy's blood glucose and inject the insulin yourself at home. Looks like the vet already has you shooting insulin. Did he mention home testing too? You can get a glucose meter for as little as 10 dollars at wal-mart, and test strips ($20 for 50 strips) that will enable you to do his BG testing in a stress free setting at home.
Shots can be virtually pain free for Jimmy. Every cat is freaked out at first, because all of a sudden the person(s) they love and trust most in the world are sticking them with sharp things! Trust me, it gets easier every time you do it, and soon he'll actually look forward to tests and shots. One key is "TREATS". Low-carb, good for him treats that he gets every time you test him or shoot him. Most kitties will associate the tests/shots with feeling better after not-too-long a time frame, and will come to you rather than you having to catch them.
Do you know what gauge needle the vet sent you home with? The package should say something like "29g, 1/2 inch, U100" on it. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the needle diameter (sounds backwards). If you are using Lantus, then I believe you are using u100 syringes?
The injections are really easy to do once you've done a few. There are Youtube videos that show how to do that, and how to get blood for the BG tests. I don't have the links handy but someone will soon. Where did the vet show you to inject the needle? There are various spots that can work with sub-q injections, some more sensitive than others.
I can say for sure that you have found one of the best places in the world to learn about and deal with feline diabetes. This site is awesome, and the people here are amazing. Someone is here to answer any question you have around the clock. The advice and knowledge I've gotten here helped save my sugarcats life!
Welcome to the dance,
Carl in SC
The reason Lori asked about food - and if it was dry food - is that one of the most important things when dealing with diabetes is to make sure Jimmy is eating a low-carb canned food. Purina DM is really not that bad in those terms. There is a list called "Binky's List" which you can find if you read the FDMB FAQ thread.
You want a food that is less than 10% at most carbs. Purina DM is on the list, and it says "7%" carbs. Many people here use Fancy Feast classics and Friskees pates. There are lots of other choices on the list that are good as well. Most are easily available from the grocery store.
The other 2 things that are highly recommended is that you home test for Jimmy's blood glucose and inject the insulin yourself at home. Looks like the vet already has you shooting insulin. Did he mention home testing too? You can get a glucose meter for as little as 10 dollars at wal-mart, and test strips ($20 for 50 strips) that will enable you to do his BG testing in a stress free setting at home.
Shots can be virtually pain free for Jimmy. Every cat is freaked out at first, because all of a sudden the person(s) they love and trust most in the world are sticking them with sharp things! Trust me, it gets easier every time you do it, and soon he'll actually look forward to tests and shots. One key is "TREATS". Low-carb, good for him treats that he gets every time you test him or shoot him. Most kitties will associate the tests/shots with feeling better after not-too-long a time frame, and will come to you rather than you having to catch them.
Do you know what gauge needle the vet sent you home with? The package should say something like "29g, 1/2 inch, U100" on it. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the needle diameter (sounds backwards). If you are using Lantus, then I believe you are using u100 syringes?
The injections are really easy to do once you've done a few. There are Youtube videos that show how to do that, and how to get blood for the BG tests. I don't have the links handy but someone will soon. Where did the vet show you to inject the needle? There are various spots that can work with sub-q injections, some more sensitive than others.
I can say for sure that you have found one of the best places in the world to learn about and deal with feline diabetes. This site is awesome, and the people here are amazing. Someone is here to answer any question you have around the clock. The advice and knowledge I've gotten here helped save my sugarcats life!
Welcome to the dance,
Carl in SC
Thank you so much for the welcome and advice. 'Treats" is the key I've been missing. Can you suggest any? easily available? The scruff of the neck is where I was shown, he just HATES it. Do you know of an ointment or some kind of topical numbing solution, or something? and are you familiar with diaonex?- again not spelled completely right. I would like to get him off the insulin as soon as possible ( I'm sure we all do)
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
I am not familiar with diaonex. Is it an oral med that is supposed to take the place of insulin?
