Need some advise asap about BG test & first insulin shots / food changes

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by TanyaG, Dec 14, 2016.

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  1. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Hi there I just posted in the newbie section. As this contains health related questions I thought it best to post in here too. So my 7 year old cat Tinka just got diagnosed yesterday with Type 2 Diabetes. I have attached her test results. Not sure if thats just blood work or the urine test results too as she had both tested. All I know is that she has Type 2 diabetes and high ketones. Not sure what all the high's and low's on the test results indicate?

    Her BG today at the diabetic vet consultation tested either 18 or 15. Vet and vet nurse gave me different results so I'm not sure if its 18 or 15. May have been higher as she was stressed at the vets as she is quite nervous. Vet has recommend starting on a very low dose he said of insulin called Lantus, 1 unit twice daily 12 hours apart. I have to give her first insulin shot in the morning. It is evening here now in Banff, Alberta, Canada, hence why I'm trying to gather info as soon as possible. Vet said low dose 1 unit for now because she is not eating much as she's feeling so poorly. She is quite weak, depressed, likely a bit dehydrated as not drinking much, neuropathy in back legs, high ketones but not emergency case vet said, loss of appetitie, weight loss, hiding under the bed, just not herself at all, won't play etc. Her diet has been pretty low carb the past year with home cooked diet. I only switched to Rayne canned two months ago and thats when she started with all these symptoms and slowly was deteriorating. We had blood and urine tests yest and found out it was diabetes which was a shock as vet gave no indication of that. Vet said the ketones indicate she's probably had it quite some time. Past few days I had to give her something she'd eat as she wouldn't eat barely anything home cooked, tried some raw which she wouldn't eat too and she's gone off the Rayne canned. Vet gave her Royal canine hypallergenic which I did not like but she ate it, not that much, but more than she has in days. This is not a low carb diet though and vet said I need to find something else. Thankfully she didn't suggest Hills w/d as she has a chicken allergy as my understanding is that its not that low carb anyways. Can anyone recommend which canned foods are best?

    Tonight I gave her Instinct 95% meat, the venison one and she ate it which I'm so pleased about. Still less than she would normally would. I plan to give her a bit more before bed and for breakfast and lunch tomorrow then switch to a different flavour but same type. She ate one can of the Royal canine hypallergic in total from yesterday till lunch today. I know its not low carb but not sure how high carbs were? Now she eating lower carbs. Prior to that she was mostly on canned salmon and home cooked pork so that was pretty low carb, high protein too. She was on some Rayne kanagaroo maintainance last week and for past month which was not low carb. Should I stick with the 1 unit of insulin vet recommended for first dose tomorrow and going forward? Vet said to only test BG 6 hrs after but I'm assuming I should test before. Would I need to lower insulin all if her BG is less than 15/18? As she's had a little less carbs tonight and tomorrow morn then she did yesterday and this morn before she had her BG tested. But as mentioned past week has been pretty low carb just not yesterday and this morn. Just want to get our Tinka feeling better and well again! She is on 1/8 steroid for skin issues so planning to wean her off that once she stabilises. Thanks for all the help!!

    A bit of further background info:

    She has been poorly for about a month slowly getting worse. First I thought she was just being picky about food changes and had lost weight from being on a lean Rayne rabbit diagnostic food no vitamins or minerals for a month, but then noticed her back legs lower and walking strangely (found out today this neuropathy), loss of appetite which is very uncharacteristic, she usually loves food and is food movtivated. I have been unable to get her to eat her usual home cooked foods on Hilary's diet recipes like pork, salmon etc. I believe she has had diabetes quite a while as she was overweight past 6 years and 5 of which she was on kibble. I switched her to home cooked a year ago and she was doing fine. The only noted health issues we have had the past 7 years has been skin issues - stratching, ithcying, licking and biting her skin especially more recently her left side of her face and ears. Vets just treated with steroids a few times a year which I did not like but she ripped her skin off so I didn't know what else to do. The latest holistic vet thought its food allergies so we have been doing a novel home cooked diet. She is still on steroids, a low dose of 1/8 per day. She scratches a little on this but not much. We will try to wean her off completely. Hoping with all the new foods that she doesn't flare up again as we can't reach for steroids like we have in the past. So much to learn!!
     

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  2. Lisa and Smoky

    Lisa and Smoky Well-Known Member

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    Welcome Tanya,
    I don't know a lot about dosing but if your vet said to start her on one unit of Lantis I would stick with that. You would check the BG before you give the shot. Its test,feed and then give shot. You should pick up all food at least two hours before testing. It's better to give her less of a dose than too much and risk a hypo, dangerously low blood sugar. Others more experienced can guide you better and there is usually always someone on line. You can also post on the Lantus forum where the folks are experienced with that kind of insulin.
    Smoky has severe food allergies to chicken as well. Merrick has some varieties that are chicken free. Welcome to the group you never wanted to join.:bighug::bighug::bighug: I have received so much help on here, these folks are an amazing group of people.
     
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  3. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    My main concern is the statement that your kitty had high ketones.....anything more than "trace" ketones is a medical emergency and if your kitty isn't eating, it's even more dangerous.

    Getting enough calories into a DKA kitty is more important than the carb percentage at this point

    I'd really suggest you get a 2nd opinion if your kitty has a high ketone level as soon as possible, even if it means going to an ER facility
     
  4. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Tanya and welcome to FDMB from a fellow Canadian. I'm in Toronto, ON. So sorry to hear Tinka is unwell but you've come the right place for support.

