Tigger!

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Since you haven’t been able to get Tigger to eat the low carb wet, you can try Young Again dry. Keep trying to get him on the wet though, because it’s better for him.
https://www.youngagainpetfood.com/zero-mature-health.html
You can only get Young Again online, and some kitties get diarrhea in the beginning, so transition slowly and be sure to hometest his glucose since it’s lower in carbs than the MD.

OT Welcome, I see you’re in NOLA. I’m from there, but now live in MS.
 
This weekend will be a good time to get your spreadsheet up. It is really helpful when asking for dosing advice.

Our three kittehs are all over 10 years old, and they primarily eat Fancy Feast (FF). FF Chicken, followed by Turkey and Giblets - seems to be the most popular.
 
Hi everyone!

Tigger was diagnosed with diabetes in January. He has neurophthy and is getting b12 shots every week, but not much improvement. The urgent issue is I switched vets and we are on 5 units 2x a day. His numbers were doing pretty well then the last two weekend they skyrocketed! He told me to test him 5 hrs after he eats and gets his insuline. His number at noon today was 348. He did however have a snack not sure if this would affect it.

Anyway he is on Hills M/D dry he refuses to eat any wet food. I have tried every brand out there no luck.
So the vet wants to do a test at $1,000 to send his blood and urine off to michigan on Monday to find out what is going on. Does anyone know about this test. I was giving his insuline on the side but now giving it in between his shoulder blades and his mood and energy has improved dramatically. I was quite frankly shocked by the Glucose text a little while ago. He is a long orange tabby male almost 11. Eating about a cup a day of food. New Orleans, LA.

Tranquilization 49.57 Cheristin 19.89 Insulin-like growth hormone 149.18 overnight shipping 97.35, Urinalysis in clinic 90.19, Urine culture & MIC (sensitivity)296.19, Super chem/CBC/T4 295.19 I have tried everything as far as wet all brands, put on paw nose nothing I am desperate I am sure the dry is not helping!!
 
I have been trying to get this thread to the right place for advice since last night and have come to my daughters and she has been trying to help me.
Please advise
 
You’re in the right place. I just linked the thread you started this AM since you had a reply on it and I wasn’t sure you had seen it. It sounds like your vet wants to run the test for acromegaly as well as bloodwork and urinalysis. Why the tranquilizer?
 
Thanks! Tigger hates the vet & gets very upset. I was confused because I just did a urinalysis at my past vet and bloodwork. Chem 17. I switched vets because this new vet deals only with cats. I have to have faith in my vet and I called around after learning he is charging way more and putting charges and I feel repeating some tests ?
I called my last vet's tech this am and they said they do not do the culture test unless they see something in the urinalysis which they did not. Also I just had the test when Tig was diagnosed in Jan. He is also trying to charge Flea med and Tig is an inside cat. I was working on getting him off of the Hills dry but this vet said it will be fine ...
I do not think that is right ... His number on Thursday 5 hrs after insulin was 348. He is also not improving with his neuropat and I have been giving that to him for a month? I orderd the supplement Zobline today.
 
Are you testing him before food and insulin? If you’ve already had basic bloodwork and urinalysis I wouldn’t think you’d need it again unless this vet sees something that warrants it. Since Tigger won’t eat wet food, maybe try the Young Again dry. You can only buy it online. It can give sone kitties diarrhea at first, so transition slowly and be sure to test his glucose because the lower carbs could lower his blood sugar and he would then need a dose change. If you can set up our spreadsheet it will help us see what’s going on and if you need the acro test. If you need help setting it up just ask
Here’s the Young Again site
https://www.youngagainpetfood.com/p...MIm--suYb24AIVU7jACh1NoQ87EAAYASACEgLO3_D_BwE
And the spreadsheet
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
Don’t let that intimidate you, it’s very simple and we’ll help you figure it out!
 
If your recent bloodwork was less than 30 days ago, there's no reason a new vet can't go by those.