Treats - do you have a petsmart anywhere close by? They have a section of low carb cat treats, including one I use. It is made by beefeaters, and they are tubs of freeze-dried shrimp, salmon or turkey maybe? My Bob is a huge fan of shrimp.
You can also use real shrimp (boiled). The best treats are meat rather than vegetable based. Most store brand cat treats are veggie/grain based, and are higher in carbs.
Another thing you want to avoid if at all possible is any kind of dry kibble cat food. High carbs.
small pieces of turkey, chicken, lean beef. I think all of those (as long as they are just plain, no seasoning) can be used for treats as well.
Wellness (also from petsmart) sells low carb meat treats.
I learned to shoot Bob in the scruff too, but didn't have trouble from him about it. I just scruffed him with my left hand, used my forefinger and thumb to make a little tent, and stuck the needle into the tented skin/fur. As long as you make sure the syringe is parallel to the body, so you won't hit any resistance other than the skin going in, it shouldn't hurt much. One thing that may cause discomfort is if the insulin is cold. After you draw up the insulin into the syringe, try gently rolling it in your hands to warm it up a little before shooting. Some people actually shoot while kitty is eating and is distracted with that, and the kitty doesn't even notice the shot.
I never had to "numb" Bob, so I'm not sure how to go about that. I think you want the area where you're shooting to stay dry an not have any ointment there, because after you shoot, you should rub that spot a bit to make sure the insulin actually went inside. If it's wet after shooting, that means you had a "fur shot" and not all the insulin made it into Jimmy. In that case you would never "try again", because you wouldn't know how much went in or didn't go in. But it would affect how effective the dose was over the next 12 hours.
I fully understand your feeling of being overwhelmed. There isn't a person here who hasn't felt just like you do right now. But all of us got past that stage, and everyone will tell you this (and it's 100% true)... this will get easier, and Jimmy will get better. It may take a while. While some cats can improve rapidly, some take a long time. You'll hear this a lot too - ECID. Every Cat Is Different. You can do this. We all can help. There will be more folks along to welcome and advise you. You just picked a "slow" part of the day to start your journey!
Keep you chin up. And take deep breaths.
Carl in SC
Treats - do you have a petsmart anywhere close by? They have a section of low carb cat treats, including one I use. It is made by beefeaters, and they are tubs of freeze-dried shrimp, salmon or turkey maybe? My Bob is a huge fan of shrimp.
You can also use real shrimp (boiled). The best treats are meat rather than vegetable based. Most store brand cat treats are veggie/grain based, and are higher in carbs.
Another thing you want to avoid if at all possible is any kind of dry kibble cat food. High carbs.
small pieces of turkey, chicken, lean beef. I think all of those (as long as they are just plain, no seasoning) can be used for treats as well.
Wellness (also from petsmart) sells low carb meat treats.
I learned to shoot Bob in the scruff too, but didn't have trouble from him about it. I just scruffed him with my left hand, used my forefinger and thumb to make a little tent, and stuck the needle into the tented skin/fur. As long as you make sure the syringe is parallel to the body, so you won't hit any resistance other than the skin going in, it shouldn't hurt much. One thing that may cause discomfort is if the insulin is cold. After you draw up the insulin into the syringe, try gently rolling it in your hands to warm it up a little before shooting. Some people actually shoot while kitty is eating and is distracted with that, and the kitty doesn't even notice the shot.
I never had to "numb" Bob, so I'm not sure how to go about that. I think you want the area where you're shooting to stay dry an not have any ointment there, because after you shoot, you should rub that spot a bit to make sure the insulin actually went inside. If it's wet after shooting, that means you had a "fur shot" and not all the insulin made it into Jimmy. In that case you would never "try again", because you wouldn't know how much went in or didn't go in. But it would affect how effective the dose was over the next 12 hours.
