Tiggy&Mom The love of my life Newly diagnosed scared

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Tiggy&Mom

Tiggy&Mom

Member Since 2016
Hi Every One,
First I joined this forum when I and my beautiful baby were told he had feline diabetes . I have been so emotional just absolutely raw. I love this cat more than any thing. Our story began with a incident in February 2016 where Tig fell ill, was hiding, and we took him to a vet. At that time we were not aware of his condition and he did not stay over at the hospital but came home and was back on his paws a day or so later. They gave him the complete battery of tests for all diseases ect , they hydrated him and gave him anti nausea stuff. Well everything seemed better , but I did notice him peeing a lot and drinking like there was no tomorrow. I didn't truly understand what I was looking at he seemed happy, especially with the big bowl of crunchy crack dry kibble. Now I see everything very clearly. So jump to July 2 we have a cat who vomited and began laying around. I thought it was the stress of the move . By Saturday he was looking bad and I was in tears. My god what was I thinking. We called a veterinarian and took him in on Tuesday July 5 and he was immediately swept away and we came to understand he had to be admitted. They gave him an IV and some tests based on our info. Doc called few hours later to tell us he had diabetes and that they were introducing insulin at a slow drip rate . Scared . I was and am terrified. They released my baby on Wed so he was there a day and a half. He looked better . Took him home with instructions to administer Pro Zinc,might of spelled that wrong at one unit to begin. Twice a day every 12 hours with food . Tiggy began eating again Thursday evening . A little bit of Tuna and the liquid. By Friday morning he was bugging me for food. I didn't have to coax him he was darn hungry. Essentially in between all of this the vet just keeps having us come- back since Wednesday we have been back three times for a glucose check. The number today was 316. Now she wants to see him Monday. His bowels- are normal -no vomiting- playful- loving -eating. She also wants the dose increased to two units two times a day. I am sorry this intro is so long. Any advice I mentioned to her about the meters I have seen your forum recommend the Relion Micro ect but she seems to not be interested in us home testing. I have mentioned your forum as well. I am worried about this . The office doesn't seem to have any clear information for us, no food lists recommendations or a thing, I have read many bits of info here in the forum and have settled him in on Fancy Feast the pate , Tuna and Chicken (no gravy variety. ) two times a day . Today he as so insistent for a snack that I called the vet and she said I could give him a little more , so I dolliped out a tablespoon of food. He is used to carbs Friskies and Meow Mix . I need help. Thank you Very Much Clare
 
First thing, Clare, take a deep breath. Diabetes is a common disease. Humans get it all the time, and except for a few dietary changes, it doesn't ruin their lives. It's the same for our kitties. Welcome to the boards. I've only been here, a week or so myself, and trust me there are some good people here. I see the vet put Tiggy on Pro-Zinc, that's what we've been giving Shorty.

It will be cheaper, easier, and more comforting to you (in the long run), if you run out and get a standard human glucose testing meter, and start testing Tiggy rather than taking him in to the vet for tests. Going into the vet is a stressful situation... the car ride.. the unfamiliar location... the sound and smell of all the other animals in the back room. That can easily jump Tiggy's blood sugar up higher than normal. Your first goal, is to get comfortable with this. Because if you aren't, then Tiggy never will be. Diabetes isn't a big deal. It runs in my family, and my college roommate was diabetic. Once you get used to it, it'll be second nature. Trust me, it's just been barely a week for us, and it's already started to go really smooth.

Shorty is also on Pro Zinc, 2 units twice a day.

I'm not going to dispense any advice about dosage, for now, because I'm not familiar enough with all of this. But, Shorty is on his 5th day of testing at home, about 10 days since his diagnosis. And food is really the key. He hasn't been fed any dry food in the last two days, and his blood glucose is coming into line much quicker that I expected. It needs to be low carb, and trust me, just because it's a wet food doesn't make it low carb. I'll attach a link for you to look at, which lists the Protein, Fat, and Carbs of most major brands. It's a little out of date, but it's a good start. And, try to avoid getting your kitty addicted to seafood (The tuna you mentioned). Just like breaking a kitty off of the dry kibble cereal, getting them to eat something other than seafood can be just as hard.

