New Member asking for help

[Hresko]

I did not give him insult on 12/7020 because I was trying to just get the nighttime reading that I didn't know about. I'm not sure what I fur shot is but I'm guess when you miss and inject into the fur? I lift up on his neck skin and give him the injection. The lantus pen is about one week old and was refrigerated until it was opened. You are correct that the insulin doesn't seem to be doing much for Kitty Boy in fact it seemed it did better on the lower amounts. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[Hresko]

I did not give him insulin in morning on 12/7 because I thought all that was needed was the nighttime reading I didn't know about previously. I entered in the missing information. I'm not sure what a fur shot is but I'm assuming it's when you miss the shot going in. That isn't an issue or I haven't done that in a long time. My Lantus pen is about one week old and was refrigerated once it was opened. I agree the insulin isn't doing much for Kitty Boy and it seemed he did better on the lower dose. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

 

[Hresko]

Evening numbers are in and how is it possible that his levels go up after a shot? Please advise I don't feel comfortable giving him a shot that is making his numbers go even higher. We are giving the shot correctly and the insulin is new. I am looking for direction of what dosage I can give him tomorrow morning because the 5 units is not helping. Thank you.

@Deb & Wink @Diane Tyler's Mom @SashaV @Wendy&Neko @tiffmaxee @Pookie

 

[Wendy&Neko]

The 0 recorded as units yesterday is showing up as lime green, which has another meaning on the spreadsheet (< 68). Better to do NS (no shot) or Skip as the units. What does the 0 mean at +6 yesterday? A "fur shot" when accidentally all the insulin doesn't go in, either because of technique or the cat squirming or walking away. You would smell insulin on his fur - it's quite a strong smell.

When you skipped yesterday, that drained the depot, meaning that you are not seeing the full effect of the 5 units dose today. I wouldn't worry about the slight rise tonight - both numbers are within the possible meter variance allowed by the manufacturers.

 

[Hresko]

Okay all ~ I have to stop now and share my frustration. I have spent hours trying to do everything the way I'm being asked so I can get some relief for my cat. I have different people telling me different things and it appears each time I make a correction, I'm told it's wrong. Examples: I am told I only need to take three tests a day for two days. I do that religiously and post the results and I'm told I'm wrong again I need another test at bedtime for two days. I ask do I just need the bedtime test or all the tests throughout the day (asked twice) and no one answers me so I just take the bedtime test and I'm told I did it wrong again. I did not enter the times I didn't take a reading and I'm told I need to put a 0 in the chart and then I'm told that's incorrect.

So here I am about to feed my cat and although I've been given multiple, repetitive suggestions on creating the perfect spreadsheet and how to add my signature and tag people not a single person has answered my question on what dosage to give my cat. I'm super frustrated right now. I'm going to use my own judgement and just go with 4.

I believe that each and every one of you cares about my cat and wants to help but can you please get on the same page? I feel like I'm spending so much time and energy trying to get everything right and it doesn't live up to the expectations and still have no idea what dosage to give him.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi, I’m sorry you are finding it all so frustrating. There is a lot to learn and I know it can be overwhelming especially when you are worried about your kitty.
I think you will find Wendy is waiting to see some more BG data before she recommends an increase. Kitties often drop lower at night so that is why we especially like to see some night time data..

Our main aim here when helping you is to ensure all kitties are safe and to do that we have to be able to see enough data in the spreadsheet so we can make an informed decision about whether your kitty needs an increase or not.

I would stick with the 5 units for now. If you reduce to 4 units you will drain the depot some more.
Bron

 

[Hresko]

I do appreciate the reply and I don't like to lash out but I'm in tears right now. I appreciate you acknowledging my frustration.

I don't know what BG means but if that is bedtime shot I was told two nights of three hours after shot and that is what I have to the best of my knowledge in my spreadsheet.

Okay one more day of 5 units a day and the only reason I even am thinking about lowering is because he did worse the higher his dosage in the past.

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Sorry... the BG means blood glucose, the test that you do to see what the blood glucose is.
The “shots” are what we refer to when we give the insulin dose......we may say “When did you shoot“ For example.

Yes it’s great you have got a bedtime test in to see if the numbers are dropping the last couple of nights. That is very helpful.
Hang in there. We all know how overwhelming it is in the beginning.
You really have come to the best possible place. We have very experienced people here who understand feline diabetes very well.
Bron

 

[Hresko]

Sorry... the BG means blood glucose, the test that you do to see what the blood glucose is.
The “shots” are what we refer to when we give the insulin dose......we may say “When did you shoot“ For example.

