Newly diagnosed cat coming home tomorrow. Am I ready?

[phedre]

My cat was just diagnosed as Diabetic two days ago, and is coming home tomorrow. Am I prepared enough?

He's a 13 year old domestic male, 13lbs (a bit overweight for his size, but not excessively).

Here's what I have after my massive shopping trip today:

- Freestyle Lite glucometer
- 10 lancets (included with the pack, I need to get more)
- 100 testing strips
- pack of Lantus SoloStar pens (3 in the pack I believe, should be good for a while!)
- pack of 100 needle tips for the pens
- pack of ketostix
- a new litter box that I can use just for keto tests
- aquarium gravel for said testing
- 24 cans of Whiskas wet cat food, the only brand I could find that didn't have corn/rice in them at the store.
- 2 large syringes for emergency sugar injections (I'll be using maple syrup, it's what I have on hand)

I don't think I'm missing anything except for a safe disposal box, which I'll pick up with a pack of lancets, but I'm new to this and a bit panicked and any advice would be great! I've looked over the booklet for the glucometer, and though I'm a bit nervous about the lancets, I think I'll get over it. The vet is going to show me how to give the injections, and she seems quite up on the latest techniques for treating diabetic pets, so I'm happy about that.

I was looking at The Protocol page for pets too, but I don't know if my pens will allow for 0.5 doses? Is that right? I'm so nervous about all of this! I know it's old hat to so many and I'll get through it, but I'm just a wreck at this point.

I just want enough stuff to get me through the next few weeks on hand, and once I'm settled, I can start looking at better, cheaper sources for long term maintenance.

Edit: The food I bought is Whiskas Trays in "Tender Beef Dinner" and "Chicken Dinner", which I don't see mentioned on their website or in the spreadsheets. I hope I've got this right. I picked them up from Wal-Mart in Ottawa, Canada.

 

[squeem3]

My cat was just diagnosed as Diabetic two days ago, and is coming home tomorrow. Am I prepared enough?

He's a 13 year old domestic male, 13lbs (a bit overweight for his size, but not excessively).

Here's what I have after my massive shopping trip today:

- Freestyle Lite glucometer

The FreeStyle meters are inaccurate for cats. They are off by 100 points or so. Please return the meter and buy a different brand. Aviod any meter that has "True" or Tru" in the name. Wal Mart's Relion brand is what many people here use. Big name brands like AccuChek and OneTouch are good as well.

- 10 lancets (included with the pack, I need to get more)

Yes, you'll definitely need more than 10 lancets :smile:

- 100 testing strips

As said, the FreeStyle brand is inaccurate. Return the meter and the test strips to the store and buy a different brand.

- pack of Lantus SoloStar pens (3 in the pack I believe, should be good for a while!)

It's five 3 ml pens in the box.

- pack of 100 needle tips for the pens

You don't need the pen needles because you will not be using the SoloStar pen the way a Human diabetic would. The end of the SoloStar pen, where a Human diabetic would attach a pen needle to, has a rubber stopper. You can stick the needle of an insulin syringe right into that and draw up a dose. Here is info: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=151

Buy U100 3/10 cc insulin syringes, preferably with half unit markings.

- pack of ketostix
- a new litter box that I can use just for keto tests[/quot]

- aquarium gravel for said testing

Good :smile:

- 24 cans of Whiskas wet cat food, the only brand I could find that didn't have corn/rice in them at the store.

Have you checked Binky's chart? Some of the Whiskas are not low enough in carbs, http://binkyspage.tripod.com/CanFoodNew.html Things like starches can mean the carb content is on the high side.

Fancy Feast has many low carb varieties and can be pretty much found eveywhere.

Have you seen the other food lists?

Pet Food Nutritional Values list
Hobo's Guide To Nutritional Values
Dr. Lynne's Wet Food list
List of low carb gluten free Fancy Feast

- 2 large syringes for emergency sugar injections (I'll be using maple syrup, it's what I have on hand)

Here's the hypo toolbox list: http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2354

Sugar quickly raises blood glucose levels but the effect is very short. Gravy canned food is a better choice but do use syrup if the hypo is pretty bad and you need to get the bgs up really fast. You may need to give syrup every 15 minutes or so.