    I have to admit, I am concerned about the high ketones and your description of how sick she is acting. It's encouraging that she is eating some on her own but it's very important she takes in a decent amount of food and that she stays well hydrated. Ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which can be very serious and potentially fatal. Handling it at home is not usually possible. Frankly if she were mine, I'd take her to the ER tonight to get a second opinion. High ketones can turn into DKA quickly and DKA is not only very dangerous but also very very expensive to treat. It would be far better to get a second opinion tonight than to leave it and find her sicker tomorrow.

    If there is no vet ER close by and you are going to care for her at home, it's vital you get food into her and keep her well hydrated. If necessary, you can syringe some watered down food into her mouth being careful to give a small amount at a time. You should also get some ketone testing strips so you can test her urine for ketones to make sure they are not increasing. I don't want to panic you but high ketones are cause for action and quickly.

    As for the insulin, again, you need to be able to get food into Tinka in order to give her insulin. Yes you should test her BG before administering any insulin. What kind of glucometer are you using (human or pet meter)? Can you reliably test her? If not, that would be another reason to take her to the ER because she needs insulin to help clear the ketones.
     
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  5. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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  6. Lisa and Smoky

    Lisa and Smoky Well-Known Member

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    I'm so glad you are all on line to help Tanya out right now.
     
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  7. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    THIS IS A CUT 'N' PASTE OF A POST MADE EARLIER IN THE WELCOME SECTION THREAD:

    --------------------------------------------------

    Hi Tanya, and welcome to you and Tinka. I'm sorry she's feeling so poorly; she's got a lot of things going on.

    ETA QUOTE FROM WELCOME THREAD:

    First up, I'm concerned that your vet advised you to dose Lantus every 8 hours. It is normally dosed every twelve hours. To reassure you that this is not the suggestion of some random crank on the internet I've attached below a published, peer-reviewed study co-authored by Dr Rand of the University of Queensland. Dr Rand is a world authority on feline diabetes. If you read through the document you will see that it advises dosing Lantus every 12 hours. Lantus is a very good insulin for cats.

    We have a lot of educational resources about Lantus which we can direct you to in due course.

    I need to post a big RED FLAG about this: if your cat has high ketones she needs specialist treatment by a vet now. Based on all I've learned here about DKA I feel that your vet has NOT given you sound advice here (and that's on top of the questionable dosing recommendation for Lantus). A diabetic producing high levels of ketones needs IMMEDIATE veterinary attention - even more so when the cat has not been eating enough and/or is not getting appropriate levels of insulin, as is the case with Tinka right now.

    Ketosis is a medical emergency that requires treatment in a hospital setting. If the ketones aren't addressed straight away a kitty can very quickly go on to develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. (Very hard on the cat and very expensive to treat.) Prompt treatment of ketones can prevent DKA.

    I recommend in the strongest terms that you get a second opinion from another vet as a matter of great urgency - tonight. Find somewhere where the vet(s) understand the urgency of the situation, who are familiar with treating ketosis/DKA successfully, and who are willing to bring her in quickly for assessment and immediate treatment (intensive insulin therapy with blood glucose and ketone monitoring (with a dextrose drip if required); fluids to keep her properly hydrated and help flush out the ketones; nutritional support (assist feeding if necessary), plus monitoring of electrolytes if required). If she shows signs of deterioration don't wait; either call your own vet's out of hours service or get her to an ER.

    While you're sorting out appropriate and timely veterinary support feed Tinka anything she will readily eat. Don't worry about the carb side of things right now - it is vital that she gets plenty of calories. Also do what you can to encourage her to drink (helps flush out ketones). She will also need insulin but I think if you get her to a vet quickly they can start her treatment there.

    If you have trouble getting veterinary support post on Feline Health for help and we'll help you as best we can in the meantime.

    Once you get the ketone problems sorted we can help you with all the general FD and dietary side of things in due course.

    Here is a forum sticky with some DKA information:

    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

    Please contact a vet with good knowledge of feline diabetes and ketosis/DKA treatment as soon as you possibly can. Contact an ER vet if required. Let us know how you get on when you get a chance.

    :bighug:


    Mogs


    Link back to original posting
    : http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...tinka-just-got-diagnosed.169656/#post-1842927
    .
     

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    Last edited: Dec 14, 2016
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  8. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I do have one thing I have to ask.....You're not thinking that the "K" in the blood test results is ketones, are you?

    The high ALB number worries me too....although dehydration can raise that number, it's also possible it's due to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) which happens when the cat isn't eating enough
     
  9. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    hi everyone thank you for your helpful info:) So I went to the vet hospital today it is the only vet hospital in our area, its actually in the next town over. I saw the vet there today and he looked at Tinka and her test results. I was concerned about the ketones as he said they were high but he said its not an emergency case. I also saw my vet yesterday with Tinka and she said the same thing. He said they needed to be further along before they would give her glucose drip etc. So at this point I can't take her to anyone else as there is no vet in our town or neighbouring towns. He said as soon as she starts on insulin tomorrow she should start to feel better. She has now eaten a descent amount of the canned Instinct 95% protein venison tonight which is good she's eating more. She seems to like that I'm offering her something new and must smell stronger and nicer to her then the home cooked, raw and hypoallergenic that she was on before. I have also given her some Orijin raw freeze dried treats - regional cat. Are these suitable for diabetes? If I offer her more she'll probably eat more of these as they similar to kibble but I'm assuming different and not bad as no carbs? They only contain freeze dried meat and organ nothing else. She's not drinking as much as I'd like her to but I'm assuming there is water in the the tinned food. I will monitor her closely and hope she starts to improve after she gets her insulin tmrw. As the vet hospital today in my consult they showed me how to do a blood glucose home test. I bought a glucometer - the brand is called AccuChek. I hope this is a good one? I will try it for first time in the morning. So the order is BG test, feed then insulin? Then wait 6 hours at BG again? Vet said I need to do 6 hours after to see she doesn't drop to low. Then 12 hours after the first insulin shot I repeat BG, feed then insulin?
     
