Hi all, I am Tracy and my 12 year old silver tabby DSM Quincy from central Canada. We were just diagnosed this morning and still in a state of shock. We, my DH and I thought he was in renal failure...now we find this. I have many questions that are just starting to work through the cloud of my brain and emotions right now. I am hoping to find some support and answers to my questions as my vet and I work through this. I trust my vet and believe she is very good so I am hoping that with a little extra support we will begin to work our way through this curve ball that life threw at us.
We are diagnosed
- Thread starter Tracy
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Just-As-Appy
Active Member
Welcome. You have found a great resource. We'll do our best to help you help your kitty. There are 3 keys to managing diabetes.
1. Diet: Lo carb, wet (canned) food is best for all cats. There is a list in the FAQ (Janet and Binky's) that will help you choose foods for your kitty. Please note that there is no dry food that is good for a cat. Some are worse than others, but the cheapest wet food is far better than any dry.
2. Home testing: While not all vets support this, it is the only way to know if it is safe to give your kitty his shot each day. A few additional tests will tell you how the insulin is working in his body. I've ben told that some vets discourage home testing because the owners think that it is just too much trouble and choose for the put to sleep option instead. It is not hard at all and takes no time. There is a learning curve, but within a week most cats have it figured out.
3. Insulin: Insulin is needed allow the cat's cells to receive nutrition. Often, when insulin is given and the blood glucose returns to normal for a few weeks (or months in some cases), the pancreas will heal and the cat no longer needs insulin. This is called remission and happens most often on the longer lasting human insulins called glargine (Lantus) and detemir (Levemir).
It would be helpful to know a bit more about your kitty. What does he usually eat? How was the diagnosis made (ear prick, Fructosamine, urine test?)? Does he have any other infestions like dental or bladder? Has your vet started him on insulin? What type?
I'm in Canada also - 'wet' coast - we are having a little summer shower right now. Fortunately, we do not need a prescription for insulin or syringes in Canada. This makes things a bit easier for us.
1. Diet: Lo carb, wet (canned) food is best for all cats. There is a list in the FAQ (Janet and Binky's) that will help you choose foods for your kitty. Please note that there is no dry food that is good for a cat. Some are worse than others, but the cheapest wet food is far better than any dry.
2. Home testing: While not all vets support this, it is the only way to know if it is safe to give your kitty his shot each day. A few additional tests will tell you how the insulin is working in his body. I've ben told that some vets discourage home testing because the owners think that it is just too much trouble and choose for the put to sleep option instead. It is not hard at all and takes no time. There is a learning curve, but within a week most cats have it figured out.
3. Insulin: Insulin is needed allow the cat's cells to receive nutrition. Often, when insulin is given and the blood glucose returns to normal for a few weeks (or months in some cases), the pancreas will heal and the cat no longer needs insulin. This is called remission and happens most often on the longer lasting human insulins called glargine (Lantus) and detemir (Levemir).
It would be helpful to know a bit more about your kitty. What does he usually eat? How was the diagnosis made (ear prick, Fructosamine, urine test?)? Does he have any other infestions like dental or bladder? Has your vet started him on insulin? What type?
I'm in Canada also - 'wet' coast - we are having a little summer shower right now. Fortunately, we do not need a prescription for insulin or syringes in Canada. This makes things a bit easier for us.
tuckers mom
Very Active Member
Welcome,
I'm sure this must be pretty shocking right now, but I can promise you it gets easier. Check out the FAQs http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2501 and then ask lots of questions.
I'm sure this must be pretty shocking right now, but I can promise you it gets easier. Check out the FAQs http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=2501 and then ask lots of questions.
C
Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)
Guest
Hi and welcome!
Feline diabetes is a very manageable condtion and while you may be overwhelmed right now, that will pass. A diagnosis of FD is much better than renal.failure!
Carl in SC
Feline diabetes is a very manageable condtion and while you may be overwhelmed right now, that will pass. A diagnosis of FD is much better than renal.failure!
Carl in SC
ohbell
Very Active Member
Hello Tracy & Quincy,
Welcome and you will very happy that you found this place! It is wonderful....tons of informtion, support, and paw hugs!