Yes it’s great you have got a bedtime test in to see if the numbers are dropping the last couple of nights. That is very helpful.
Hang in there. We all know how overwhelming it is in the beginning.
You really have come to the best possible place. We have very experienced people here who understand feline diabetes very well.
Bron

Thank you

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

Thank you

Most people give insulin right after a meal, which makes the cat's BG go higher. After a while the insulin will kick in and start to lower the BG. My cat has chronic pancreatitis and at times his BG will shoot up, his vet says it is when his pancreatitis is bothering him. I go through all the things that you are saying your cat does, because of Buddy's pancreatitis. It is a rocky road, if you can find some answers, maybe I can too.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Good for you on getting another test in last night. It's looking a lot like he needs more insulin, but that one more day of tests will let us know for sure. I have seen spreadsheets (including that of my own cat), where the cat goes low over night and bounces or goes high during the day, over and over. If all you test is during the day, it'd look like the cat needed more insulin, when in fact they needed less. I am just trying to make sure your kitty is not hiding some low numbers from us before telling you to increase, if in fact he needs a decrease. The one more day of tests will confirm that.

Do you have syringes with 1/2 unit markings on them? I rather suspect the 5.5 unit dose will be next. We make changes by 1/2 unit at a time, because are responsive to smaller dose changes.

I see you've been testing at +6 every day. You don't have to test then, unless it's what's most convenient for you. A typical low point in Lantus is at +6, but many cats aren't typical, mine again an example. Any tests you get in the +4 to +7 range will be good ones at this point. I know some people come home from work to test and there is just that time they can test. Again, it's OK, but there is some flexibility if you want it.

 

[Hresko]

Most people give insulin right after a meal, which makes the cat's BG go higher. After a while the insulin will kick in and start to lower the BG. My cat has chronic pancreatitis and at times his BG will shoot up, his vet says it is when his pancreatitis is bothering him. I go through all the things that you are saying your cat does, because of Buddy's pancreatitis. It is a rocky road, if you can find some answers, maybe I can too.

Thank you yes Kitty Boy does have Pancreatitis. Have you found a dosage that lowers his readings? If so, how much is he getting?

 

[Hresko]

Good for you on getting another test in last night. It's looking a lot like he needs more insulin, but that one more day of tests will let us know for sure. I have seen spreadsheets (including that of my own cat), where the cat goes low over night and bounces or goes high during the day, over and over. If all you test is during the day, it'd look like the cat needed more insulin, when in fact they needed less. I am just trying to make sure your kitty is not hiding some low numbers from us before telling you to increase, if in fact he needs a decrease. The one more day of tests will confirm that.

Do you have syringes with 1/2 unit markings on them? I rather suspect the 5.5 unit dose will be next. We make changes by 1/2 unit at a time, because are responsive to smaller dose changes.

I see you've been testing at +6 every day. You don't have to test then, unless it's what's most convenient for you. A typical low point in Lantus is at +6, but many cats aren't typical, mine again an example. Any tests you get in the +4 to +7 range will be good ones at this point. I know some people come home from work to test and there is just that time they can test. Again, it's OK, but there is some flexibility if you want it.

I work from home and I can test anytime. I am taking the tests when i was told to. I'm not clear what you are saying are you asking me to test at night? I have been testing 3 hours after dinner around 8:30. Thank you

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

My cat Buddy has chronic pancreatitis most of the time, his BG numbers are all over the place. I can give a dose of insulin at times that will drop him down, other times it barely moves his numbers and this is because of his pancreatitis. I am having better luck with his eating since his vet let him have .75 prednisolone 2 x a day. I don't remember if you mentioned anything about your kitty eating. I am watching this very close because it sounds like my Buddy.

 

[Hresko]

I don't have problems with him eating if that's what you mean. His entire life revolves around eating at this time. I'm definitely feeling defeated the shots are actually raising his numbers.

 

[Hresko]

The 0 recorded as units yesterday is showing up as lime green, which has another meaning on the spreadsheet (< 68). Better to do NS (no shot) or Skip as the units. What does the 0 mean at +6 yesterday? A "fur shot" when accidentally all the insulin doesn't go in, either because of technique or the cat squirming or walking away. You would smell insulin on his fur - it's quite a strong smell.

