1st insulin shot this morn, BG is 40 right now?!

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Sashi's Mama, Dec 12, 2016.

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  1. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Am going to eat frozen pizza soon right here in front of my computer screen. Will have to leave in about 1.5 hours.
     
  2. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Looks like a spaghetti carbonara ready meal here. (Don't really want it but I know I need to eat.)

    Pizza's much nicer if you heat it up first, Kris. Try it; you'll like it! :p

    ;)

    .
     
  3. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    :p:p:p
     
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  4. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Left over baked ziti here. I can take my tablet to the table to watch for update.
     
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  5. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    LOVE baked ziti!
     
  6. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I've never heart of baked ziti till tonight. I see from the interweb that the pasta is like a smooth version of penne. Sounds nummy.

    I need to duck away briefly. Kris and Paula: needless to mention, Sashi's Mama needs to get a BG test done as soon as she gets through the door.

    Fingers and paws crossed that the kibbles will be doing their work for little Sashi. Will post as soon as I'm back.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  7. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Hope she's back soon. This is nerve wracking.
     
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  8. Marlena

    Marlena Well-Known Member

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    I'm positive that everything will be fine now.
    I have to go now.
    Keeping my fingers crossed.
     
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  9. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    The wait for updates is the hardest thing during hypo watches.

    .
     
  10. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    No one told me it was Italian night. We're having leftover black bean soup with homemade bread.

    I can be here for the next 30 minutes while recovering from shovelling.
     
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  11. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Sorry to leave you all hanging. Not great. We figured it out, my friend and I. I gave him 10 (TEN) units by accident. !!! I was very confused by the syringe, obviously. My friend is telling me not to get mad at myself but I am horribly furious and distraught at myself.

    Talked to the other vet (the one in the office today) and he said 1/4 teaspoon of honey every hour on the hour.

    I had checked his BG earlier just before I was going to go the store and he was 39, which was when I called the vet. Just checked him right now and he's 46.

    Should I give the honey more often than that?? He's not interested in food now and I don't want to drive him nuts by trying to offer more.
     
  12. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Note, the 46 was about 3 minutes after we gave him the 1/4 ts of honey.
     
  13. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If you gave 10 units, I'd really suggest you take him to the vet and let them put him on a glucose drip until he's stable

    It looks like he's getting a little tired of the honey and if he starts throwing up, it's going to be even harder to keep his numbers up

    But if you're keeping him home, you want to give about 1/2 teaspoon every 20-30 minutes as long as he continues to be under 50
     
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  14. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Does your closer vet have after hours monitoring available if you go there. It's what your time - 3:41 p.m.? You said it was an hour away?
     
  15. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    I asked about taking him in and they didn't seem inclined. Will do 1/2 ts honey every 20-30 min while he stays under 50. When he goes above 50, drop back to how much and how often?
     
  16. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    That is the closest vet. No after hours monitoring there. Country vets are all we have around here. The closest for that would be at least 2 hours away.
     
  17. Nan & Amber (GA)

    Nan & Amber (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Especially if he's no longer interested in food, that is very worrying. I don't know how much longer even a large dose of NPH will be active, but 10 units is a lot..... I second the recommendation to go to the vet, but are we now talking about the ER vet, who is 2 hrs away, or can your local vet handle an overnight glucose drip?????
     
  18. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Nope. No monitoring overnight at any nearby vet.
     
  19. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If he goes above 50, stop the honey but keep testing every 20-30 minutes
     
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  20. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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  21. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Very rural and remote southern Utah.
     
  22. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    With such a large dose, an hour is a long time. I agree with honey every 20-30 minutes.

    Novolin N can have a very late nadir (lowest point of the cycle). Do you have lots of strips left?
     
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  23. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Then you have to do what you can do at home - honey every 20-30 minutes. Resume high carb wet food in small amounts when he'll take it. Be prepared for several more hours of monitoring.
     
  24. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Did you get the new HC gravy food???

