Urine monitoring

[Myrtlesmum]

Hi everyone, newbie here! I have a question about how much urine output can tell you about how well or not kitty is doing. I became aware of my Myrtle's diabetes when for a few days she was drinking and urinating more than usual. Usually she pees twice a day or 3 times max. For a few days she had been peeing 4-5 times a day (luckily I just happened to be on holiday from work for a couple of weeks and was home to notice) and I noticed her drinking more water (although one day in between she was normal?). Anyway, the vet started her on insulin yesterday just once a day (planning on moving to twice) but on once a day her peeing seems to have gone back to her normal 2-3 times a day. Would you take this as a sign that the insulin is working? Do you think she will need twice a day (I'm really worried about this as my work schedule is erratic). I know you will tell me to start home monitoring - I bought a glucose monitor and tried it on myself and I seem to need a large amount of blood for it to work? Also Myrtle HATES having her ears touched (I've been stroking them to see how she feels about it) and also has black fur and skin so impossible to see the vein? Help! any advice?

 

[Sharon14]

While urine monitoring is better than none, blood testing is really the only way to tell how well your insulin is working. What insulin is Myrtle on? None last 24 hours in a cat due to their metabolism, so twice a day is necessary.(sorry). To help desensitize Myrtle to testing, choose a spot to be the testing spot, go there multiple times a day and just pet her and rub her ears then give a treat and let her go. Always give a treat! After a bit you will both be more relaxed and you can add the poke. Warm her ear really well (some use rice in a small sock warmed in the microwave. If you do that, add it to your desensitizing exercise) and use a 25-28 gauge lancet. Remember to take a deep breath and relax, make it 'no big deal', and remember you're doing it to help Myrtle, not hurt her. Good luck and keep asking questions!

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I know you will tell me to start home monitoring - I bought a glucose monitor and tried it on myself and I seem to need a large amount of blood for it to work?

What meter did you purchase?

Also Myrtle HATES having her ears touched (I've been stroking them to see how she feels about it) and also has black fur and skin so impossible to see the vein?

Some people use a flashlight to help see the vein better on darker fur, you're not aiming for the vein though: the area between the vein and outer edge of the ear . Try the desensitizing exercise Sharon gave you above. We've had a couple kitties that were not initially fond of ear or paw touching

 

[Myrtlesmum]

Thanks Sharon14 and Yong - yes I am trying to desensitze her from ear touching and we'll see how we go, thanks for the advice. For the glucose monitor I bought an Accucheck Proforma (australia). I'm really afraid I'm not going to be any good at this and I'm back at work next week so Myrtle will be on her own all day - hopefully she will be ok.