? We’re back :(…on way to vet now. Question re: when to start treatment and starting dose.

[Amy & Herman]

I write this with tears in my eyes….Herman’s BG today was a whopping 252 ( 14 MMOL )….
….. I’ve had an absolutely jammed day today and took the BG as I was running out the door. I’m home for a brief 15 minutes (and the retest shows him still high) before people start arriving for a work function I’m hosting so for tonight there’s nothing more I can do but somehow I needed to get this off my chest and express my anguish to the people who I know will understand the most.
I’ve been grateful for the break in his care over the last few months as he was in remission. At the same time I’ve been caring for my elderly father who fell very ill. Every day I thought to myself how there would be no way I could take care of both Herman and my father effectively, but this is what I’m faced with now…with a job and numerous home life responsibilities like I know everyone here has.
I haven’t even updated his spreadsheet. I just did a quick voice to text here because I thought it might make me feel better as a face my guests for the evening.
Till tomorrow, my friends, thank you for listening.

 

[tiffmaxee]

The main reason cats come out of remission is because they need a dental. I’d book a vet visit if he hasn’t had a dental in the last 6 months or so. A second reason is infection. Could he have gotten into contraband by any chance? I’m sorry if it turns out to be true but he can get there again. I was juggling Max and my mom and managed alone so if need be you will too.

 

[Lori C & Tango]

Oh, I really hope Herman's bs spike is short lived. My husband helps me (does the shots and most of the testing) and it's still tough. I can only imagine how difficult it is to manage by yourself. I know there are a lot of kitty parents on here that are on their own. Totally admire all. I hope your work function goes well.

 

[cecile & bella]

I hope it's as Elise was saying, something easy to treat or take care of!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

 

[Angela & Cleo]

Oh @Amy & Herman
Adding to what Elise said re dental, I'd also demand full blood work just to be sure.
IFFFFFF it turns out that he needs insulin we're here for you and with you, ALWAYS

 

[Mikanmama (Mikan GA)]

He's been so good for this long - it really could be an acute problem that can be addressed.
Sending good healing vibes your way

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I'm sorry to hear this Amy , but hopefully Herman might just need a dental or has some kind of infection, sending positive vibes

 

[Deb and Sylvester]

I'm sending good vibes! Paws crossed that he just needs a dental

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Sorry you are back.
If needed, someone has a free vial of Lantus on offer in the 6ix on The Supply Closet.

 

[Amy & Herman]

Thank you, everyone. I am trying to get him to the vet early next week.

Question…Do I sit tight until I can get blood results in case an infection is the cause or would I want to start back on insulin immediately?

He did seem a little off yesterday, which is what prompted me to to test him as I ran out the door. Maybe eating slightly less than usual and being a bit needy. He was very itchy a few days ago so I treated him for fleas. He has history of constipation and I haven’t witnessed him go in a few days but it’s summer and he’s outside a lot so I don’t know for sure if that’s an issue or not…can’t imagine it would raise him that significantly. As for contraband….I live on a shared rural property and convincing another family to stop leaving treats out can be a challenge so it’s possible, but I’ve put all back on high alert to be extra careful. I asssume if he had contraband the spike wouldn’t last more than a couple hours though?

 

[Cali S]

I’m sorry you’re back and hope it’s not for long!

I can’t really speak to your other questions, but Faraday is the king of contraband. Depending on the contraband, it can take 3ish days to work out of his system.

 

[Karen and Chispa (GA)]

Oh Amy, I'm sorry for Herman's high BG and your dad's illness too. All this on top of taking care of horses (a full-time job in itself) must feel truly overwhelming. Take a deep breath and know that we are all pulling for you and Herm. Hopefully it's something that can be addressed and resolved.

 

[Amy & Herman]

I’m sorry you’re back and hope it’s not for long!

I can’t really speak to your other questions, but Faraday is the king of contraband. Depending on the contraband, it can take 3ish days to work out of his system.

Thanks that’s good to know.

 

[Amy & Herman]

Oh Amy, I'm sorry for Herman's high BG and your dad's illness too. All this on top of taking care of horses (a full-time job in itself) must feel truly overwhelming. Take a deep breath and know that we are all pulling for you and Herm. Hopefully it's something that can be addressed and resolved.

Thanks Karen. My hands are full. My one “paying” job is suffering but I am grateful for flexible hours because the horses as you know are NOT flexible.

 

[Amy & Herman]

Herman is definitely out of sorts. He won’t eat and is in hide mode, hissing at me if I try to pet him. He’s outside in the bushes looking upset. I can tell he threw up, based on his beard. I don’t know if it’s the elevated numbers making him feel so incredibly crappy or if there’s something else going on elevating his BG and making him feel crappy. The chicken and the egg scenario. I’m hoping to get him to the vet tomorrow if possible otherwise Monday.
I should point out that a few days previous to this:. He’s as healthy as he’s ever been. His weight is fantastic. He goes for long walks with me. He was happy doing really really great. Very active. Good appetite. Such a character. Following me everywhere. This came on super fast…

Eta this morning I found a giant hairball on my porch, which I have to think came from him. The biggest one I’ve ever seen but you think he’d feel better by now if it was the hairball bothering him.
Eta again that I have not been able to test his bg again today given his current state. Can’t get close enough to pet him let alone take a reading. I would assume it’s elevated still.

 

[Amy & Herman]

BG 311… He let me catch him and I just saw him drinking water for the first time since he got regulated I called my vet and they’re going to take me this afternoon. I look to the group to advise on a starting dose and whether I wait on any test results or start treatment immediately?

 

[Amy & Herman]

Back from the vet she was concerned by his lethargy and how his blood looked visually (thin and cloudy) and difficulty in drawing it… was worried he might be DKA but tested negative for keytones… tested for leukemia, which also came back negative…. took full blood panel and urine culture will hear back on those on Monday.
He definitely has tartar, some inflamed gums and a sore tooth area that looks infected…. again waiting for bloodwork on Monday to make sure he’s fit for the dental work.
In the meantime, she wants me to start him back on Lantis immediately …..she suggested one unit to start. I’m a little nervous because his appetite hasn’t been great. Today she gave him An appetite stimulant I think called Mirtazapine good for 72 hours…. It must work because he came home and just ate. My husband is getting the Lantus on the way home from work aiming to give him a shot at 6:30 PM. Withholding food till then. Wondering if I’m better off going with .5 to start?

 

[Carole & Indigo]

Sorry to see Herman's not feeling well, hopefully its a quick fix and he'll be on the mend soon

 

[Karen and Chispa (GA)]

Amy, thanks for the updates. It's going to be hard to wait until Monday for results, but I'm glad Herman is eating again in the meantime. Hope somebody who knows more will weigh in on the dosing. I have a vague memory of seeing a chart somewhere about how to determine a starting dose, but no idea where to even look (sorry).