When you skipped yesterday, that drained the depot, meaning that you are not seeing the full effect of the 5 units dose today. I wouldn't worry about the slight rise tonight - both numbers are within the possible meter variance allowed by the manufacturers.

Good Evening,

I have all the readings that I've been asked for. I am awaiting direction on what dosage to give him as you can see from the chart 5 units is not the correct dosage for him.

Thank you.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I'm not clear what you are saying are you asking me to test at night? I have been testing 3 hours after dinner around 8:30

Your night time test times are fine for now. I was just saying if you want to move the day time tests around, you can. It's actually a good idea to move them around a bit and fill in more of the picture of what is happening. So I was suggesting sometime in the +4 to +7 time frame.

Try 5.5 units tomorrow morning.

 

[Hresko]

Okay thank you. In the beginning we attempted to get his blood from his ear but were not successful. We have been taking it from his paw. What works best for you?

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

Okay thank you. In the beginning we attempted to get his blood from his ear but were not successful. We have been taking it from his paw. What works best for you?

This is not about taking Bg readings, I just wanted to share this with you. My cat Buddy has been insulin resistant at at times got up to 10u 2 x a day, at that time there was a lady on this forum who helped a lot and kept pushing me on or we would not have made it. Every 7 days I raised Buddy's insulin dose 1/2 or 1 unit, after a certain amount they say to raise a whole unit, and after what seemed like a long time I started seeing results. If I were you I would try this it will not hurt your cat. I have a lot of problems with getting Buddy regulated because of his constant pancreatitis and keeping him eating. At this time he is eating and I am so glad. I know this is so hard when other cats are taking 1 or 2 units of insulin and everything seems so easy for them, but it is not for everybody. I raised Buddy's dose to 5.5 the same time you raised your cat's and I have seen no difference, but the week is not up and if I can keep things going in another week I will raise him again, maybe 1 unit. Keep trying.

 

[Hresko]

My cat Buddy has chronic pancreatitis most of the time, his BG numbers are all over the place. I can give a dose of insulin at times that will drop him down, other times it barely moves his numbers and this is because of his pancreatitis. I am having better luck with his eating since his vet let him have .75 prednisolone 2 x a day. I don't remember if you mentioned anything about your kitty eating. I am watching this very close because it sounds like my Buddy.

This is not about taking Bg readings, I just wanted to share this with you. My cat Buddy has been insulin resistant at at times got up to 10u 2 x a day, at that time there was a lady on this forum who helped a lot and kept pushing me on or we would not have made it. Every 7 days I raised Buddy's insulin dose 1/2 or 1 unit, after a certain amount they say to raise a whole unit, and after what seemed like a long time I started seeing results. If I were you I would try this it will not hurt your cat. I have a lot of problems with getting Buddy regulated because of his constant pancreatitis and keeping him eating. At this time he is eating and I am so glad. I know this is so hard when other cats are taking 1 or 2 units of insulin and everything seems so easy for them, but it is not for everybody. I raised Buddy's dose to 5.5 the same time you raised your cat's and I have seen no difference, but the week is not up and if I can keep things going in another week I will raise him again, maybe 1 unit. Keep trying.

Thank you so much for this it means so much to me. I had completely given up on Kitty Boy as much as I didn't want to I just didn't see any results. It bothers me so much to stick him every day and see absolutely no results and it seems the more insulin I give him the higher his numbers go. I listened to my gut and I changed his dosage to 1 unit and please let me explain. The vet originally had us give him one unit and she kept upping the dosage until we got to 7 units and it kept getting worse. I feel better about just beginning at one unit and see what happens. I'm getting conflicting information. Some of the members so I only needed to take four tests and day for two days and then I could adjust and you are saying one week. I'll do whatever it takes I'm just wondering about his quality of life he's not happy and all and I just feel like I keep giving him meds and they are not helping. Thank you for listening I really do appreciate your message.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

Thank you so much for this it means so much to me. I had completely given up on Kitty Boy as much as I didn't want to I just didn't see any results. It bothers me so much to stick him every day and see absolutely no results and it seems the more insulin I give him the higher his numbers go. I listened to my gut and I changed his dosage to 1 unit and please let me explain. The vet originally had us give him one unit and she kept upping the dosage until we got to 7 units and it kept getting worse. I feel better about just beginning at one unit and see what happens. I'm getting conflicting information. Some of the members so I only needed to take four tests and day for two days and then I could adjust and you are saying one week. I'll do whatever it takes I'm just wondering about his quality of life he's not happy and all and I just feel like I keep giving him meds and they are not helping. Thank you for listening I really do appreciate your message.