Being ravenously hungry can be a good or bad thing. It could indicate hypoglycemia, which is deadly...it could indicate a high blood glucose too. That's why I (and most people on here) will say, test at home. And test often at first, just so you can see what is happening. Get some ketostix, or a ketone testing strip, from Walmart or Walgreens, and test for ketones in the urine. Ketones will indicate that the body is not getting enough sugar, and is burning muscle tissue for energy. (Ever seen the movie "A Few Good Men"?) If you start getting high ketone readings, then it's time for the vet.

http://www.catinfo.org/docs/FoodChartPublic9-22-12.pdf
 
Hello Tiggy and mom, welcome to the board!
Like Shorty said, take a deep breath, diabetes is something that you can get under control, regulated.
If you are going to home test it's best to set up a spreadsheet, the one that we've all got in our signature below so you can keep track of all the numbers Tiggy will give you.
Here is the link with all the info to set up the spreadsheet:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337

And here is a link to how to understand the spreadsheet :
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/understanding-the-spreadsheet-grid.156606/

Also here is a link of the protocol of prozinc : http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/protocol-for-prozinc-pzi.109077/

So I hope this information will help you on the way with getting to understand everything a little bit more.
If you want dosing advise (when you are hometesting) than it's best to go to the Prozinc/pzi part of the forum. There are people who have a lot of experiece with prozinc and can help you, including myself. I've had my kitty Baco on Prozinc for 2 months and she is now off the juice, she doesn't need it anymore!:joyful: So anything is possible if you start giving insulin!
 
Shorty said:
Also, if you do start home testing, set up a spreadsheet and link it to your signature, so that all the members on here can see what is going on. The instructions are here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

But, breath deep. Diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be easily handled in a cat, just like with a human. Plus we get the added bonus of potential remission!

Dan
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Thank you so very much. I appreciate the help.
 
Welcome Clare and handsome Tiggy! It is overwhelming at first, but in time you will find it quite manageable. I really recommend you home test- You don't need your vets permission. Its the only way to know how well the insulin is working and, more importantly, it's the best way to keep Tiggy safe. It's fine to feed Tiggy more than twice a day, especially now while he's not regulated, as his body isn't using the food efficiently. When did you switch to all wet food? That can lower his BG and he may need less insulin, the only way to know is to home test. Here's some info to get you started
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
 
Sharon14 said:
Welcome Clare and handsome Tiggy! It is overwhelming at first, but in time you will find it quite manageable. I really recommend you home test- You don't need your vets permission. Its the only way to know how well the insulin is working and, more importantly, it's the best way to keep Tiggy safe. It's fine to feed Tiggy more than twice a day, especially now while he's not regulated, as his body isn't using the food efficiently. When did you switch to all wet food? That can lower his BG and he may need less insulin, the only way to know is to home test. Here's some info to get you started
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
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Hi thank you so very much - the wet food switch, when Tig came home from the hospital Wednesday, he would not touch anything ,by Thursday Evening he had tuna from a can and some liquid from the can, along with 1 unit of ProZinc. By Friday Morning-(8:30) he wanted food, so it was Classic Chicken feast Fancy Feast and that meal was accompanied by the 1 unit , however by noon my baby was starving . So I called the vet and she said to give him a little more. He was just in the hospital as well as not eating and vomiting before earlier in the week. Hungry boy then by 8:30 pm he ate well for the first time since the crisis and has been eating well . I just see he is hungry and bugging me mid day. I did take a look at the treat list . What can he have mid day . ? This baby is used to grazing all day on the Friskies Seafood Sensations so I am concerned about his diet very very much.Sorry for the long explanation so after the crisis the wet food was finally accepted Friday morning. He used to get wet food like twice a week before he got sick so I am happy he eats it .
 
What does he weigh? @Bobbie And Bubba has a formula to figure the calories needed. Right now, you may have to add to that a bit until he is regulated. I give my cat a spoonful of Fancy Feast every time I test his BG, so he eats his full breakfast, full dinner and at least one small meal in between (4x/day) more if he's in lower numbers. For treats, you can give poached chicken, or buy some freeze dried treats such as Pure Bites. My cats were all used to free feeding too. It took a little time, but they've got the routine down now and don't bother me too much between meals.
 
Great that he will eat wet food - that's a big part of the battle. I would definitely home test - you do not need your vet's permission. A concern is that numbers from the vet can be much higher than numbers at home because of vet stress - some people report over +100 points higher. Then doses based on those numbers can be too high once he is home. Home testing gives you an accurate daily picture of how the insulin is working.

If he were mine, I'd learn how to test (we can help) see what his levels look like with the food change and give the vet that info.
 
He now weighs 11.18 ,prior to his crisis hospital stay he weighed 15.5 pounds.Essentially at this point the Fancy Feasts Cans he is eating about a 1/3 of a can twice a day . and if he bugs mom I feed him a tablespoon mid day. I want to go get him treats . I want him to actually eat them though , right now I have Whiskas Lickns but I wont give them to him, along with bags of Meow Mix Foods all in the pantry. I do want to purchase good treats today so we are going to hit Pet Smart.
 
Favorite low carb treats at my house are Bonito flakes and PureBites.

My 11 pound cat (who is not terribly active) gets 2 cans of the small Fancy Feast cans daily. My 16 pound diabetic Maine Coon got 3 cans until regulated and then 2.5 in remission. I'd give him more food. You can spread it out during the day, giving several small meals if you like.
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Great that he will eat wet food - that's a big part of the battle. I would definitely home test - you do not need your vet's permission. A concern is that numbers from the vet can be much higher than numbers at home because of vet stress - some people report over +100 points higher. Then doses based on those numbers can be too high once he is home. Home testing gives you an accurate daily picture of how the insulin is working.