  10. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Hepatic lipidosis is another condition that requires immediate attention.

    Tinka needs to get intensive food, insulin and fluid support under veterinary supervision.

    If Tinka were mine, I would get her to an ER tonight.


    Mogs
    .
     
  11. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Generally, we Test/Feed/Shoot.....all within 5-10 minutes....You Test to make sure they're high enough for insulin, Feed to make sure they're at least willing to eat and Shoot....it's important that for the Pre-shot tests, you take food up for the 2 hours immediately before so that when you test, you get a number that's not influenced by food.

    As for when to test, your vet is partially right....usually the nadir (the lowest point in the cycle) is around 5-7 hours after the shot, so 6 hours is an average, but ECID (Every Cat Is Different) so by testing at different times during the cycle, you'll learn more about when Tinka's nadir is going to be.

    You ALWAYS test before shooting and then depending on your schedule, get at least one test mid-cycle on the AM cycle and at least a "before bed" test on the PM cycle....Most cats go lower at night, so it's really important to get PM tests too.
     
  12. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Hi Chri, no I have no idea what any of the blood work means, I only received the print out results after my vet hospital consult today so didn't get to find out what all the results mean. All I was told yesterday after they did blood work and urine test was that she has Type 2 diabetes and that she had ketone markers. After doing some research last night I was concerned that she had ketones. I brought this up at my diabetic vet consult today at the hospital and told them she wasn't eating or drinking much etc and asked if she needed ER treatment and he said she has high ketones but not an emergency case and that its not DKA. I'm not sure why they use the terminology high ketones if they say she doesn't need ER treatment. So once she starts on the insulin this should help reduce or remove the ketones? How can I test for ketones at home and how often should I do this?

    Do you know what the high's and low's are on the test results? The vet didn't discuss all these. Im assuming the high GLU is blood glucose. Is 18.41 very high for diabetes? What should I do about hte high ALB? Should this improve when she eats more then? What is K - high and Cl - low? I noticed that there were a number of other ones that we in range but very much on the low and high side too. Any others I should be aware of? Thank so much!!
     
  13. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    To start insulin:

    Test BG.

    Feed Tinka.

    Administer insulin injection - (how much does Tinka weigh and is she underweight at the moment?)

    Note: under normal circumstances we recommend not to give insulin if preshot test is under 200 (11.1mmol/L international). If this proves to be the case post here for input from experienced members.

    Assuming insulin dose has been given test every 3 hours after the injection time.

    When measuring on an Accu-Chek human meter numbers should not be allowed to go below 50mg/dL (US) / 2.8mmol/L (international).

    .

    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 14, 2016
  14. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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  15. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    When you first start, you want her to be above 200 (11.1 on your scale) but that doesn't necessarily mean you don't shoot (makes sense, right?).....If she tests below 200, we'd want you to stall, DON'T feed, and post for help. The first few times you shoot a lower number, we want someone here to be watching over you. We have a rule here.....if someone signs on to watch over someone, they don't leave until they're absolutely sure they're safe or they've gotten someone else to take over the watching.
     
  16. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    18.41 is 331 on our scale (the US uses a different scale than the rest of the world.....to convert, just multiply your numbers by 18) and no, that's not terribly high in the world of diabetes....it's too high, but not terribly high
     
  17. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    You can get urine strips at a pharmacy or Walmart to check ketones (e.g. Keto-Diastix). Snag a urine sample by covering the litter in the box with food wrap or similar plastic item and press it down a little to make a small well. Dip the stick into the urine sample and read the result against the colour chart provided with the sticks at the time specified on the pack.

    For the time being test at least twice a day.

    .
     
  18. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You can get urine ketone test strips at any human pharmacy that carries diabetes supplies.....You don't need the strips that measure everything, just ones that measure urine ketones. You just dip the strip into a new urine sample and compare to the scale printed on the side of the bottle of strips.

    Here are some Urine Testing Tips too
     
  19. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Administer insulin injection - (how much does Tinka weigh and is she underweight at the moment?)

    Note: under normal circumstances we recommend not to give insulin if preshot test is under 200. If this proves to be the case post here for input from experienced members.

    Assuming insulin dose has been given test every 3 hours after the injection time.

    When measuring on an Accu-Chek human meter numbers should not be allowed to go below 50mg/dL (US) / 2.8mmol/L (international).

    Tinka weighs 3.9kg currently is underweight. About 3 months ago and for the past few years she has weighed about 4.6-4.9kg a bit overweight. She has lost quite a lot of weight over the past 2-3 months. Her sides are think and her bones around her hips are sticking out a bit now. I think her ideal weight would be around 4.3 / 4.4 kg. She usually will eat all her food and beg for more. Past 2 months she's lost appetite. But thankfully she ate better tonight on the Instinct more than she has in a while.

    I'm a bit confused about the BG levels. So Tinka's were 18.41 mmol/L yesterday and I believe 18 today. What is the mg/DL equivalent? The vet gave my readings in mmol/L. When you say 200 you are working in mg/DL? What would the recommended preshot test amount be not to give insulin in mmol/L? Thank you!!
     
