Numbers very high

[Barbara Carella]

My cat Simon is about 15 years old and has had diabetes for about 3 years. He is on ProZinc and tends to swing back and forth with his numbers. I tested him this morning and he was 441. I gave him 2 units and it usually goes down but when I tested him tonight, the meter just read high. I understand that means over 600! The meter that I use is a Relion. I tried to call the vet but the office is closed. After I fed him and he ate, he threw up and then ate again. What should I do about giving him insulin? I'm very worried. Can someone help me?

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Sounds like something is amiss with Simon and the sickness is causing the high BG. I would give his 2 units if it appears he will keep the food down. I would call the vet the first thing in the morning.

 

[BJM]

Have you checked for urine ketones?
Does his breath smell like nail polish remover (acetone, a ketone)?

Urine ketone testing instructions in my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools.

Any signs of dehydration?
- If you gently pull up the scruff then release, does it snap back down or stay tented? Staying tented is moderate to severe dehydration.
- If you press a finger on the gums, then release, does the blood refill quickly or slowly? Slowly suggests dehydration.
- Do the gums feel tacky/dry?

Have you got any regular Pepcid? 1/4 of a 10 mg regular Pepcid may calm a slightly upset stomach.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello Barbara,

I'm sending well-wishes for Simon (really hope he feels better soon), and a big (((hug))) for you, because I know this must be so worrying for you.

I've had a quick read back through your other posts and see that you've mentioned a few times about Simon's numbers being very 'up and down'. It is possible that Simon is dropping too low during the insulin cycle and then swinging up high because of that.

I know you don't have a spreadsheet for folks here to see with Simon's blood glucose numbers on, but you do keep a log of those numbers? Can you give us an idea of some of those numbers? How low is he dropping during the cycle?

Do please let us know what the vet says about Simon.

Elizabeth