New member - Lucky, just diagnosed

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nvand1993

nvand1993

Member Since 2014
Wow, where to begin.
I am the proud owner of 2 big tabby kitties, Jasper, gray tabby, is 13 years old and about 16.5 lbs. Lucky, orange tabby, is 8 years old and we have had him since he was bottle fed at 4 weeks old. Since sometime this summer, I have noticed Lucky drinking a lot more water and the litter box filling with urine. I attributed it to the hot summer and being thirsty. He also started losing a lot of weight.
Earlier this week I noticed Lucky was walking different and then had trouble jumping to his usual window spots and cat stands. It scared me so much I made an appointment with the vet (hadn't been in 6 years). They weighed (11.5 lbs) him and tested , it came back as feline diabetes. I was shocked. Then I looked at myself and kept saying why didn't I take him sooner.
We have an appointment in the morning to meet with the Vet. I am trying to read up on everything so I am prepared for my visit with the vet tomorrow. I am frightened that I may have caused my poor kitty to suffer and end up with neuropathy. I am so worried and scared for him.
I would appreciate any support the group has to offer.
Nvand and Lucky
 
Also, I would love to have a link to a spreadsheet that allows me to track everything I need to keep track of.
Thanks.
 
We strongly advocate home glucose testing with an inexpensive human glucometer, such as the WalMart ReliOn Confirm or Confirm Micro when starting out. Pick up matching test strips and 26 to 28 gauge lancets for getting the sample. Also pick up urine testing KetoDiaStix (or generic) for monitoring ketones and glucose in the urine. See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for tips on the urine testing, as well as some other measurements you may wish to make to monitor his health.

If you really hate WalMart, use our shopping link above and go to ADW. Get the Glucocard 01 or 01 Mini, which are the unbranded version of the Confirm and Confirm Micro.

Testing should be done before each shot to make sure it is safe to give insulin.

Lets get you started using our grid to record your glucose tests. It will help us give you better feedback. Instructions are here.

Understanding the spreadsheet/grid:

The colored headings at the top are the ranges of glucose values. They are color-coded to clue you in as to meaning.

Each day is 1 row. Each column stores different data for the day.

From left to right, you enter
the Date in the first column
the AMPS (morning pre-shot test) in the 2nd column
the Units given (turquoise column)

Then, there are 11 columns labeled +1 through +11
If you test at +5 (5 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +5 column
If you test at +7 (7 hours after the shot), you enter the test number in the +7 column
and so on.

Halfway across the page is the column for PMPS (evening pre-shot)
To the right is another turquoise column for Units given at the evening shot.

There is second set of columns labeled +1 through +11
If you snag a before bed test at +3, you enter the test number in the +3 column.

We separate day and night numbers like that because many cats go lower at night.

It is merely a grid for storing the info; no math required.

After you've set that up, you can put it in your signature, along with other details that may help us give you feedback.

Go to the top left of the screen.
Click on User Control Panel.
Click on Profile
Click on Edit Signature
A text box displays.
This is where you paste the link for your spreadsheet, once it is set up.
Add any other text, such as
your name, cat's name,
city and state,
date of Dx (diagnosis)
insulin
meter
any other pertinent issues like food issues, allergies, IBD, etc.
 
For insulin, we recommend ProZinc, Lantus, BCP PZI, or Levemir. If you are in the UK, you may have to start with Caninsulin/Vetsulin, prove they aren't working well for your cat, then switch to another insulin. Caninsulin/Vetsulin last roughly 10 hours in the cat, which means that shooting every 12 hours leaves 4 hours each day without coverage and high glucose can damage organs.

If you are in the USA, you may find that ordering from Canada or visiting Canada allows you to get Lantus or Levemir much less expensively than in the USA.

By the way - don't beat yourself up over not knowing your kitty had a problem. Most of us had the exact same thing happen and were taken completely by surprise. Who knew cats could get diabetes?

Pop over to Cat Info for excellant feline nutrition info and a terrific list which breaks down the percent of calories from protein, fat, and carbohydrate. Anything under 10% carbohydrate calories is. Fine, ex Friskies pates or Fancy Feast Classic pates. No, you don't need to feed expensive prescription food.
 
I just inundated you with a lot of info. Take your time to read it. In several weeks, it'll seem like second nature to you.

And explore the sub-forums a bit to see what folks do in each. If you get Lantus or Levemir, you can do the Tight Regulation forum or the Relaxed forum. If you get ProZinc or BCP PZI, the ProZinc/PZI form is where you want to read.