  20. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    The Orijen treats are fine. If you think she needs any more fluids then very carefully syringe some into the side of her mouth. You can check whether she is dehydrated by pulling up her scruff and seeing how quickly it returns to normal. It should almost snap back into place. You can also check her gums to see if they are moist or sticky. Sticky means she is in need of more fluids.

    I would highly recommend you give the glucometer (AccuChek is just fine) and testing a go tonight so you know you can do it tomorrow morning.

    The "K" is potassium and "Cl" is Chloride. They are electrolytes and are effected by the state of hydration.
     
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  21. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Your NO SHOT reading would be 11.1 mmol. Yes the 200 is mg/DL
     
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  22. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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  23. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    This is so helpful thank you I will do these tests tonight on her and if she'd dehydrated I will syringe water. How much do you think? So as her K is high and Cl is low that means her electolytes are off balance then. Does she need electolytes or just water? Thanks!
     
  24. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Those strips are for pH. (acid base) not ketones. What you have is Litmus paper. You need urine ketone test strips.
     
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  25. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Just water should be fine. Her numbers are not horribly out of whack. You could get some Pedialyte but I don't think you need to as long as she is eating.
     
  26. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Do you have any chicken breast meat at home? If yes, poach a little chicken in a goodly volume of water. Use the poaching water to flavour Tinka's drinking water; the flavour may encourage her to drink a little more.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  27. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Great thank you!
     
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  28. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thank you I will try get these tomorrow. I'm assuming it will say on the urine ketone test strips what is normal and what is high. Such a learning curve I am on, so appreciate all your help!!
     
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  29. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Unfortunatley she's has an allergy to chicken. I have home made duck broth but she didn't like it. I did put a bit of hot water with a some of the canned food last night and mushed it up and she drank a bit of that. I can try that again tonight to increase fluids. So strange and she use to love drinking a lot of water.
     
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  30. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Great thank you! So I shouldn't be concerned about any of the other high and lows on her test results? Is there anything I should do about the high ALB? The vet didn't mention it, I could call and enquire about it tomorrow.
     
  31. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Depending a little on the brand, the side of the bottle will have a chart to compare to
    [​IMG]
     
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  32. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Making a 'soupy' consistency with the canned food is a good idea.

    Is she OK with tuna? If yes then a little of the water from a tin of human tuna could be added to her water bowl to flavour it.


    Mogs
    .
     
  33. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thank you! What range for cats is normal and what is high or emergency case?
     
  34. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Great idea yes she usually loves tuna and the juice I will try this shortly :)
     
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  35. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Sleep meds finally kicking in over here. Will check back in the morning.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  36. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Anything over "trace" is a medical emergency....that's why we're so crazy when you say her ketone levels are "high"
     
  37. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Wow that is so great thank you!! I will take note to follow this:) So if she is above 11.1 on my scale does 1 unit of the insulin sound like a good amount? This is what the vet recommended.
     
  38. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thanks so much really appreciate all your help! I'm planning to do BG test around 7:20am mountain time. If its below 11.01 I will wait to feed and post on here. If not and its aboe 11.01 I will feed and administer 1 unit. Hope you sleep well thanks again!
     
  39. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Yes its very strange he said high. I can request her urine results tomorrow too and share on here. I will try test urine at home myself too and share findings.
     
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  40. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    If trace positive ring vets for advice. Anything higher than trace take kitty to vet immediately for treatment.
     
  41. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    It was a bit high but not alarmingly so as long as she keeps eating it should go back down to normal. All you can do is ensure she is getting enough food.
     
  42. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Actually, 1 unit may be a little too much

    Using that calculation, 3.9kg would be .975 unit (which is almost 1U) but we usually like to start a little lower and go up slowly so we'd probably suggest starting at .75U.

    Do your insulin syringes have half unit markings?
     
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  43. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thank you that is reassuring:)
     
  44. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If you're up for some "light reading", there's all kinds of great information in the Sticky's at the top of the Lantus Forum

    Another thing you'll want to do is start our spreadsheet to keep track of her numbers. Here are the Instructions on getting the FDMB spreadsheet. Since you're in Canada, you'd want to use the World with a human meter spreadsheet

    If you're not technically inclined and have problems, just holler....we can help you get it set up
     
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  45. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    The syringes are so tiny its hard to even see 1 ml but yes there is a litle half mark on the side indicating a half
     
  46. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thank you I will set this up tomorrow morning then. Will let you know if I need help, probably will there's so much to learn;) So appreciate your help!
    My hubby and I are just testing out the AccuChek on ourselves and hubby accidently stuck his test strip with the blood side straight into the machine. Did a new test strip and it keeps flashing with a blood sign, hope we haven't messed it up :/
     
  47. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Emphasis mine.

    1 ml would fill the entire syringe and would contain 100u of insulin.....way way too much! The dose you want to give (0.75u), will be a very tiny amount with the plunger lined up between the 1st tiny line on the left(0.5u mark) and the 1st tiny line on the right (1.0u mark) when you are holding the syringe with the needle pointing up. Hope that makes sense.
     
  48. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    We are just realising the AccuChek requires that the strip be inserted before getting the blood so thats gona be a bit more challenging holding the machine with the test strip inserted and then scraping that against my cat's ear whilst holding her. I think doing it with two will be ok but myself to test during the day will def be more challening. Is it necessary to test every 3 hours? Tinka is not going to be happy with me. Will try give her a treat after to cheer her up. She's a pretty nervous cat.
     
