Urine sample

[Sam-cat]

We have now got the hang of BG testing but vets want a urine sample.
Err - how???
Know we can get non absorbent cat litter from vets but was scared to ask how expensive it is...
Any advice appreciated☺

 

[Beenie (GA)]

Hi Tess and Sam-cat!

I've only tested my Beenie at home for ketones with a urine test strip. I've never been asked to collect an actual sample for the vet. Anytime a urine sample was needed the vet took the sample at his office with a syringe collected direct from the bladder.
So I decided to see what Goolge had to say about this ans found this on line
https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/going-to-the-vet-how-to-collect-your-cats-urine-sample

 

[Sam-cat]

Thanks Beenie - we might try the bubble wrap before getting the vets cat litter and see if that works.☺

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

We have now got the hang of BG testing but vets want a urine sample.
Err - how???

Hi Tess, I just replied to you on FB about using crumpled clingfilm on the litter tray.

Just looked at your SS. You're sometimes getting some very low numbers on that 2 unit dose. With Alphatrak you really don't want the numbers dropping below 3.6. Once you get below that you're getting into hypoglycemic range...

What are you you feeding Sam at the moment, and when did you switch to low carb wet?

Eliz

 

[Sam-cat]

Think we have just had the one reading under 3.6. That was entirely my fault as I should have given him a lower dose. Thankfully I gave him a gravy cat food and that brought it back up.

He went on to low carb food about three weeks before he started insulin. He was on Caninsulin for a couple of weeks before changing to ProZinc. Spreadsheet is all ProZinc.

Ps will be trying the crumpled cling film. Parter not enthusiastic about Sam wee being kept in the fridge until I can deliver it to the vets

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Parter not enthusiastic about Sam wee being kept in the fridge until I can deliver it to the vets

I entirely understand that. ...But it's funny what you can get used to when you have to...... Just label it very carefully....

The reason I asked about food was because I was wondering if some foods you were feeding might be lower/higher carb than others; because I'm trying to work out why you got those sudden low numbers. Are you feeding one brand/type? Or are you rotating different foods?

Sam's BG today was really nice, BTW. Lovely gentle drop.... Nice numbers....
.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Tess @Sam-cat, just in case you're interested, there's a UK member offering free U40 syringes in our 'supply closet' forum. ...His kitty died earlier this year and now he (very kindly) wants to donate supplies. You'll probably only have to pay postage. Here's the link (but you'll probably need to be quick....):
UK - Free U-40 Syringes (probably ~250)
.

 

[Sam-cat]

I was wondering if I could disguise Sam's wee sample in something that looks like it 'should' be in the fridge but that might go badly wrong

Sam does get different brands as he won't eat anything for long. But each day he gets the same mix of brands. As in same thing for breakfast each day, same thing for lunch etc. Sorry hard to explain.

He goes out, not far and not for long. He never seems hugely active outside. It doenst seem to be linked to that though? The day he had the real low he had slept on the rug all morning?

It feels like things are just slowly settling - but maybe I'm just hoping that's the case...