Oh, and see my signature link Glucometer Notes. Glucometers are not exactingly precise measures of glucose, they're intended to give you some objective clues and general trends.
 
Hello and welcome,

You've found a great place to get help and support for both you and Lucky. It can be very overwhelming at first, but it will get easier as you learn more.

Other members have already given you some great starting info. I'd like to add that it would be a good idea to ask your vet to check Lucky's B12 levels. Treatment with B12 can help overall, and specifically with Lucky's neuropathy symptoms.
 
Welcome!

It's so hard not to be overwhelmed but it will get easier the more knowledgeable and comfortable you get with Lucky's care. When I took over care of my grandkitty, Hank, I read and printed off as much information as I could. I even started a folder to keep all the papers in so that I can refer back to. I also watched a lot of Youtube videos on "how to give an injection to a cat" and "testing the blood glucose on a cat". They help.
I read articles on catinfo.org and this site which helped me to understand how to care for Hank.

What are you feeding your kitty's? I had no clue that dry food was so bad for cats! I switched my cat, Oscar, to wet food with not too much trouble but Hank is another story! My son has told me that some of Hank's favorite foods are (were) :smile: ; tomatoes, watermelon and Doritos. Feeding a low carb wet food such as Friskies Classic pate or Fancy Feast classic pate will lower the BG numbers. Don't let the vet talk you into getting the prescription wet food because it's very high in carbs.

Again, I don't want to overwhelm you. It does get easier. Yes, cats can go into remission by sometimes just a diet change and/or insulin to "jump start" their pancreas.

Take care,
Kimmie
 
Re: New member - Lucky, just diagnosed 11/1/2014

Wow,
Thank you everyone for all your replies and help. Yes, I was/am a bit overwhelmed by everything. I looked at that link for the testing chart and almost fainted. I have no idea if I know how to use it, but I have attempted to start one for you all to review. I am going to see the vet on my day off next week (Monday or Tuesday.
I am still feeding Lucky the DM wet food and putting a little DM dry food on the side for both Lucky and his brother Jasper (17 lb gray tabby). I know you all have given me great posts for the food, and I will get them. Right now, because of his neuropathy, I have continued on the DM food because I see it contains B12 and I have read that that will help his neuropathy.
The vet gave him fluids and B12 on 11/2 when we met with him to discuss our plan.
Please review my chart and see if it is starting out okay.
I have not been able to draw blood yet. I have tried 3 times using the reli on lancet testing device that came with the comfort meter.
I have stopped crying now, and am watching Lucky's behaviour much more closely. I will speak to the vet next week about getting him on Prozinc. How do the insulins compare in dosing? do I need new syringes? different dosing? I work 12 hours (gone for almost 13 hours) so I am not able to monitor often, and his does are at 6:15pm and 7:15am (when I get home and have fed him).
ANy help is appreciated. I am not sure how to share my spread sheet from google docs, please tell me if this is correct, using the url?
Nicole V.
Sedona, AZ
Lucky my Orange Tabby - newly diabetic born 3/2005
Jasper his brother - gray tabby non-diabetic, but 17 lbs. born 8/10/01

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ajs8xo_C5UMvdGRvUGpTT2lyRG1MdkJpc3MyeS1rN2c&usp=sharing
 

Attachments

The sharing link works fine.

No math involved, just enter the glucose test data based on when it was done.
AM = morning
PM = evening
PS = Pre-shot
so
AMPS = morning pre-shot test value
PMPS = evening pre-shot test value
And the other columns are to record any tests done at other times, where the +number of the column means the number of hours since the shot was given.

And if you're still working on testing, see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some additional assessments you can make, such as urine ketone testing.

I don't use the lancet device; I free-hand the prick. I feel like I have more control that way and I can see what I'm doing better.
 
Novolin is a U-100 insulin with 100 units per mL.
ProZinc is a U-40 insulin with 40 units per mL.
You can still use U-100 syringes with this conversion chart.
Since ProZinc is 40% the concentration of Novolin, the syringe marks on a I-100 get multiplied by 0.4
So
0.4 * U-100 syringe marking = U-40 dose
0.4 * 0.5 U-100 syringe mark = 0.2 units of U-40
0.4 * 1.0 U-100 syringe mark = 0.4
0.4 * 1.5 U-100 syringe mark = 0.6
0.4 * 2.0 U-100 syringe mark = 0.8
0.4 * 2.5 U-100 syringe mark = 1.0
0.4 * 3.0 U-100 syringe mark = 1.2
0.4 * 3.5 U-100 syringe mark = 1.4
0.4 * 4.0 U-100 syringe mark = 1.6
0.4 * 4.5 U-100 syringe mark = 1.8
0.4 * 5.0 U-100 syringe mark = 2.0
etc
 
Or you could get some U-40 syringes that match with ProZinc. Your choice. That's what I did. But if you have U-100 syringes, keep them handy cause you may need them for a dose other than a whole unit dose. That's when you use the conversion chart.