We don't usually recommend testing for acromegaly and IAA until they're above 6U (and they got to 6U using our dosing methods....most vets increase too much, too quickly)

Any vet can pull the blood for MSU.....I'd go to whoever charges the least to pull the blood for you to send to MSU. (but again, we don't even suggest those tests until they're above 6U)

As long as he's eating the high carb "prescription" food, his numbers are going to be higher than they'd be on a low carb canned diet. We know it can be terribly frustrating when they are hard core kibble addicts, but keep trying. Have you read Dr. Lisa's "Tips on Transitioning"?

While you're working on getting off the kibble, you could try one of the low carb dry foods like Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein chicken (available at Chewy.com) or Young Again Zero (available on their website) but we really don't recommend dry foods at all . Dr. Lisa has written up a good post about
Considering more than carb percentage . One thing about the Young Again....we've heard a lot of complaints here about it giving cats horrible diarrhea

It will REALLY help us to help you if you'll get our spreadsheet set up and input the numbers for at least the last few weeks. If you need help with it just holler! We can help you set it up!
 
Thankyou soo much! My daughter is trying to help me set it up but it says need a request sent which we did....I was going to do a curve tomm. I usually get the am number after he eats he is really hard to handle when its breakfast he is so hungry. He hates getting pricked and tries to hide so its a challange. I also got the 348 number after 5 hrs of insulin he does eat throughout the day. I give him his 1/2a cup 2x's a day but he doesnt eat it all at once so I put it away till he asks.. again. I bought some more wet food and freeze dried chicken as per suggestions from the link re Dr. Lisa we will see how that goes. My other cat likes the wet so maybe I should get her off completly what Tig(Hills) is eating too. So he needs to be weened off the Hills right? I thought so . This new vet said it was fine. I do not want to vet shop I moved because this is a cat practice and my old vet thought I was a little nuts testing at home and getting a baby scale. I will say however he wanted me to get him on wet.I do not know what to do this proposed high vet bill with these tests and adding flea meds knowing he is an indoor cat alerted me. I also was giving Tig his insulin by pulling his skin on side, I saw a you tube to do it inbetween his shoulders. I have seen improvement in mood but he cannot walk or jump that is getting worse despite the B12 shots .. We have been on 5 units 2 xs a day for about 4-5 weeks... I really appreciate all the advice, He had an appt Monday for these tests but I cancelled. I do not know what to do go to a new vet go back to our old vet ???? UGH!! This is hard enough to not have faith in a vet or am I crazy? Thank goodness I found this sight!!
 
2/7/19 every 2 hrs His insulin has always been 5 units 2xs a day
Rd 1 6am 366,8am 281 10 am 258 12 pm 164 2 pm 194 4pm 255 6 pm 277
2/15/19 7:25 am 245,10:11am 198,12:15 pm 214,13:30 250,15:55 290,18:00 339,
2/27 12:30 pm ( 5Hrs after insulin) 287, 15:15 336,( gave him a bunch of treats ) He kept running off)18:00 381
2/28 12:30 316, 16:00 279, 19:00 319, ( This is when the new vet says he is probably resistant to insuline and to do all these tests Mon
3/7 12:30 348
These are all of the tests I have done on Tigger so far.
I was going to do a curve tomm..
Should I do every 2 hrs again?
 
This is hard enough to not have faith in a vet or am I crazy?

You're not crazy....the sad truth is that vets only get 5 hours of formal education on diabetes when they're in school....and that covers both dogs and cats!! Once they're in practice, they don't have the time to stay up to date on the latest treatments for every disease in every type of animal they see. That's one of the reasons this message board is so useful. We have the time to research as well as the real life 24/7 experience in what works and what doesn't!!

My own cat never went back to the vet after I got her script for Lantus. I chose to listen to the people here over the vet because everything that I was told here made a lot more sense than the garbage I was hearing from the vet. She went for dental treatments and a URI, but never for her diabetes. When I did take her in for something else, I'd just say "she's on X units of Lantus and her blood glucose runs between Y and Z" and that was usually the end of the conversation. If they did feel like they had to say something, I'd just nod my head, smile and say "I'll give that some thought" and then go right back here and do what the people here suggested!

His insulin has always been 5 units 2xs a day

You were started at 5U??

As far as testing, you need to test before every shot (to make sure he's high enough to give insulin at all) and then get at least 1 test mid-cycle on the AM cycle (like 5-7 hours after the shot) and at least a "before bed" test on the PM cycle. (usually 2-3 hours after the shot) Most cats go lower at night so it's really important to get those "before bed" tests to keep them safe and know if you need to get more tests in later at night.