  49. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Thank you yes that makes sense I was using the wrong terminology;) 1u yes its the very first small line. To do 0.75 will be every so fractional. Its so small its hard to tell. So I will do 0.75 in the morn after I tested her BG is over 11.01. Then I'll report on here and go from there. Typically would I do 1u in the eve or stick with 0.75? thank you!
     
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  50. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    when you first start, you hold the same dose for 5-7 days (unless she drops below 50)

    Lantus craves consistency so you want to give the same dose both AM and PM
     
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  51. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    Here's something I wrote up for others that needed help with testing...maybe it'll help you too! (substitute "her" for "him"...LOL)

    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.

    When you're first starting, it's also important to use a lower gauge lancet, like 25-28 gauge. Most of the "lancet devices" come with 33 gauge lancets and they are just too tiny to start with. The bigger lancets (that are lower numbers) make a bigger "hole". As you poke more and more, the ears will grow new capillaries and will be easier and easier to get blood from...we call it "learning to bleed"

    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!
     
  52. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Maybe it would be better for me to stick with 1u then as vet said he wants me to do curve reading in 5-7 days to monitor how she's been doing on 1u a day. Also as its harder to see the 0.75u on the syringe I don't want to end up being inconsistent, whilst the 1u I can see clearly. What do you think?
     
  53. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Just wanted to be absolutely sure you knew where the lines were on the syringe. Mistakes do get made so better to be safe than sorry.

    Right now stick with 0.75u. It's best to stick with a dose for a few cycles before making changes. This gives you a chance to accumulate some data and determine if a dose change is needed or not. Lantus likes consistency to work best.

    HA HA! Chris beat me to it about the dose and now I sound like a parrot!

    As for the testing, you don't scrape the blood bead onto the strip....you allow the strip to "sip" the blood. If you think the glucometer is going to spook Tinka, poke her and then carefully pick up the bead of blood onto a clean fingernail and test from there. Just make sure you wash your hands before using this method so the sample isn't contaminated with anything.
     
  54. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Great article Chris thank you :)
     
  55. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Tanya, what you could do is take one syringe and draw water into it (coloured with something to make it easily recognized as the sample) to where you eyeball the 0.75u. Keep that as a guide and then you can mimic the consistency by comparing your drawn up insulin to the sample.

    It's up to you if you want to give 1u instead of the 0.75u because you hold the needle and the calculation using weight suggested just under 1u would be fine. We generally don't see vets working in as small dose increments as we do probably because they don't want to make things too complicated (I think many underestimate the ability of their pet parent clients) or because they don't think those mini dose adjustments mean much. We however have lots of members whose cats are testaments to the fact that those small dose adjustments often do make a difference.
     
  56. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    Towards the bottom of the Sticky on Handling and Drawing Fine Doses are some pictures of some of those smaller doses

    It's not as important that you get exactly .75......just that wherever you decide .75 is as consistent as possible.
     
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  57. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you for this helpful info, I will try to sip the blood:) Is it ok to do 1u as that was what vet recommended and it will be easier to see on the syringe? Or if 0.75 is a lot safer I can try do that its' just so tiny and there's no line so will be harder to see so I feel I may be more inaccurate then if I do the 1u with the line underneath. I haven't used the lancet, the vet taught me to use a needle and gently prick I vein on the edge of the ear. He said the lancet makes a noise that cats don't like. Instead he gave me the small needle to use and then a roll of soft tape on the other side so it gives a point to press against so needle doesn't poke your finger. Is this ok to do or does everyone use a lancet usually? The lancet does sound easier. I'm not sure is the accu-chek lancet the right size?
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2016
  58. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    @TanyaG ......you'll find that you'll hear the same things by lots of us.....we've all got the "company line" down.....LOL
    [​IMG]
     
  59. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    Of course it's OK.....in the end, we can only advise you what we think is best.....as long as you're able to test though, you'll be able to keep Tinka safe.

    Make sure you have a "hypo kit" put together....Some high carb canned food (like Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers or foods "with gravy"), Karo/honey/syrup and always keep a spare box of test strips (you'll find that these kitties of ours have an annoying habit of dropping too low at 2am on a Sunday morning when you can't get out to buy more strips!)
     
  60. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    You can use whatever you feel most comfortable using to poke the ear but if you only have one needle, be aware that it will get dull after a couple of uses and develop tiny barbs so you risk more discomfort for Tinka or worse, tearing her ear. What gauge are the lancets you have? Most of us use a 28 gauge, at least in the early days. You really don't need to use the vein but rather poke just slightly more toward the outer edge of the ear. The vein is fine if you are desperate for a sample but capillary blood is preferred. Poking the vein can be a very messy proposition if kitty decides to do a little head shake at just the wrong moment. Been there.. done that and ain't gonna do it again! I had blood all over me, the floor, the wall, everywhere!:rolleyes:

    I am going to hit the sack after one more test of my little sugar kid so I will check tomorrow to see how things are going for you. Good night and sweet dreams everyone! :)
     
  61. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    There's lancets (small pieces of plastic with a sharp metal point) and there's lancet devices (special device that holds the actual lancet and does the action of "poking" for you

    It's true that the lancet devices can "click" and make a noise that cats might not like at first, but you don't have to use the special device....a lot of us just buy the actual lancets and freehand poke

    The lancets are on the left.....an example of a lancet device is on the right in this picture
    [​IMG]
     