Buddy, at 1 time was diagnosed as being insulin resistant from Michigan state. After he got to 10 u 2 x a day he started coming down and his dose started going down, but he has always needed more insulin than most cats. The doctors at Michigan said to hold a dose for 7 days and I believe it is what they say Start Slow Go Slow. Our problem is when he gets sick he will not eat and I must force feed him, after he starts getting to the point he will eat he won't eat what he ate before. Then I need to find something he will eat and start over trying to get the right dose. Buddy, is very sensitive and cannot eat much fat or it makes him sick. At this time he is eating Royal Canin Glycobalance(spelling) a lot of people will say he would do just as well with Fancy Feast but it makes him sick. Did you say that your cat has IBD or I thought I saw that.

 

[Hresko]

Buddy, at 1 time was diagnosed as being insulin resistant from Michigan state. After he got to 10 u 2 x a day he started coming down and his dose started going down, but he has always needed more insulin than most cats. The doctors at Michigan said to hold a dose for 7 days and I believe it is what they say Start Slow Go Slow. Our problem is when he gets sick he will not eat and I must force feed him, after he starts getting to the point he will eat he won't eat what he ate before. Then I need to find something he will eat and start over trying to get the right dose. Buddy, is very sensitive and cannot eat much fat or it makes him sick. At this time he is eating Royal Canin Glycobalance(spelling) a lot of people will say he would do just as well with Fancy Feast but it makes him sick. Did you say that your cat has IBD or I thought I saw that.

He was originally diagnosed with a urinary tract infection that took two rounds of antibiotics to treat and pancreatitis. The vet said she did what she could and wanted to refer us to an internist after getting no consistent results from 1 to 7 units of insulin.

I'm so sorry sad Buddy has such a hard time eating. That must be tough That is Kitty Boy's entire life right now waiting for his next meal.

 

[SashaV]

Huge hugs from me!
We've all been where you are, every single one of us.

Here's the dictionary to this forum, it might be very helpful and interesting! These people are amazing, but its like they're speaking a different language
http://www.felinediabetes.com/dictionary/cat-health-dictionary-fdmb.htm

You're doing great! Just hang in there, it's going to be a lot easier with time.
But first of all, everybody needs to talk the same language so they at least understand each other. This is where the dictionary is very handy!

I've read it several times the first few months. I don't know where you're from in the world, but I'm Danish. So my English was really bad, and I didn't understand anything... TR, AMPS, PMPS, UNITS, DM, BG, GA... I really needed that dictionary

Well I definitely won't get an A+ any time soon, but at least I'm not saying I feed my cat vomit anymore
And since I'm Danish.. I didn't even know what AM is, or most important WHEN it is.

Just ask, if there's something you need explained, something that doesn't make sense, anything really. We are here for you!

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

My cat Kit Kat is always called Kitty Kat. A lot of cats are high dose cats, just keep plugging on.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

I understand that you are starting over with 1unit to find the right dose for your kitty. I hope that this helps you and him to get things right for Kitty Boy.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I don’t want to throw too much of a wrench in your thinking but Wendy, who is one of our most experienced members especially with cats who are higher dose like Kitty Boy, suggested you raise the dose to 5.5u twice a day and leave it there six cycles. You started but then you dropped his dose to 1u bid.

This is called a “rebound check” and in ten years here with hundreds and hundreds of cats. I’ve seen it work twice and it was very evident the cat was overdosed. Kitty Boy does not look overdosed. He looks like he needs more insulin.

I would put him back on 5.5u at the next shot and make sure you get 3 tests each cycle including the preshot. For the other two tests in the a.m. cycle besides the preshot, please try and move the tests around so a +3 and +7 one day and a +2 and +6 another, etc. At night after the preshot, I’d grab a +2 and before bed.

Here is the spreadsheet of a cat I’ve been working with the caregiver. The CG did a rebound check and went from 4.5u to 0u and restarted at 0.5u. You can see how long it took us to get him back to a good dose which we had to do more slowly because he had totally stopped insulin for several cycles. The CG had data from last spring and the kitty was mostly in high numbers similar to Kitty Boy. I believe he dropped finally because the dose got to a good dose but the CG wasn’t testing enough to catch it and finally did catch it...then stopped insulin when the kitty just needed a lower dose. The depot drained and the kitty ended up in high numbers.

