New Member asking for help again with Dosing Kitty Boy
- Thread starter Hresko
- Start date
For context, here is the link to your last post here: https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-member-asking-for-help-with-dosing.240865/
Did you ever get a chance to talk to your vet about testing for the secondary conditions (acromegaly and insulin auto antibodies) that could be the reason your cat needs a larger dose? There are treatments for acromegaly if that is what he has.
As far as dosing goes, I would now switch to 1 unit increases. Another thing you may want to watch for, is if the Lantus seems to be stinging Kitty Boy. Lantus has an acid base that can sting some cats at higher doses. Look for signs of grumpiness at the shot, walking away. Levemir is a good solution if that is the case. It has a similar action to Lantus, with the onset and nadir being a couple hours later.
Did you ever get a chance to talk to your vet about testing for the secondary conditions (acromegaly and insulin auto antibodies) that could be the reason your cat needs a larger dose? There are treatments for acromegaly if that is what he has.
As far as dosing goes, I would now switch to 1 unit increases. Another thing you may want to watch for, is if the Lantus seems to be stinging Kitty Boy. Lantus has an acid base that can sting some cats at higher doses. Look for signs of grumpiness at the shot, walking away. Levemir is a good solution if that is the case. It has a similar action to Lantus, with the onset and nadir being a couple hours later.
Hresko
Member Since 2020
Thank you Wendy and Neko for your reply and for including the link I wasn't sure how to pull that up again so I appreciate that. I have not spoken yet to the vet about the testing. I will be doing this in the next few weeks. I will increase his dosage by 1 unit and see what happens as well as look out for signs that the Lantus is stinging him. Thank you again I so appreciate all of your help!!!
Hresko
Member Since 2020
I have a few questions concerning your response:
You mentioned two conditions acromegaly and IAA insulin auto antibodies. Can acromegaly and IAA be diagnosed by a blood test? If so is Michigan State University the only place that does these two tests? Do you have a ballpark idea of the cost and what is the treatment if he does have either of these? I appreciate your help!
I agree with Sienne, I think your kitty may have a secondary condition that is causing insulin resistance. For kitties who have either acromegaly - caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary that causes excess growth hormone to be produced, or IAA (insulin auto antibodies), sort of like an allergic reaction to injected insulin, these kitties can need higher doses of insulin than most others. My girl had both conditions. The good news is that for cats for one or other of these conditions, there is eventually an insulin dose that takes the cat into normal blood sugar numbers. We have a number of cats around there with those conditions that are fairly well regulated. Depending on which literature you read either 20 or 25% of all diabetic cats has acromegaly, so it's not uncommon. Though vets used to be taught it was rare, recent research proves otherwise.
You might want to start the conversation with your vet about getting blood tests done for these conditions. In North America, blood for these tests is sent to Michigan State University, the only place that does these tests here. Depending on the results of these tests, there may be some treatment options to help Kitty Boy.
Yes, both tests are blood tests. The only other place I know in the world that does the acromegaly testing is the Royal Veterinary Clinic in England. Part of the cost is shipping the blood, so depends how far away you are. Total costs should be under $200. But some vets charge more.
Treatments vary from surgery to radiation therapy to medical drugs. What you chose depends on location and what you can afford. Surgery is only offered in limited places, radiation somewhat more places.
Treatments vary from surgery to radiation therapy to medical drugs. What you chose depends on location and what you can afford. Surgery is only offered in limited places, radiation somewhat more places.