Recurrence after 10 month remission

[scootpatoot]

My 14 year old cat, Scruffy, has come out of remission and been tested at 475. When he was first diagnosed his level was 550 and had to be hospitalized with fluids and insulin treatments. After five months on insulin it stayed in a normal range for these past 10 months with monitoring every two or three months. Anyway, this time, my vet put Scruffy on 1 unit twice a day. I called her because it seemed such a low dose for such a high number...but she said last time on 1-1/2 he dropped too low too fast. So we decided on 1-1/2 in the morning and 1 unit in the evening. It's only been 3 days, but I see no change at all in his behavior. Sleeping a lot, hiding a lot, eating everything in sight, drinking water more than normal. Is it too soon to see any change? Last time he was treated I remember him acting more involved ... but don't remember how long it took though. I go back to the vet after one week on the ProZinc for a reading. Does that dosage based on a 475 reading seem enough...I'm relying on my vet's advice.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

That's a normal starting dose. It's easier to raise than try to figure out how much to reduce

Testing at home will not only save you money but let you stay on top of his levels and see how the insulin is working every day. We'd be happy to teach you how

 

[Rachel]

Yep, that's a good starting dose. Remember, also, that the number at the vet was probably higher than he really is since stress from the vet can raise the numbers.

I second Sue. Have you ever done home testing? You can use a human glucometer to save money (many of us use the Relion micro or confirm from Walmart since the strips are cheap). That will help you determine if the dose is working without having to shell out cash for the vet or stress for the kitty! Also, it'll help you adjust the dose on your own.

 

[BJM]

While you consider blood glucose testing, you may want to use some of the Secondary Monitoring Tools in my signature to assess how he is doing. In particular, monitor food and water intake and output, plus dehydration.

It can help level out the glucose levels to:
- spread the food out thinly on the plate to slow down eating
- add a tablespoon or two of water to add some volume to help him feel more full
- freeze some of the food to be eaten as it thaws
- use a timed feeder to space out the eating so there won't be as big a glucose spike (we like the Pet Safe 5)

 

[Merlin]

What kind of food are you giving your kitty? We have a list of low carb, wet food that are good for sugar kitties. Just click on "diet" to find list.