New to FDMB

[cillasmommy]

confused_cat Help! We are new here
Hello my Kittys name is Priscilla and I need the help of some pros to care for her better, I was recently told about this forum because a forum member feels my vet is not doing the best job to help me keep Prisciilas levels in check.
Priscilla was diagnosed with Diabetes in March 2014, the vet started her on 1 unit of Lantus twice a day, and put her on a low glycemic diet ( Hills MD )
After about 3 weeks we went back on for a fructosimine test. The vet said Priscilla was not in the range she wanted her to be in, so she went to 2 units 2x a day. Another fructosimine test and we are currently at 2 and a half units 2x a day.
Priscillas been ok although shes been drinking and urinating a lot. The vet said this would decrease, it hasn't.
Sunday she was staggering when walking, wouldn't eat and was extremely weak. I rushed her to an expensive emergency vet, ended up paying 1,200 for nothing!
They said Priscilla may have an infection, They started her on fluids, and antibiotics. She was dehydrated, They said her sodium was high 178, blood glucose level was at 513, Her white blood cells were at 33.000. They said she may be Hyperosmolar DKA. I called her vet, she suggested I leave Priscilla at the emergency vet for continued 24/7 care. They wanted 1,500 each day to keep her for three more days. That is not a option so I brought her home with some iv fluids and antibiotics.
She seems to be doing good, The fluids are helping with her dehydration. I'm going to purchase blood glucose meter tomorrow. If anyone has any suggestions or any information to help we would be greatly appreciative.
I'm also trying to find a different vet, We are in South east Michigan if anyone knows any diabetic specialists.
Thank you
Regina and Priscilla bcatrun_gif

 

[Larry and Kitties]

- You are on the right track with getting a human meter and testing BG yourself.
- From what you provided it seems that 1 unit twice daily is not enough. You can confirm by testing the BG yourself. Most of us here test before each shot and then periodically test between shots. The does is based on on the lowest BG between shots. That normally occurs between 5-7 hours after the shot.
- Most of us here record the BG and other info in a Google Docs spreadsheet. See:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50130
Then they provide a link to that spreadsheet in their post/signature.
- Prescription food like MD is not requires, especially if dry. Most of use here feed canned, commercial low-carb food. Here is a listing of them:
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=117688

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Good morning and I am so glad to see you join this board. I was one of the members that recommended you to join.

As Larry said, we recommend testing before every shot. You can use any human glucose meter. If expenses are an issue, the Walmart Relion brand meters are very good and economical. You will test a small drop of blood from your cat's ear. Don't worry, it will not hurt Pricilla. You do want to reward her every time you test with a low carb treat, such as freeze dried chicken. Soon she will associate testing with treats and may start to remind you when it is time to test.

Many of us feed our cats either Friskies or Fancy Feast canned foods. You want to avoid anything with gravy or sauce in the name. Usually the Pate flavors are lower in carbs. You can take the MD back to your vet for a refund, even if it is opened. Just tell them that Pricilla does not like it, which eventually would be true. Not only are the prescription foods higher in carbs, most cats stop eating it after a short period of time.

You also should consider lowering Pricilla's dose back to one unit while you are changing foods. A low carb canned food will significantly drop her BG levels if she has been eating dry. By lowering her dose, you can prevent her from becoming hypoglycemic. However, please do not change her food until you can start hometesting. You want to make sure it is safe to give her dose.

 

[Deb & Wink]

Hi Regina and extra sweet Priscilla and welcome to the message board.

I think a peak at some testing tips would be useful for you to have.

The How-to's of home testingBG (blood glucose) levels. I think being calm, cool and collected, warming the ear and having treats for both kitty and bean make the process easier.

Getting your cat to accept the testing process, or ear testing psychology.

Would you please share with us what the 2 different fructosamine readings have been?