O crap :( Vet woes...

[AJay]

Hiya...

Help needed.. 2 things. Alphatrak and Vet

My Alphatrak arrived today - yay! Now how the blinking neck do I use it??? I have a huge concern that all is def not as it should be with Chester and he is not as controlled as he should be...

Also, it would appear Im going to have fun with my vet Absolutely doesn't want him on Prozinc. Wants him on Caninsulin. Wants him on a diabetic prescription food with high carbs!!

I didn't dare mention this group (just yet). He was talking about getting him in and how the readings could be skewed through stress etc (well yes of course and I would prefer to home test - almost frowned upon... It was a very challenging convo.

"He knows nothing about raw diets and has never stabilised a cat on a raw diet in his whole career - because of the variable carb content...." OMG!!! HELP!!!!

Anyone fancy a phone call to talk me through the Alphatrak? Know its a big ask Id really like to test him right now to check him

Just checked on him. He has thrown up the dry food - whole. Ive given him a pouch of Applaws - chicken with rice.

 

[TempestsMum]

Hiya...

Help needed.. 2 things. Alphatrak and Vet

My Alphatrak arrived today - yay! Now how the blinking neck do I use it??? I have a huge concern that all is def not as it should be with Chester and he is not as controlled as he should be...

Also, it would appear Im going to have fun with my vet Absolutely doesn't want him on Prozinc. Wants him on Caninsulin. Wants him on a diabetic prescription food with high carbs!!

I didn't dare mention this group (just yet). He was talking about getting him in and how the readings could be skewed through stress etc (well yes of course and I would prefer to home test - almost frowned upon... It was a very challenging convo.

"He knows nothing about raw diets and has never stabilised a cat on a raw diet in his whole career - because of the variable carb content...." OMG!!! HELP!!!!

Anyone fancy a phone call to talk me through the Alphatrak? Know its a big ask Id really like to test him right now to check him

Just checked on him. He has thrown up the dry food - whole. Ive given him a pouch of Applaws - chicken with rice.

Seems to be the thing with UK vets.. Insisted on ProZinc - luckily my vet was lovely enough to do that for me when I explained why I wanted it. However the protocol is to use canninsulin first. ProZinc was literally just okayed here when I asked for it. Wonder if I was the first to get it here.. they had ordered me that food too, I refused politely and had already started feeding low carb wet. What could they do to you? If you don't want it you don't want it, they cannot force you to take it. If they get shirty stick your fingers in your ears waggle your fingers and repeat nah nah nah . Nah nah. Lol

Just follow the destructions in the box lol I'm pathetic when it comes to those things but I got it working. If you are really stuck I don't mind giving you a call. But be warned it could be the blind leading the blind!

 

[FurBabiesMama]

Absolutely doesn't want him on Prozinc. Wants him on Caninsulin. Wants him on a diabetic prescription food with high carbs!!

That's fine, he can do that with his own cat. You can respectfully decline any recommendations you are not comfortable with.

I didn't dare mention this group (just yet).

I probably would not mention it either just so the vet does not jump to the conclusion that you are listening to 'people on the internet' who are not vets. BUT, I would certainly let him know you are educating yourself and maybe even share the reasons you do not want to accept his recommendations. If you have references from 'reputable' sources that you can share with him, that may give you more credibility in his eyes. The vet I initially took Mia to made recommendations that I did not agree with once I researched it myself. She even apologized for giving me incorrect info on food once she did some research of her own. She recommended against home testing - that was the last straw for me. That does not even make sense. We are meeting with a new vet today.

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

You folks in the UK have a rougher road to travel when it comes to insulin choices. Some vets will just stubbornly stick with what they know. Probably doesn't have the time or doesn't want to take the time to research a bit and get up to speed on ProZinc. This suggest to me, he may be a vet who wants to call all the shots and isn't a partner but rather a dictator. Same on the food front. So if you don't think you can work with the vet as a partner, it may be time to shop around for another vet.