I was looking at The Protocol page for pets too, but I don't know if my pens will allow for 0.5 doses? Is that right?

The SoloStar pens only doses in whole unit increments. That's why everyone here use insulin syringes with the pen - you can dose half and even quarter unit doses.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

Hello and Welcome,
You have been doing your homework. Wow.

I agree. You should go return that meter and I think the food too.
I don't see the one's you got on the list unless they are the ones with gravy in which case , you really don't want them.
Print yourself a copy of the binky's lists, ( old canned and new canned) so you can highlight the one's with the lowest carbs. Always pick lower than 10%, but the lower you can go the better.

Fortunately, you should be able to go back to walmart and exchange these items or just flat out return them, even
without a receipt.

When you get your new meter, you can practice on yourself.
and it's helpful to read up a little on the injection how-to's.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/injections.htm
tenting the skin helps you find a spot to stick, and helps the cat not to feel it as much.
You want to inject just under the skin.
Pay attention to the part about the bevel . the number side of your syringe should be face up. If you have it upside
down, it's more painful.

You also want treats for rewarding your cat for the ear tests.
Your cat will be much more cooperative earlier in the process if there is always a reward for getting a stickie.
You need to find something 100% protein. Most cat treats are very high in carbs so this part is more difficult.
freeze dried meats are a good choice. You can also boil chicken. Or give a bite of tuna ( if your cat likes tuna)

good luck.
Keep asking questions.

 

[Ry & Scooter]

I don't know if you can return meters/strips. There are strict policies about it because of bloodborne pathogens. You could probably sell the strips on e-Bay.

Whiskas is low carb IIRC but it has an AWFUL consistency (very dry and very lumpy) and my Scooter would not go within 3 feet of it. Maybe yours will be different, but don't be frustrated if they don't take to it. :lol:

 

[Barn Cats R Us]

- 2 large syringes for emergency sugar injections (I'll be using maple syrup, it's what I have on hand)

Important: When you say "sugar injections", I assume you mean by squirting into the mouth without a needle attached to the syringe?

You'd be giving very small amounts (by mouth) of Karo, syrup, or honey, when needed. You won't need "large" syringes. I used to give 0.5 mL (from a 3 mL syringe), and people would look at me like this :shock: . So basically, depending on the situation, you might give an average of 0.1 to 0.25 at a time (if that). That's a really small amount that requires a syringe no larger than 3 mL. I always liked using specific measured amounts for my records...but I think most folks just give a "drop" at a time.

Another note: You will be feeding high carb (HC) "gravy", when dealing with low numbers, before you would resort to using Karo (again, depending on the situation and/or BG numbers). I used Fancy Feast Gravy Lover's for low numbers, and "dives". If kitty keeps dropping (or is already too low)...only then do you break out the Karo.

As far as I know, you cannot return meters, strips, or lancets. It should say so right on the packaging.

Hope this helps...and welcome!

Deb

 

[phedre]

Ok so what I'm seeing so far is:

- get a different glucometer.
- get syringes and use the pens I already have as vials.
- get lancets and disposal case at the same time
- get a different kind of cat food.

What qualifies as "low carb" for a cat? That has me completely confused! The food I have is not in gravy, but I'll see what I can find tomorrow.

And yes, the large syringes I have don't have a needle

Edit: Does this list apply to Canada? I know there can be differences.

 

[Hope + (((Baby)))GA]

If you ever need karo, maple syrup, sugar water, etc. to raise low numbers in case of a potential hypo, please do not syringe any of it. Use your finger and rub it on the gums. It is absorbed quickly, especially karo syrup, and if you use a syringe and squirt it in you rish aspirating the kitty. You can also try putting it in a little food and see if kitty will eat. Sounds like you are well on your way to taking excellent care of your cat.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

syringes. vet should give you the appropriate one for the insulin you are prescribed.