If he were mine, I'd learn how to test (we can help) see what his levels look like with the food change and give the vet that info.
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yes I initially spoke to the vet about the possibility that the office visits are elevating his levels. I will buy a meter today . I have watched many videos and I am sure we can do this. The issue I have is how to interpret the numbers . Wal Mart has the Relion Micro and The prime . How do I interpret convert ? My vert charges $30.65 for every glucose check . So I am more than willing to check my little man out here in the home. I do clearly understand the wet food will lower his sugar levels as well .
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Favorite low carb treats at my house are Bonito flakes and PureBites.

My 11 pound cat (who is not terribly active) gets 2 cans of the small Fancy Feast cans daily. My 16 pound diabetic Maine Coon got 3 cans until regulated and then 2.5 in remission. I'd give him more food. You can spread it out during the day, giving several small meals if you like.
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Wow . I had no idea. I didn't know it was ok. Thank you I am seeing the light . This forum has been an absolute god send . We do not feel alone now.
 
Found the formula
the ideal weight X 13.5 + 70.

There is no conversion chart. Once you start testing, set up a spreadsheet and post on ProZinc forum and Sue and the others will help you interpret his numbers.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
If you need help setting it up, just ask.

The Prime meter takes a bit more blood, but has cheaper strips than the micro or confirm meters, I have both and they work the same, so the choice is yours.
 
Sharon14 said:
Found the formula
the ideal weight X 13.5 + 70.

There is no conversion chart. Once you start testing, set up a spreadsheet and post on ProZinc forum and Sue and the others will help you interpret his numbers.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
If you need help setting it up, just ask.

The Prime meter takes a bit more blood, but has cheaper strips than the micro or confirm meters, I have both and they work the same, so the choice is yours.
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Holy cow. Thank you !!!! I cannot thank you enough. Now I am stoked. I know he will be ok. I honestly am over joyed . I know his levels will be lower here in his home. Thank you and Have a wonderful day . I have so much backed up work , but I will get the items together today,the meter strips and keto stixs. Thanks !
 
You may want to get the size 25-28 gauge lancets to start with. They are bigger than some and help you get a good blood sample when you're first starting out.
 
Hi Tiggy's Mom, and welcome. You came to the right place for help with your sugar cat. About the weight, you said Tiggy lost weight and is down to 11.18. Is that a good weight for Tiggy or does he need to gain back any weight? If the 11.8 is a good weight then use that weight in the formula Sharon gave you to maintain weight. If you think he needs to gain back some, use the weight that he needs to be in the formula. As an example I will use his weight of 11 lbs.
11 X 13.5=148.50 + 70 = 218.50. Each of the FF Classics are around 93 calories for chicken and turkey I am not sure about beef, so that would be about 2 1/3 can of FF a day. I would divide them into portions with the bigger portion for the AM and PM meals with the shot of insulin and divide give one to two snacks in each cycle. Space them out about every 3 hours for now and after you get the SS set up and we see when his nadir (lowest point of the cycle) is we can tweak it.

Keep asking questions as that is how we all learned.

ETA: in the beginning until they get some what regulated they will be really hungry. Also, I am so glad that you are going to hometest to keep him safe especially since you transititoned him to wet lower carb food, his BG can come down a lot. Keep in mind that the vet's testing causes him a lot of stress and she is basing the units to shoot on an elevated number. Your test will be more of an accurate picture of what is going on.
 
While you work on the home testing, there are some additional assessments to help evaluate your cat in my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools.
Many of these are things vets ask about when you bring in a cat - food and water intake and output, behavior, etc.
 
Thank you Everyone we are headed out to buy the supplies. I wanted to mention Tig is eating the Fancy Feast but I do feel he is clearly not eating enough, I put down 5 pieces of dry gibble and he ate every piece and wanted more. Can we mix some dry in the wet just to get his weight up a little? Not alot maybe just a few crushed pieces? I just gave him tuna fish with the liquid and lets see it was just the top of the can , drained with a little flakes and of course its all gone , he washed up and is comfortably napping in his little bed. Thank you I will check in later, also the dry kibble I gave was Meow Mix HairBall , as I said only 5 little pieces were given.
 
Sharon14 said:
You may want to get the size 25-28 gauge lancets to start with. They are bigger than some and help you get a good blood sample when you're first starting out.
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Thank you Sharon we are headed out now to buy a meter the gauges ect.
 