I wanted to share my story about home testing which I feel is the most important part. My sugar Bean was dx on 4/21ish and we contacted Lori & Tom to receive our testing kit. Meanwhile, Bean went back to the vet for her curve...When she was dx she was reading around 325, and the day of the curve was around 500ish. I found this site, started to change to low carb food, and was learning about home testing. When her kit came in the mail, mommy decided to get her ready...We sat with the lancet pen and made the noise around her ear to get her used to it, we found our special chair, towel and treat (petco brand of tuna flakes). We talked love talk, we rubbed the ears and face with the warmed rice sock. WE did everything but stick the ear. When we finally (mommy) got up the nerve to stick the ear, noooo blood... For several times.... I found out one night that the left ear does lots better than the right and still today, that left ear will give us the reading and the right will not???
I finally received a reading, all went well with the home testing....EXCEPT ONE THING... It was +2 hours after the shot and her bg was only 27!!!!!! I spent 4+ hours with Lori on the phone and this site posting to me, helping me, supporting me and getting my Sugar Bean to the mid 40's!!! SHE WAS SAFE! I could not believe what just happened and was sooo thankful for this place as my vet doubled the amount of insulin based on the curve... I did not because of this site but still did not test before shooting as I was very new and very scared!
I just want to say that I promised Bean to NEVER EVER SHOOT before testing again......btw....she thanks me every time I see her smile in those wonderful eyes of hers.
You will do just fine and this will all fall into place and your Quincy will be forever thankful!
Welcome and you will very happy that you found this place! It is wonderful....tons of informtion, support, and paw hugs!
I wanted to share my story about home testing which I feel is the most important part. My sugar Bean was dx on 4/21ish and we contacted Lori & Tom to receive our testing kit. Meanwhile, Bean went back to the vet for her curve...When she was dx she was reading around 325, and the day of the curve was around 500ish. I found this site, started to change to low carb food, and was learning about home testing. When her kit came in the mail, mommy decided to get her ready...We sat with the lancet pen and made the noise around her ear to get her used to it, we found our special chair, towel and treat (petco brand of tuna flakes). We talked love talk, we rubbed the ears and face with the warmed rice sock. WE did everything but stick the ear. When we finally (mommy) got up the nerve to stick the ear, noooo blood... For several times.... I found out one night that the left ear does lots better than the right and still today, that left ear will give us the reading and the right will not???
I finally received a reading, all went well with the home testing....EXCEPT ONE THING... It was +2 hours after the shot and her bg was only 27!!!!!! I spent 4+ hours with Lori on the phone and this site posting to me, helping me, supporting me and getting my Sugar Bean to the mid 40's!!! SHE WAS SAFE! I could not believe what just happened and was sooo thankful for this place as my vet doubled the amount of insulin based on the curve... I did not because of this site but still did not test before shooting as I was very new and very scared!
I just want to say that I promised Bean to NEVER EVER SHOOT before testing again......btw....she thanks me every time I see her smile in those wonderful eyes of hers.
You will do just fine and this will all fall into place and your Quincy will be forever thankful!
Tracy said:
One thing I wanted to mention right away is the diet - there have been many cats who were found to be diet-controlled, so if you have not started insulin yet, you could start home testing and make sure your Quincy is on a good low-carb wet food diet. No point in worrying about insulin and all the supplies if you have a sweet kitty who may be one of the diet-controlled group.
Some food info for you....
Binky’s Food Lists
Feeding Your Cat: Know The Basics of Feline Nutrition
Please check Binky's list to see what foods are the low carb ones, and maybe you may see what you are feeding now and check the carbs in Quincy's current diet.... If the diet right now is dry food, that food may be the cause of high blood glucose numbers.
What symptoms did you see in Quincy, does Quincy have any other health issues and any meds being given, plus what were the test results that your vet gave you - was it a fructosamine test or was it the glucose value on a general blood test?
I am also in Canada, in Toronto.
Please ask any questions you may have; someone here will have an answer, suggestions, or help to point you to the answer.
doombuggy
Very Active Member
Welcome! My Cedric was on Lantus for a month before going into remission. His diet was changed, and taking the dry food (even though it was grain free,high protein & low carb) is what got him off the insulin. I also give him 4 small meals a day instead of 2. The Cat mate C20 was the best invention ever!
I was where you are at Easter, and it does get better. Remember, many humans deal with this themselves - it's doable for your cat (& you).
I was where you are at Easter, and it does get better. Remember, many humans deal with this themselves - it's doable for your cat (& you).