    Please tell us the brand and variety so we can check the carbs for you.


    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2016
  25. Nan & Amber (GA)

    Nan & Amber (GA) Well-Known Member

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    We are close to +6hrs, correct? Can your friend stay and help some more?

    Don't beat yourself up. We have seen your story before on FDMB, the tiny "cat" doses are non-intuitive at first. You are not the first to do this on the first dose, but your story is going to have a happy ending because you were smart enough to home-test and to stay home and monitor on this first day. Imagine what would have happened if you hadn't!!!! Pat yourself on the back for that, and breathe. You can do this!
     
  26. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Just returning from shoveling and saw the note re: 10 units rather than 1u. If Sashi doesn't want to lick karo on his own use a baby syringe if you have one or even a baster to get it into him.
     
  27. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Oh my. This is going to be a long night. Make sure you have plenty of test strips. Going to ER would be best. If you can't put on some coffee. Give syrup, honey every 15-20 minutes after testing. Do not wait an hour, not yet. We can advice when the timing will change. It all depends on the tests you get.

    Hang in, you are not alone, we got you covered. BREATHE.
     
  28. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    How many strips do you have on hand?
     
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  29. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Gave another 1/4 ts honey, checked him 9 minutes later, he's now at 87. Let me gather food cans and list.
     
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  30. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    I have plenty of strips and lancets.
     
  31. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    that's MUCH better....hold off on any more food for now, but test again in 30 minutes
     
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  32. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm liking that 87, albeit honey/food based.

    Leaving the computer for a bit to grab a bowl of soup.
     
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  33. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Didn't make it to the store earlier because called the vet who said to do the honey. I can still run down the road and grab a few cans of Friskies at the service station that's open. What I have is FF chicken classic, FF chicken feast roasted, FF ocea whitefish & tuna (only one can left), Ziwi Peak beef recipe, Ziwi Peak rabbit & lamb recipe, freeze-dried beef liver treats. Human food have sardines, tuna, turkey gravy, salmon.
     
  34. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Yeah 87. Very encouraging but no letting your guard down yet. We've all got your back and will work as a tag team so you don't have to deal with this alone. As others have said, don't beat yourself up. Mistakes happen. You are doing great!:bighug:
     
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  35. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    The FF classics and Roasted aren't high enough in carbs for this type of situation.....you need the "Gravy Lovers" or a food that says "in gravy" or "in sauce" to get the carb percentage higher
     
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  36. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    The turkey gravy is probably the highest carb item in that list. You could always put a little of it on a small amount of cat food later on.
     
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  37. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Would the service station have any Temptations treats or something similar? They are loaded in carbs. Even get some ice cream/whipped cream if you think he'll take it. Lots of carbs but won't fill him up as fast as food.
     
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  38. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    have to be careful with milk products....a lot of cats are lactose intolerant
     
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  39. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    if you (or your neighbor) still has some high carb kibble, that may be best for now.....the "rules" kind of get thrown out the window in the case of an OD......if he liked a few kibbles with a little gravy, I'd probably try that (IF we need to go back to something high carb)

    That's if you don't have any kind of "gravy" cat food in the house or can't get any
     
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  40. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Ziwipeak is low carb, most under 3%. FF has changed some flavors, so I don't know those anymore.
     
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  41. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Make sure it's vanilla, no chocolate.
     
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  42. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    As suggested by Marlena and @sophie earlier, perhaps you or your friend who's helping you could cook up some flour and water mix to have as a standby in case you might need it. (Probably don't use too much water; the volume of food/fluids is important because we need Sashi to be able to keep eating.

    .
     
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  43. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Good point. You can get lactose free whipping cream now though and there is ice cream that is lactose free too although I'm not sure what other ingredients might be in it.
     
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  44. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Back when we were fairly new to the message board, someone else did the same thing....and the only thing she had in the house that was high carb was mashed potatoes.....luckily her cat loved them!!!
     