Evo Cat and Kitten dry food, at specialty pet stores, is close to being < 10% calories from carbohydrate.
Make food switches gradually to reduce the chances of food refusal, vomiting, and diarrhea.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
Hi Tiggy's Mom, and welcome. You came to the right place for help with your sugar cat. About the weight, you said Tiggy lost weight and is down to 11.18. Is that a good weight for Tiggy or does he need to gain back any weight? If the 11.8 is a good weight then use that weight in the formula Sharon gave you to maintain weight. If you think he needs to gain back some, use the weight that he needs to be in the formula. As an example I will use his weight of 11 lbs.
11 X 13.5=148.50 + 70 = 218.50. Each of the FF Classics are around 93 calories for chicken and turkey I am not sure about beef, so that would be about 2 1/3 can of FF a day. I would divide them into portions with the bigger portion for the AM and PM meals with the shot of insulin and divide give one to two snacks in each cycle. Space them out about every 3 hours for now and after you get the SS set up and we see when his nadir (lowest point of the cycle) is we can tweak it.

Keep asking questions as that is how we all learned.

ETA: in the beginning until they get some what regulated they will be really hungry. Also, I am so glad that you are going to hometest to keep him safe especially since you transititoned him to wet lower carb food, his BG can come down a lot. Keep in mind that the vet's testing causes him a lot of stress and she is basing the units to shoot on an elevated number. Your test will be more of an accurate picture of what is going on.
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Thank you Bobbie & Bubba the issue I am having right now is he is trying to make up for the week of vomiting ect and he will eat the Fancy Feast But not gobble it, little bites , and I have given him two snacks today one was tuna fish with the liquid- and the other was 5 pieces of dry kibble= he eats all of it. Looks for more as well. I want him to eat the wet cat food more ,but right now I only have Meow Mix brand Hairball formula , can I mix a few pieces in to entice him to consume the serving? He needs to gain some weight back most definitely. Thank you . I did buy the meter and supplies today , but I will not be able to work on testing until later this evening or tomorrow. Thanks Again I did buy him Fancy Feast Hand Baked Chicken,Tuna, and Salmon treats , gave him a Salmon and he loved it. They have only one ingredient and that is the chicken tuna or salmon no fillers ect.
 
You can crush a little of the dry and sprinkle it on the wet to entice him to eat wet. That is how I got my dry food addicts off the dry and to eat wet. I am not sure what the dry Meow Mix brand Hairball formula is carb wise but probably high as most dry are. If he is underweight, it is important that he gains back the weight to a good weight for him. You are doing a great job to help Tiggy! So glad that you are going to be testing. :)
 
The Meow Mix is very high carb. If you need to mix a few pieces to get him to eat, go ahead but try to wean him after you start testing. If he needs a dry there are better choices
 
Thank you Bobbie and Sharon I did crush up 6 pieces of the Meow Mix and sort of hid it in the wet food and like magic all of the plate was eaten, first nice meal since the hospital. I have all of the supplies for testing and I am now going to read over the spread sheets information as I have no experience I will be checking back in very frequently. I would like to test him soon.
Sharon14 said:
The Meow Mix is very high carb. If you need to mix a few pieces to get him to eat, go ahead but try to wean him after you start testing. If he needs a dry there are better choices
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Sharon, When you have time please give me recommendations on dry foods although I am very very committed to not feeding dry food like I was.
 
Just a note of support to Tiggys mom. A letter of understanding.

I know what that dread is like, that feeling of a knot in your stomach as your heart races and aches all at the same time. Like your stomach went on a rollercoaster and left you behind holding the cotton candy . And we only found out on the 26th of last month.

I'm guessing there isn't a single cat parent in here who doesn't know what that feeling is like.

From the first moment when that something that screams in you saying "baby just isn't *right*" thru the trip to the Vet, the waiting, the anxiousness as you try so hard to answer the questions. The pain of knowing bloods being drawn. More waiting... and then the answer.

Honey, you are very not alone.

I'm glad you found the same great resource I have. These are quite possibly the most awesome people ever.

They are real-honest-to-francis people who care enough to share the treasure of their experience with us both.


For me, the scary part mostly over. I have a routine my cats all dig not just Billy. Even the dogs are into it too. ( Cookie time when Billy gets dinner and a poke)

It will be OK, Tiggy and mom. It's getting there for Billy and myself.
 
Sharon14 said:
Definitely switch to wet food if possible. @Carol & Murphy has a kitty that eats some dry. She can give you some suggestions.
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Thanks Sharon , he is eating the Fancy Feast twice a day , eating all of it too as long as I crush pieces of kibble in it, lol so I am working on the recommendations so I can crush a better dry in the wet , however three to five pieces crumbled up makes his day right now.
 
Hi - see PM note -
the foods I feed (or tried to) Murphy are Young Again Zero Carb; Wysong Epigen 90 (has to be Epigen 90 not the regular Epigen); Waggers semi-moist, Nature's Variety Instinct, and Evo
 
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