Thoughts on dosage?

[Karen & Rudy]

Looking to see if we should be increasing Rudy's dose soon here. We haven't tested daily, so look at the dates on the spreadsheet carefully. We had curves the last two weekends and I can't get him to be where we need him. I feel that we are MUCH closer (thanks to this board) than we were when we started this journey in September. He has a lot better clinical signs overall, but I can also feel him slipping slowly. My heart aches to see little things like not standing fully on his back legs..etc. He is still a happy cuddly kitty and I want to keep him that way as long as possible. He has the beginnings of kidney issues, so I know that keeping him regulated will help that too. This last week he started leaving food in his dish too- which was never like him. We give him 8 ounces a day- so it is just like a 1/2 ounce left per day, but still a change....any help is appreciated

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Karen,

I would not advise increasing the dose without first getting some test data during the PM insulin cycle. Sometimes cats' blood glucose drops lower at night, so it would be useful to see some evening test numbers. Quite a few of us here value the 'before bedtime' test: That test can often be quite a good indicator of what may happen later in the cycle.
It is also advisable to get a test before every insulin shot, just to check that his blood glucose is OK at that point.

Does Rudy have neuropathy? (You mentioned him not standing fully on his back legs). If he does, then please know that it is usually reversible. And be aware that low potassium can also cause (or exacerbate) back leg weakness.

Chin up, sweetie. There is every possibility that Rudy will recover his health and strength.

Reassuring hug to you,

Eliz

 

[Mitzelplik's Mom]

Hi Karen,
Something that might help with the neuropathy is methylcobalamin, which I found out about thanks to this forum. Here's more info:
http://www.vetinfo.com/treating-feline-diabetic-neuropathy-methylcobalamin.html
I've been using a brand called Zobaline for Mitz since early January and I think it really has made a difference. It's been gradual, but she seems to be walking better. She also gets an Adequan shot every 2 weeks for arthritis which was diagnosed shortly before the diabetes. Hope this helps!

Joan

 

[Rachel]

I'm with Eliz. Some more tests would help see what's going on. That will help you make a decision about what your doae should be.

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

Me three - even a before bed test and then a midcycle number at night would help. (If you are in my age range, you are up that time of the night anyway ) Something I do see is that he does tend to have a lower number at pmps. That could mean the insulin is lasting longer than usual - coming down late in the cycle - which could mean too much insulin. Have you thought about doing a sliding scale? A lower dose when you get those 200s at night? And then, depending on whether your amps is a bounce (which would mean not raising the dose) or whether he is just higher in the am (which could mean raising the dose a smudge) More data = better advice.

Definitely try the methylcobalamin and get a potassium test. The methylcoblamin and lower numbers can help the neuropathy. If it's a potassium deficiency, then you need other medication.

 

[Karen & Rudy]

My husband does all the testing -I'll try to have him grab some bed time numbers. He is currently on omega 3, zoabline and cosequin to try and help him out. I am in charge of the meds and shots- but I haven't been able to get blood yet. I'm so happy that my husband is able to do it. He's been on the meds for about 2 months now and they are helping a bit- every now and then he actually climbs a set of stairs- which he hasn't done since last fall! I miss sleeping with him, our bedrooms are on the second floor. I actually feel like I am abandoning him at night when I go to bed and he stays on the main floor :-(

Thank you all for your support and advice- I'll try to bulk up our chart numbers and then ask again.