I am in tears, 13-year old cat diagnosed with diabetes ~3 months ago. Not much progress...

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Ryn & Grayson, Jul 28, 2015.

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  1. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Is your boyfriend available to help you?

    I think you could also just let him relax tonight and work on getting him used to having his ears fooled with. He's made it this long without insulin...another 12 hours or so really shouldn't make a difference.

    Here's some tips I tell others:

    It can be really helpful to establish a routine with testing. Pick one spot that you want your "testing spot" to be (I like the kitchen counter because it's got good light and it's at a good height....it also already blocked 2 escape routes due to the wall and the backsplash) It can be anywhere though...a rug on the floor, a table, a particular spot on the couch...wherever is good for you. Take him there as many times a day as you can and just give his ears a quick rub and then he gets a yummy (low carb) treat. Most cats aren't objecting so much with the poking..it's the fooling with their ears they don't like, but once they're desensitized to it and learn to associate a certain place with the treats, they usually start to come when they're called! Or even when they hear us opening the test kit!

    You also have to remember...you're not poking him to hurt him...you're testing him to keep him safe and understand what's going on inside his body. There's just nothing better than truly understanding what's going on inside your kitty's body and with this disease, the more knowledge you have, the more power you have against it. The edges of the ears have very few pain receptors, so it really doesn't hurt them. Also, if you're nervous and tense, it's going to make your kitty nervous and tense too. As silly as it might seem, try singing! It forces you to use a different part of your brain!

    It's also important to make sure his ear is warm. A small sock filled with a little rice and microwaved or a small pill bottle filled with warm water (check temp against your wrist like you would a baby bottle) works well

    Finding the right "treat" will be a great help too! Freeze dried chicken, bonito flakes, little pieces of baked chicken...whatever low carb treat you can find that he really enjoys will help him to associate the testing with the treat! China's Achilles heel was baked chicken, so I'd bake a piece, chop it into bite sized pieces, put some in the refrigerator and freeze the rest to use as needed. It didn't take long for her to come any time I picked up the meter!
     
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  2. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    Okay, I'll let him chill out for a bit. He is a bit overwhelmed at the moment, I thought I could sneak a blood sample while he was eating but I definitely fudged that up.
     
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  3. BJM

    BJM Well-Known Member

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    Oct 6, 2010
    Because of the stress and less eating, if you were going to give any insulin, I'd be cautious and give only 1 unit to start so I could monitor and see how he did.
    Waiting for tomorrow, so you'd be awake to monitor might be a good idea for both of you - you'd have a chance to relax a bit.
     
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  4. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Ryn,

    Ok first step is a good deep breath. I am thinking along the same lines as some others. He's been through a lot today and so have you. You both must be exhausted. Maybe holding off until tomorrow is the best course of action.

    In prep for tomorrow, here is a link to all sorts of info and tips for testing. Let us know if you have more questions but for now I think both of you need a rest. Reviewing the testing material will help you be prepared for tomorrow. :bighug:
     
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  5. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Ryn, you've both been through a lot. perhaps what is needed right now is snuggles and a relaxed you. :):cat: Enjoy him now that you are together. You can start fresh in the morning.
    If you are like me, I know you want to get started so maybe get his spreadsheet going?? As a vetsulin user myself, I think BJMs idea to start with one unit is a good one. Start low and go slow makes a lot of sense to me.
     
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  6. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    No kidding... Everything bad happened so fast within the last few days. To add, my car ended up being written off last night and I had to learn how to drive a standard vehicle really quickly today. At least it was a bit of a smoother ride with AC for the kitty. We all made it back safely and I'm definitely ready to relax. When it rains, it pours.
     
  7. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Wow you really did have quite a day. Even more reason for hugs with the kitty and a solid nights sleep for both of you. :)
     
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  8. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    OMG! You really have had a hard few days. The fact that you could learned to drive a standard while stressed out from all of this tells me you are a force to be reckoned with. Heck I couldn't learn to drive a standard at all! :woot: You're obviously more co-ordinated than I am so I have no doubt you'll have no problem with testing or the shots once you both get a good night's rest.
     
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  9. Louellen

    Louellen Member

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    I would totally agree with everyone else here, Ryn. Give poor Grayson and yourself and him a little break tonight and forego the insulin...which I'm assuming that you've decided to do by this time of night now. Let him and you get used to one another (and supportive boyfriend...YAY for him!) Even if you wait another entire day...at this point...no biggie...

