newly diagnosed

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BooKitty's Momma

Member Since 2013
I just found out one of my old boys has diabetes, Monday 09-16-13. My heart is broken. My vet suggested I going online and research. I've found you, thank you. My cat is BooKitty, a sweet serious little fellow that's gray and looks like he is contemplating Enstein's Theory of Relativity or some other deep thought. I just started working a new job on the east coast of Florida. My husband and cats (total 4) live in the middle of the state about 137 miles. My husband hasn't the patience to medicate BooKitty. So after begging the landlady, I'll be bringing BooKitty to the apt. Thankfully job and new vet are within 10 minutes of apartment. I meet with Ocala Vet at 3:30 for consultation and instructions. I'm hoping she doesn't suggest the insulin you indicate is not a good choice Humulin N. I'll write once I know...I'm hoping and looking forward to having friends here that will help me navigate this new journey. thanks
 
Welcome BooKitty's MamaBean and extra sweet BooKitty! Yep, you found the right place! I'm on the way out the door right now but wanted to welcome you first...others will come later with more info!!

BIG HUGE HUG! Now....BREATHE!
 
Good luck at the vet! I hope she prescribes a good insulin like Lantus, Levemir or Prozinc.

However assuming the vet doesnt mention ketones you may want to try a week of a diet change and home testing before starting the insulin depending on what he already eats!

let us know
Wendy
 
Hey Bookitty's mommabean and Bookitty and welcome to the message board!

What is your first name? I'm Deb, that pretty long haired tuxie to the right is my sugardude Wink.

Let us know what questions we can help you with. Diabetes is a very treatable disease. With a low carb diet, a good insulin, the right dose and home testing, we should be able to get Bookitty regulated and maybe even into remission, OTJ.

How did the vet visit go?
 
Thank you for the welcome...my first name is Tina (pronounced with a long I like in China) I gave my first injection this morning...I wasn't wearing it, it wasn't on the chair or all over his fur, so I think I did it. Vet (God bless her) called me today to see how we were doing. He went from 633 on Sat a week ago, to 531 on Thursday to 241 on Friday..so he is responding well to insulin. He was prescribed Lantis. He's coming with me to the Cocoa area of Florida while the other 3 stay with husband in Ocala. I think it will be okay...I've got my honey in case something awful happens. I am trying to remind myself he still has to drink water and use box not to fret unless it seems to be more often. I read the post "from your cat" it was very helpful. Vet was happy I had contacted this site and forum.

Thank you...thank you for being here. Tina...BooKitty's momma. I'm sure BooKitty is happier too.
 
Hi Tina! Thanks for the intro. I like to know people's names.

We had another member recently that was traveling back and forth every week to her work and home, traveling with her kitty. She was so dedicated, and you sound a lot like her. Here is a link to a writeup she did about traveling with diabetic kitties. Member Lisa & Leo, went OTJ after 7 months of traveling back and forth.

Here is another link to a traveling discussion. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...aveling+with+cats+traveling+maryland#p1012504

First injection ! Congratulations on getting it into the kitty. ;-) Sooner or later, we all seem to do a fur shot where we miss all or part of the injection. In that case, please never give another shot to make up the difference. You never know how much actually got into the kitty and we don't want to see an overdose. "Better too high for a day, than too low for a moment."

The numbers already look like they are coming down rapidly. Lantus is a good insulin, lots of folks here with experience using that insulin.

Are you home testing yet? We teach lots of people how right over the internet and can provide a shopping list if you are interested.

What are you feeding Bookitty right now?
 
Lantus is a great insulin - it is one of the 3 keys to getting your cat regulated - or even into remission which happens to many cats as long as they have the other 2 keys in place. The 3 keys are a good insulin, home testing and a low carb food.

Let us know about what you are feeding, and how you feel about home testing

Wendy
 
BooKitty

We made i! We are at the apartment, he did great. I am feeding DM Purina's dry for snack and can. He loves them both, thankfully. Vet said I can give him protein as a treat such as a bit of chicken etc. Since I have to be on a low carb diet also...I think we'll be fine. The vet is close by, the emergency vet is close by apt. Phew!!!. I have noticed he is laying down near the air vents, I hope that doesn't mean anything more than he's a bit warm from changes etc. Happily while I'm sad for my baby boy, having him with me is wonderful. I've been awfully lonely here through the week and working 13 hour days...now I have a reason to come home, feed him and take care of Boo. This will be different and I'm not a young woman, but I think every journey is beneficial even when wrapped in sorrow.
I remember my dear vet said to never inject again if I'm not sure. No I'm not yet checking him at home. I do have a glucose meter given to me by a friend that had an extra, as well as strips. I think first things first I need to get the inject part down and then the testing...I will check blog, video etc. Keep the suggestions coming I don't feel so alone at all. Thanks Tina and BooKitty
 