  62. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thanks so much you are all fab, so appreciate your help! my lancet has different number settings on it from 0.5-5.5. Not sure what the overall size is will have to try search. I think it sounds easier to use the lancet if cats don't mind the little click noise. I shall try find out if my accu-chek is suitable. Good night sleep well :)
     
  63. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you for clarying this for me! So I have both those in my kit. Just not sure what size my lancets are, will try find out. The vet basically gave me something similar to a lancet its like a small top part ofa syringe with a back on it and then to use the medical tape roller on the other side so I don't poke myself. I like the idea of a warm rice bag though first though. She's quite a finiky girl. I tried to make the chair the place where her ears get stoked/touched and then a pet so she is more prepared for tomorrow. She was not impressed even hesitated to eat her treat just cause I touched her ears. She's had a lot of ear drops in the past from infections so bit of a negative vibe but hopefully the treats will help. Thanks for all your help! I better hit the hay so I can be up early to test, feed and give her shot. Will be back on here tmrw with result. Sleep well too :)
     
  64. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I heard that! :p

    ;) :D

    .
     
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  65. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Tanya,

    Hope Tinka's OK this morning. Would it be possible for you or someone else with you could get out to a pharmacy first thing this morning to get some ketone test strips to check Tinka's ketone status: it's really, really important for her safety to establish her ketone status.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  66. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    @Mogs, it's only 5:45am Tanya's time so as hard as it is, we are going to have to be patient. I'm hoping no post overnight is a good omen.
     
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  67. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I know this, Linda! (You have no faith in me. ;) ;))

    As we all know the early days are very stressful and it's hard to remember everything so I thought it wise to post a reminder that Tinka's ketones still need to be checked. (As you can tell, I want her to keep safe and I'm really worried about her status.)

    I won't be around for much of the day so instead of risking ketone status getting sidetracked by the (understandable) focus on correct insulin dosing I thought it best to post now so that the reminder would be 'lying in wait' ready for when Tanya logs on to check this thread today. :)

    :bighug:


    Mogs
    .
     
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  68. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Well you are a better woman than me, because I went looking for an update with my coffee in hand when I finally got moving this morning and then had to remind myself that it was too early for any update on Tinka yet. Good idea posting a reminder about the ketones. Oh how we worry about these kitties! :bighug::bighug:
     
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  69. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Confession: I have a memory like a string vest. :oops:

    (I have had to learn to make a point of writing a note immediately I think of something because otherwise the thoughts just evaporate. It's a PTSD thang to do with damage to the hippocampus.)


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2016
  70. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Probably be a good habit for most of us to use. I am a list/note maker but have a talent for misplacing them. I blame it on a two floor residence where I will carry a shopping list around to check cleaning, pantry, freezer needs and then leave the dang list somewhere along in my travels only to have to do another pass to find the blasted thing before I go to do the errands. :rolleyes:
     
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  71. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Good morning everyone thanks so much for your messages. So Tinka ate a bit more before bed which is good and I put some warm water in food which she drank too so hopefully she's a bit more hydrated. I couldn't get her out from under the bed this morning though, I don't like her hiding. Eventually got her out. She was so good when we did her BG. It tested at 13.3 mmal/L at 7:30am. She then got fed and ate a fair amount. We administered 0.75u of insulin. I wasn't sure I got it in the first time as its such a small amount but u must have. She got treats after and then ate some more:)
     
  72. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you, you are so so sweet and helpful much appreciated! Just posted my update on Tinka above. My mom will monitor her over the next 3 hours. What signs should we be looking for if she drops to low or anything else we should be watching for? Thanks!
     
  73. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Hi Mogs, I just posted my update on Tinka. This morning went pretty well considering it was our first one. I was s big teary after the insulin shot just feel so sorry for my baby, want her to feel better. My mom is watching her now then will take her reading at 10:30am (so that's 3 hours after first BG test and 2hrs 45mins after her first insulin shot). She'll get the ketone test strips at 12pm after her meeting then I'll be back shortly after to test her then. So what's the best way to get urine? To put plastic over her litter bin? Will they pee on plastic? Thanks again!
     
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  74. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Well done with the testing and dosing, Tanya. I bawled my eyes out too when I first started. :bighug:

    Safety info:

    How to treat hypos (print this out, read it through and keep it somewhere handy)

    In addition to signs listed in the document here pay attention to vomiting or lethargy/unresponsiveness. Test BG if anything worries you; never any harm to make sure it's in OK levels. BG should not be allowed to go below 50mg/dL / 2.8 mmol/L on a human meter (you're using an Accu-chek, yes?) For a pet meter the action point is at 68 (US) / 3.8 (international). Note that the hypo guide uses reference numbers for a human meter.

    Also check this for things to add to your shopping list:

    Hypo toolbox

    Another helpful link:

    Urine testing tips


    Mogs
    .
     
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  75. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thanks so much for this info I'll send it to my mom now and keep it on reference too. What's the best way to collect urine to put cling film over her cat litter and make a whole in the middle? I think she just used the bathroom unfortunately which I missed but hopefully she will go again before 12pm so I can test.
     
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  76. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Congratulations on getting it all done this morning. The first few days are tough as you learn new skills and gain more knowledge but in a short time it will all simply be part of your routine. I shed an ocean of tears the first week after diagnosis, admonishing myself for not noticing symptoms earlier and so wanting my sugar to perk up. Wonderful that your Mom can keep an eye on Tinka for you this morning.