    As for the ear test...you might need to try warming up a sock filled with rice in the microwave to warm his ear. Alternatively (or together), you can do a little "massage" to get the circulation going. Try testing him on Thursday when you're both calmer and he's eating better from the change, then you can try the test and the injection. His ears will bleed easier the more you do this. :) I didn't believe it either but, they do. And, if you need help...ask your boyfriend to help keep him occupied while you work on his ear. Some head rubs and loves go a LONG way. :)

    I'm SO glad that you've done this. Grayson will love you for loving HIM enough to do all of this for him! He can't speak but, he can sure enough thank you with his love. :)
    And, I'm SO sorry to hear about your car. You really have been through the wringer! It will get easier though. You'll all adjust and things WILL get worked out. I think I can speak for all of us having watched this unfold that we're all sending you MANY of these.......
    :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2015
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  10. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]

    Well done, you! I'm delighted for you both. :joyful:

    ((Ryn and Grayson))

    [​IMG]



    Mogs
    .
     
  11. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    For mere mortals such as myself who don't speak fluent 'Murican, is that a car with manual transmission?

    .
     
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  12. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Critter Mom - Indeed it is but that may be a Canuck term. Not sure whether our "Murican" friends call it "manual" or "standard". :D
     
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  13. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    He's getting lots of love! He comes over to see my boyfriend when he calls him too, their relationship is budding so far :D He fell asleep on his chest a few times. He seems to be settling well into his new little space, checking out all the nooks and crannies now. He did wake us up a every couple hours through the night, he's not used to being alone. It was nice to hear him meow though, he was weak to the point where he would open his mouth and no sound would come out so we're seeing improvements in his behaviour already. Purring like a motorboat, too.

    We're going to cook up a bit of chicken breast for him this afternoon when I get back from work. It's only going to be given with testing/injections. I'm hoping to test him around 6pm, I think that time would work best for everybody.
     
  14. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    OIC!! I was confused because I always thought that 'Muricans used the term 'stick shift' for cars with manual transmissions. I really enjoy these cultural exchanges. :)

    .
     
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  15. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Looks like Grayson's now getting some very good medicine: a generous Rx of love. :)
     
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  16. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Critter Mom Oh you might be right. I've even heard people refer to it as a "stick" without the "shift" included. Hard to believe we're all speaking the same language sometimes!
     
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  17. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Me thinks Grayson is going to like being the centre of attention! Sounds like he is settling in nicely. :D
     
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  18. Louellen

    Louellen Member

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    Stick shift, manual or whatever aside...the poor woman had to drive a NON AUTOMATIC....poor thing! :smuggrin: :p (I'd still be in the driveway...unable to move!) :woot:

    @Ryn....how FABULOUS to hear this news! Don't forget that Grayson has some adjusting to do BUT...it sounds as though he's really enjoying this and most of all, YOU! I'm sure he's one happy kitty now. And, how do we know that he was "happy" where he was? Yes, he may have had the dog as his friend but, I'm sure that having you and Boyfriend (can we give him a nick now? ;)) loving him and spoiling him, making him feel special...is what is going to make him the happiest he's been!

    :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
     
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  19. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Howzabout 'The Manpanion'?

    ;)

    (Props to @pandabur for that one.)
     
  20. Mitzelplik's Mom

    Mitzelplik's Mom Member

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    Way to go, Ryn! This is such great news! It sounds like Grayson is going to enjoy being doted on. :cat: Hopefully, the hardest part is over now, and with lots of love (and chicken), he'll adjust quickly to the testing and shots. I recall someone (maybe @BJM?) saying that with Caninsulin, it's important to feed about 30 minutes before the injection. The spreadsheet (when you've had time to catch your breath!) will be a big help to you as well as to all of us.
    best,
    Joan
     
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  21. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    After several pricks and a bit of growling, I managed to get some blood from Grayson. He came out to 17.1 - he is just finishing up his meal now and I'm still aiming to shoot at 6pm (~10 minutes) - am I still safe for 1 unit?
     
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  22. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    The vet assistant said his no-shoot range would be between 5 - 16 mmol/L. It's just very close, he's more relaxed here than he was at the vet's.
     