It sounds like your vet doesn't know what they're doing. Just because they're a "cat only" vet doesn't change the lack of education they get.

If you'd like, I'd be happy to set your spreadsheet up for you. It really only takes me about 30 seconds once I have some information from you. Just click on my name and choose "start conversation" to send me a private message.
 
What do you mean high enough for insulin? What should that number be?
The pharmacy also told me that the insulin should be replaced if it is over 30 days old is that true?
 
My cat was hard to test first thing in the morning too, so I would give him a little breakfast, test within a few minutes then the rest of his breakfast. After awhile I could test without any food.
 
What do you mean high enough for insulin? What should that number be?

Once you have a little more experience and data, you shoot anything over 150.....if you get a number under 150, you should stall, don't feed and post for help. Test again in 20-30 minutes to see if the number climbs without the influence of food.

At some point, you'll need to decide which dosing method you want to use, Tight Regulation or Start Low, Go Slow (information in the sticky's at the top of the forum)

TR gives the best chance at remission and eventually, you learn to shoot anything over 50
 
The pharmacy also told me that the insulin should be replaced if it is over 30 days old is that true?

NO!! If kept refrigerated and cared for properly, it should last you up to 4-6 months. The only reason they have to say it's only good for 28 days is because the manufacturer only asked for it to be tested for 28 days!!! (Big Pharma strikes again)

But a lot of us get our Lantus from Canada because it's so much cheaper than the US. Here's the Information on Buying insulin from Canada
 
Hi there! Not sure if this helps at all but a cat without diabetes can have blood sugar between 120-300 mg/dL. Meaning that when your cat was at 348 at noon it wasn't that far out of range. All cats blood sugar goes up after eating anything! Considering your cat is diabetic 348 is actually pretty good, of course, you should want them to be in the 100 range more than the higher side. But please don't panic and think "348 is the WORST". Though five hours after eating that is a bit high. Also your vet should be telling you what to dose. It doesn't sound like your vet knows what the heck they're talking about. Please refer to people on here as well as try to find a more experienced vet for your cats sake. My baby Charlie was diagnosed in January as well and they immediately gave us a course of action. We do two units twice a day after he eats. We don't change this unless the vet says to. Charlie's doing really great with this so far. Also the person who posted above me is one hundred percent right, with refrigeration insulin will last longer. Big Pharma wants to screw us over before you say "That's crazy talk!" Please keep in mind that I have type one diabetes and know a lot about insulin and how to manage everything.They want money. Simple as that, may need to look into buying from Canada for both mine and Charlie's needs!
As for testing them can be hard. Charlie's pretty chill about it. But it's so much easier if you have two people on hand. One to hold them and another to prick them. First you want to rub their ear lightly to warm it up, then prick the edge and lightly squeeze for blood. Make sure to wipe it off after to prevent drying. Also giving them one small treat or positive reassurance like kisses on the forehead makes them warm up to it faster!
 
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Also! Try canned sardines. The ones that come in water, otherwise it's too much salt. Or giving him chicken breast instead of wet food. Tuna is okay too, but not too often. These are just some alternative snacks in the event that he won't eat any wet food. Charlie is personally really fond of any chicken flavor Fancy Feast. I don't know if you've tried it yet but it's definitely worth a shot. All three of my cats love it. Sometimes it's not even about the brand so much as the flavor, Charlie turns his nose up at almost any wet food that isn't chicken. So really try and go back to find out what Tigger really enjoys. Some brands also make "lickable treats" I have no idea what kind of carbs are in them but you could always test them out. My cat Atlas wouldn't eat wet food due to a mouth problem a while back and these helped out a lot. You could also try natural food as opposed to wet food. My grandmother feeds her cat raw duck and such. I know this sounds like a bunch of crazy nonsense and I'm sure you know what's best for your cat! I just want to throw out all these options in hopes that something helps!
 
Constance

I’ve gotten three emails from you on gmail regarding the spreadsheet and I responded with a very detailed answer this morning indicating I can do the SS for you if you like. I just need info and it was contained in that email. If you didn’t get it, please send me a private message here on the board by clicking on “Marje and Gracie” to the left and then “start a conversation” and I can take care of it for you.