I know this has been confusing and you feel you’ve gotten different advice and I’m sorry about that. But I am on the same page with Wendy and a few other of the experienced members like Bron that the dose you had him on was not too high. He will need more insulin but first, get him back to 5.5u so we can get his dose stable and the depot stable and then get him on correct dose adjustments.

@Teresa & Buddy I appreciate your input to help here. I just want to add that some kitties, like Buddy and Kitty Boy, take some personalized help and while their SSs might look similar, the approach we take might not be. It’s good to share what you went through but I wouldn’t suggest copying that dosing but, instead, an experienced member should help with the suggestions on dose increases. Again, it’s great to share what worked with Buddy but it might not work the same with Kitty Boy.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Starting over at 1 unit for at cat that was getting 7 units and not going hypo, is a HUGE step in the wrong direction. Some cats need more insulin than others. My girl got up to 8.75 units. It turns out she had two conditions that cause insulin resistance. I did the "start over at 1 unit" when switching from Caninsulin to Lantus, and it took me 3 months to get back to where I should have started.

With a cat in such high numbers as yours, please test for ketones daily. DKA is a very real concern when you drop the dose. From this note on DKA and ketones,
The basic recipe for developing DKA = an insufficient supply of insulin + inappetance + infection OR other systemic stresses. I have seen cats get quite sick when their caregivers dropped the dose. You have the insufficient supply of insulin piece of the formula. Pancreatitis is a system stress, that's the second piece.

 

[SashaV]

Has anyone explained what a depot insulin is? How it works? You're all taking about draining the depot, but if one doesn't know how it works...

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Lots of good reading in the Sticky Notes at the top of the Lantus/Basaglar/Levemir forum, including the Sticky Note What is the Insulin Depot?

 

[Hresko]

This is not about taking Bg readings, I just wanted to share this with you. My cat Buddy has been insulin resistant at at times got up to 10u 2 x a day, at that time there was a lady on this forum who helped a lot and kept pushing me on or we would not have made it. Every 7 days I raised Buddy's insulin dose 1/2 or 1 unit, after a certain amount they say to raise a whole unit, and after what seemed like a long time I started seeing results. If I were you I would try this it will not hurt your cat. I have a lot of problems with getting Buddy regulated because of his constant pancreatitis and keeping him eating. At this time he is eating and I am so glad. I know this is so hard when other cats are taking 1 or 2 units of insulin and everything seems so easy for them, but it is not for everybody. I raised Buddy's dose to 5.5 the same time you raised your cat's and I have seen no difference, but the week is not up and if I can keep things going in another week I will raise him again, maybe 1 unit. Keep trying.

Thank you so much for your support I appreciate it!!!

 

[Hresko]

Starting over at 1 unit for at cat that was getting 7 units and not going hypo, is a HUGE step in the wrong direction. Some cats need more insulin than others. My girl got up to 8.75 units. It turns out she had two conditions that cause insulin resistance. I did the "start over at 1 unit" when switching from Caninsulin to Lantus, and it took me 3 months to get back to where I should have started.

With a cat in such high numbers as yours, please test for ketones daily. DKA is a very real concern when you drop the dose. From this note on DKA and ketones,
The basic recipe for developing DKA = an insufficient supply of insulin + inappetance + infection OR other systemic stresses. I have seen cats get quite sick when their caregivers dropped the dose. You have the insufficient supply of insulin piece of the formula. Pancreatitis is a system stress, that's the second piece.

Thank you for your reply. I put him back on 5.5 units. The only reason I wanted to begin at 1 unit is because I've tested him from 1 to 7 units and I didn't see results. I felt like I was injecting him with a medicine that his body wasn't absorbing and it also seemed the higher the dose, the more lethargic he became. I trust all of you and I know you are only trying to help me. I am going to test when I can but it will not be 8 times a day.

 

[Hresko]

Starting over at 1 unit for at cat that was getting 7 units and not going hypo, is a HUGE step in the wrong direction. Some cats need more insulin than others. My girl got up to 8.75 units. It turns out she had two conditions that cause insulin resistance. I did the "start over at 1 unit" when switching from Caninsulin to Lantus, and it took me 3 months to get back to where I should have started.