    If Tinka has a favorite corner(s) or side(s) of her box you could put some plastic wrap in those spots hoping she will christen it for you or you can put plastic across the whole thing. Some cats will actually let you sneak up behind them and hold a ladle under their butt but I think they are the minority. You only need a very tiny sample so if you can snag any in the plastic wrap, just dip the strip in and wait according to the instructions to do the comparison with the colour scale. This I'm afraid is a bit of a trial and error proposition depending on how co-operative or fussy Tinka is about her toileting facilities.
     
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  77. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    I use the cling film trick. Try to pick a 'favourite spot' in the box to cover with the plastic and push it down a little to make a sort of 'well'. (Gently - the film punctures easily.)

    Sometimes kitties use the litter box just after eating. It might be a good time to see if Tinka will 'perform'! ;)


    Mogs
    .
     
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  78. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thanks for sharing your journey and experience it helps so much knowing from you all that I'm not alone in this, it's a great support! Tinka has been hiding under the bed so bad to be coaxed out. She's now in eyes view from my mom. Hope this whole hiding thing ends soon. It's probably exasperated s bit cause of us procking and prodding her this morning. She a pretty sensitive kitty. So what kind of numbers are we hoping for in the next BG test, the one about 3 hrs after insulin this morning? So I should only be concerned if it's below 3? I told my mom to call me if its anything less than 4. Thank you for the litter tips!
     
  79. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you Mogs :) Hopefully she uses the litter tray soon I plastic wrapped it and made a whole. I recently switched to recycled paper in place of clumping litter as I was concerned that her chest was making a bit of a noise every time I picked her up for the past month and she never had that before. Made me concerned it was the dust from the clay litter and I read somewhere bentonite can be problematic. Not sure if it was problematic bit I switched just in case. Are any lung issues associated with diabetes? Vet said her lungs seemed find but I know they her lungs/chest/breathing is different when I pick her up then what it use to be. Anyways I sprinkled a little of the recycled paper pellet litter on top of the cling film wrap. If some happens to get in the litter will it contaminate it?

    I also put down another new litter tray I got the other day with these black non absorbent beads in that the vet sold me to get the urine sample which we didn't end up using as they took a urine sample at the vets. So hopefully between the two I can get a urine sample to test her ketones. I'll also ring the vets later for a comparison of what her ketone itinerary results were the other day.
     
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  80. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Also when I do the readings at 3hrs and 6hrs after insulin does it matter if she's eaten? She is currently eating 4 times a day so I can feed smaller meals more often so she eats better and then she kind of takes a while to eat it sometimes. I can ensure that her pre-shot BG has had no food for 2 hrs before. Just checking that the other BG's in btwn don't also need to be away from food as that will be a challenge.

    I'm planning to feed her and do her diabetic routine this week as follows. BG at 7:30am, BG taken just before then insulin just after food, then BG at 10:30am, BG at 1:30pm, then 2:30pm lunch feed. BG at 7:30pm, feed & insulin. BG at 10:30pm. Last feed for the day around 11pm. Do I need to do a BG between 2:30pm and 7:30pm? Also do I need to do one more BG after 10:30pm tonight? I could do one at like 12pm if needed? Need to be in bed by then if I'm up at 7am.

    Is it necessary to do BG 3hrs after and 6hrs after every insulin shot every day? Not sure I can always be home to do that. Thank you!!
     
  81. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    Ideally we see kitty slowly drop from the pre-shot number but some cats can be more dramatic than others. In the first couple of hours it's possible to see no change or a slightly higher number due to the food given at shot time. What we are looking for with the testing is when in the cycle kitty starts their drop, when they reach their lowest reading and what that lowest reading is. Until you have some data, it's hard to say how much to expect by 3 hours post shot but if kitty has gone down by 4 mmol or more by 3 hours post shot, the cycle is likely to be an active one and bears close monitoring.

    Any reading of roughly 3 (technically 2.8) is a cue to you to start steering the BG by feeding a bit to help curb the drop but I doubt you will get any activity like that today.
     
  82. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you Linda, this is super helpful :)
     
  83. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    So my mom just texted me her BG taken at 10:30am about 3 hrs after her 0.75u of insulin at 7:45am and it is 11.2 mmal/L. It was 13.3 mmal/L at 7:30am this morn. I'm assuming that's good to have a small drop. Any feedback? Thank you!
     
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  84. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Tanya, that schedule looks fine but it kind of presumes that Tinka will reach her nadir at the same time every day and that is not always the case. Not only do cats each have their own time schedule for nadir but it can change a bit day to day. When you are working obviously the times you can test are going to be limited but on days off, it's a good idea to snag tests at other hours. The nadir for Lantus usually falls somewhere in the +5 to +7 hour period after the shot so testing at +6 is a good mid point to check but when possible but some cats nadir earlier and some later, so grabbing some tests at other times between +3 to +9 can also give you more insight into exactly what Tinka's pattern is. While each reading tells us what is happening at the moment, it's the patterns we see over time that allow us to determine dose adjustments and just how kitty is best dealt with for meal times etc. Feed Tinka today as you normally intend to do. She does not need to be fasting for mid-cycle testing. You only need to withhold food for 2 hours before each pre-shot test.
     
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  85. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Yeah! That 11.2 is a great start to the cycle and makes me think the 0.75u to start was ideal. :D
     
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  86. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Yah that's great news thank you!!
     
  87. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    I'm currently studying so I do have flexibility in my schedule so I can do different times on different days if that helps:) I unfortunately have chronic health issues myself so am often out at various doctors appointments btwn studies but will do my very best to test regularly. My mom can possibly help too. So typically how many times a day should I be testing her BG? What is a nadir? Thank you!
     
