NEW

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

Janc

Member Since 2010
:smile:
Good afternoon everyone...
My name is Jan and my mans name is Bailey aka furpants.......
I am having a heck of a time maneuvering this site.....
I have been trying to get here since 8:30 this morning....
My man is in need of tight regulation and help.
Although he is doing much better than In late October he is
still throwing tantrums and hungry...
He is a large cat weighs 16 ounds right now.
He has never been satisfied with getting 6-7 ounces of food a day and
last month broke my stereo throwing his tantrums...
If I feed him more I notice his bgl go up..so he is on a pretty strict regimine
But he is not a happy man.
Usually his bgl are in the 100's in the afternoon 200's.....With an occasional 300's because he is always hunting for some unsuspecting person to leave the butter out or some food on their plate....
I didn't want to have to test him all day long because when I tried to do that before I was having a harder time testing him he was getting too angry...I didn't want to ruin being able to test him and shoot him up...
But if it is going to help him I will do it....I haven't tested his urine because of the liter type he has but
since he doesn't like to put his butt all the ay in the cat liter I can easily get a sample off his matt on the outside of the box most days lol.........
So there you have it....Here we are nice to meet you......
Jan
a quick bio
Bailey was diagnosed in Oct
Put on the carnivore raw food diet immediately
never started the pills he was given
went back to the vet in November on 1 unit Lantus every 12 hours
raised to 2
raised to 3 and has a different vet the one he had retired
 
hi, Jan and welcome to the board! :) There'll be someone by here shortly to give you the rundown on things around here. With regards to maneuvering around the website, that comes with time, and consistency. :) You'll get the hang of it. :)

Glad you found us! :)
 
What were the pills?

A swing in blood glucose of 150-200 points in a 12 hour period is not unusual in some diabetic cats, so being in the 300s would not be surprising and might even be where he should be at that time. Have you got a spreadsheet set up yet to track his glucose levels?

He may be hungry because he isn't quite regulated yet and if that is true, feeding him more will be necessary because he isn't getting all the calories from the food he consumes ... he is literally starving somewhat.

If you can feel his spinous processes (the pointy part of the spine that sticks up) and/or the bones at the top of his hips, he may need to eat more to put on some weight. What has the vet said his ideal weight should be?

If his thyroid hasn't been checked, that may be a good idea as hyperthyroid cats burn through calories fast and until that is controlled, he would need to eat a lot too.

Otherwise, feeding several small meals spaced throughout the day may help with his hunger. Several folks use a feeder to control meal delivery. Adding a smidge of water to it will help keep him hydrated, plus it adds some volume to help him feel fuller.

Testing pre-shot should be done to make sure you don't give him insulin when he doesn't need it.
At a minimum, testing around 6 hours later (as often as you can manage it), will help you identify how low he is going and is needed in order to make dose changes because Lantus dosing is based on how low the cat goes, ie the nadir.

Always give him a low-carb treat after testing, as it helps reduce resistance to the procedure.
It may be helpful to use an over the counter topical anesthetic antibiotic ointment to reduce any discomfort. Put it on for a few minutes, then wipe it off to test, or put it on after testing.
 
Hey Jan, Welcome to you and Bailey,

I'm Cee and my big boy is named Gandolf. He's 11 years old. He' a big cat too at about 18lbs and he would mutiny on me if I tried to keep him on 6 -7 oz. of food. It's more like 13! (or a bit more).

However, I am now using the 5-dish timed feeder with him so that he is eating more frequently every 2 -3 hours and he is much happier. Helps me out alot too cause I'm out of the house alot and even right now since I injured my leg and its more difficult to get around. I fill that thing up and he's set. He still hasn't quite got it that the "whir" means time to eat but he is getting it better than he did. He's quite accustomed to eating out of it - just sometimes doesn't seem to realize its there waiting for him. We've had this feeder for awhile but I'm really concentrating on getting him trained to it right now. It really helps us both out. These frequent meals help his blood sugar surf at a pretty steady level too. That's good.
I don't have any dosing advice for you but you're in the right place cause the info is here in the starred "Stickies" at the top of this forum and the dosing coaches are very knowledgeable and generous with their skills.

Our coaches will ask you to get a spreadsheet going for Bailey so they can read his data (very data driven as they say here) and there are "techs" here who can help you with that too. (That wouldn't be me - ha!)

Welcome aboard and I'm confident you'll get all the help you need here. I know Bailey is going to have a good life-change and get a whole lot happier real soon too. Keep us posted and best wishes.

Cee & Gandolf cat_pet_icon
 
Welcome Jan and big bruiser kitty. I'm new too and still working on the testing thing. It's getting easier.

Cee, what brand of automatic feeder do you use? I'm shopping and need suggestions. Do you use one that has a cooler of some sort in the bottom?