With a cat in such high numbers as yours, please test for ketones daily. DKA is a very real concern when you drop the dose. From this note on DKA and ketones,
The basic recipe for developing DKA = an insufficient supply of insulin + inappetance + infection OR other systemic stresses. I have seen cats get quite sick when their caregivers dropped the dose. You have the insufficient supply of insulin piece of the formula. Pancreatitis is a system stress, that's the second piece.

Thank you for this information. I have put him back on 5.5 units.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

I don’t want to throw too much of a wrench in your thinking but Wendy, who is one of our most experienced members especially with cats who are higher dose like Kitty Boy, suggested you raise the dose to 5.5u twice a day and leave it there six cycles. You started but then you dropped his dose to 1u bid.

This is called a “rebound check” and in ten years here with hundreds and hundreds of cats. I’ve seen it work twice and it was very evident the cat was overdosed. Kitty Boy does not look overdosed. He looks like he needs more insulin.

I would put him back on 5.5u at the next shot and make sure you get 3 tests each cycle including the preshot. For the other two tests in the a.m. cycle besides the preshot, please try and move the tests around so a +3 and +7 one day and a +2 and +6 another, etc. At night after the preshot, I’d grab a +2 and before bed.

Here is the spreadsheet of a cat I’ve been working with the caregiver. The CG did a rebound check and went from 4.5u to 0u and restarted at 0.5u. You can see how long it took us to get him back to a good dose which we had to do more slowly because he had totally stopped insulin for several cycles. The CG had data from last spring and the kitty was mostly in high numbers similar to Kitty Boy. I believe he dropped finally because the dose got to a good dose but the CG wasn’t testing enough to catch it and finally did catch it...then stopped insulin when the kitty just needed a lower dose. The depot drained and the kitty ended up in high numbers.

I know this has been confusing and you feel you’ve gotten different advice and I’m sorry about that. But I am on the same page with Wendy and a few other of the experienced members like Bron that the dose you had him on was not too high. He will need more insulin but first, get him back to 5.5u so we can get his dose stable and the depot stable and then get him on correct dose adjustments.

@Teresa & Buddy I appreciate your input to help here. I just want to add that some kitties, like Buddy and Kitty Boy, take some personalized help and while their SSs might look similar, the approach we take might not be. It’s good to share what you went through but I wouldn’t suggest copy that dosing but, instead, an experienced member should help with the suggestions on dose increases. Again, it’s great to share what worked with Buddy but it might not work the same with Kitty Boy.

I am well aware that these are 2 different cats and that ECID. I wanted to share with her that other cats also take a high dose. I never suggested that she copy Buddy's dosing or any one else's, or make dose increases. Also, I never said that anything worked for Buddy, I did say that I held a dose for 7 days. If you feel that I said something inappropriate or gave dosing advise that was not my intent, only to be of moral support.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I am well aware that these are 2 different cats and that ECID. I wanted to share with her that other cats also take a high dose. I never suggested that she copy Buddy's dosing or any one else's, or make dose increases. Also, I never said that anything worked for Buddy, I did say that I held a dose for 7 days. If you feel that I said something inappropriate or gave dosing advise that was not my intent, only to be of moral support.

Yes, as I noted, it’s great that you are offering support.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Thank you for your reply. I put him back on 5.5 units. The only reason I wanted to begin at 1 unit is because I've tested him from 1 to 7 units and I didn't see results. I felt like I was injecting him with a medicine that his body wasn't absorbing and it also seemed the higher the dose, the more lethargic he became. I trust all of you and I know you are only trying to help me. I am going to test when I can but it will not be 8 times a day.

The best way for us to tell if a dose is too high is to see how low the dose is taking him. We can only know that with tests and the number of tests per day is not set in stone. That’s why I suggested three per cycle including the preshot. That’s six tests a day. While some of us can get a good idea with four tests a day, if you want him to make progress, it would be really helpful to have six a day.

 

[Hresko]

I have a question. I ordered a people meter Auvon because the PetTest is $1 strip. The PetTest has a 0.3 ul sample size and the new meter is 0.7 ul. I didn't notice this before I ordered but I'm having a difficult time getting blood out of him let alone needing more. Do you think I should return this for another? I only have one more strip for the PetTest system.

 

[Pookie (GA)]

Do you think I should return this for another?

I sure would. My first meter was a pet meter, but I soon switched to a Walmart meter (relion premier classic) not only because it was economical to purchase ($9), the strips are inexpensive (100 for $18), but because they can be bought locally. (When you need strips, you need strips. Having to order online and wait for delivery isn't a great option.)