I fully understand your feeling of being overwhelmed. There isn't a person here who hasn't felt just like you do right now. But all of us got past that stage, and everyone will tell you this (and it's 100% true)... this will get easier, and Jimmy will get better. It may take a while. While some cats can improve rapidly, some take a long time. You'll hear this a lot too - ECID. Every Cat Is Different. You can do this. We all can help. There will be more folks along to welcome and advise you. You just picked a "slow" part of the day to start your journey!
Keep you chin up. And take deep breaths.
Carl in SC
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
Celeste,
I think I found it. It's spelled Dianex I think.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 ... 0/abstract
There may be a few folks that post here that have heard of it.
Carl
I think I found it. It's spelled Dianex I think.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1 ... 0/abstract
There may be a few folks that post here that have heard of it.
Carl
Well, I just posted but didn't hit the submit. I'm glad you found it. It's not to take the place of insulin but rather to decrease the need for it so that eventually over time that need will subside. The Wellness brand that I've seen mentioned here offers something similar but I think the Dianex is better, maybe alcohol-free? From what I gather it's an herbal remedy that will help regulate the body. The name of the veterenarian is Dr. Char Wilson. I'm leaving the site for now, but once again thank you!!!!
Hi Celeste,
You came to the right place. When my 12 year ol cat Baby was diagnosed almost 3 years ago I was devestated and thought that it was the end of the world. But I learned all that I could about the disease and its treatment - and came across this site and found good advice here. There are also good videos on youtube which show to take blood samples and to give insulin shots. It is very important to take a blood glucose reading before you give your little Jimmy his insulin -because too high of a dose can send the cat into Hypoglocemia which can be fatal - so it is imperative to get the dose right. I was injecting for a year before I could get up the courage to take her blood - after she had three terrifying Hypo episodes I forced myself to do it. I was surprised how easy it became to extract the blood ( a tiny amount from the edge of her ear ), and after a short while Baby did not mind it at all and just sits on the table and looks forward to the treat I give her afterwards. Sometimes she gives a little "ouch" but does not seem to mind it too much. Good luck to you and Jimmy.
Daniel
You came to the right place. When my 12 year ol cat Baby was diagnosed almost 3 years ago I was devestated and thought that it was the end of the world. But I learned all that I could about the disease and its treatment - and came across this site and found good advice here. There are also good videos on youtube which show to take blood samples and to give insulin shots. It is very important to take a blood glucose reading before you give your little Jimmy his insulin -because too high of a dose can send the cat into Hypoglocemia which can be fatal - so it is imperative to get the dose right. I was injecting for a year before I could get up the courage to take her blood - after she had three terrifying Hypo episodes I forced myself to do it. I was surprised how easy it became to extract the blood ( a tiny amount from the edge of her ear ), and after a short while Baby did not mind it at all and just sits on the table and looks forward to the treat I give her afterwards. Sometimes she gives a little "ouch" but does not seem to mind it too much. Good luck to you and Jimmy.
Daniel
Lana & Yoyo
Active Member
Possible treats: Sardines, tiny canned shrimp, cheese. Right now I am using Beechnut baby food, Chicken, Turkey, & Beef. They are zero carbs. Do not use Gerber, it contains cornstarch.
Some of the older insulins are in suspensions and should be rolled between the hands. Lantus, however, is not a suspension and should never be rolled.
I feed twice per day at shot times. I give the treat after the blood test. I put out the food, let him start eating. While he is being distracted by the food, I give him his shot. He doesn't even notice.
Lana
carlinsc said:
Some of the older insulins are in suspensions and should be rolled between the hands. Lantus, however, is not a suspension and should never be rolled.
I feed twice per day at shot times. I give the treat after the blood test. I put out the food, let him start eating. While he is being distracted by the food, I give him his shot. He doesn't even notice.
Lana
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
Lana
thank you for pointing that out. I learn more with every post. Can she just hold it in her closed fist to warm it?
Carl
thank you for pointing that out. I learn more with every post. Can she just hold it in her closed fist to warm it?
Carl
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