Hey guys! I did a little research on the tests the new vet wants...Does anyone know the difference between a Vet Test Chem 17 & Super chem CBC/T4?
I did the Vet test chem in Jan with my old vet as well as urinalysis with MicroAlbum. That was 69.00 The new vet wants 90.19 I am soo confused!! Does anyone know what Cheristin is? The new vet wants 20.00 for whatever that is.. It appears to me that I am repeating some tests I just paid for at my old vet??? I also found a kit online that I could do the Urine culture /MIC sensitivity myself and save the $296.19 I am well into this 3k but I will do whatever it takes for Tigger but I don't want to get more stressed. He hates leaving home. I have to get him better. It is braking my heart that he cannot walk or jump like he likes!!
Any advice I would greatly appreciate guys!
Vet Test chem 17 is a blood panel which includes several blood chemistry panels. This might be what the lab your vet uses calls the test for blood chemistries. It includes the following:
Profile Information:
Albumin
Creatinine
Alkaline Phosphatase
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
ALT/SGPT
Glucose
AST/SGOT
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD)
Bilirubin,
Total Phosphorus
BUN
Potassium
Calcium
Protein, Total
Chloride
Sodium
Cholesterol

The SuperChem CBC/T4 is the test I always get for my cats as it gives you all the blood chemistries as above like kidney and liver values, electrolytes, etc. The CBC is the complete blood count which includes white and red blood cell counts, hematocrit (for anemia detection), platelet count. The T4 is for the thyroid. Usually this type of panel should also include urinalysis if it is under the “senior panel” category.

Labs are just a snapshot at that moment in time. If he’s had labs in the last three months, I would get them all and furnish them to the new vet and ask her what she hopes to see in the new labs that the old ones are providing her. If the old labs don’t have a CBC, ask her what info the CBC will provide her that aids in his diabetes treatment (the answer is “none” but if she suspects chronic kidney disease, it would be helpful). If it’s been more than three months, it would be worthwhile.

Cheristin is for fleas. Does he have fleas?

I would not do a urine culture at home. Those home kits do not have the sensitivity that the labs would have and unless you suspect a urinary tract infection, I wouldn’t necessarily do it. Ask the vet why it’s necessary. Make her explain why she wants each test and what symptoms he has that the labs might address.

If he can’t walk or jump, he likely has diabetic neuropathy which is common in unregulated diabetes. You can give him Zobaline (click on the blue word for the link) to help with that and getting him regulated will also help. It takes time....as in months....to correct the neuropathy.
 
Thanks Guys! I just tries some fancy feast pate and dried chicken .. then wellnus lobster and chicken .. Dr. Lisa suggetsions he turned his nose! ugh!
my other cat gobbled it up...
He did like the sardines in the fussie cat wet for a couple of days .. then the new vet said not to let him eat anything but hills...
I am going to do the curve starting in the am The vet also has me giving the hills metobolic treats what do ya'll think my course of action should be with testing and my vet situation? Should I just go back to my original vet?
 
Have you tried just putting a very small amount of wet food mixed with his dry food? When he gets to eating that, gradually increase the wet and decrease the dry.
 
Is this the Main Health forum?
Constance

I’ve gotten three emails from you on gmail regarding the spreadsheet and I responded with a very detailed answer this morning indicating I can do the SS for you if you like. I just need info and it was contained in that email. If you didn’t get it, please send me a private message here on the board by clicking on “Marje and Gracie” to the left and then “start a conversation” and I can take care of it for you.


Vet Test chem 17 is a blood panel which includes several blood chemistry panels. This might be what the lab your vet uses calls the test for blood chemistries. It includes the following:
Profile Information:
Albumin
Creatinine
Alkaline Phosphatase
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT)
ALT/SGPT
Glucose
AST/SGOT
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD)
Bilirubin,
Total Phosphorus
BUN
Potassium
Calcium
Protein, Total
Chloride
Sodium
Cholesterol

The SuperChem CBC/T4 is the test I always get for my cats as it gives you all the blood chemistries as above like kidney and liver values, electrolytes, etc. The CBC is the complete blood count which includes white and red blood cell counts, hematocrit (for anemia detection), platelet count. The T4 is for the thyroid. Usually this type of panel should also include urinalysis if it is under the “senior panel” category.