Only been at this for three weeks but already I'm sold on free feeding canned or raw food to my diabetic kitty. It smooths out the bumps, and he needs all the calories he can get. Only exception is I take up the food 2 hours before the morning and afternoon preshot glucose test (AMPS and PMPS is the lingo we use) so I'm getting a fasted number before his shots.
 
Thank you for the warm welcomes.......
The pills he was given when diagnosed were some kind of pill form insulin I would think..
Let me explain better.....
When I asked the vet if diet and exercise made any difference he said no then I got scarred
I had a vet that wasn't knowledgeable in the field I needed him to be...
He decided to try a pill form first.
I came home did some reading and just about everything he told me ws wrong.
By the time I took Bailey back for Insulin he must of been doing some reading
and was much more knowledgeable....He meant well I am sure.
Bailey won't allow a small feeding. I would love to be able to save some of his food for several smaller meals but if he does not get his 3 1/2 ounces he will not stop until he gets it....I tried letting him snack on Beechnut babyfood chicken or turkey low carb food but whenever he gets it his bgl go up.....So I stopped that also.
Bailey is a bully........
I am amazed he lets me test and give him insulin..I say he is smart he really knows when you are helping him but, he also has his limits....I will test him before giving him shots because his bgl are going lower all the time long as he doesn't get into food....He has no boundaries...He will get into the sink, stove where ever he can find some crumbs or something to lick....
I agree he acts like he is starving, he gotme to give him more food or snacks but he has maintained his weight for 2 months and whenever he gets more food like I said he gets higher bgl's also....My son came home from college on break and he thought he was starving to and I believe he was sneaking him some food at first..But after seeing his bgl's go so high he quit giving into him when I was sleeping....
It seems this is just so complicated and complex it is over my head.....
he is due to go back to the vet but I haven't made his appointment due to funds right now..But I will definetly request one...Bailey has always wanted more food and has always been like that..Not just with diabetes....he is relentless
I don't think he could use one of those feeders with raw food...
yes I think he would be happier with more food....he is a big cat and no one has been able to tell us what a good weight for him would be...???? I would think not really sure but since he is holding his weight he is healthy and still not skinny he hasn't lost weight since Oct/Nov... When I hold him on his back he stretches out to be about 3 feet or longer...I don't know where to find a weight chart but I think I will go take a look..
I will start the spreadsheet on google asap...but having a hard time figuring out the posting....
I wonder how long it will be before I understand AMPS and PMPS?
 
Hi Jan and Bailey,
I just wanted to say hi and welcome. My kitty and I are new here too, and the wise ones here have helped me so much! You'll find they are extremely caring and will try to get you through the rough spots. You'll get the hang of posting quick, no worries. I have a big bruiser kitty too, and he's learning to just calm down and let it happen when I test him. Hopefully Bailey will do the same. Good luck!
 
AMPS = morning (AM) pre-shot
PMPS = evening (PM) pre-shot

While feeding him may increase his glucose ... he may need to eat more AND need a corresponding increase in the insulin if he is a big cat. How active is he? Can you feel his ribs? Any bony points on his skeleton?

Unless your vet says otherwise, try adding a mid-day feeding of another 3 oz w/ glucose checking and dose adjustment as needed. Food is supposed to make the glucose go up a bit! If it didn't, there'd be something very wrong.

You can do some reading on nutrition here - Cat Info - including info on weight loss / weight management.
 
Howdy,

Here's a cool tool I found for getting a visual of where your cat stands as far as weight is concerned. I saw a similar poster in my vets office way back (Gandolf weighed 25lbs then) and it really helped me get the point. Check this out.

http://www.petfit.com/Petfit/pfCommonDi ... ckTool_USA

The timed feeder I bought off line and it was shipped right to my door (free shipping too). Didn't take long at all and was significantly cheaper on-line than at the local PetSmart store. I just typed in " timed/automatic cat-feeder" in my browser. The 5-meal feeder I use is called PETSAFE. No cooling system but sometimes I'll put a couple small frozen iced containers in a couple of the dish compartments and fill the remaining 3, depending on how long I'm gone. I use canned food only, supplementing with raw or lightly cooked meat occasionally. Haven't had any problem yet. It's also very easy to clean. I welcome it into our feeding routine.

Gandolf, too, likes to have a solid breakfast. Certainly its at least 3 oz and sometimes more (sometimes over 1/2 of a 5.5oz can though most the time less than half.) He'll be OK for a few hours and then he'll want to eat again but its a smaller portion. He'll want another good size feeding later in the day and then before bed. And I leave him a smaller portion for during the night. Many times there are leftovers in these feedings so I am cutting it down even more, a little at a time, because he does have that tendency to gain weight. I also notice, like people, he wants to eat more some times than at others.

Hope this helps.

Cee

P.S. After thoughts: When Gandolf is hungry or his BG #'s are high he is very difficult and bounces off the walls. He frets, he whines, he's demanding and hard to be around (I know some people like that when they're hungry). He throws his weight around too - literally gets pushy cause his weight is his weapon. When his numbers are steady, his personality is much more steady as well. That blood chemistry has a whole lot to do with how he feels and behaves. I can really tell when his numbers are off. He can be a whole different cat - or so it seems.
 