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  45. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Any chance of a role call of members who can continue to watch over Sashi and his mama, please?

    My health's even dodgier than usual so I'm really struggling here and I don't think I'll be able to go the full distance.

    .
     
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  46. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    I keep a can of coconut milk whipped cream in my fridge for these situations. My little sugar won't take karo, maple syrup or anything laced with it willingly and I just end up with a sticky mess and a very upset cat. The spray can of whipped cream gives me a way to get some in her mouth so she has no choice in the matter! Happily have only had to use it once.
     
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  47. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    I'll be around tonight Mogs and will monitor. Just going to go nuke a quick bite and will be back.
     
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  48. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, Linda. :bighug: I'm worried I'm at risk of passing out fairly soon.
     
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  49. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately I have to go now. I can check back in a couple of hours.
     
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  50. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Mogs, don't overdo. Go rest and know we will keep Sashi and his Mama safe. I have had a few good night's sleep lately so I'm up for a PJ party if need be.
     
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  51. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I can check in while I'm baking in the kitchen. I will be on a doggy laptop (the ghjkl and spacebar don't work). If people don't mind some garbled or roundabout phrasing, or give me a couple of minutes to cut and paste … I can possibly be around later this evening, depending on my own health and when/if I take my meds.
     
  52. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'll be popping in and out too.....as long as my internet doesn't decide to pull a fast one

    Get some rest Mogs!!!
     
  53. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    You all are just as wonderful as my mom said this board would be. :bighug: He's at 109 right now. Has had nothing since the last check, so this isn't from recent honey. I'm going to zip to the convenience store at the service station to grab those Friskies cans--neighbor will watch him--and see if they have any other high carb stuff. Should I do more honey for him right now anyway, or see if he'll eat anything right now? Of the things I currently have on hand.

    Friend made up the gravy with butter earlier as suggested by @sophie. He didn't want any then, but he might at some point?
     
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  54. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    I'm on, reading other posts.

    Don't worry Mogs, you have done great today. Take care of yourself.
     
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  55. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    No food or honey at this point.....just retest in 30 minutes

    Hopefully his liver has kicked in at this point and is releasing stored sugars and hormones so he'll continue going up (we call it bouncing)
     
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  56. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Hold the food and karo. Test in 30 minutes. Post here. Hopefully the worst is behind you now.
     
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  57. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Anti-jinx!!!! :nailbiting:

    .
     
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  58. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    How good to see a three-digit number.


    NB: How many hours after the dose was given did you get this 109 test result?


    (We need to keep track of how far along Sashi is in the cycle.)
    .
     
  59. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Take it very handy on the road; at worrying times like this it can be easy to go too fast without realising. Keep safe.

    :bighug:

    .
     
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  60. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Encouraging number. I think we are at +8 now. Hopefully the cat's faster metabolism will have the Novolin petering out soon and that along with Sashi's natural defenses will keep him coasting at a reasonable number. Deep breathes and keep testing. He needs to be able to hold a good number on his own without any food or karo for at least three readings before we call all clear.
     
  61. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    It might be worth also making up another batch of cooked flour and water without the fat added. At the moment because he doesn't have much appetite the flour/water/butter mix might perhaps be a little bit too filling.

    Your friend is being marvellous, too! :bighug:

    .
     
  62. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    199. Try to feed now, honey, or not yet?
     
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  63. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    No...wait for someone who knows far more than me to respond more fully....good job, Mama of Sashi :bighug:
     
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  64. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Oh, posted before the page refreshed and I saw this. So test again in 30 min, no food or anything between now and then?

    The 109 is +7.75, the 199 is +8.5.
     
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  65. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    She's fabulous. We're neighbors and friends, and watch one another's animals all the time. I've very grateful for her steady presence and willingness to help! And having everyone here be so available and present--this has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all again so very much.
     
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  66. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    You are doing AWESOME !!!!
     