If on the other hand you have had a good relationship with your vet......you trust and like them for most things, then you really have to walk a fine line. Takes a lot of nodding and agreeing and then going home and doing your own thing with those things you have control over. Chester has given you an out by vomiting up the dry food. Simply tell the vet he won't eat it and ask for your money back. Personally I would have lied through my teeth about the food anyway but Chester's a good boy and has given you his opinion of the vet's food choice in no uncertain terms! As far as the insulin is concerned, you may have to try the Caninsulin for a bit and then tell the vet Chester isn't himself. Once you are testing, you will have more ammunition with which to negotiate a change to ProZinc.

I agree mentioning this forum would not be a good idea. Most medical professionals get a horrified look on their faces at the very mention of information found on the internet and just shut down. Funny enough, my vet looked at me funny when I first mentioned this forum even though I found it through documentation she herself had given me when my girl was diagnosed. If you want to cite some research tell the vet you found the AAHA and ISFM guidelines both of which recommend a wet low carb diet for diabetic cats. Copies attached for your reference!

 

[AJay]

Seems to be the thing with UK vets.. Insisted on ProZinc - luckily my vet was lovely enough to do that for me when I explained why I wanted it. However the protocol is to use canninsulin first. ProZinc was literally just okayed here when I asked for it. Wonder if I was the first to get it here.. they had ordered me that food too, I refused politely and had already started feeding low carb wet. What could they do to you? If you don't want it you don't want it, they cannot force you to take it. If they get shirty stick your fingers in your ears waggle your fingers and repeat nah nah nah . Nah nah. Lol

Just follow the destructions in the box lol I'm pathetic when it comes to those things but I got it working. If you are really stuck I don't mind giving you a call. But be warned it could be the blind leading the blind!

Fully agree with you, bur I also dont want to end up with Jon telling me to take a hike. We are not inundated with vets round here - believe me Ive been to them all. I am trying to keep it local for the sake of the cats. An hour long journey in a crisis would not be fun
Ive had to leave it for a while. We were both getting stressed. Ive called the nurse who was looking after him. I think Ive jus t had my confidence (not much of it) knocked cos Ive more than upset a little man who is looking so pathetically flat at the mo

 

[TempestsMum]

You folks in the UK have a rougher road to travel when it comes to insulin choices. Some vets will just stubbornly stick with what they know. Probably doesn't have the time or doesn't want to take the time to research a bit and get up to speed on ProZinc. This suggest to me, he may be a vet who wants to call all the shots and isn't a partner but rather a dictator. Same on the food front. So if you don't think you can work with the vet as a partner, it may be time to shop around for another vet.

If on the other hand you have had a good relationship with your vet......you trust and like them for most things, then you really have to walk a fine line. Takes a lot of nodding and agreeing and then going home and doing your own thing with those things you have control over. Chester has given you an out by vomiting up the dry food. Simply tell the vet he won't eat it and ask for your money back. Personally I would have lied through my teeth about the food anyway but Chester's a good boy and has given you his opinion of the vet's food choice in no uncertain terms! As far as the insulin is concerned, you may have to try the Caninsulin for a bit and then tell the vet Chester isn't himself. Once you are testing, you will have more ammunition with which to negotiate a change to ProZinc.

I agree mentioning this forum would not be a good idea. Most medical professionals get a horrified look on their faces at the very mention of information found on the internet and just shut down. Funny enough, my vet looked at me funny when I first mentioned this forum even though I found it through documentation she herself had given me when my girl was diagnosed. If you want to cite some research tell the vet you found the AAHA and ISFM guidelines both of which recommend a wet low carb diet for diabetic cats. Copies attached for your reference!

I believe it's protocol to offer canninsulin here, and only if it doesn't work they will try something else. Not sure of the legalities of it it may have changed now since ProZinc is now on the list although still relatively new. About 18 months.

