Newly diagnosed cat and mom is struggling. Please help

[CarlaM]

Hi all. This is all very new to me and I've read through a lot of threads and there is so much knowledge here I hope you can help. I have a lot of questions. My cat Comet is 11 years old and was newly diagnosed. He had all the signs. Drinking and peeing A LOT, and weakness in his hind legs. His numbers were in the 500s and was put on 1 unit of Vetsulin twice a day. After 10 days his numbers were still in the 500s so the Vet increased the insulin to 2 units. Now here's the thing, he is stressed, as am I, when he goes to the Vet so I don't know how accurate the numbers are. I know testing at home is best but what should I buy? Also after the 10 days with the 1 unit he is absolutely drinking and peeing less but his legs are worse. I've also read that food high in carbs is no good for a diabetic cat but he's on prescription C/D for the past 3 years, post PU surgery, which is very high in carbs. Prior to needing surgery I had him on Purina Pro Plan for urinary and he did fine with that for a number of years until I got a second cat. They get along great but I think at the time stressed him and he developed crystals again. My question on that is the C/D doing more harm than good? Next is his legs. I'm so worried they won't get better. I've seen B12 shots mentioned to help with that. Anyone have any more info on that?

 

[krazy4kritters]

You are in the right spot. I'm also a newbie to this. The folks on FDMB are very helpful. I bought a human Relion micro meter. The test strips for the Relion meters are the cheapest. You buy the Relion stuff at Walmart or online. Catinfo.org, Dr. Lisa Peirson's web site is a plethora of nutrition information. I'll let other's chime in on your cat's specific insulin and medical conditions.
Your not alone. My fur kid is the definition of a scardy cat. I'm glad I can test him at home at not make so many stressful trips to the vet. My cat also has neuropathy. The poor guy has to poop and pee laying down. I just started him on Zobaline. It's not an injection, rather a pill that easily dissolves in wet food.
I'd link some of this info but the last time I tried that I lost everything I had typed. I'm sure others will be able to help more than me but, this is my two cents. And for what it's worth, your not alone and it does get easier.

 

[krazy4kritters]

http://www.bigorangegoodness.com/
Here is a link about neuropathy.

 

[krazy4kritters]

Another thought. You know your kitty best. Remember your vet is not in the house during feelings so don't feel pressured to feed what they say if you do not think its best. Low carb is the way to go with sugar kitties. No dry kibble. I actually swithched all my cats to Fancy Feast pate, one of the last foods I thought I would feed as a regular diet!

 

[Sean & Rufus]

Rufus did 6 weeks (1 per week) of b12 injections. He's also been on Zobaline for almost 3 months. His back legs weren't terrible, but had issues with back legs sliding out under him, and no longer jumping at all. He is MUCH improved with both of those things. Highly recommended. Zobabline isn't cheap, but worth it!

 

[CarlaM]

You are in the right spot. I'm also a newbie to this. The folks on FDMB are very helpful. I bought a human Relion micro meter. The test strips for the Relion meters are the cheapest. You buy the Relion stuff at Walmart or online. Catinfo.org, Dr. Lisa Peirson's web site is a plethora of nutrition information. I'll let other's chime in on your cat's specific insulin and medical conditions.
Your not alone. My fur kid is the definition of a scardy cat. I'm glad I can test him at home at not make so many stressful trips to the vet. My cat also has neuropathy. The poor guy has to poop and pee laying down. I just started him on Zobaline. It's not an injection, rather a pill that easily dissolves in wet food.
I'd link some of this info but the last time I tried that I lost everything I had typed. I'm sure others will be able to help more than me but, this is my two cents. And for what it's worth, your not alone and it does get easier.

Thank you! I'll take any cents.

 

[CarlaM]

Rufus did 6 weeks (1 per week) of b12 injections. He's also been on Zobaline for almost 3 months. His back legs weren't terrible, but had issues with back legs sliding out under him, and no longer jumping at all. He is MUCH improved with both of those things. Highly recommended. Zobabline isn't cheap, but worth it!

Did you get the B12 from your vet?

 

[Sean & Rufus]

Did you get the B12 from your vet?