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I think I can manage the insulin injections. His blood sugar was 35 (8 is high end). He was started yesterday on Cananinsulin 3IU and Purina prescription wet food 2 cans per day. The cost of the wet food is very steep which brings me to my first question. I looked at the list of foods on this website and now wonder...do I need to feed him prescription wet food, if not, can I feed a high protein, low carb off the shelf wet food? How do I know which would be good. If I took the label from the Purina and compared it to some shelf brands to get as close in content as possible would that work?
I plan on donig home ear prick tests with the first one coming in one week to do a mini glucose curve. A bit scary but I think I can manage it.
The difference between yesterday and today in my cat is remarkable. Not drinking nearly as much and much less urination in this bin. He even is acting more like himself.
I plan on donig home ear prick tests with the first one coming in one week to do a mini glucose curve. A bit scary but I think I can manage it.
The difference between yesterday and today in my cat is remarkable. Not drinking nearly as much and much less urination in this bin. He even is acting more like himself.
Jen & Squeak
Very Active Member
Hi Tracy! I'm in Alberta....
I'm sorry to say that 3 units is too high, and caninsulin is really not a great insulin to use for cats. That said, obviously it is helping so that's a start, but I really hope we can help educate you about your options so that you can have a discussion with your vet. There are many better insulins for cats, like lantus and levemir, but some vets haven't caught on.
I'm glad that you are willing to test. I wasn't, it freaked me out and I actually left this message board in a big huff back in 2003
But I came to my senses, sucked it up and never looked back.
Jen
I'm sorry to say that 3 units is too high, and caninsulin is really not a great insulin to use for cats. That said, obviously it is helping so that's a start, but I really hope we can help educate you about your options so that you can have a discussion with your vet. There are many better insulins for cats, like lantus and levemir, but some vets haven't caught on.
I'm glad that you are willing to test. I wasn't, it freaked me out and I actually left this message board in a big huff back in 2003
But I came to my senses, sucked it up and never looked back.Jen
Goodness, no, you do not need the prescription food. Actually you will be better off and have better results feeding Friskies or Fancy Feast and they have better ingredients. Do not waste your money on the vet food. None of my cats would even eat it.
Do you have the meter and strips now to start home testing? The insulin you have started is not the best choice, Caninsulin is the same as Vetsulin, and there was a warning out for some time on it.
Vetsulin being discontinued
Lawsuit against Vetsulin Manufacturer
Vetsulin FDAs Warning December 15, 2009
Also, the dose of 3u 2x day is pretty high, so it would be good if you could be testing before giving each shot. Most starting doses are 1u 2x day.
Do you have the meter and strips now to start home testing? The insulin you have started is not the best choice, Caninsulin is the same as Vetsulin, and there was a warning out for some time on it.
Vetsulin being discontinued
Lawsuit against Vetsulin Manufacturer
Vetsulin FDAs Warning December 15, 2009
Also, the dose of 3u 2x day is pretty high, so it would be good if you could be testing before giving each shot. Most starting doses are 1u 2x day.
Update on us
Well after five days on insulin we are donig so much better. Quincy is back to his normal self. with the help of this group, I went out last night on the food hunt. I bought a couple of cans of EVO 95% pure and some Wellness. I also found some diabetic cat treats made by EVO in slamon flavour. This morning I gave Quincy four little treats while I injected him. He did not even care about the needle
He was so busy eating his treats that it was all overwith before he new what hit him.
On sunday we do our first glucose mini curve. My vet has been super and called few times this week just to see how we are doing and give me advice for Sunday. She also gave me some numbers that she would be hoping to see as a result of the new food and insulin.
Although some things are still scary, I am finding out that this is a completely managable thing and we are doing just fine. It is so good to see my cat behaving normally....at least for him :mrgreen:
Thanks so much everyone for all the advice.
Well after five days on insulin we are donig so much better. Quincy is back to his normal self. with the help of this group, I went out last night on the food hunt. I bought a couple of cans of EVO 95% pure and some Wellness. I also found some diabetic cat treats made by EVO in slamon flavour. This morning I gave Quincy four little treats while I injected him. He did not even care about the needle
He was so busy eating his treats that it was all overwith before he new what hit him.On sunday we do our first glucose mini curve. My vet has been super and called few times this week just to see how we are doing and give me advice for Sunday. She also gave me some numbers that she would be hoping to see as a result of the new food and insulin.
Although some things are still scary, I am finding out that this is a completely managable thing and we are doing just fine. It is so good to see my cat behaving normally....at least for him :mrgreen:
Thanks so much everyone for all the advice.
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