Question about vet & insulin renewal

[DaisyPaws]

We need to get our Lantus prescription renewed and the vet has refused to write a prescription without doing a curve there.
They have vet records that the cat receives insulin and we've been keeping track of her numbers at least twice daily for almost 4 years.

But, they aren't the vet that diagnosed the diabetes, and apparently the records that were transferred from "way back when" aren't clear - again stating that the cat is on insulin, but not including the precise date of diagnosis.

The current vet claims she can lose her license if she allows us to do the curve or renews the prescription without doing a curve in office, even though the cat tested around 380 during an initial blood test there.

We don't have a lot of money to spare with the out-of-pocket cost of the insulin and $150 for today's unproductive vet visit. We also don't feel like a curve at the vet is likely to be as accurate as one at home. There doesn't seem to be any real reason to put our elderly cat through it when she has been very stable. Is there any truth to her claim? We're trying to figure out if we need to just suck it up and pay for the curve or try to find another vet!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

When was the last time yo had a vet visit with this vet/vet practice? To write a prescription the law requires the vet has to have a valid vet-client relationship. For most that means a vet visit with that vet within the last 12 months. Some require it more frequent.
However, I see no reason for a curve done at the vets at all since they are representative of at home. A curve at home would be fine.

 

[BJM]

See my signature link Vet Interview Topics, should you decide to go vet shopping.

 

[DaisyPaws]

Thank you both.
We are new to this vet, as the vet we have relationship with is out of the country.
However, it seems like there were ample records transferred that should have supported the idea that the cat is diabetic.

After dismissing the idea of home testing and insisting on a curve - scheduled a full week later - she then balked at the idea of prescribing "human insulin" and acted like we were nuts to suggest it. That was enough - we're done with her.

We went on to a second vet who was kind and helpful, very supportive of home testing, and very much aware that Lantus could be used in cats. It was a night and day experience. As much as I hate to "vet hop", cats' needs come first and I don't think it is too much to ask to be respected as an informed pet owner.

 

[katiesmom]

The vet that wouldnt help you had seen your cat, saw the BG was 380, had the records, so knew your kitty was diabetic.....sounds like that vet was just thinking about the almighty dollar sign. And then wouldnt prescribe Lantus? After you had been using it for 4 years? Crazy.

I am SO glad to hear you found a vet that will work with you.

 

[DaisyPaws]

Thanks, katiesmom!
I'm not sure if she was doing it for the money or if she was just very inexperienced. We were really trying to give her the benefit of the doubt, but there were just too many factors that didn't add up.
The contrast with the experience with the second vet was night and day and we were relieved to find her.
I also have to say what a support this message board is. We live in a rural area where knowledge about feline diabetes within the veterinary community is limited. I don't think we ever would have heard about home testing and Lantus if we hadn't found this board, and it has made all the difference in the world for our cat. We had another beloved cat, years ago, who suffered hypoglycemia-related brain damage when we didn't know anything about home testing. It is fantastic to find a vet who is supportive of home testing, and I hope that we will be able to support some of her other patients by offering to share our experience and by directing them here!