Yes. It was pretty inexpensive. The pre-filled 6 syringes and geve them to me to give at home. I never ended up doing them myself, because at that point he was going in weekly for BG check and the needles were huge and I wasn't comfortable doing them (even though I would have if I had to )

 

[krazy4kritters]

I bought the Zobaline from Amazon. Here is the link.
https://www.amazon.com/ZobalineTM-Diabetic-Cats-60-tabs/dp/B008G3LI2M/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
Shipping is ridiculous but it is a two month supply if you give one a day. The start-up costs of this disease are overwhelming when you include the initial vet visits, insilin, testing supplies, etc.

 

[Critter Mom]

Better regulation and the B12 methylcobalamin supplementation can work wonders for neuropathy issues. Have a look at this video to see what's possible!

Mogs
.

 

[CarlaM]

I bought the Zobaline from Amazon. Here is the link.
https://www.amazon.com/ZobalineTM-Diabetic-Cats-60-tabs/dp/B008G3LI2M/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
Shipping is ridiculous but it is a two month supply if you give one a day. The start-up costs of this disease are overwhelming when you include the initial vet visits, insilin, testing supplies, etc.

Still very new so the costs haven't quite hit me yet. Luckily I have a very reasonable vet who so far has given me sample insulin and syringes and doesn't overcharge for office visits but I anticipate at some point it will start adding up. Like when I order these pills and the meter and strips. Lol. Thank you for the info.

 

[CarlaM]

Better regulation and the B12 methylcobalamin supplementation can work wonders for neuropathy issues. Have a look at this video to see what's possible!

Mogs
.

This definitely gave me hope. I just need to be patient. Thank you.

 

[Karen Mulholland]

Another thought. You know your kitty best. Remember your vet is not in the house during feelings so don't feel pressured to feed what they say if you do not think its best. Low carb is the way to go with sugar kitties. No dry kibble. I actually swithched all my cats to Fancy Feast pate, one of the last foods I thought I would feed as a regular diet!

I agree no dry food period! Please see Dr. Lisa Food lists for LC wet food. Many feed Fancy Feast classic (only). You will likely see his numbers decrease significantly when you switch to LC wet food. That being said, please also be aware that as a result of the decreased BG your guy will need a lower dose of insulin. Why don't you post in the specific insulin group and ask for help. Many more experienced folks can help with that. Good luck and welcome.

 

[Critter Mom]

Important information on safely transitioning a diabetic cat already receiving insulin to lower carb food by Lisa Pierson DVM:

http://catinfo.org/feline-diabetes/


Mogs

 

[JanetNJ]

Testing at home is less stressful for kitty then going to the vet, and more accurate. I have a video in my signature showing how I test my cat CC at home.

 

[Sean & Rufus]

I was more worried about home testing then anything. Now it's the easiest part of my process.

 

[CarlaM]

Important information on safely transitioning a diabetic cat already receiving insulin to lower carb food by Lisa Pierson DVM:

http://catinfo.org/feline-diabetes/


Mogs

Super informative. Thanks! I was not happy giving him his high carb food this evening but I'd rather do it right.

 

[Critter Mom]

Far better to do the transition slowly and safely (I speak from personal experience ).


Mogs
.

 

[CarlaM]

Far better to do the transition slowly and safely (I speak from personal experience ).


Mogs
.

Meter, strips and lancets ordered.

 

[CarlaM]

I bought the Zobaline from Amazon. Here is the link.
https://www.amazon.com/ZobalineTM-Diabetic-Cats-60-tabs/dp/B008G3LI2M/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20
Shipping is ridiculous but it is a two month supply if you give one a day. The start-up costs of this disease are overwhelming when you include the initial vet visits, insilin, testing supplies, etc.

Hey. Just an FYI. It's on sale at Walmart for 26.71 free shipping. On clearance

 

[CarlaM]

Yesterday was a big day. I started him on the Zobaline, which thankfully came yesterday because his legs were getting worse. Hoping it helps. I also first tested his BG last night before feeding and insulin. It was 330. I was curious what his number would be after so about an hour and a half later it was 361. I did the same this morning where his numbers were over 400 and also increased by about 30 an hour and a half later. Is that normal for it to increase? He's on 2 units right now.