I did go well armed though before I even found this site I researched insulin and then found this place which after some reading and support to back up my own preference went and explained why I wanted that ne specifically. I wanted a good insulin, cat specific if possible and as close to cats own produced insulin but was something that had a little leeway with shot times as I've M.E and Fibromyalgia amongst other health issues so I can't just leap out of bed every morning at the same time, sometimes it's more of a slow crawl or fall out of bed.

So ProZinc sounded like the perfect one for me and Tempest and it was,

 

[TempestsMum]

Fully agree with you, bur I also dont want to end up with Jon telling me to take a hike. We are not inundated with vets round here - believe me Ive been to them all. I am trying to keep it local for the sake of the cats. An hour long journey in a crisis would not be fun
Ive had to leave it for a while. We were both getting stressed. Ive called the nurse who was looking after him. I think Ive jus t had my confidence (not much of it) knocked cos Ive more than upset a little man who is looking so pathetically flat at the mo

Is it the bg testing that's the issue or setting the meter up?
It's best to try maybe twice then play with kitty and then go back in an hour or so to try again.

 

[AJay]

You folks in the UK have a rougher road to travel when it comes to insulin choices. Some vets will just stubbornly stick with what they know. Probably doesn't have the time or doesn't want to take the time to research a bit and get up to speed on ProZinc. This suggest to me, he may be a vet who wants to call all the shots and isn't a partner but rather a dictator. Same on the food front. So if you don't think you can work with the vet as a partner, it may be time to shop around for another vet.

If on the other hand you have had a good relationship with your vet......you trust and like them for most things, then you really have to walk a fine line. Takes a lot of nodding and agreeing and then going home and doing your own thing with those things you have control over. Chester has given you an out by vomiting up the dry food. Simply tell the vet he won't eat it and ask for your money back. Personally I would have lied through my teeth about the food anyway but Chester's a good boy and has given you his opinion of the vet's food choice in no uncertain terms! As far as the insulin is concerned, you may have to try the Caninsulin for a bit and then tell the vet Chester isn't himself. Once you are testing, you will have more ammunition with which to negotiate a change to ProZinc.

I agree mentioning this forum would not be a good idea. Most medical professionals get a horrified look on their faces at the very mention of information found on the internet and just shut down. Funny enough, my vet looked at me funny when I first mentioned this forum even though I found it through documentation she herself had given me when my girl was diagnosed. If you want to cite some research tell the vet you found the AAHA and ISFM guidelines both of which recommend a wet low carb diet for diabetic cats. Copies attached for your reference!

I am more than prepared to go feral with my vet. I absolutely do respect the 7 years he has put in. Ive no choice really. If Id wanted to be a vet, I shoulda put my order in early for the brain cells to go that route. (le sigh). However, Im not a silly little girl (no disrespect to them, lol) sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. He KNOWS I work with animals as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. He KNOWS I have experience and knowledge. He absolutely knows I do have a sciencey head if I have to.

Im just a little stuck and had my mini confidence knocked with this testing lark. If I can get some numbers together before i have to take Chester in, Id feel loads more comfy

He's holding down the wet food with a little less gurgling tummy (yeah, he KNOWS. LOL)

 

[TempestsMum]

I am more than prepared to go feral with my vet. I absolutely do respect the 7 years he has put in. Ive no choice really. If Id wanted to be a vet, I shoulda put my order in early for the brain cells to go that route. (le sigh). However, Im not a silly little girl (no disrespect to them, lol) sitting at home twiddling my thumbs. He KNOWS I work with animals as a Veterinary Physiotherapist. He KNOWS I have experience and knowledge. He absolutely knows I do have a sciencey head if I have to.

Im just a little stuck and had my mini confidence knocked with this testing lark. If I can get some numbers together before i have to take Chester in, Id feel loads more comfy

He's holding down the wet food with a little less gurgling tummy (yeah, he KNOWS. LOL)

Are you on Facebook? I can share my test video with you but I can't upload it here. Be patient with yourself start and end on a positive always

 

[AJay]

Is it the bg testing that's the issue or setting the meter up?
It's best to try maybe twice then play with kitty and then go back in an hour or so to try again.