  88. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Nadir is a fancy word for the lowest point in the cycle.

    When your schedule permits, change up your test times to get an overview of the cycle rather than the same hour(s) everyday. If you do a +4 one day, try for a +5 or +6 etc the next. If you look at most spreadsheets they don't have any coloured columns but rather look like puzzle pieces laid out on a table and in many ways that's exactly what they are.

    Ideally you should aim for at least 4 tests per day (2 pre-shots and one mid cycle test in each 12 hour period. In the early days you may need to test more often occasionally as you try to hone in on the ideal dose for Tinka but 4 a day is more than sufficient in most cases. That said, I'd be inclined to monitor her more closely right now with ketones being a concern.
     
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  89. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Great teamwork! :)

    That's a nice, gentle drop to AM+3.

    Regulation is a gradual process. Because the cat's body has become used to operating at high BG levels it needs to gradually get used to running in lower numbers in stages so a slow and steady approach needs to be used when it comes to insulin treatment.

    Lantus is a depot insulin. With successive Lantus doses a little chemical 'tank' of insulin builds up in the kitty's body. It takes several 12-hour dose cycles for the amount of insulin 'in the tank' to adjust before the efficacy of the dose can be assessed (as shown by the BG data you gather from home testing) so one starts out at a small dose. Thereafter as required the dose is adjusted by a small increment (usually o.25IU Lantus), held for several cycles and re-evaluated. Then rinse and repeat.

    BG testing helps to keep our kitties safe on insulin and also acts as a guide to optimising their treatment. Each day you need to do a preshot BG test in both morning and afternoon (to make sure it's safe to give the next dose) plus at least one BG test between doses - a mid-cycle test - to see how low the dose is taking the cat's BG. (Two mid-cycle tests - one in the AM and one in the PM cycle - would be better.)

    Lantus dose adjustments are based on nadir BGs. The nadir is the point where BG is at its lowest in a 12-hour cycle.

    I'm sorry to hear about your chronic health issues, Tanya. :bighug: (In a similar boat myself.)


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2016
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  90. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Just attached a pic. Are these the correct urine strips for testing ketones? They the same brand as my glucometer. This is the only ones they have in stock today. They'll be getting in the other ones similar to Chris's pic but only tmrw. Shall I go ahead and by the ones attached in pic today? Thanks!
     

    Attached Files:

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  91. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Yes those will get the job done. :)
     
  92. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Thank you that makes sense I will try and take different readings to work on the puzzle. Is it s problem that mid cycle / 6hrs after her evening insulin at 7:45pm will be 1:45pm and I'll be asleep. With my health issues I need to get at least 7 hrs sleep. If I need to be up at 7 to do her testing and shot etc the latest I can probably do a mid cycle BG after her evening shot is maybe 4hrs after which is at 11:45pm. Would that work? Is there a safety concern after that? My hubby could maybe do a 12:45pm one if needed? Thanks!
     
  93. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Fab thanks I'll get those so I can try get a sample tested today :)
     
  94. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

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    Dec 14, 2016
    Tha
    Thank you Mogs :) Sorry to hear about toot health issues too, it's quite a challenge isn't it. But my fur baby and I bring each other a lot of joy still and my hubby is a trooper helping care for us both. At the moment I'm prioritising Tinkas health needs over mine. I can't rest well till I know she's fine. Praying we all get well soon :)
     
  95. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    Tanya, you can test before you turn in for the night. That way you know what she's up to and can go to bed knowing she is fine. if per chance Tinka seems to be dropping fast, you can feed her and try to steer her to level her off. We can help you out when and if such a situation were to occur. Do you ever get up to use the ladies room? Some folks use that opportunity to get in another test. Getting night tests can be tough but if you can test up to about +4 post shot, that's generally quite sufficient. Even a +3 will often tell you if the cycle is going to be active or not and allow you to take action so you can get needed rest.

    The motto around here is that you gotta look after yourself to be able to look after your kitty so try to find a happy mid road where you are not ignoring your needs for Tinka but rather meeting as many of both your needs as possible. There can be times when more testing during the night cycle is needed but if you dose slowly and methodically, test and ask for advice when needed, those situations can be avoided or at least kept to a bare minimum.
     
    Kris & Teasel, Critter Mom and TanyaG like this.
  96. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    You don't need to stay up.....just get a test "before bed"......if she's running low, you may have to set an alarm to get more tests later in the cycle (or get DH to do it)
     
    TanyaG likes this.
  97. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2016
    Ok so I just took her approx 6 hr BG following her insulin this morning and it's now 7.8u. Is that ok?

    Also I used a new needle. Is it ok to use the same needle to take her BG multiple times a day or not? Thanks!
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  98. TanyaG

    TanyaG Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2016
    Thanks so much that's really helpful. Trying to find the balance;)
     
  99. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    That is excellent! (And safe. ;) )


    Mogs
    .
     
  100. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2015
    That 7.8 is a beautiful sight to see! Go Tinka! :cat:

    We generally advice a new needle or lancet for each test. They tend to dull up fairly quickly which if looked at microscopically, looks almost barbed. That can cause discomfort and even scratch or tear the ear. If you do re-use, I wouldn't do it more than 3 times at most. My girl has a little scar on her ear from the ER hospital re-using needles to test her. I use a new lancet each time and have never caused a bruise, scratch or tear. I think your lancets (that came with the meter) are either 31 or 33 gauge and you may find it harder to get a good bead of blood with those than the needle. Next time you are out, you could pick up some Gauge 28 lancets and just use them freehand as you do the needle.
     
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