Labs are just a snapshot at that moment in time. If he’s had labs in the last three months, I would get them all and furnish them to the new vet and ask her what she hopes to see in the new labs that the old ones are providing her. If the old labs don’t have a CBC, ask her what info the CBC will provide her that aids in his diabetes treatment (the answer is “none” but if she suspects chronic kidney disease, it would be helpful). If it’s been more than three months, it would be worthwhile.

Cheristin is for fleas. Does he have fleas?

I would not do a urine culture at home. Those home kits do not have the sensitivity that the labs would have and unless you suspect a urinary tract infection, I wouldn’t necessarily do it. Ask the vet why it’s necessary. Make her explain why she wants each test and what symptoms he has that the labs might address.

If he can’t walk or jump, he likely has diabetic neuropathy which is common in unregulated diabetes. You can give him Zobaline (click on the blue word for the link) to help with that and getting him regulated will also help. It takes time....as in months....to correct the neuropathy.
 
Also! Try canned sardines. The ones that come in water, otherwise it's too much salt. Or giving him chicken breast instead of wet food. Tuna is okay too, but not too often. These are just some alternative snacks in the event that he won't eat any wet food. Charlie is personally really fond of any chicken flavor Fancy Feast. I don't know if you've tried it yet but it's definitely worth a shot. All three of my cats love it. Sometimes it's not even about the brand so much as the flavor, Charlie turns his nose up at almost any wet food that isn't chicken. So really try and go back to find out what Tigger really enjoys. Some brands also make "lickable treats" I have no idea what kind of carbs are in them but you could always test them out. My cat Atlas wouldn't eat wet food due to a mouth problem a while back and these helped out a lot. You could also try natural food as opposed to wet food. My grandmother feeds her cat raw duck and such. I know this sounds like a bunch of crazy nonsense and I'm sure you know what's best for your cat! I just want to throw out all these options in hopes that something helps!
 
Another thought- have you tried a raw diet? Katie was a dry food junkie and wouldn't touch canned food...at all. She took to the raw food immediately though. Try some raw chicken or turkey and see how he reacts.
 
Yes! I am going to try chicken tomm.. How much should he has if he eats it? Hes 18.5 lbs. Does chicken or turkey have all the nutrients he needs ?
 
Sounds good! I switched because my vet was acting like I was a bit crazy to have a gluecose tester and a baby scale... I did a consult with another vet who only takes care of cats. He seemed like he was on the same page. Until gauging me ...My original vet is old school
I just do not know what do to I do not want to be vet shopping ....
 
I will say that my original vet does not know about the testing in michigan for growth hormone but I guess I called a low cost vet today who does the tests but I do not want ot cheap out on Tig I just want him to be getting the right care from a vet? I have no clue what to do? My old vet did increase his insulin fairly quickly. He also stopped calling to check on Tigger . I have not heard anything from him in 4 weeks! He was checking in ..
 
I don’t think you need to worry about the growth hormone test just yet. Try to get him on a low carb food and get the spreadsheet set up so we can see if the test is necessary. Try the Young Again dry food and keep trying to get him on the wet. All I can say about a vet, is to try to find one that is willing to listen to you and work with you.
 
I don’t think you need to worry about the growth hormone test just yet. Try to get him on a low carb food and get the spreadsheet set up so we can see if the test is necessary. Try the Young Again dry food and keep trying to get him on the wet. All I can say about a vet, is to try to find one that is willing to listen to you and work with you.
 
Thanks so much! One thing I did forget to mention is that Tigger has been dissappearing under the bed which he has never done before. The only time he has is when I am doing a curve. Which i have not done. Should I be worried ? He is very social
 
Don't worry about the extra testing yet. Since you've been feeding a high carb kibble and your vet(s) have increased you too much, too fast, it's entirely possible that if you get him onto a low carb diet, he won't need near as much insulin in the first place.

The Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein (chicken) is about 4.6% carbs and most cats tolerate it better than the Young Again

It's a much better choice than what you're currently feeding....at least until you can convince him to eat a canned or raw diet.
 