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  23. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Congrats on your first BG test. You're flyin' it, Ryn! :)

    What weight is Grayson, and what food is he eating (carb value would be great if you have it handy.)
    .
     
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  24. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    He is very, very thin... I don't have an exact weight but I can pick him up with one hand. He had quite a bit of strips of chicken breast for me to get his blood. And he is eating Fancy Feast Chicken Feast Pate.
     
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  25. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    On this chart, he is a 2 nearing 1.

    [​IMG]
     
  26. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the food info and also the body condition assessment. Poor mite! (((Grayson)))

    How's his appetite, Ryn. Is he eating well?
     
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  27. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    He just ate about half a can. This is his third can of the day - been trying to bulk him up. First one was at 8:30am, second at 1pm, and now this one around 5:45pm. Do I shoot?
     
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  28. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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  29. Mitzelplik's Mom

    Mitzelplik's Mom Member

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    Hi Ryn,
    Poor Grayson! The insulin will help his body to be able to use the food and hopefully gain back some weight. I think 1 unit should be fine. Can you test him again 2 hours after his shot?
     
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  30. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    Yes I will try my best to test him again. I'll give him the insulin now. Will report back!
     
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  31. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I'd like to do a pre-flight safety check with you before you give the insulin. I just need to pop away but I won't be long. Can you wait for about 5 mins or so?
     
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  32. Mitzelplik's Mom

    Mitzelplik's Mom Member

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    I feed Mitz while she gets her shot and she hardly notices the needle.
     
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  33. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I don't know how I included my post in the quote....been trying to fix it, but no go.
     
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  34. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Scratch that - I see Joan is here.

    @Mitzelplik's Mom - Joan, you cool to keep an eye on Ryn and Grayson while I duck away?

    EDITED TO ADD:

    And Rhonda!

    I'm ducking away for a few mins. (Biological necessities ... :rolleyes::oops:)
    .
     
  35. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    He got his first dose of 1U! He hardly reacted to the needle. He's come back now to finish off his can of Fancy Feast, I'll keep an eye on him and see where we are at 8pm. Hopefully I got him correctly, I feel like I did! I'll start a spreadsheet and put it in my sig :)
     
  36. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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    And I see numbers!
     
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  37. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Way to go, Ryn! :D
     
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  38. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Echoes of Haley Joel Osment ... ;)

    I can't get the spreadsheet to load. (Feeling all left out ... :( )
    .
     
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  39. Mitzelplik's Mom

    Mitzelplik's Mom Member

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    Sorry, had to feed the fur kids!

    Ryn, you did it! First shot and spreadsheet!
     
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  40. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Grayson's spreadsheet loading OK now! This is jolly exciting. :cat:

    Ryn, a general note regarding food.

    As you've advised above Grayson needs to regain weight, the general approach is to let the cat eat as much as it needs, and to work the insulin around it. In the case of Vetsulin, a substantial feed is needed at the beginning of the cycle to 'buffer the system' with carbohydrates ready for the onset of the Vetsulin (usually between +1 and +3 - you should see a steep drop in BG levels).

    When Vetsulin kicks in, it drops blood glucose (BG) levels quite fast. The BG stays at this lower level for several hours. Then the dose starts to wear off (usually somewhere from +7) and BG levels start to rise again. Ideally you should minimize the amount you feed between +8 and the next preshot test. At minimum, you should not feed in the two hours prior to the next preshot blood test so as to ensure it is not influenced by food. This is important because the preshots are used to determine safe dosages. Needless to say, if ever Grayson's numbers are very low in a cycle food or honey/karo would be given as required until Grayson returned to safe numbers, regardless of wherever you are time-wise in the cycle.

    As you start accumulating test data, you'll be able to work out a routine that suits you both, helps Grayson regain weight, and works with the action of Vetsulin. We'll be able to help you with that as you go along. :)

    I am really happy that Grayson is now safely ensconced with you. All that you are doing to help your little friend is wonderful. If ever I'm in need of a professional mountain mover I know who to call. ;) :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2015
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  41. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Woohoo you have successfully tested and given much needed insulin !! :):D:cat:
     
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  42. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Thank you all sooooo much. I feel so relieved that Grayson's finally getting what he needs. I tested his BG again, although I did it 15 minutes earlier because I thought he was twitching funny, but its probably me overreacting and being paranoid. It came to 14.3 mmol/L (257 mg/dl), the initial reading was 17.1 mmol/L (307 mg/dl). I want to test again in another couple hours because I'm reading that Caninsulin does a big drop at some point.

