Very Dopey Kitty 2 hours after shot

[Danica20]

Hello, for the past 3 days I've noticed bout and hour or 2 after I inject my Pinky she acts really dopey & lethargic. She just lays by her water dish and uses it kinda as a head rest. Is this normal? Pinky is on Novolin, which I know hits them hard and fast. Is this what I'm seeing? I've been trying to ask around to other vets in my area about getting a better insulin, so far the only recommended insulin vets can get is PZI. Would this be a better choice for Pinky? How is PZI vs Lantus or Levemir?

 

[Deb & Wink]

Are you doing a BG test when Pinky is looking lethargic? I think it would be a good idea to know what the BG is.

Yes, you are right in that the Humulin/Novolin N hits hard and fast and Pinky just doesn't feel good.

so far the only recommended insulin vets can get is PZI

You do not have to get the insulin from your vet. Your vet needs to write a prescription for the Lantus or Levimir, and then you simply get it filled at any pharmacy. You want a prescription for the pens if you go the Lantus or Levimir route.

PZI. Would this be a better choice for Pinky?

Prozinc is another good insulin for cats. Many cats don't get the full 12 hour duration with Prozinc, maybe only 8- 10 hours but it would be better than the NPH insulin you are using now.

How is PZI vs Lantus or Levemir?

There are pros and cons to all the insulins. Kpassa did a writeup on the various insulins. Here is her writeup. https://sites.google.com/site/michelangeloprofilefdmb/felinediabetes/insulin

 

[Danica20]

Are you doing a BG test when Pinky is looking lethargic? I think it would be a good idea to know what the BG is.

Yes, I checked her BG. Yesterday Her preshot level (AM) was 367, When I checked her an hour later she was 355. The day before her Her preshot level (AM) was 413, 2 hours later she was at 322. So I'm thinking her dopiness is The Novolin hitting her hard & fast. Another reason to get her on something a bit better.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I have used N on some of my cats and have never experienced that. I do not think it is due to it hitting hard and fast since yo are not seeing that much of a drop. However, you are not getting muck of a drop on two units and thus I think an insulin change is warranted.