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  67. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    199 YEAH!. My spidey sense says things are looking up and you may be out of the woods but I think I would hold off on the food for the moment and test again in 30 minutes. Is Sashi asking for food or is this just usual dinner hour?
     
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  68. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    No food now and I think you're probably going to be fine to wait an hour before the next test

    Take a break and give your neighbor a nice hug for hanging with you during this stressful time!!
     
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  69. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    I know it's hard...I live in rural area of SW Missouri and ER vet is 45 minutes away...it can be a very desperate feeling....you have hung in there magnificently :bighug::):bighug::)
     
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  70. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Not asking, it's just the usual dinner time. But he's looking up when I call with the usual "here be food" sound. He's definitely more alert and aware than he was an hour ago.
     
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  71. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    She got several hugs! She's been there for me before with other animal crises--it's been a tough year for me--and she's just wonderful. :)

    Thank you! I've had unfortunate practice before. We have to be pretty danged self-reliant out here due to our remote location. Doesn't keep me from feeling crazy worried at times like this, though.
     
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  72. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    TOTALLY understand....we love living in the country but everything is all right til it's not:nailbiting:.....just can add another layer of panic if we let it....again, you have done wonderful and Sashi has too :bighug:
     
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  73. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'd think he'd be pretty full at this point, but if it's a normal feeding time, you could give him a little snack of low carb food now
     
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  74. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Wonderful test. Now remember his reading in the morning might be high because of how low he went. It will be normal so don't fret it.
     
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  75. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Oh, good, because I went over to snuggle him, and he started purring--first time in a few hours!--and is now definitely asking for food. Will give him a bit. How much is a little snack?
     
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  76. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Teaspoon or two is what I usually consider a "little snack"
     
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  77. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    So if my reading and time computations are correct, Sashi last had food/karo at about 4pm your time and you are just approaching 6pm there now. Is that correct? If so then he's about two hours past food influence (barring the kibble which is probably still a little active) so it looks like he is holding at this point which is great!
     
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  78. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    Yes, he last had honey almost exactly two hours ago. We just went outside--they're indoor/outdoor but I closed the outer door, but he gave the litter box a disdainful glance and asked to go outside instead--where he did his biz with me watching over him, then he sharpened his claws on his favorite piece of wood before trotting back inside when I called to him. Will give him a small amount of food now. I feel so relieved. When should I test next, considering I'm giving him a bite to eat now?
     
  79. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    He seemed to be speeding upward between +7.75 and +8.5 so any major insulin effects seem to be diminishing at this point in time. If he eats a small snack now, I'd retest in a couple of hours and see where he is and if he's still holding or higher, one final test before you hit the sack for the night. Definitely NO insulin tonight.
     
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  80. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Omg I missed this today. Thank god you tested and found the crash in time!!!
     
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  81. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    I would test an hour after last one and if the same or higher your okay. Just grab a test before you go to bed to make sure he is safe.
     
  82. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

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    Oct 11, 2015
    Holy cannoli....you need calgon to take you away!
    what a stressful day!
     
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  83. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

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    He's now at 294 (he had a snack of about 1/8 ts of low-carb wet about 30 min ago), +9.5. He hasn't had much to drink since the late morning, but his overall behavior now is quite normal. Should I or should I not worry about the lack of water intake for right now?

    Yep! Am ready for a calm evening, most definitely!
     
  84. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    So pleased and relieved to see Sashi in much safer numbers. (I did pass out after my last post but Lúnasa just woke me looking for food.)

    Thank you to everyone who came to help and support Sashi and his mama today.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    @Sashi's Mama - Thank goodness you were all geared up for home testing today. I'm so sorry you had such a baptism of fire but you played an absolute blinder getting Sashi through this and Sashi himself has been a real trouper! Huge props and thanks to your dear friend, too.

    NB: Sashi may be more sensitive to insulin after the low numbers earlier today. I suggest you be cautious and conservative in approach to dosing. Be sure to post here to ask for help when you need it.