Don't worry about the extra testing yet. Since you've been feeding a high carb kibble and your vet(s) have increased you too much, too fast, it's entirely possible that if you get him onto a low carb diet, he won't need near as much insulin in the first place.

The Dr. Elsey's Clean Protein (chicken) is about 4.6% carbs and most cats tolerate it better than the Young Again

It's a much better choice than what you're currently feeding....at least until you can convince him to eat a canned or raw diet.
Thanks!! So do you think I should go back to my regular vet or stay with the cat vet? Also what about the B12 shots he has been getting weekly?
i am very worried that he is under the bed again tonight its not like him
 
I really have no opinion on which vet you should use because as I said earlier, once I got my script for Lantus, I stopped taking China to the vet at all for her diabetes and just listened to the people here.

I'd go with the one you feel most comfortable with and can afford easiest. There's no law that says you have to tell your vet everything.....like the fact that you're home testing.

As for the B-12 shots, we generally see them used to help with appetite and general activity level. The form of B-12 in the shots isn't useful in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The methylcobalamin form of B-12 (like in the Zobaline) is the best for treatment of neuropathy. The shots are the cyanocobalamin form
 
By the way, we don’t typically suggest the tests from MSU for high doses until the dose is over 6u. We also don’t raise doses as quickly as it sounds like his was raised.

B12 shots will not address neuropathy. The type of B12 which helps neuropathy is methylcobalamin and most B12 shots are cyanocobalamin which is ineffective for neuropathy. In my post #5 above, I provided the link for one kind of oral methylcobalamin that works on neuropathy.
 
I really have no opinion on which vet you should use because as I said earlier, once I got my script for Lantus, I stopped taking China to the vet at all for her diabetes and just listened to the people here.

I'd go with the one you feel most comfortable with and can afford easiest. There's no law that says you have to tell your vet everything.....like the fact that you're home testing.

As for the B-12 shots, we generally see them used to help with appetite and general activity level. The form of B-12 in the shots isn't useful in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The methylcobalamin form of B-12 (like in the Zobaline) is the best for treatment of neuropathy. The shots are the cyanocobalamin form
 
Fortiflora is made by Purina and contains animal digest which is not good for cats. Some cats like the taste of it if you are using it only as a topper but I prefer higher quality products as toppers like freeze dried chicken that you can make into a “dust” with a Magic Bullet.

If you are wanting a probiotic, I prefer the products from Renew Life. For my cats (and us), I use the Ultimate Flora 15b CFU at a dose of 1/2 cal twice a day.

If you can please go back to your inbox (Upper right corner...click on “inbox”) to the message I sent you there yesterday and send me the info, I’ll do your spreadsheet today. We cannot give you the best dosing advice for him without it. The way the dose was taken up, it’s possible he’s overdosed but we can’t tell without the spreadsheet. If the dose is correct, by chance, we can tell you if and when you might need to do the tests at MSU.

It’s also good that you read back through this thread to be sure you got all the suggestions.
 
Good morning, Constance. Welcome to the FDMB!

I've merged your "Tigger!" and "Need Help with Tigger!" threads. It'll make it easier for you to have the information in one place. You might want to scan this thread to make sure you've read all the posts.

Again, welcome. Hope to see you posting often! :)
 
Thanks Guys for all your help!! I am inputing Tigs readings thus far today now. He was hungry before his 12:30 reading so I put out Whole Hearted Tuna Pate in gravy( not much gravy I can see ) They were giving out samples so I grabbed 2 yesterday .. Well after snubbing his nose yesterday at every can of wet food i bought .. topped with everything suggested by Dr. Lisa.. He GOBBLED all of this whole hearted wet food up just now !!!!!!!! Does anyone know anything about this brand? This is the first out of literally 30 different cans brands etc... that he has eaten other than the fussie cat anchovies that the vet told me to stop. Is this a victory???
 
Good morning, Constance. Welcome to the FDMB!

I've merged your "Tigger!" and "Need Help with Tigger!" threads. It'll make it easier for you to have the information in one place. You might want to scan this thread to make sure you've read all the posts.

Again, welcome. Hope to see you posting often! :)
Thankyou soo much!
 
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