    :oops: That struck a chord with me. It hasn't been easy, but it feels good now that I'm doing the right thing.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2015
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  43. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    :) you are absolutely doing the right thing! :):cat::)
    If you can test, especially early in the cycle in my experience, that will be good. Although please do use your "spidey senses" to judge if Greyson continues to be ok with the frequent testing. When Radar had enough we always stopped testing unless he wasn't safe.
    Testing Every couple of hours is probably enough at this point for you. What you are looking for, Ryn, is the low point in his cycle - the nadir. You will know you are close when the numbers start going up. Vetsulin was a fast acting insulin in my cat (at +3 hours after insulin) and then his numbers would start rising. Knowing when the insulin starts working and at what hour after this insulin your particular cat is lowest is very useful information to have. Take a peek at Radars ss and you will see what my cat did at various doses of vetsulin. This peeking may help you understand things much better. Your crash course in managing the feline diabetic continues.... Please let me know if any of this doesn't make sense or if you have other questions. You are doing great!! :bighug: To you both
     
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  44. Shiloh & Rhonda (GA)

    Shiloh & Rhonda (GA) Well-Known Member

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  45. Mitzelplik's Mom

    Mitzelplik's Mom Member

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    I'll second that, @Ryn! Grayson is a lucky boy and you've got a very caring and supportive community here routing for you. Stay in touch, ask any questions that come up (you can start a new thread for new questions) and we'll do everything we can to help you help Grayson.
    Cheers!

    Joan
     
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  46. Louellen

    Louellen Member

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    Apr 3, 2015
    Ryn, I'm not familiar with the type of insulin you are using...heck...I can't even get my own cat straightened around yet so, I'm of little help with the dosing. However, you are in great hands here with those who know this insulin! :)

    I just wanted to give you a HUGE HUG for all that you've done for Grayson because I know that he will be giving you snuggles, purrs and love as he starts to pick up and regain his weight and get healthy for you again!

    I know this is all quite overwhelming for you and Supportive BF but, it will become more routine. I am SO happy for Grayson that he has you now. I'm sure if he could talk our human language, he'd be saying "thank you Mom!" I know that he will do it in his own way though...growls and all. LOL

    You are absolutely doing the right thing, the right way and I applaud you and your love for him!
    GROUP HUGS from ALL of us!!!! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  47. Vegetable (GA)

    Vegetable (GA) Member

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    May 28, 2015
    @Ryn good job with your first test & shot! The first one is always the scariest but soon it will be super easy routine for you & Grayson. Your going a great job looking after Grayson, keep up the good work
     
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  48. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Ryn,

    Checking in to see how things are going with yourself, Grayson and the manpanion today. Hope you'll drop us an update. Is there anything we can help you with?
    :bighug:

    Mogs
    .
     
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  49. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    Not much going on now other than the fact he's peeing on our bed and pooping outside his litterbox! Grr. I feel like he's trying to claim all the new furniture in the apartment and he's doing a good job. You can call the "manpanion" Jim, but I like your nickname for him a lot better! ;)

    I've been plugging away at his SS when I have spare moments. I'm working from home today. His numbers are still relatively high-ish but I'm going to stick with the 1U for the next while until his body adjusts.
     
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  50. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Jim!!!

    [​IMG]
     
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  51. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Ryn,

    Thanks for the update. It's very good to hear from you. :)

    It's brilliant that you're working from home and running a curve for Grayson. With Grayson on a good food choice and being very underweight, starting with a conservative dose is IMO the way to go.

    I've just had a look at Grayson's spreadsheet and you're getting a really nice response to that dose. If you can manage it, it would be really useful to get a +9 or +10 test to see where Grayson's numbers are really starting to rise back to the next preshot level. This will help you start to build a picture of the duration of effectiveness of each dose.

    And how is your little patient today apart from the marking? What are his energy levels like?


    Mogs
    .
     
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  52. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    I'll aim for a +9 or +10 tonight.

    He seems alright - I wish he would drink more on his own, he only drinks from my cupped hand. But he seems to be pretty happy between his cat naps throughout the day.
     
  53. Louellen

    Louellen Member

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    Apr 3, 2015
    New surroundings, new routine, new people...stress. :) He'll adapt.