Hi Jan,
welcome to the Lantus forum

going to give you some links to get you started.

You will find most of these information stickies up top here in LL.
New to the Group

Here in the Lantus forum, we follow this protocol, please read thru it and let us know how we can help.
Lantus & Levemir Tight Regulation Protocol

With that in mind, the Lantus forum likes to see data. A spreadsheet will help others guide you along with the protocol, as well as help you make doing decisions, but they do like to see a spreadsheet, the sooner the better.
Should I increase/decrease the dose?
Am I Data ready to Shoot Low Numbers

Follow the instructions in this link for setting up a spreadsheet. How to Create & Publish Your Spreadsheet

Couple more:
Dealing With Low Preshots
Dont Panic! Or How to Handle Low Numbers

Again, welcome to the group!
 
Jan

Just wanted to welcome you and Bailey to Lantus Land. You'll get lots of great help....just ask questions. Hopefully, you can get your spreadsheet set up quickly as that will help others make recommendations for you to consider on dosing, etc. The Stickys that Ronnie linked for you are invaluable. We couldn't have made it this far with our Gracie without these wonderful people in LL.
 
Help?

Thank you for all the good ideas..
There is just so much to try to take in....
I just tested Bailey it is time for his shot...I do not k now what to do....
Of course it is my fault I fell asleep last night and his shot was 4 hours late...
He had his shot this morning at 730...So I thought I would test him randomly today....
His last one was 2 hours after he ate...128...Now he usually gets his 3 units at 630...
I know 3 units is a bit much for such a low bgl...What to do? After eating +5 he is usually in the 200's...
I have to make a decision whether to trust the information I have been collecting or give him a lower dose?
goodness?
 
Have you given the shot yet? Also, your pre-shot number should be taken just before feeding and giving the shot (all within 15 minutes, in that order: test/feed/shot).

Posting to bump your post up to the top so others will see it more easily. Maybe edit your subject (you have to edit the subject line in the first post of this thread) to say: 1/10 Bailey PMPS (his current bg level) Help - dose advice."
 
Bump
Jan, Welcome to LL. I'm bumping your post up to the top. Please go back to your first post of the day and edit the subject line to say "Help" so that the folks here will know that you need help. YOur question is complicated and it's not clear what your shot times are.

Welcome!
Ella
 
welcome to LL!

How many hours after last night's shot did you give the shot this morning? And is he at 128 now, or was that earlier?
 
Hi Jan and Baily,

I will let others more experiance help with dosing.

Go to the tech board, and in the subject line put "need help setting up Spread Sheet". Someone here advised me to do that. I was able to set up my spreadsheet with the help of one of the FDMB members. Otherwise it was a little confusing to me as well.

My cat Whiskers is pretty agressive in regards to food and hunger also, still trying to get her regulated, once we do it should improve.

You've come to the right place. cat_pet_icon
 
Welcome to Lantus Land.

You've gotten some great information already. I want to make a few suggestions.
  • Read the starred, sticky notes at the top of the Board.The New to Lantus/Lev note will give you information about how this forum operates. Since you did not start FDMB on the Health board, this sticky will help to get your acclimated. It contains lots of links to other information you are likely to find helpful.
  • Read the information on our dosing protocol. The tight regulation protocol will give you guidelines for when to increase or decrease dose and how long to hold a dose.
  • The other sticky to give immediate attention to is on how to handle Lantus. The information in here will help you to get the most use from your insulin.
  • Lantus dosing is every 12 hours -- or as close to 12 hours as you can get. If you shot late last night, your AM shot should have been 12 hours from your shot time the previous evening. A late shot acts like a dose reduction; an early shot acts like a dose increase.
 
Re: Help?

Janc said:
Thank you for all the good ideas..
There is just so much to try to take in....
I just tested Bailey it is time for his shot...I do not k now what to do....
Of course it is my fault I fell asleep last night and his shot was 4 hours late...
He had his shot this morning at 730...So I thought I would test him randomly today....
His last one was 2 hours after he ate...128...Now he usually gets his 3 units at 630...
I know 3 units is a bit much for such a low bgl...What to do? After eating +5 he is usually in the 200's...
I have to make a decision whether to trust the information I have been collecting or give him a lower dose?
goodness?
Click to expand...


hi there,
hope you are able to update, we are here to help you along, guidance and support.

Lantus dosing is every 12 hours -- or as close to 12 hours as you can get. If you shot late last night, your AM shot should have been 12 hours from your shot time the previous evening. A late shot acts like a dose reduction; an early shot acts like a dose increase.

as Sienne mentioned, please keep this in mind if you are shooting late, 4 hours is pretty far behind. Hoping things went ok for you last nite.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top