Update on Pedro, managing the curve, the trial, UK

[KleineMue]

Hi!

Thought I write you a quick update for Pedro. ^_^

Our curve is still rather busy with steep rises in his blood glucose when the Caninsulin wears off. We also have to work around odd scheduling with OH now having gotten to grips with testing (Yay!!) but often leaving crazy early in the morning, so he tests him at +11 and feeds him, but doesn't give the insulin, which then happens sometimes 1.5 hrs later when I get up. Far from ideal. I am quite a night owl and usually stay up late into the night so I am reluctant to get up early and lose my nights, the only time I can get anything done. however looking at his sheet I reckon that's the way to go. *sigh*

I also have been messing around with the amount of insulin we give responding to his BG levels by decreasing the dose and I was wondering if the CanInsulin can only be given in one dose. The aim is to keep the BG levels in the green and blue zone, right? So does anyone give Caninsulin in two portions rather than in one? Which would then work with OH's bonkers work schedule s he could give a unit very early, I give one later and then we can spread out the evening one as well... *ponder*

We have more disruption ahead in our schedule though as I will likely fly to Germany week after next, my mother is in intensive care in the moment, she has COPD and is awaiting a lung transplant. I want to visit her. OH will have to take time off to look after Josie and the cat. My head is a bit all over the place in the moment.

Oh, and I spoke to Ruth at the Royal Veterinary Clinic and Pedro is booked in for his pre-trial screening and examination at the beginning of January, so January will be another interesting month with a few trips down to Herefortshire, 3 and 1/2 hours in the car one way. I have to organise cover for my shop and organise childcare with OH. Starting him on the recommended food for the trial as soon as it arrives to help with the transition! ^_^

Exciting times!!
Mue x

 

[BJM]

What you are describing is split dosing. If you do this, you will need to be very exacting in the schedule - no early or late doses, AND the same interval between the 1st and 2nd doses in the morning AND evening. I would suggest you pick either 2 or 3 hours, then stick to that. If you do this, you will want to give equal amounts at each shot. Any increases or decreases would need to be evenly spread between each shot.

Caninsulin typically works best in cats with 2 or 3 doses at equal intervals - either every 12 hours or every 8 hours. And no insulin lasts 24 hours in cats.

 

[phlika29]

Hi mue

Do you mean split the dose into four doses? One very early, one later in the morning and then two dose in the evening? At the moment you are doing it roughly every 12 hours aren't you?

I would wait to start the food trial until you get back from Germany. Changing food can change the amount of insulin needed and so it's probably best you are both there.

I am so glad you are going to have ago at getting on the trial. The lantus typically works for longer than the caninsulin and so longer on the healing zone (I am still a little hazy on the exact figures that are called desired but I think it below 120 but am sure someone can advise ).

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hi Mue,

I did give Bertie 3 shots of Caninsulin a day for a while (splitting the day's total dose into 3 shots instead of 2 and giving them at 5am, 1pm and 9pm) It can help to even out BG numbers in some cats but can be hard to fit into most people's schedules...

Just FYI; If you do get onto Lantus in the RVC trial then doses will need to be given (as close as possible to) exactly 12 hours apart. The experience of Lantus users here seems to be that there isn't a lot of room for manoeuvre in that regard.
If you get onto Prozinc then you'll have a bit more flexibility regarding the timing of the shots.

On another matter; I'm so very sorry to hear that your Mother has COPD. My Mum had that also so I do understand what that's like....
(Huge hug to you, Mue...and healing well-wishes to your Mother)

Eliz