Yeah on your new quarters Bookitty. :RAHCAT I bet you miss your other kittie companions back home but your mommabean Tina needs you at her apartment to help keep her from being too lonely. It's hard for her with a new job and being so far away from those she loves and all, so please be patient with her and be a good kitty ok? Give her lots of love and kitty kisses and she'll be trying hard to make you feel better as she treats your diabetes.

Hang in there Tina! we know you have a lot of changes going on right now. One step at a time. We're here for you.
 
For your cat's safety, please work diligently on the home testing. We suggest folks not give insulin if the glucose is under 200 mg/dL ... but you won't know if it is safe to shoot without testing.

Make sure you have Karo syrup/pancake syrup/honey or similar in case you see signs of hypoglycemia and read over the post How to Handle a Hypo (note: ignore the dry food references; it doesn't work fast enough).

Check my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some other assessments you may wish to make in addition to home blood glucose testing.
 
Thank you all Deb Wink, Wendy and Twiggy and BJM:

We are managing and BooKitty is company...The local Rockledge Vet indicated that with Lantis/Lantus that testing right away may not be necessary as since it is slow and long acting...it may take a bit to make a real difference. Unlike the Humln N they gave at Ocala..and they gave him several injections in a short period. That is why his numbers went down so...but never mind...we'll get through this. What dry food is best then?

I'm feeling better and that has to make BooKitty less stressed since I'm less anxious.

Thank you...thank you for the words of encouragement and advice. WOW what a great group...
 
BooKitty's Momma said:
...The local Rockledge Vet indicated that with Lantis/Lantus that testing right away may not be necessary as since it is slow and long acting...it may take a bit to make a real difference. ...
Click to expand...

If you had a diabetic baby would you give insulin without being sure it was safe and making sure it was working?

Also, we've seen cats hypo on slow, long-acting, low doses.
 
I would strongly recommend home testing as soon as possible. I have seen many cats have a hypo within the first week on lantus because the dose was too high. Since you have a meter already I would test at least before every shot, you don't want to shoot under 200 for now.

Plus as soon as you start home testing you can work on starting a low carb canned food or dry. Those will reduce blood sugar too so it is important to be testing first. Low carb canned include friskies pâtés and fancy feast classic pâtés but we have a big list.

Wendy
 
thank you all....he's getting 2 units....he dropped to 241 because they (vet in Ocala) gave him 3 injections of Humlin N...We will probably test in another week...while I have the supplies for home testing I don't think I'm quite ready to do it myself...I know I'm a sissy but I'm just today thinking I'm getting the injection part correct. After dinner injection was perfect yeah me and BooKitty. I'm seeing he is drinking less and using the box less so some progress. His hair appears to be coming back on his back as well. We are home now in Ocala...and he's with his brothers and sister..all old...we are all old in Ocala..Horse 26, husband 83, cats 16, 15, 14 and me? 57 aaaagh...never too old to learn new things...

Gotta go dinner cooking...thanks ya'll
 
off insulin

I just wanted everyone to know..thank you for the support...while BooKitty will always be on a special diet...he is now off of insulin and doing great! thank you
 
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: CONGRATULATIONS :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Tips to stay OTJ

We say a cat is in remission if the cat can maintain BG levels for 14 days between 40-120 with most of that spent under 100. However, please keep in mind that once a diabetic always a diabetic.

1. Never feed dry - not even treats. If you change wet food types, be 100% sure the new food is also low carb and same low carb % as your current food. Some cats are very carb sensitive and an increase from 3-6% to 8-10% can spike the BG’s. Don’t feed if you aren’t sure!
2. Weigh every 2 weeks to 1 month to watch for weight changes. Too much of a weight gain can cause loss of remission.
3. Measure blood once a week, indefinitely. You want to catch a relapse quickly.
4. No steroids or oral meds with sugar - remind your vet whenever giving you any medication. Always double check.
5. Monitor food intake, peeing and drinking. If increasing, a sign of losing remission.
6. Regular vet checks for infection such as dental , ear or UTI. And get them treated quick!

If he does fall out of remission you need to be more aggressive and resolve issues/ back on insulin as soon as possible as the window for a second remission is tight if any.
 
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