Its getting the meter to read the blood is the issue Im going to try in about an hour or so. I'll make sure I wait for the blood drops to show on the meter and then try collecting the blood.
He's so flat and quiet that is bothering me. Im not expecting him to bounce off the walls. He is eating, but not with the gusto of last night. He has been to the toilet a few times and has been drinking a shed load of water.

Im just questioning if I should try to take him to my vet or back to the one I got him from? Feels all a bit scary

 

[AJay]

Are you on Facebook? I can share my test video with you but I can't upload it here. Be patient with yourself start and end on a positive always

AJ Bell on Facebook. I just feel like I should have someone do a test on Chester. How is it I cant get a blinking simple meter to read a few drops of blood Poor sweet Chester

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Hello--

So sorry to hear that you're having a rough time with your vet. Lots of us have had to tiptoe carefully around FD treatment choices-- there's usually a way, but it can be very frustrating. Especially when your little guy isn't feeling well.

Quick clarification: I looked at your spreadsheet, and you have 1.0U for 8/8. I know that you haven't gotten the AT2 up and running yet so you won't have blood glucose data to add, but are you currently giving insulin? Is Chester's "flat" demeanor a recent change (i.e., after insulin administration), or has he been acting like this a while?

 

[AJay]

Hello--

So sorry to hear that you're having a rough time with your vet. Lots of us have had to tiptoe carefully around FD treatment choices-- there's usually a way, but it can be very frustrating. Especially when your little guy isn't feeling well.

Quick clarification: I looked at your spreadsheet, and you have 1.0U for 8/8. I know that you haven't gotten the AT2 up and running yet so you won't have blood glucose data to add, but are you currently giving insulin? Is Chester's "flat" demeanor a recent change (i.e., after insulin administration), or has he been acting like this a while?

Hiya. I only got Chester home last night about 7.30pm uk time. I managed to give him his evening shot and this mornings shot. I am still working my way round his personality. Accepting that he is not feeling very well. He is toiletting and eating but I worry that i am not getting this right.

He is currently on 1u morning and evening.

Ive been trying to test him to get some idea of his bg numbers to start adjusting his doses if needs be. I know this concern is normal and in time i'll look back and be glad Im not here anymore at this stage. Stepping out of the comfort zone is scary, but theres a lot riding on it and I've just got the wobbles. Having a dizzy headache is not helping

Will he be ok overnight if needs be? Vet I got him from said he is not critical

 

[Nan & Amber (GA)]

Oh, I see! And I just read your Intro posts, so now I am a bit more caught up.

If he just got to a totally new environment, with new people and other animals, it's not surprising that he's a little withdrawn-- he needs time to adjust. It does make it tough to judge how well he's doing with the insulin, but there's not much you can do until you can get the BG testing up and running.

I don't use the AT2 myself, so I can't really give any pointers on getting it to work. Maybe some of the UK folks can recommend an alternative meter that you could pick up as a backup? Many of us on here use meters designed for humans-- the numbers will be somewhat different than the AT2, but they're fine for what you need it for (figuring out if the cat is too low or too high-- fine details aren't as important as range and trajectory, usually), and supplies are easier to get (and usually cheaper).

Will he be ok overnight if needs be? Vet I got him from said he is not critical

Did the vet give you any blood glucose readings they took while he was with them?

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

If you can tell us exactly what point in testing you are having difficulty with, then we can give you some tips and tricks to use. The AT2 meter is actually very good because it has a large screen, won't read until it has enough blood, can be programmed to beep when sufficient sample is in the strip and it takes a very tiny blood sample (a teensy bit smaller than a straight pin head) to test so you don't need to wait for a huge blob of blood. The caveat to this however is aiming the meter strip properly onto a minuscule drop of blood you can barely see especially if kitty happens to have dark hair. A solution to this is to grab the drop of blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.

I agree with Nan. Chester needs a bit of time to settle into his new environment. You can use this time to cuddle his ears a bit and get him used to you fussing with them. Use low carb treats as an incentive for Chester to allow you to do this so he starts associating good things with his ears being manipulated and fussed with. Just take baby steps right now. You're both on a learning curve and have to get used to each other.

