Switching from Humulin to PZI

[SantaCruzSPCA]

Tomorrow we plan to switch Rusty over to PZI from Humulin N. He's currently on 3 units of NPH BID.

Our vet recommended starting at 1u of PZI twice a day. I've also had the recommendation of starting at the 3u's (which would be staying at the same amount he's currently on with the other insulin) from a member of this group.

I'd love for some PZI users/experts to weigh in about dosing if possible? Thanks in advance!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Welcome to the ProZinc forum! Have you tested for ketones today? I'm asking because you don't want to lower the dose too much if there are trace ketones present. That said, the dose can be increased after 3 cycles (cycle = the 12 hour period between doses). He's still high-ish at 3 u of Humulin. Maybe try 2 u of ProZinc? Make sure you can monitor tomorrow. Depending on his numbers you can raise that dose in 0.25 u increments after 3 cycles.

 

[Rachel]

We usually suggest new members start at 1 unit too BUT since you're already giving insulin...I agree with Kris. Try dropping to 2 units and let's see what he does on it.

Have you read our protocol and Beginner's Guide? Good info to help you get started. And then just ask us any questions you have!

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

Welcome to our ProZinc group!

 

[SantaCruzSPCA]

Thank you all! Looking forward to more progress (I hope!)

@Kris & Teasel I was JUST able to get the test and take a look at the new pic in my other thread. Looks like a few more ketones than yesterday. It's making me want to start him on 3 u's of Prozinc. But I'll go with whatever you all think.

@Rachel Thanks for weighing in! I did skim the protocol for beginners but I'll need to go through it carefully. One thing I didn't see is the recommended way to mix the insulin (rolling? Gently end over end? Nothing at all?)

@Yong Thank you! Good to see you in here.

 

[Rachel]

Generally, prozinc is mixed by rolling gently. I usually put it between my hands and rolled it 3/4 times.

He's had ketones? Has he been in DKA or just had trace ketones?

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Thank you all! Looking forward to more progress (I hope!)

@Kris & Teasel I was JUST able to get the test and take a look at the new pic in my other thread. Looks like a few more ketones than yesterday. It's making me want to start him on 3 u's of Prozinc. But I'll go with whatever you all think.

@Rachel Thanks for weighing in! I did skim the protocol for beginners but I'll need to go through it carefully. One thing I didn't see is the recommended way to mix the insulin (rolling? Gently end over end? Nothing at all?)

@Yong Thank you! Good to see you in here.

I was away from my computer last night. The increased ketones is concerning. Do you have access to a vet clinic? I wouldn't wait any longer for an evaluation/treatment. They usually start with extra fluids and go from there. You want this seen earlier than later because it can get out of control quickly. He has the recipe for a brewing DKA episode: infection, lowered appetite, high BG.

 

[SantaCruzSPCA]

I was away from my computer last night. The increased ketones is concerning. Do you have access to a vet clinic? I wouldn't wait any longer for an evaluation/treatment. They usually start with extra fluids and go from there. You want this seen earlier than later because it can get out of control quickly. He has the recipe for a brewing DKA episode: infection, lowered appetite, high BG.

I am going to take him to the vet this morning. What do you recommend I do about his Insulin? Give it? At what dose do you think?

 

[Grayson & Lu]

Does Rusty have an infection going on? How are his teeth? Something seems to be up that he's not responding well (consistently) to insulin. How long are the needles in your syringes? Do you have U40 syringes? When I use shorter needles, I have to shave a patch of fur, as Spartacus' hair/skin are really thick. When I use longer needles, he's more consistent. Just a thought. Hope he did well at the vet today.