 

[Sean & Rufus]

Yesterday was a big day. I started him on the Zobaline, which thankfully came yesterday because his legs were getting worse. Hoping it helps. I also first tested his BG last night before feeding and insulin. It was 330. I was curious what his number would be after so about an hour and a half later it was 361. I did the same this morning where his numbers were over 400 and also increased by about 30 an hour and a half later. Is that normal for it to increase? He's on 2 units right now.

I'm not an expert, somebody will chime in. But I think it's higher only because they are digesting the food still.

 

[CarlaM]

I'm not an expert, somebody will chime in. But I think it's higher only because they are digesting the food still.

I'll be satisfied with that if that's the case. Everything is a learning curve and I'm looking forward to when it comes easy. Hopefully it does get easier. Lol

 

[Sean & Rufus]

I found this in a sticky on lantus forum:

+0 - PreShot number.
+1 - Usually higher than PreShot number because of the last shot wearing off. May see a food spike in this number.
+2 - Often similar to the PreShot number. Onset begins around +2 for most cats. You'll probably see an active cycle if the +2 is the same/similar OR lower than the preshot number. Continue testing!
+3 - Often lower than the PreShot number.
+4 - Lower.
+5 - Lower.
+6 - Nadir/Peak (the lowest number of cycle. NOTE: ECID. Not every cat has a mid-cycle nadir. Adjust the hours on this example to fit your cat.)
+7 - Surf (hang around the nadir number).
+8 - Slight rise.
+9 - Slight rise.
+10 - Rising.
+11 - Rising (one of the quirks of Lantus/Levemir: some cat's blood glucose numbers dip around +10 or +11... not to be confused with nadir).
+12 - PreShot number.

 

[Sean & Rufus]

I'll be satisfied with that if that's the case. Everything is a learning curve and I'm looking forward to when it comes easy. Hopefully it does get easier. Lol

You and me both. I've been at this since Thanksgiving and still trying to figure it out We'll all get there, hopefully sooner rather then later.

 

[CarlaM]

I found this in a sticky on lantus forum:

+0 - PreShot number.
+1 - Usually higher than PreShot number because of the last shot wearing off. May see a food spike in this number.
+2 - Often similar to the PreShot number. Onset begins around +2 for most cats. You'll probably see an active cycle if the +2 is the same/similar OR lower than the preshot number. Continue testing!
+3 - Often lower than the PreShot number.
+4 - Lower.
+5 - Lower.
+6 - Nadir/Peak (the lowest number of cycle. NOTE: ECID. Not every cat has a mid-cycle nadir. Adjust the hours on this example to fit your cat.)
+7 - Surf (hang around the nadir number).
+8 - Slight rise.
+9 - Slight rise.
+10 - Rising.
+11 - Rising (one of the quirks of Lantus/Levemir: some cat's blood glucose numbers dip around +10 or +11... not to be confused with nadir).
+12 - PreShot number.

Thank you!

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Just a clarification, since you are using Vetsulin, it is a different type of insulin than Lantus and Levemir, so the sticky from our Lantus forum on a "typical" cycle may not correlate to a typical cycle for a cat on Vetsulin. Onset, nadir and duration may be different... See the attached introductory info from that sub-forum. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.186099/

There are experienced people with Vetsulin on the sub-forum linked here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/caninsulin-vetsulin-and-n-nph.19/

I would encourage you to ask questions there so that people experienced with that insulin can offer you advice for your specific situation.

 

[CarlaM]

Just a clarification, since you are using Vetsulin, it is a different type of insulin than Lantus and Levemir, so the sticky from our Lantus forum on a "typical" cycle may not correlate to a typical cycle for a cat on Vetsulin. Onset, nadir and duration may be different... See the attached introductory info from that sub-forum. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-caninsulin-vetsulin.186099/

There are experienced people with Vetsulin on the sub-forum linked here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/caninsulin-vetsulin-and-n-nph.19/

I would encourage you to ask questions there so that people experienced with that insulin can offer you advice for your specific situation.