    Cupped hands...first of all, he likely won't drink quite as much on canned food and with the insulin bringing down his numbers.

    However...most cats LOVE sinks and glasses/cups of water. You might want to try a cup/glass of water and see what he does. :)
     
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  54. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Aw, bless! (((Grayson)))

    Per Louellen's comment above, as Grayson's blood glucose levels improve glucose will stop spilling over into his urine so he won't be peeing as much and therefore will need less water. He'll probably then get most of that from his wet food.

    How well hydrated is Grayson. Try the tent test (skin stays up in tent after you release it) or check to see if his gums are a bit sticky-feeling. Both will let you know if Grayson's dehydrated.

    Try adding a tablespoon of water to each of his meals. Also, you could try poaching a few chicken bones in water (no seasoning). Strain the broth off and give Grayson a mix of broth and water. Or maybe add a couple of teaspoons of the spring water from a can of human tuna to his water bowl. (The broth and tuna juice tricks are meant to flavour the water to make it more tempting to the tastebuds.)

    I have this lovely picture in my mind of you helping Grayson to drink, and the loving and trusting bond that you share. Ryn, I think what you have achieved in just a few short days is nothing short of amazing, and I am so proud of you. :)

    ((((Ryn & Grayson)))



    Mogs
    .
    Ohhhhhhhh, OK. Jim can have some hugs as well.

    (((Manpanion)))


    ;) :p
     
  55. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Ryn,

    Just checking in to see how things are going with yourself, Grayson and the manpanion. ;) I hope you are having a good Sunday. :)
    .
     
  56. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

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    Jul 28, 2015
    Hi :) Thanks for thinking of us.

    I think things are going well so far. Grayson's back to being his love-bug self and is starting to look forward to his annoying ear pricks for some chicken breast. I'm starting to get into a bit of a routine. His marking is becoming a bit overwhelming in the tiny apartment so my whole life is vinegar right now, and I hope it doesn't linger after we move out. He scopes out our bed, and when I do catch him doing that I pop him into his box and he goes there. We cleared out all soft areas last night so he wouldn't mark overnight, and it was a success and he used his box on his own! He's started sleeping on the bed at night so I'm hoping that deters him from that area - but I still can't trust him throughout the day :nailbiting:

    I'm suspecting his nadir is between the 2-4 hour mark after dosing. His levels go up pretty high in the PM and overnight and I'm not sure why that is? Any ideas? After a week or two I'm considering upping the dose to 2 units. He's sticking to the higher yellows on the spreadsheet.
    .
     
  57. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    That's pretty much how Caninsulin works...it hits "hard" early and then wears off before the end of the cycle. That's why we don't really like using it in cats as much as we like the longer acting insulins like Lantus, Levemir and ProZinc

    I know your budget is stretched to the limit, but if you find some extra money hiding in the couch cushions, I'd really try getting the Lantus....since you're in Canada, it's OTC at any human pharmacy

    In the meantime, it does look like Grayson could use a higher dose, but we never go up in whole units....We only increase in .25 unit increments, so when you go up, you'd only want to go to 1.25U

    Keep up the great work Ryn!! It's so wonderful to hear Grayson is doing so well in his new home.....You know what they say!! "Home is where the heart is" and it's so very obvious that Grayson is well loved!

    Amazing what that chicken breast will convince them to put up with, ain't it?..LOL Happy it's working as well for you as it did for China and me
     
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  58. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Yeah... there is no way Lantus is happening in the near future, unfortunately :( With my car self-destructing and bills up the wazoo, oy vay. :facepalm: It'll be a goal, but I'm going to stick with the cheapest option for the time being. My partner is from overseas and we are still waiting for his work visa to clear (forever waiting), the past week has been very hard on my wallet!

    My vet suggested 2 units initially. Do you all use U-40 syringes? How do you see 0.25 of a unit?!

    Also, here's a couple pictures for those that have stuck with us for this long! He may be scrawny, but he's got spirit :)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  59. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Only for now. :) (Love the piccies - especially the one where he's gazing up at you!)

    He's not the only one! ;) :D
    .
     
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  60. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Awww....he might be a little scrawny (for now) but his eyes are bright and it looks like there's still lots of love and life in them!!