Most people here have been satisfied with BD Ultra-fine U100 3/10 cc, Monoject Ultra Comfort (available from diabeticpromotions.com), or Walmart ReliOn Ultra Comfort. The latter two measure half-units, are manufactured by the same company with different branding, and are less expensive than B-Ds, with ReliOns being less expensive than the Monojects. Get the finest needle possible, which is 31 gauge. Some people have difficulty with the longer (1/2 inch) needles and recommend the 3/8 inch needles to avoid shooting "through the tent"; others experience the opposite problem with shorter needles not delivering the insulin properly, so experiment to find out what's right for your cat. If you're giving a U-40 insulin, either use the appropriate syringe, or use a conversion factor for giving U-40 insulin in a U-100 syringe.

foods.
I have my own sub list of canned food. 5% carbs or less. these are the ones I'm rotating and buying. My cat eats all of them, she's least fond of the wellness. I usually sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top or Bonita flakes.


carbs
5% - fancy feast CLASSICS chicken feast - stay away from any that are not classics
5 % - Friskies flaked with tuna and egg

5% - Merrick Cowboy cookout
3% - Merrick Surf n Turf
4% -Merrick Southern delight - this one has crawfish in it. My cat likes it occasionally. usually have to switch back
and forth with other cans before finishing this one off.
4% - Wellness chicken
4% - Wellness turkey
5% - Wellness turkey and salmon

0% - Natura Evo chicken and turkey
4% Natura Evo 95% duck
2% Natura Evo 95% venison - haven't tried this one yet


I haven't tried any others off the list yet. We are doing pretty well with these.

 

[Barn Cats R Us]

And yes, the large syringes I have don't have a needle

Well, that's a relief. nailbite_smile :lol:

Regarding low carb (LC) food: I've always fed Friskies Classic Pate. It's not that expensive (although you can find cheaper) and I have a houseful to feed. I also keep Fancy Feast Classic Pate stocked...just to have another choice around, in case the Friskies Pate is refused (although that doesn't usually work as planned).

Anything in gravy is generally HC, and is considered part of your "hypo kit" for low numbers.

 

[Donna & Doogle]

You may want to make a rice sock also to help warm the ear for testing. Until the ears learn to bleed, it will be harder to get a drop to test. Also using a 28g lancet will be better (anything smaller doesnt work well on virgin ears). I think I read you are in Canada, so I am not sure what is sold there but there is a list for international canned food https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-mMJBQ_r05GdDBEY0pWbURmRE0/edit. I saw there are Walmarts in Canada so hopefully that will help. This is a great video to show you how to use a syringe with the pens and draw up the insulin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4KtK_skpmQ. Also go ahead and setup your SS for your kitty so its ready for you to start posting your numbers (AM Pre Shots, tests throughout the day and a PM Preshot). Go here to find out how http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18207The best thing to do is test, feed and shot all within minutes. Lantus is a long lasting insulin so staying in 12 hours of each shot is imtportant. Then starting posting in the Lantus TR boards so you can get advice and help when you need it. There is alot to absorb all at once and it can be overwhelming. Just remember to breathe, be patient, be calm and we are ALL here to help you !!!!

 

[phedre]

Update:

After reading all the suggestions, I've just come back from my second shopping trip. I picked up:

- One touch glucometer, lancets, and testing strips
- Disposal unit
- The recommended syringes
- Friskies pate cat food in the types recommended on the food list for Canada,including low carb and some high carb for when needed


I also took pictures of a bunch of food labels at my pet shop to compare prices/quality/recommendations against what's on the board to see which foods I can use.

Hopefully this will give me a good start towards getting my cat back on track.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

It sounds like you are set! Let us know how we can help.

Don't get discouraged if the testing is not successful at first - many of us spent a lot of hours poking our poor kitty until we got the hang of this. Just post if you have problems and we'll bombard you with tips. :mrgreen: my two biggest mistakes were not heating the ear enough and not having a large enough lancet.

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

Sounds like you are progressing.

I wish I could help you with the food but I don't know Canada.
I do read that several canadians order online, I guess they want variety. It's just not quick for starting out.

Have you hunted to see where the closet pet food specialty store is? So many new stores are popping up with
the introduction of the new grain free pet foods.

