New Member, Need help w/ newly diagnosed

[Kinnian]

My mother's cat/my childhood cat was diagnosed a few days ago. On her first dose of insulin which was supposed to be 2 units, she was accidentally given 20 because my mother got measurements mixed up. We have a kidney cat as well and her medication is measured in ml, she didn't realize units and milliliters were different, etc. She did that twice, morning, and night shot before realizing. When she did, she immediately rushed her to an emergency clinic as our vet is closed on the weekend, and she was monitored for a day with the obvious thought being that she'd go hypoglycemic. Except, she didn't. The lowest her numbers got were in the 300s. The vet there was extremely confused, checked the insulin, needles, and had my mother do a shot of saline just to make sure she was doing everything properly (which she was) and talking to our actual vet come Monday, she was also perplexed. Basically said it should have killed her. She told us to start her prescribed dose, and if she's still not responding in a couple days we'll try a different insulin. She also mentioned that if she doesn't respond to anything we may need to put her down. We're currently monitoring her levels and on the app we're using they're just "high" as the cut off is 500. Lowest they've been since the massive insulin doses have been high 400s. She's had two doses since the overdosage. I've been trying to do research about why she didn't respond to such a high dose, and I can't find much information. My mother loves this cat so much, as do I, and she's wracked with guilt. Honestly just seeking information and wondering if anyone else has had a cat respond similarly and what happened/what to do/what to expect. Thanks in advance.

Basic info on the putty:
Name: Boo
Age: 9
Weight: 7.5 lbs (has lost almost half her body weight)



10/10/23

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi and welcome to you all.
First of all, please tell your mother there is absolutely no need to have Boo put down. And don’t let the vets even consider it. I find that suggestion outrageous to be honest. We can help you.
It is very possible, and I think the most likely thing that has happened is that Boo dropped very low with the 20 units and is now bouncing which is the body’s reaction to a sudden fall in blood glucose. It is the cats way of saving itself.
Bounces can last for up to 6 cycles….that is three days…and insulin will not bring the blood glucose down when a cat is bouncing. Not until the bounce ceases to exist….does that make sense?. Bouncing is very common in newly diagnosed cats…even cats getting a normal dose of insulin. Having blood glucose levels in the 500s or above is not unusual during a bounce.
Here is an explanation on bouncing:

• Bouncing - Bouncing is simply a natural reaction to what the cat's system perceives as a BG value that is "too low". "Too low" is relative. If a cat is used to BGs in the 200's, 300's, or higher for a long time, then even a BG that drops to 150 can trigger a "bounce". Bouncing can also be triggered if the blood glucose drops too low and/or too fast.The pancreas, then the liver, release glucogon, glycogen and counter-regulatory hormones. The end result is a dumping of "sugar" into the bloodstream to save the cat from going hypoglycemic from a perceived low. The action is often referred to as "liver panic" or "panicky liver". *Usually*, a bounce will clear kitty's system within 3 days (6 cycles).

Can you tell me what type of insulin Boo is getting please?
2 units is a bigger dose than normal. What is his weight?
Depending on what insulin the vet has prescribed, I think your vet needs to wait longer before jumping to another insulin.
Make sure Boo is getting plenty to eat not only at shot time but also during the cycles.
It sounds as if you are using a freestyle libre to measure the blood glucose. Is that correct?

I am going to ask @Bandit's Mom if she will set up a spreadsheet for you so you can enter the data from the freestyle libre. Then we can help you with the dosing and give you our opinion on what is happening.
Please keep in touch and let us know how things are going…it will all work out.
Bron

 

[tiffmaxee]

How is Boo? It can take months to regulate a cat. We can help.

 

[Hendrick Cuddleclaw]

Hi and welcome to the group! This group is awesome and can help Boo like they helped my boy Hendrick. What kind of insulin was prescribed? What is Boo's diet?