Ok. Makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Karen Mulholland]

Hi all. This is all very new to me and I've read through a lot of threads and there is so much knowledge here I hope you can help. I have a lot of questions. My cat Comet is 11 years old and was newly diagnosed. He had all the signs. Drinking and peeing A LOT, and weakness in his hind legs. His numbers were in the 500s and was put on 1 unit of Vetsulin twice a day. After 10 days his numbers were still in the 500s so the Vet increased the insulin to 2 units. Now here's the thing, he is stressed, as am I, when he goes to the Vet so I don't know how accurate the numbers are. I know testing at home is best but what should I buy? Also after the 10 days with the 1 unit he is absolutely drinking and peeing less but his legs are worse. I've also read that food high in carbs is no good for a diabetic cat but he's on prescription C/D for the past 3 years, post PU surgery, which is very high in carbs. Prior to needing surgery I had him on Purina Pro Plan for urinary and he did fine with that for a number of years until I got a second cat. They get along great but I think at the time stressed him and he developed crystals again. My question on that is the C/D doing more harm than good? Next is his legs. I'm so worried they won't get better. I've seen B12 shots mentioned to help with that. Anyone have any more info on that?

Hello and welcome! My boy was also on C/D for many years at the time of diagnosis. I asked the same question "is it doing more harm than good?" I encourage you to read the sticky by Dr. Lisa regarding low carb, wet food diets. When I switched Rocky from C/D to Fancy Feast classic, I made sure to always add water which will help with the urinary track issues; more water moving flushing out toxins. You'll get the swing of home testing, I watched a lot of videos and found the way that worked best for us. I was a wreck in the beginning and now it's just "what we do" and it's only been 2 months

 

[CarlaM]

Hello and welcome! My boy was also on C/D for many years at the time of diagnosis. I asked the same question "is it doing more harm than good?" I encourage you to read the sticky by Dr. Lisa regarding low carb, wet food diets. When I switched Rocky from C/D to Fancy Feast classic, I made sure to always add water which will help with the urinary track issues; more water moving flushing out toxins. You'll get the swing of home testing, I watched a lot of videos and found the way that worked best for us. I was a wreck in the beginning and now it's just "what we do" and it's only been 2 months

I've started changing the food. Gradually mixing in Purina Pro Urinary Health, which according to Dr. Lisa's chart is low in carbs. Now since I've started testing his blood there is more Purina than C/D. The pricking is the hardest part as far as testing. Tried testing last night and after a handful of attempts there wasn't enough blood to get a reading. I have some 33g lancets but I think they are too small. :/ Thankfully I got a reading this morning which was in the 200s which I was happy to see. Slowly but surely getting there. I think.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I've started changing the food. Gradually mixing in Purina Pro Urinary Health, which according to Dr. Lisa's chart is low in carbs. Now since I've started testing his blood there is more Purina than C/D. The pricking is the hardest part as far as testing. Tried testing last night and after a handful of attempts there wasn't enough blood to get a reading. I have some 33g lancets but I think they are too small. :/ Thankfully I got a reading this morning which was in the 200s which I was happy to see. Slowly but surely getting there. I think.

Most of us use 26 to 28 gauge lancets (thicker) that are sometimes labelled "for alternate site testing" and that helps a lot. Congrats on doing the home testing - absolute best tool to keep your kitty safe.

 

[CarlaM]

I need to sincerely thank all of you for your amazing advice. Comet has been off insulin for a week. I visited my vet yesterday and told him how I've changed his food and was monitoring him at home. The vet told me that carbs don't affect cats like humans, that only one type of insulin can reverse the diabetes which is Lantus and that if I wasn't giving him insulin there wasn't much he can do for me. And gave me all the examples of what could go wrong. I told him I didn't feel comfortable giving him insulin because I was afraid he would go into hypoglycemia. (His numbers have been in normal range). He agreed to test his urine. Luckily for the PU surgery they can easily get a sample. Well, the test strip showed no sugar in his urine and no ketones! He then said to me, maybe you are doing the right thing. Monday we compare the BG home test that I took as soon as I got home and the blood drawn at the vet. So again, I sincerely thank you all!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Great news! I hope you've taught your vet something.