Show confidence in yourself to Chester. He will pick up on any fear so a can do attitude will go a long way toward making this easier for both of you. Some folks sing while they test or say a Mantra. You can do this but you need to be patient with yourself and Chester!

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

@TempestsMum Did you try the media button on the tool bar (2nd one to the right of the happy face)? I think that's the only way to upload a video on the forum.

 

[AJay]

Oh, I see! And I just read your Intro posts, so now I am a bit more caught up.

If he just got to a totally new environment, with new people and other animals, it's not surprising that he's a little withdrawn-- he needs time to adjust. It does make it tough to judge how well he's doing with the insulin, but there's not much you can do until you can get the BG testing up and running.

I don't use the AT2 myself, so I can't really give any pointers on getting it to work. Maybe some of the UK folks can recommend an alternative meter that you could pick up as a backup? Many of us on here use meters designed for humans-- the numbers will be somewhat different than the AT2, but they're fine for what you need it for (figuring out if the cat is too low or too high-- fine details aren't as important as range and trajectory, usually), and supplies are easier to get (and usually cheaper).



Did the vet give you any blood glucose readings they took while he was with them?

Nope, I have asked for them though. Just all so frustrating and VERY worrying.

 

[AJay]

If you can tell us exactly what point in testing you are having difficulty with, then we can give you some tips and tricks to use. The AT2 meter is actually very good because it has a large screen, won't read until it has enough blood, can be programmed to beep when sufficient sample is in the strip and it takes a very tiny blood sample (a teensy bit smaller than a straight pin head) to test so you don't need to wait for a huge blob of blood. The caveat to this however is aiming the meter strip properly onto a minuscule drop of blood you can barely see especially if kitty happens to have dark hair. A solution to this is to grab the drop of blood onto a clean finger nail and test from there.

I agree with Nan. Chester needs a bit of time to settle into his new environment. You can use this time to cuddle his ears a bit and get him used to you fussing with them. Use low carb treats as an incentive for Chester to allow you to do this so he starts associating good things with his ears being manipulated and fussed with. Just take baby steps right now. You're both on a learning curve and have to get used to each other.

Show confidence in yourself to Chester. He will pick up on any fear so a can do attitude will go a long way toward making this easier for both of you. Some folks sing while they test or say a Mantra. You can do this but you need to be patient with yourself and Chester!

Im having trouble getting the meter to read I tried at leat 4 times with 4 different strips and possibly 4 different ways. Im about to go and try again. I keep getting Err3 with the reading i.e., I'm not putting the strip in properly. I even tried pushing the strip in with a clean piece of cotton wool to make sure it was in properly, prick ear, put on strip.... ERR3 Im so worried if he crashes on me. Starting to feel like I'm not going to cope.

 

[AJay]

Skype call anyone?

 

[TempestsMum]

@TempestsMum Did you try the media button on the tool bar (2nd one to the right of the happy face)? I think that's the only way to upload a video on the forum.

I'm uploading it to fab now and then will try sharing, I had to make it quickly so forgive the haste lol

@AJay if you watch my video (will try to post it here) I don't put the strip in until I see blood first. Otherwise I get error. At the beginning though I scooped (pinch) the blood between my finger and nail and then pushed the strip the whole way in and tested it. I set the strip in the hole but don't push it in, until I have the blood. hope that makes sense. If you listen closely she's purring the whole time.

Oh one more important thing only put one side of the strip on the blood.

