SUMO's vet appt, Lantus?

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Mary and Sumo

Mary and Sumo

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Hi Guys, Sumo's first visit with his new Vet went fantastic! She was familiar with the FDMB and was happy that I was following Binky's list for wet food choices. She felt his back leg weakness was not related to neuropathy, but most likely a strain. She even did a mini chiropractic adjustment to his neck and head, saying this sometimes helps with the back limbs. She felt Sumo needed dental cleaning, and showed me the gingivitis he has around his gums. She said this sometimes keeps cats from achieving insulin regulation. The Bad News.... She thinks Sumo might do better on Lantus. I guess I shouldn't consider this bad news, after all, my goal is to get him regulated and hopefully someday OTJ. Her clinic is called "The Cat Doctor" and she treats only felines. I was really thinking that she would want to increase Sumo's Pro Zinc because of his inconsistant numbers, but instead she said, altho Pro Zinc is a good insulin, she sees better regulation and higher remissions on Lantus. I told her I would give it some thought, and get back to her. So.... what do you think? Sumo has only been on the Pro Zinc for 6 weeks and 4 days. Is this too early to consider changing insulins? Would I be giving up too soon if I follow her recommendation? I am willing to stick with Pro Zinc if you think I should continue. You guys are the experts! and I trust you above and beyond any Vet (really!)
Thanks A Lot, Mary
 
I have no problem changing insulin. It is certainly true that cats do better on one insulin than another. You have not gotten good numbers on PZI and you have tried different dosing. Your vet sounds great btw.

Lantus is completely different than ProZinc so check out the stickies on their forum. They base doses on nadirs and it has a shed, which ProZinc does not.

We want kitties in numbers that are the best for them, Mary. If Lantus gets Sumo there, I say to go for it.
 
Sue is right, it's all about what is best for YOUR cat. It sounds like you have a great vet. I don't think you can discount what she says.
 
I agree with Sue. Each insulin works different. Prozinc is very flexible, probably the most flexible of all the insulins---it is very forgiving and allows for a lot of innovative dosing. We have kitties in PZI, Shakes being one, that were on Lantus, but have done much better on PZI. BUT, we have had kitties leave PZI and go to Lantus or Lev and have stellar results. ECID (every cat is different) and it really is trial and error to determine which insulin is best for each cat. I don't think you are at a stage of throwing in the towel of Prozinc....but, that doesn't mean Lantus would not be a good option.

If you do decide to try Lantus....Good Luck! The ultimate goal is for all the kitties in FDMB to get the best results possible.....we all have a common goal!
 
WOW, the support of the PZI group in unbelievable! I really want you to know I appreciate your honest opinions and all of you wanting to do what is the very best for Sumo!
Mary
 
Mary,
The health of Sumo is the thing that matters most. I have no experience with lantus other than what I have learned here. Some kitties do better on it, some do not. They claim to have an 85% remission rate following their tight protocol and all the other things they recommend.
Read their stickies. From what I have observed, their forum is very busy, and everyone looks out for everyone else. They are really really big on testing and curves. Some people find that overwhelming and some find it intimidating. Others don't.

The important thing is your goals, which are regulation and remission. I think what I would do is maybe PM a couple of the people who are very knowledgeable that post a lot in their forum, and tell them your story. Ask them what they think. I don't think it is ever too early or too late to switch insulins. Maybe PM Sienne (and Gabby), Marjorie (and Gracie) or julie (and pumpkin). Heck, ask Robin or Denise here, I think they have used Lantus before.

Carl
 
Thanks Carl, as you know, (or may not know) your advice is always right on "the mark" and has gotten me through many anxious moments with Sumo! I appreciate you weighing in on this tough decision for me.
Mary
 
If he eats regularly, doesn't have intermittent problems with vomiting and/or diarrhea (which can affect the glucose levels, at least they do in Spitzer), or anything else which can cause erratic fluctuation in glucose levels, Lantus may work really well for you.
 
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