I like the U-40 syringes because of the longer needle. I wasn't so sure at first but oh yeah, I feel better, more confident giving his injections. I don't think I've had a misfire since I've been using them.

Don't beat yourself up over not getting blood when you test. I think I was the "Queen of crying" when I first started testing. First, I switched to a 28 gauge lancet. Which then I could get blood most every time. The rice sock helped too. I found that if I didn't get the ear warmed by rubbing with rice sock or rubbing with your thumbs, it may take a little more rubbing and then try again with the lancet (pricker). Or you could free-hand prick like BJM suggested. I have read that some prefer that way. I haven't tried but I can see how it would be easier. Maybe I'll try to sometime. From what I hear on this forum, it takes putting on those "patience pants". It took about 2 weeks of practice and patience before I got it.

So hang in there! You're doing great! You got Lucky's spread sheet up! Good job!

Kimmie
 
Thanks everyone. I got to draw blood tonight. FIRST TIME, hooray, hoping I have the hang of it. Used a warm washcloth in a ziplock bag to warm the ear. Pricked my finger on the other side too! LMAO. 488 - still way too high!
Still using Novolin and U-100 syringes until I see vet next week and talk to him about all your suggestions and gettting him on Prozinc. The vet tech said they would be happy to switch if that is what I wanted, the start out with novolin to make sure you can do it and keep it cheaper.
I will keep my spreadsheet going.
Thank you.
Nicole
 
Yeaa!!! Here's hoping too!

My vet put Hank on Novolin first too because it was cheap. I did not know this till I started expressing interest in switching to a better insulin. He told me that most people put their cats down when they hear the diagnosis of diabetes and the others he just try's to make it as easy as possible for them.

I too pricked a finger or two when I first started testing until I made the rice sock. It's thick enough that it won't happen. I don't even warm it up any more. I use it for support (and protection for my finger) on the inside of Hank's ear. Then I use my thumbs to hold and rub on the outside of the ear.

Do you know how to make a rice sock? I'll give you the short version: I used a toddler sock, fill about half way with uncooked rice (not minute rice), tie off with a ponytail rubber band. Then heat in microwave till warm (about 20-30 sec). Always test on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot. The rice sock has been a God send for me. :smile:

I hope Lucky is good for you while you do testing. Hank has been from the get go, even when it may have taken 5 try's on my part. It's so cute! I just say, "Hank, it's time to test". Sometimes he comes and hops onto the couch, other times I go pick him up and take him to the couch. Oh, before I get him, I have everything ready; strip in meter, lancet in pricker, Kleenex (to hold on spot to stop bleeding and bruising) and the "good ole" rice sock. I do rotate using the ears, that way I'm not using the same ear for testing all the time. As soon as I put the rice sock in position, Hank lays down and then I start rubbing and singing a little song about how it's time to rub the kitty's ear. :smile: As soon as I start rubbing, Hank starts purring. He loves it and I think it's too cute! :smile: So you see, it can be quite the bonding experience for you and Lucky too.

Keep testing! You're doing great!

Kimmie
 
Thank Kimmie!
How cute and thanks for the sock instructions! I didn't use a kleenex to stop bleeding, I barely had any blood... what about the bruising, how does that happen. Do I need to do something to prevent it?
Lucky has not been very good yet and he hasn't been purring very much lately, if barely. Is there something I can do to make it better?
Oh, I am still so nervous about it all and my 12 hour schedule doesn't help matters. I finally have Monday and Tuesday off with a million things to do, including find some time to take him to the vet, which he will hate!
i will keep trying, and I appreciate all the help, support and vampire friends!
Nicole
 
There is another newbie, kittymom777, that also is gone 10-12 hours a day due to her work schedule. It might help you to read some of her post from early on this site to present. She's just now feeling comfortable. It takes time, practice, asking questions (on here) and those darn
"patience pants" that everyone here talks about. :lol:

The Kleenex, I put on blood spot and pressurize a little while I wait for number to come up on meter. That's suppose to stop bleeding (especially f you hit the vein) and prevent bruising. I'm not sure what causes the bruising; either trying multiple times or the pricker number not adjusted( too much force) right. Hank had bruising when I first started testing. Sure didn't look pretty! From what I read though, it hurts us more than them.