 

[phedre]

My local pet shop does have grain free pet foods, I checked all the labels while I was there.

Honestly yes the blood testing is what makes me the most nervous. Luckily I have today at home, plus a three day weekend coming up, so I hope to get somewhat used to it before going back to work on Tuesday. I'm also working fairly close by so I can come home at lunch.

I'm feeling ok about this. Not great, but ok. It's stressing me out (obviously), but I'll get past this, and this board seems like a great place to help me calm my shattered nerves.

I'm going to set up all my supplies so I'm not stressed about finding things when he gets home, and get my rice sock all ready to go. My current strategy will be to lie him down, pet him for a few minutes, give him a freeze-dried chicken breast treat, warm his ear, jab, hope for blood, then second small treat to try and work past it.

I do have a ton of questions for my vet about the scheduling for testing, feeding, and injecting, but I'll bombard her with questions first, then follow up here to get confirmation.

thanks all!

 

[hmjohnston]

Sounds like you are doing great and heading into this with good directions and a good vet!

Just a word- most doses SHOULD start at .5 or 1u and, because Lantus has a build-up process, you might not see a dropped BG until a few days in. Do not raise the dose in the first week- see what goes on. And don't raise in 1u increases at all- .25 or .5u. While this will be for later on it helps to set the ground-work first.

If the vet uses the BG #'s they have gotten at the vets office to set the dose remember that the #'s could be high because of the stress of being at the vet- as much as 100pts higher, which is why I suggest the .5 or 1u only as the starting dose.

Good luck- are are prepared. Go forth and do battle with yon Feline diabetes!

 

[Donna & Doogle]

Also, if the vet is willing to let you send in your SS that you setup here, maybe the vet wont ask you to come in as much to do testing. Home testing is better because its less stress. Also, dont forget to make a rice sock. Rice socks are commonly used to warm the ear. Rolled oats may also be used. Put a few tablespoons of rice or oats in a sock, knot it, and microwave it 20-30 seconds. Test on your wrist before applying to your cat's ear. After a minute or two of the warm sock, the ear should be warm enough to prick.

Other methods of warming the ear include: warm wet washcloth in a ziplock bag; vigorous massage/rubbing; wrapping the ear around a pill bottle with warm water in it. A dab of vasoline or neosporin with pain relief can help the blood pool rather than soaking into the fur, and helps to heal the ear after the prick.

Using a tissue, always apply pressure to both sides of the ear for 20-30 seconds or so to stop the bleeding (or blood under the skin) and prevent bruising.

Videos to help with testing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zE12-4fVn8 This one is great
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ6iXetR398
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PDK3bZ4pDc&feature=related This one even shows the "sweet spot"

Just remember to stay calm. You probably wont get it the first few tries, so just get upset. The cat will pick up on your stress and then in turn stress him/her out. Give is few minutes, give a treat and then try again. Practice makes perfect

Good luck and look forward to hearing more from you!!!

 

[phedre]

I just made a rice sock And I have some cotton pads and polysporin ointment standing by! I'll update when I've completed my first session with him, and try not to stress too much. At this point I think this is harder on me than him!

 

[Donna & Doogle]

This is always harder on us than them. Great that you got a rice sock made!!!!!!!! It will help (plus you can use it for yourself too.....lol). Looking forward to hearing back!!!

 

[nwnews]

HI - just wanted to welcome you to the forum. The folks here are so terrific and supportive. As someone previously mentioned Lantus takes a little time to build up a reservoir or shed. The recommendation is to wait 3 - 6 cycles (shots) before making a dose change. My cats blood glucose #'s were all over the place the first two weeks she was on insulin. Fortunately I followed everyones advise to start low and go slow and today she is on just 1.5 units with consistent numbers in the 140-200 range. Lantus works best on a 12 hour schedule and likes consistancy - so if you can stay on it that is optimal. On weekends I set my alarm for the normal time - test, feed & shoot - then go back to bed. Its not quite as great as sleeping in but just like anything else you get used to it . So glad you found the forum and hope your furbaby is feeling purrrfect again soon. Jan