    Yeah, with the U40 syringes, doing .25 unit doses is pretty impossible, so the choices are to go with half unit increases or getting some U100 syringes and using this Conversion Chart.

    Have you contacted Diabetic Cats in Need? They MAY be able to help you with some of the costs with Grayson (including maybe some Lantus!)
     
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  61. Vegetable (GA)

    Vegetable (GA) Member

    Joined:
    May 28, 2015
    Ryn when your ready to increase Grayson dose post a pic of the syringe your going to use, I'm sure someone here can help you figure out the .25 unit increase and I know that some of the syringes I sent you are pretty fine so you should be able to use those for the increase.

    Grayson looks happy & content. Give him some time & he will be a difderent kitty!
     
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  62. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    I filled out their application, but no response. I'm not sure if they're still doing CAP right now?

    I'm excited for him to start packing on some pounds so I can update with progress pics :D
     
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  63. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2015
    I loved the photos and although he could use a bit of weight he's looking good. Love those green eyes! Radar needed a few weeks of insulin before he started gaining weight again. In my experience, it's workable to increase by 1/2 a unit. I just "eye-balled" it and hoped I was close enough. Your spreadsheet is looking good. You are doing a lot of great testing!! You are right on track and as he settles into the "poke, eat, shot" routine his body will get used to the dose. If Greyson were my kitty I think I'd consider leaving him at this dose of 1 Unit for a full 10 days and then see where he is with his numbers. Of course, every cat is different and my experience is limited to my only cat... Others with more experience with Vetsulin may have more informed suggestions.
     
  64. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Thought you might like some encouraging pictures

    China at diagnosis [​IMG][​IMG]

    China 4 months later [​IMG]
     
  65. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Wow! China came a long way in just 4 months, that's incredible :) Hoping for something similar on our end.
     
  66. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Yeah...I wasn't sure if we were giving insulin or water from the Fountain of Youth!!
     
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  67. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Ain't that so! Saoirse was in tatters when our current vet first saw her (about 6 weeks after diagnosis - fur falling out in handfuls, the whole nine yards). After a few months of insulin therapy and low carb, species-appropriate food I brought Saoirse in for a check-up and a B12 injection. Our vet actually took a couple of paces back from the examination table to look at her: he was absolutely gobsmacked at the improvement in her. He actually said that if it were not for the fact he had seen her notes he would have taken her for being a much, much younger cat.

    You did an amazing job with China, Chris. :)
    .
     
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  68. Louellen

    Louellen Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2015
    Awww!!! Grayson is so cute, Ryn! He'll pick up. :) Thanks for sharing his pics with us all. :)

    By the way, looked at your notes about him with his "strangeness" in trying to hit the litter box etc.. It could be that he was "caught short" so to speak and didn't feel he could make it to the litter box? He certainly wasn't hypo so, perhaps....(not sure if you meant a bowel movement) he was just confused for the moment or reacting to his "urge to go"??? Or...he "could" be getting a bit constipated?? Watch his bowel movements and see if he has any issues there. If he seems to be straining...you might want to add a bit of canned pumpkin to his FF. That usually helps. Not expensive either. Those HUGE cans last a LONG time. Just make sure it's the pumpkin canned and not canned pumpkin pie filling. :) Hopefully, he's fine by now.

    I also hope Jim gets his work visa soon! That extra income, I'm sure, will help tremendously.

    Fingers crossed that you hear back about financial help as well. :bighug::bighug:
     
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  69. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Ryn....why don't you start a new post tomorrow? This one is getting pretty long!!

    You can put the link to this one in your new one so people can quickly go back and read your whole story on everything you've been through with Grayson!

    Just make sure to put Grayson's name in the title so we can watch for you! Don't want to lose track of you guys!
     
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  70. Ryn & Grayson

    Ryn & Grayson Member

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2015
    Thanks Lou!

    About last night, I think it was a bout of constipation, he was straining really hard. I added water to his food again this morning. I think the added water really helped because he had a much easier bowel movement this AM before his shot. I'll pick up some canned pumpkin next grocery shop.

    At night, we move the couch cushions into the washroom so he can't poop on them and he ends up using the box on his own. But I know as soon as we leave them out, the couch is a goner!

    Good idea :) So I'm not gonna break the Longest Thread record? :p
     
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  71. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    LOL! :D

    To protect the bed, put some plastic sheeting or bin liners under the bedclothes.
     
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