 

[MJW]

You shouldn't be having any problem with the meter itself if the blood drop is big enough (the size of a pin head). Aim the pointy part on the edge of the strip sample end at the blood, it breaks the surface tension. Try to only insert the strip once. I had trouble at first too. I would stick the strip in to see if it was good then pull it out then stick it in again for the test. That can damage the strips. Your battery is fresh? It works on the test solution?
Stick the strip in half way without turning on the monitor.
Prick the ear and squeeze to get a good drop to form.
Push the strip in all the way.
Watch for the test pattern, then the number code, then the droplet sign.
When the droplet sign appears, bring the strip to the blood drop pointy edge first.
The meter should beep when it triggers and brackets come up and then the reading appears.
The beep is something you select at set up.
Put some antibiotic / pain ointment on the ear.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

I posted the information for Error 3 on your FB post but I will repost here

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/842044/Abbott-Alphatrak.html?page=15

You have to make sure the code has come up, then wait until the blood drop icon and the test strip icon show before applying the blood. The blood is drawn from either of the two markings on the bottom of the strip


If you have the little bottle of test control solution, try doing a control test. I found it easiset to put a drop from the test bottle into a tespoon and then just touch one of the edge markings to get a reading,

Chris posted this image on FB which shows where the blood drop ( or test solution) is to be placed. Make sure you don't get it on both sides of the test strip

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209747142822572&set=p.10209747142822572&type=3

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Here is a short video that shows how to use the AT2 meter. Maybe a visual will make more sense than an explanation

 

[AJay]

I got a reading!!! 9.7. Now what? lol

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

I got a reading!!! 9.7. Now what? lol

YAHOO!!!!!!!!!

How long after the insulin shot was this reading. Since we are all in different time zones we use the format of +1 +2 +3 +4 etc showing how many hours after a shot the reading was done.

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

WHOO HOO! Congratulations! Good Job!

 

[TempestsMum]

It just doesn't like my video lol

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

What message do you get Tara?

 

[TempestsMum]

What message do you get Tara?

It compresses It then just sits there with the bars at the side like it's loading then tells me it's unable to share as it's the wrong media type

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

It would be so nice if there was just one type of file instead of having to deal with "wrong" formats when it comes to media. They need something like ISO standards!

 

[TempestsMum]

It would be so nice if there was just one type of file instead of having to deal with "wrong" formats when it comes to media. They need something like ISO standards!

I would say I need something a child could use, but children are so much better at tech et al than me! I feel ancient and well, I belong in the Ark! At least that technology I'd understand

 

[Marlena]

Dear,
I'm in UK and I can help with anything, we can telephone or do skype!
Just let me know if you need help, I can tell you're really stressed which is understandable.
Sending hugs,
Marlena

 

[AJay]

Thank you Mary Ann.
I now have my very first reading. Apparently its quite good. I can relax a little now. Thank you for stopping me from going mad. Thank you to Tara for dragging me off the ceiling. xx

 

[TempestsMum]

Thank you Mary Ann.
I now have my very first reading. Apparently its quite good. I can relax a little now. Thank you for stopping me from going mad. Thank you to Tara for dragging me off the ceiling. xx

Any time!

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

@TempestsMum I'm on the Ark with you! I worked in a technical environment for years and was relatively tech savvy in days gone by however I now find it very frustrating because my computer is often second guessing what I want to do and it's usually WRONG. Or I have to confirm multiple times that I really really want to proceed or a new format of file doesn't work with my software! It's like having Big Brother watching! I am an old DOS girl and would go back to it in a heartbeat......ok maybe not that far but at least back to Windows XP!

 

[TempestsMum]

@TempestsMum I'm on the Ark with you! I worked in a technical environment for years and was relatively tech savvy in days gone by however I now find it very frustrating because my computer is often second guessing what I want to do and it's usually WRONG. Or I have to confirm multiple times that I really really want to proceed or a new format of file doesn't work with my software! It's like having Big Brother watching! I am an old DOS girl and would go back to it in a heartbeat......ok maybe not that far but at least back to Windows XP!

Rofl! I don't know what half that means... technology to me is the invention of the wheel and horse and cart. Now that I can do, the horse and cart thing that is, show me animals, I can work with them, give me fruit and veg and I can grow them. Hand me a mobile phone and I'm running around like a headless chicken screaming 'what do I do, how do I answer it, OMG it's calling someone - whyyyy?'

