Novolin question

[Alfred]

Hello,

I've gotten more information on Alfred's insulin and dosage schedule.

He's on 8 units (!!) of Novolin twice a day.

He's not being home tested, his current care giver was discouraged from doing so by the vet and probably won't start. This means he won't be home tested until he comes to live with me in June.

They "worked up" to his current 8 unit dosage, but after reading more about this particular type of insulin I'm concerned. This seems like a high dosage to me and with him not being tested it doesn't seem like the vet is taking into consideration how low he could be getting. I'm getting worried and frustrated because I feel like my hands are tied right now and I can't help Alfred get the correct dosage he needs.

I guess I'm mainly just venting my frustrations. He has an appointment in early May at the vet to check his fructosamine levels and I'm worried the vet is going to up his dose again.

I know every cat is different, but does 8 units of Novolin seem too high? I know it's basically impossible to know unless we know how low it's taking him. I just wish I could get him here sooner so I could find a competent vet who actually knows what they're doing. :sad:

 

[KPassa]

If Alfred is still eating dry food, it might not be too high a dose. It's still not a good insulin for cats and I think this next time, you should have them ask the vet to switch him to either Lantus, Levemir, or ProZinc/PZI.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Yes, 8 units seems high but without BG information I can't tell.
Where is Alfred located? maybe someone can get some BGs now.

 

[Alfred]

Hello!

I wanted to thank you for your replies.

As was mentioned, he is still eating a carb heavy dry and wet food diet so his current dosage is most likely a reflection of that.

I have since gotten more information regarding his current vet and care and am more confident that the vet and Alfred's current guardian are doing things to the best of their ability and knowledge. The vet is also aware that the current insulin is not always effective and has mentioned a switch may be in order to better regulate Alfred.

I tend to get a bit anxious about things and sometimes get frantic and I apologize and thank you all for your patience and your willingness to listen and help. This is an invaluable resource and I am so very thankful for all the information I have learned from this site as well as the catinfo.com sites.

I am more confident that the current vet is aware and doing the best they know how to right now so I will be patient and trust them and wait until I am able to bring Alfred here to get him more regulated. He is fairly well regulated right now, but as always, things can be improved, but I just have to wait for now and let his current vet and guardian do their best, which they are doing and that is all I can ask of anyone.

Thank you so much for your patience and your willingness to help people. I can't stress enough how much of a godsend it is knowing there are experienced people who love cats and are willing to help. You are all such wonderful people to take time out of your lives to help other cat guardians take better care of their diabetic kitties. Thank you all very much for all the time and effort you put into educating cat guardians, it is very much appreciated.

 

[BJM]

If they can't blood test, maybe they can use some of the Secondary Monitoring Tools in my signature. Measuring how much water is drunk, how much food is eaten, weight, and if possible, urine ketone and glucose tests can help keep him safe.

And I'd keep the food the same until he's in a controlled environment where you can monitor him for safety.