The Relion Premier Classic requires a .5 microliter sample. If I recall correctly, their "compact" model only requires .3. (I had planned to get that one but my local Walmart didn't have one in stock.)

 

[Larry and Kitties]

If I recall correctly, their "compact" model only requires .3. (I had planned to get that one but my local Walmart didn't have one in stock.)

The Relion Confirm and Confirm Micro only need 0.3ul of blood but those have been discontinued. The other Relion meters like the Prime and Premiere require 0.5ul of blood. Seems that only pet meters need only 0.3ul but the strips are too expensive.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

I have a question. I ordered a people meter Auvon because the PetTest is $1 strip. The PetTest has a 0.3 ul sample size and the new meter is 0.7 ul. I didn't notice this before I ordered but I'm having a difficult time getting blood out of him let alone needing more. Do you think I should return this for another? I only have one more strip for the PetTest system.

A lot of us on FDMB use Reli-On PRIME from Wal-Mart. The meter I believe is less than $20.00 and the test strips are not expensive at all, don't hold me to this but I think you can buy 100 test strips for around $ 17.99. It is a lot easier when you are running low to go to Wal-mart than wait for the mail to deliver test strips.

 

[Hresko]

I sure would. My first meter was a pet meter, but I soon switched to a Walmart meter (relion premier classic) not only because it was economical to purchase ($9), the strips are inexpensive (100 for $18), but because they can be bought locally. (When you need strips, you need strips. Having to order online and wait for delivery isn't a great option.)

The Relion Premier Classic requires a .5 microliter sample. If I recall correctly, their "compact" model only requires .3. (I had planned to get that one but my local Walmart didn't have one in stock.)

Thank you. I will go to Walmart.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Don't remember what gague lancets you are using. You should be using either 26 or 28 gauge lancets. They will make a bigger hole on the ear. I freehand just using the
lancet, no lancing device.

Are you warming the ears , fill a small sock with rice and warm it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot.

You can also fill an empty pill bottle with warm water and put it on his ears

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Always aim for the sweet spot warm the ears up first, you can put rice in a sock and put it in the microwave, test it on the inside of your wrist to be sure it's not to hot, like you would test a babies bottle. You can fill a pill bottle with warm water and roll it on the ears also

6. As the ears get used to bleeding and grow more capilares, it gets easier to get the amount of blood you need on the first try. If she won’t stand still, you can get the blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugarsugar

Here is a video that one of our members made

 

[Hresko]

VIDEO: How to test your cat's blood sugarsugar

Here is a video that one of our members made

Thank you Diane that video really helped. We have been getting the blood from his paws because I wasn't sure how to do it from the ear but seeing that video it looks easy.

 

[Hresko]

Can any of you nice helpful people helping me look at Kitty Boy's chart and let me know if I can adjust is dosage. Please note that we switched to a human meter and it's reading lower than the pet meter. I indicated this in the chart. Thank you!!!!!!!

 

[Critter Mom]

Tagging @Wendy&Neko to ask her to comment on dosing for you when next she's online.

Love the pic of Kitty Boy!


Mogs
.

 

[Hresko]

Tagging @Wendy&Neko to ask her to comment on dosing for you when next she's online.


Love the pic of Kitty Boy!


Mogs
.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Since I've last posted, you've been doing an awesome job testing! Thanks, it helps make dosing suggestions easier. Plus I see you have a picture of your Kitty Boy in the avatar too.

OK, on the dose. I think we can say, thanks to your testing, that he's not on too high a dose. I think you can try 6 units next. With the testing you are doing, and modest size increases, we'll be able to get you and Kitty Boy safely to a dose that gets him into better numbers.

 

[Critter Mom]

@Wendy&Neko - Thank you.


Mogs
.

 

[Hresko]

Since I've last posted, you've been doing an awesome job testing! Thanks, it helps make dosing suggestions easier. Plus I see you have a picture of your Kitty Boy in the avatar too.

OK, on the dose. I think we can say, thanks to your testing, that he's not on too high a dose. I think you can try 6 units next. With the testing you are doing, and modest size increases, we'll be able to get you and Kitty Boy safely to a dose that gets him into better numbers.

Thank you I appreciate all of your help. Is it normal for the pet and human meter to be so different? His numbers are much lower with the human meter.

I will begin giving him 6 units tonight.