Our 15YO male kitty was just diagnosed today (he's at least 15). He was a partially grown rescue years ago so he could even be a little older. He was just taken to the vet this morning because I noticed he was drinking and urinating more. Vet is keeping him overnight and I'll get instructions on insulin and diet tomorrow. BUT, I want to know, can you get insulin other places besides the vet?? The meds at the vets are usually overpriced most times compared to retail or online. Any other advise or things to know? They are already talking about putting him on a special food...my feeling is he is 15, should I feed him what he likes???--I have tried "special" diet food with him in the past for other ailments and he HATES it and takes me months to use it up...... Any advice appreciated or other things I should consider. I am starting to read horror stories online about pets urinating throughout the house and hypoglycemia. Am also reading stories of people who have forgone the treatments and just fed a special diet. I have somewhat of an understanding of diabetes with humans as I have worked in the medical field but do want to go to the Vet prepared before doling out hundreds or thousands of dollars without having a complete understanding of what we're up against. Thanks!!
Newly Dx 15YO Male Cat & new to boards
- Thread starter hugglynn
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BJM
Member Since 2010
Welcome to FDMB!
Yes, you may get the insulin prescriptions elsewhere if the vet will write the Rx.
You want Lantus or Levemir (written as 1 pen, dispense 1) which you use like a vial and withdraw the insulin with a syringe.
Or you could go with ProZinc, though all the data I see here on the board show much less swinging between pre-shot tests and lowest tests between shots.
For food, see Cat Info and select any canned or raw that is 10% or fewer calories from carbohydrates. If possible, you want to make a food change first, then evaluate for insulin needs, so long as he is not developing ketones, a by-product of fat breakdown. Too many ketones may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentiall fatal, expensive to treat complication of diabetes.
For glucocmeter, avoid the AlphaTrak ($$$$$) and go with a Glucocard 01 or 01 mini from our shopping partner ADW (link at top of page) which is the unbranded version of the WalMart ReliOn Confirm or Confirm Micro, also available from our shopping partner WalMart (link above or shop locally). You should test before giving insulin to make sure it is safe. Tests between shots will evaluate how well the insulin is working.
Yes, you may get the insulin prescriptions elsewhere if the vet will write the Rx.
You want Lantus or Levemir (written as 1 pen, dispense 1) which you use like a vial and withdraw the insulin with a syringe.
Or you could go with ProZinc, though all the data I see here on the board show much less swinging between pre-shot tests and lowest tests between shots.
For food, see Cat Info and select any canned or raw that is 10% or fewer calories from carbohydrates. If possible, you want to make a food change first, then evaluate for insulin needs, so long as he is not developing ketones, a by-product of fat breakdown. Too many ketones may indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentiall fatal, expensive to treat complication of diabetes.
For glucocmeter, avoid the AlphaTrak ($$$$$) and go with a Glucocard 01 or 01 mini from our shopping partner ADW (link at top of page) which is the unbranded version of the WalMart ReliOn Confirm or Confirm Micro, also available from our shopping partner WalMart (link above or shop locally). You should test before giving insulin to make sure it is safe. Tests between shots will evaluate how well the insulin is working.
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Hi and welcome to the FDMB! What is your first name? What is your kitties name?
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Depends where you live. In Canada you can pop into any pharmacy and get the insulin without a prescription.
Also any low carb canned food will do.. Off the shelf.. Like fancy feast classic pâtés, friskies pâtés or wellness grain free from BJs list.
Wendy
Also any low carb canned food will do.. Off the shelf.. Like fancy feast classic pâtés, friskies pâtés or wellness grain free from BJs list.
Wendy
Sorry, in my haste didn't properly introduce myself & Kitty. I am Lynn, my kitty is Marvin. I have been kind of in a whirlwind since the vet called me at 3:30 today, my head isn't quite clear.
But thank you ALL for the information and I think I need to start this over with the vet. This afternoon's call was a call from the Tech - and they go on and on with the information and while I am trying to catch up and hear everything, I became overwhelmed. Now that I've had a chance to read these posts and talk to some others, I want to start over with the VET. And I need to ask some questions...how bad is it, what is the prognosis, can we start with just food, etc. before she starts him on insulin. So the first thing tomorrow (they were going to start tomorrow and monitor) I am calling to get a consult with the vet...maybe that will help? It was so much info at once and they just told me what they needed to do without me being able to properly be part of the process.Thank you again!
Lynn & Marvin
But thank you ALL for the information and I think I need to start this over with the vet. This afternoon's call was a call from the Tech - and they go on and on with the information and while I am trying to catch up and hear everything, I became overwhelmed. Now that I've had a chance to read these posts and talk to some others, I want to start over with the VET. And I need to ask some questions...how bad is it, what is the prognosis, can we start with just food, etc. before she starts him on insulin. So the first thing tomorrow (they were going to start tomorrow and monitor) I am calling to get a consult with the vet...maybe that will help? It was so much info at once and they just told me what they needed to do without me being able to properly be part of the process.Thank you again!
Lynn & Marvin
Wendy&Tiggy(GA)
Member Since 2011
Key things to ask and watch for
1. Will they support home testing? It's cheaper and more accurate and human meters are as almost good as the pet.
2. Will they recommend a good insulin like lantus, levemir or prozinc?
3. How many cats have they seen go into remission? We see many here with a good insulin, low carb diet and home testing..
4. Diet is key, they may recommend a prescription diet but its not necessary.. Prescription dry is too high carb. And cats tend to get sick of the wet.
Let us know how you get on!
Wendy
1. Will they support home testing? It's cheaper and more accurate and human meters are as almost good as the pet.
2. Will they recommend a good insulin like lantus, levemir or prozinc?
3. How many cats have they seen go into remission? We see many here with a good insulin, low carb diet and home testing..
4. Diet is key, they may recommend a prescription diet but its not necessary.. Prescription dry is too high carb. And cats tend to get sick of the wet.
Let us know how you get on!
Wendy
Deb & Wink
Member Since 2013
Hi Lynn and kitty Marvin. Thanks for introducing yourselves. Don't fret. It's a big shock to the system, to be told your cat has diabetes. We'll help you learn what you need to know.
I think a meeting with your vet, to get a better understanding of what you need to do, is a good idea. There is a lot of information to absorb in the first couple of weeks. We'll help you all along the way. We've all been where you are now,
Hope your meeting with the vet goes well. Let us know when you have more questions.
You might want to read A Message From Your Cat
And remember those deep breathing exercises, they really help.
I think a meeting with your vet, to get a better understanding of what you need to do, is a good idea. There is a lot of information to absorb in the first couple of weeks. We'll help you all along the way. We've all been where you are now,
Hope your meeting with the vet goes well. Let us know when you have more questions.
You might want to read A Message From Your Cat
And remember those deep breathing exercises, they really help.
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