 

[AJay]

Rofl! I don't know what half that means... technology to me is the invention of the wheel and horse and cart. Now that I can do, the horse and cart thing that is, show me animals, I can work with them, give me fruit and veg and I can grow them. Hand me a mobile phone and I'm running around like a headless chicken screaming 'what do I do, how do I answer it, OMG it's calling someone - whyyyy?'

Ok, the mobiles I can handle... just - not use half the technology mind LMAO. Buuuut!!! I love using my gadgets for fixing, prodding and poking broked ponios and other 4 legged critters. LOL I did project management as a way to feed the horse addiction and the necessary car. Then had the chance to train as an animal physio. Techmanology, tjaaaaaaa, I now need to have to pay people to sort me out with that. LOL

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

One of my biggest problems with all this new technology is that I am totally icon illiterate! I misinterpret icons that everyone else thinks are totally obvious. And waking up a friend at 1am playing with my first Android phone was most embarrassing! Thank goodness she is such a good sport!
@ AJay I was a project manager too and always fixed my own computer problems while working but like you I now have to consult with "experts"!

 

[AJay]

YAHOO!!!!!!!!!

How long after the insulin shot was this reading. Since we are all in different time zones we use the format of +1 +2 +3 +4 etc showing how many hours after a shot the reading was done.

10 hours
Just fed, tested and shot - 21.5 - good or bad? Looking at the spread sheet, not good?

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

10 hours
Just fed, tested and shot - 21.5 - good or bad? Looking at the spread sheet, not good?

With Prozinc usually the onset is around +2 to +4 hours after the shot with a nadir (lowest number) around +6 - +7. The duration can be from 10-12 hours depending on the kitty. The higheer preshot could be from Chester dropping into lower numbers earlier in the cycle...not necessary too low, but lower than he is used to...which can cause a "bounce" into higher numbers later in the cycle. It could also be that the Prozinc was wearing off. By getting preshot tests each time and hopefully one or two tests in between shots it will give a better picture what the whole story is.


Now that you are testing ( YAH!!) you can start to fill in the missing pieces...data..and see just how well he is doing with this dose. If possible getting a +3 or +4 test will show if that is when the insulin starts taking effect and a +6 test will give an idea how low it is taking him


ETA You want to look at both the preshot numbers and nadir (lowest number) to see how well a dose is working,

 

[AJay]

With Prozinc usually the onset is around +3 or +4 hours after the shot with a nadir (lowest number) around +6 - +7. The duration can be from 10-12 hours depending on the kitty. The higheer preshot could be from Chester dropping into lower numbers earlier in the cycle...not necessary too low, but lower than he is used to...which can cause a "bounce" into higher numbers later in the cycle. It could also be that the Prozinc was wearing off. By getting preshot tests each time and hopefully one or two tests in between shots it will give a better picture what the whole story is.


Now that you are testing ( YAH!!) you can start to fill in the missing pieces...data..and see just how well he is doing with this dose. If possible getting a +3 or +4 test will show if that is when the insulin starts taking effect and a +6 test will give an idea how low it is taking him


ETA You want to look at both the preshot numbers and nadir (lowest number) to see how well a dose is working,

Meep! Ok.. He was getting very grumpy with me. Probably all the faffing earlier. So If i do one just before bed tonight, about 10pm uk +3 after his shot. Thanks for this - I will get the hang of it, honest. LOL xx

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Meep! Ok.. He was getting very grumpy with me. Probably all the faffing earlier. So If i do one just before bed tonight, about 10pm uk +3 after his shot. Thanks for this - I will get the hang of it, honest. LOL xx

You are doing a great job!!!

It took me over a week to get testing figured out, without me bawling my eyes out, when I started. My first FD kitty was very food motivated so with him a bit of a treat at test time did the trick. Eventually he would come to the test spot on his own and sit and wait for me, even if it wasn't test time LOL. VERY food motivated. My other kitty is not food motivated so some fussing and combing/brushing at test time makes it easier with her.