    Fingers and paws crossed for continuing safe numbers and for all to go well for the rest of the day.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
  85. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I wouldn't worry about it.....nothing about today has been normal!!!

    Time for an adult beverage (or 2) and a quiet evening!!.....Looks like Sashi's liver has truly kicked into gear!!! He'll probably continue to go up for awhile, but don't worry about it....Bounces can take up to 6 cycles to clear
     
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  86. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Thank you so very much for all your help! And I love the name Lúnasa.

    Today was definitely a baptism by fire. I'll be quite happy to not have something like this again! Will see what his morning numbers look like and will quit likely ask questions as to amount to give him. Perhaps an actual 1U might be a good start. :rolleyes: Maybe even less than that? Will ask here in the am.
     
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  87. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Ok, thanks, I won't worry too much, then, about the water right now. Glad his liver seems to be working as it should! Am about to settle in with my own dinner and some sort of calming tea. Will check his level once more before I go to bed.
     
  88. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    You're more than welcome. I am eternally grateful to the members who helped me through lows with my Saoirse (and at other times). I have much to pay forward. :)

    Lúnasa was born in August, hence the name. Glad you like it. :)


    Mogs
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  89. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2015
    Sashi is definitely safe tonight. He is beautiful. In the morning you might want to test 30 minutes early and post for dose advice if your concerned.

    Well done you are now a member of the vampire club. You friend was truly wonderful.
     
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  90. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2016
    So glad Sashi and you made it through the day. You (and your neighbour) did a grand job.

    Don't be surprised if you get a high number tomorrow morning. Sashi had a lot of honey and carbs today. Add to that the high insulin, and the liver might decide to kick into overdrive, dumping a large amount of glucose (glycogen) into the mix. It's called a bounce. The numbers will come down.

    If you plan to shoot at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning your time, don't feed after 7 a.m. You don't want to base the dose on a food influenced number. And do post in the morning (or any time) asking for help with the dosing.
     
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  91. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    For Novolin N, wait 30-40 minutes after giving the preshot meal before giving any insulin so as to allow time for the food to get into the system before the insulin dose starts to kick in. This particular insulin can lower BG a good deal very in the cycle.


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  92. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Just checking in to see how Sashi is (didn't get any alerts since I checked the last time....strange?) So glad to see Sashi is out of the woods. Quite the day you've had and so early in your journey. You did a wonderful job today and should be very proud of yourself for catching that low reading and keeping a cool head thru this very scary day. You deserve a gold star! animated-sign-smiley-image-0341.gif
     
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  93. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Thank you, @Critter Mom and @MrWorfMen's Mom. I'm prepared to see a high number in the morning. Will post what it is and get input on what dosage to give him.

    Just checked him now--last check before bed--and he's at 335. Has eaten his regular food (at about 6:40pm), had his usual robust appetite, and finally drank water about 10 minutes ago. We both feel much better!! :) Thank you again to all for the much-needed advice and handholding as I stumbled through this.
     
  94. kidsandliz

    kidsandliz Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2015
    Also realize that often human meters register levels that are lower than they are in reality since the meters are calibrated on human blood, not cat blood. When my relion micro meter says 40 or 50 his "real" (vet lab test) is around 70 or 85. So what I did was bring my meter to the vet every time and compared my reading with the lab reading (and later left it with him and he made me a chart against each cat that came into his office whose blood he tested - had to pay for that). What I found was that the differences were fairly significant and were not linear (there was more difference the higher his glucose was). I had called the vet day 2 when my cat's reading was 50 via my meter (by lab he had been in the 450 range when he was diagnosed). Went to the vet and he measured 87 with his lab, and 81 with his expensive cat specific meter. So there will be some variation.