He'll come around or get used to testing. Try to pick a spot to test that he's comfortable with and try to test there every time. Some here give a low carb treat to their kitty afterwards. Hank only likes the "kitty candy" (very high carb treats I found out) so I don't give him a treat. Hank likes the affection best. :smile: Which is fine with me. If you do the treat thing , he'll eventually associate testing with getting a treat. Maybe then he'll start purring more.

Good luck! You'll get there.

Kimmie
 
Bruising happens when blood vessels are pierced or pressure causes them to break. Blood seeps in between the cells and clots there, forming a bruise. Blood that clots at the surface creates scabs.

We know we pierced a few capillaries and possibly a small vein with the lancet when getting a test. Applying direct pressure helps minimze the seepage and form a smaller clot.

For larger wounds, basic first aid has you apply direct pressure and elevate, with caution on the neck where you may need to use some judgement as to where and how you apply pressure. (No tourniquets on the neck!)

If you ever get the chance, take a Pet First Aid class. Those infobits may help you save a pet's life.
 
Re: New member - Lucky, just diagnosed - update

Well, it's been just over a month (since Nov 2).
I took Lucky into the Vet around Nov 17th and had them switch his insulin to ProZinc (thank you FDMB group!). They gave me a great price of $100 which I couldn't find anywhere close to that with the shipping costs and a free starter kit someone had donated.
You can see my chart on Lucky. I was finally able to do a curve on him Friday and it looks horrible. They want me to adjust the dose to 2 units BID. Isn't this a big increase? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
He is eating 1/2 can Royal Canin Diabetic wet food with a 1/2 can of recommended low carb wet food (FF or Wellness chicken grain frre or beef and venison or Tiko) twice a day
Also 1/3 cup of Royal Canin Diabetic dry food left out for both cats all day twice a day.

I have not figured out how to ketone test yet (never know of his peeing times), although I did buy some strips. I know he is uncontrolled right now. I work 12 hours days, so my dosing is usually 11 hr and 13 hr dosing, its the best I can do because I live alone. My daughter will be home from college in a couple weeks and can help, then, with the evening dose.

I could use your dosing suggestions. Right now I can only test preshot, until Thursday.

I am still overwhelmed and wish I had some help or better working hours.

Thanks
Nicole
 
You do the best you can.

If you need to increase, we suggest doing so slowly as you're not currently home during the day. If you can stand to do it, you could set an alarm for overnight, about 5 hours post-shot to see how low he is (or isn't) going.

I would increase by 0.25 to 0.5 units at most (eyeballed on the syringe) and get the mid-night test a couple times, then increase, or do any increases on a weekend or day off, so you can monitor.
 
Thanks, that is a great suggestion. I will try to set an alarm and try to test in the middle of the night. I will start with .5 dose (eyeball) for now and test over the next 3 days. Thanks you so much for your response.
I am trying...
Nicole
 
Don't worry, you're doing fine!

Like BJM said, "you do the best you can".

My husband and I talked about caring for Hank before he came to our house. DH would say "We", "we","we" when in fact after Hank came to our house it was "I". I don't mind but I do all the caring, testing, everything, for Hank. Really better that way so that not too many" hands in the oven".

I know you've heard it before butttttttt it does get easier with time and patience.

Believe me, I was where you are now 2 months ago and I was the "Queen of Overwhelmed"! :lol:

Someone once said to me on this forum, "breathe, Kimmie, breathe"! :lol:

Now that you've started him on a long-lasting insulin, Prozinc , his numbers will get better.

When Hank was dx the vet first put him on Novolin N. It wasn't until October 25th that I started Hank on Prozinc. Hank's numbers weren't that good either when he first started using Prozinc. It takes time.

Hank started with 1u. twice a day on the Prozinc. Yeah, I agree too that to start with 2u. twice a day may be too much. "Start low and go slow".

You'll get there.

Any other questions, just ask away.

Kimmie
 
nvand1993 said:
I am trying...
Click to expand...
I can really relate to how you are feeling, Nicole. Looking after a sugar kitty can be very demanding and you're doing great! Remember what Kimmied said about how many people never give their sugar kitties a chance at all and remind yourself that you are doing w-a-a-a-a-y better than all of those people. Your cat is well named: he is lucky to have a mom that loves him so much! :YMHUG:

Just as every cat is different, so is every caregiver's circumstances. Aided by Lucky's test data and the great people here, you'll be able to sort out a system that works well for you and Lucky.
 
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