What to say?

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G & I

G & I

Member Since 2017
Goma had her scheduled subcutaneous injection this morning. In addition, she was given a blood test and urine test. Results were very positive - Liver normal, pancreas normal, etc. All looked good. Urine test indicated no ketones so I'm okay there as well. I noted nothing recorded in glucose so I asked about that since I figured they were testing anyway, it should have been performed. They apologized and proceeded to do a glucose check on what blood was left. I kind of figured after sitting an hour the level would probably not be accurate. The Vet showed me Goma's level was 70~77. Okay, I admit it, I went off. (What?!) I showed him my spreadsheet and what I had been doing. And, that the morning ps had been over 600. He would not even take a close look at it. He stated I should check at home as the machines were different. He then started in again with my going too fast with the insulin and now suggested I skip the dose tonight and start again tomorrow at 1 unit. I told him that was not going to happen. Unfortunately the language barrier got in and I called my spouse to translate. He was insistent that I needed to go slowly and wait two weeks before making any changes and, again not give any tonight. I suggested that he knows what will happen if her bg stays at this level any longer. Well I rushed home, performed my own test which indicated 376. This I had expected and was relieved although it is high. But it got me thinking, how can there be a 300 point variance in the machine. How can they make accurate diagnosis' with this machine. It also makes me suspect on the other results as well. Moreover, I would have expected it to be higher there then at home. Any thoughts on this? I have asked them for a copy of Goma's record.
 
scs islander said:
I kind of figured after sitting an hour the level would probably not be accurate.
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I think that's your answer....the longer the sample "sits", the more it degrades. Glycolysis occurs in the cellular component of a blood sample which reduces the glucose content

If you don't want to test your meter on another cat (or don't have one to test) you can test yourself (never a bad idea anyway)
 
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I like Chris' answer better than mine. But you are correct to be concerned.

I know there is a test solution that we are supposed to use to calibrate and verify our glucose testers. I have never used it. Maybe someone else has a better tip.
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In small defense of the vet - he is being cautious and conservative with a new patient. It only takes one hypo to permanently injure or kill a kitteh. Also, many people do not test at home, and do not read up about the disease like you have.
 
Chris & China said:
I think that's your answer....the longer the sample "sits", the more it degrades. Glycolysis occurs in the cellular component of a blood sample which reduces the glucose content

If you don't want to test your meter on another cat (or don't have one to test) you can test yourself (never a bad idea anyway)
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Thanks for the response. I'm glad I do have many other cats to test. Sir James was my pick and he scored an 84...
 
JeffJ said:
In small defense of the vet - he is being cautious and conservative with a new patient. It only takes one hypo to permanently injure or kill a kitteh. Also, many people do not test at home, and do not read up about the disease like you have.
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I appreciate you defending the vet. And your, correct in your assessment that he is being cautious. However he also tried to reinvent the wheel with Goma by "testing" the insulin reaction by injecting without feeding and leaving her unfed for up to 14 hours. From what you and everyone else here has taught me thus far, that appears to be an invitation for hypo.
 
scs islander said:
He then started in again with my going too fast with the insulin and now suggested I skip the dose tonight and start again tomorrow at 1 unit.
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This boggles the mind. Of course, it does come from the vet who starves diabetic cats and gives them insulin without food. So, sounds about right. :mad:
 
Yeah, that vet who dosed a cat then didn't feed him - I just don't get that at all.

I'm glad you confirmed the BG meter is good.
 
scs islander said:
injecting without feeding and leaving her unfed for up to 14 hours.
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[Expletives deleted]

iu
 
I agree your vet screwed up about not feeding Goma. That is just inviting a hypo to occur. However I do agree with taking it slow about increasing the dose. We usually recommend waiting at least a week after increasing the dose before increasing it again. Every cat can respond differently to the change and it may take a week or more before you can tell how well the new dose is working. You want to start low and go slow so you can find the dose that works best for Goma.
 
Lisa and Witn (GA) said:
I agree your vet screwed up about not feeding Goma. That is just inviting a hypo to occur. However I do agree with taking it slow about increasing the dose. We usually recommend waiting at least a week after increasing the dose before increasing it again. Every cat can respond differently to the change and it may take a week or more before you can tell how well the new dose is working. You want to start low and go slow so you can find the dose that works best for Goma.
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Got it...Thank you. At first the increase to 1.5 showed promise, but she has reverted to the high numbers. I intend increasing in the next cycle or two.
 
Just to clarify - waiting a week before dose changes isn't the protocol on Prozinc - it's the Start Low, Go Slow protocol for Lantus. . With Prozinc it's recommended to wait a week on the first dose (though even that depends on the numbers you're seeing), but after that increases can (and often should) be done more frequently to avoid getting stuck.
 
FurBabiesMama said:
How has the increase gone?
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I was keeping track on a calendar and on a note pad that has now disappeared. Once I locate I will update the spreadsheet. Not so good initially with numbers spiking as they did previously. Yesterday, I completely stopped feeding her what the vet had prescribed and gave her only ground chicken breast meat slightly boiled and Mon Petite that matched the FF . Additionally, she gets a supplement that contains the vitamins, Taurine and Potassium she needs. This morning the number dropped dramatically and while she is still bouncing I think I may be on a better track. Again, will post numbers when I locate. Still very high but I hope with the complete change in diet bg will start to change and not bounce around so much.
 
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