    Also be aware that these meters are generally off + or - (with respect to doing a bunch of tests in a row within a short period of time) about 10% meaning the real value could be 10% higher or lower than what you got (so total 20% off). Also using too small a drop of blood gives you a reading that is too low. If strips are expired that affects the accuracy of the readings. If the meter or strip are not room temperature the reading is less accurate... So using a meter isn't an exact science but does give you a ball park reading which is useful.

    What I would suggest is each time your vet draws your cat's blood also test it with your meter. Then you can compare your meter reading with the vet lab value and start to get some idea of how the two compare. What we had discovered with that 50 reading (and doing multiple comparisons) is that likely it isn't until my meter reads about 25 or so that my cat is in trouble. When he really was hypoglycemic (and just starting out that way - happened to catch it early) the meter read 16. I took a reading multiple times. When he seemed completely recovered I took it again and the meter read 30. I had given him some honey and then some high protein food (actually baby food - chicken and broth which I initially gave him a bit with a syringe and then he finally started to lick it up) since protein takes longer to digest and helps his glucose stay up.

    Also, as a side note, a really stressed cat at the vet can have a high reading. Today one of my cats was having a cow about being at the vet, hissing, growling, swiping at people (usually she is laid back and would go home with anyone)... and her glucose was 256. Vet told me to use my meter to test her tonight before he risked his life and limb again trying to get a urine sample to see if she was spilling sugar. I waited until this evening to test is and it was 52 by the meter - likely around 75-80ish in actuality. So she is likely not diabetic, just really stressed out. While that doesn't affect your situation with a lower reading, it was interesting to me that this happens.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2016
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  95. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    @Critter Mom ...So glad you saw this Mogs!!
    I hope you are doing well.... I think of you often:bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  96. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    In Canada human meters must produce readings within 15% of the lab values and in the US within 20%. I am not sure what the regulations are in the UK or elsewhere but they are likely the same as I don't believe there is any meter available anywhere that can reproduce lab values to within 10% yet. Hopefully one day there will be.

    The 50 reading on a human meter is the warning number at which one must be vigilant and intervene to avoid having the cat's BG go any lower. That 50 is considered to be the equivalent of 68 on a pet meter which reads animal blood like lab values (within 20%). You should base your actions on the type of meter you are using and NOT try to make a guess of what that human meter reading means in terms of animal lab results. To do so could have devastating results. With insulin on board, you do not want kitty to be on the brink of a hypo episode so these reference numbers have a little bit of wiggle room built in.

    A reading of 40 or even slightly lower on a human meter may be normal for a non-diabetic cat but is not a safe number for a cat on insulin. Your cat may not have shown outward symptoms of hypoglycemia at a reading of 25 but that doesn't mean the cat is not hypoglycemic or in serious danger of it. Some cats do not display symptoms and suddenly go into seizures. Every cat is different.

    So if you are using a human meter, you may want to do a comparison with the lab values to get a feel for how your readings and lab values will compare going forward when you have blood drawn but on a daily care basis, the safest thing to do is to use the human reference reading of 50 as your cue that action and close monitoring is needed to keep kitty safe.
     
  97. Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA)

    Cathie and Shaak Ti (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2016
    OMG!!! THank goodness so many of you were around today. I am so glad Sashi is okay now. That was totally crazy. Thank you Jesus all is good now.
     
  98. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Cathie and Shaak Ti -

    Hi Cathie,

    You and Shaak were actually helping out yesterday as well; it helped us to be able to look at Shaak's spreadsheet for a bit of guidance on how long Novolin N is at peak effect.

    Blessings to you both.

    :bighug:


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  99. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Sashi's Mama -

    Sending :bighug::bighug::bighug: for you and special scritches for brave little Sashi.

    I'm laying odds you're feeling wiped out after yesterday's events. Very, very well done keeping Sashi safe. :cat:


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  100. Sashi's Mama

    Sashi's Mama Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016


    I'm a little confused about both the quoted posts above. Should I feed him two hours before his insulin, or only 30-40 min before? Haven't done AM pretest quite yet, will in a few minutes.

    Thank you!
     
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