Our Rocky Boy newly diagnosed

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Bee, Jun 27, 2017.

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  1. Bee

    Bee Member

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    Jun 27, 2017
    Our 10 year old cat Rocky was just diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus yesterday. The vet said he was in the advanced state, but we could try insulin shots. Glargine injects twice a day and diet food ( I've researched no need for expensive diet food Wet food only low carb high protein). He said to buy it from them the first time it was $300.00 a vial. He did say he would write a prescription so i could purchase it online . I havent really found a cheaper place to purchase it . Only a few dollars . How long does a vial usually last if he requires it twice a day? He said i could monitor him at home I would need to take him in quarterly for tests . He said there is debate rather a human meter is as effective as a pet one but i could use a human one. I found one at Walmart for around $10 and strips are about $20 for 100. How is it getting started? Do i check him every hour? Every day? What if its high or low? Anyones kitty ever go into remission ? He said he has seen 2 cats his whole career who where able to come off insulin. Also how are you kittys ? Do they take well to test and shots? Are they relatively happy healthy?
     
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  2. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but you've come to the right place. Lots of very experienced and knowledgeable people on here ready to help.

    Glargine is a good insuline, and many people on here use it (also known as Lantus in the US). Where are you from?

    You are correct, no need for prescription food... just look for wet foods under 10% carb.

    If you tell us where you are, there may be someone that can point you in the right direction to find it at a better price. If you can get it in 3 ml pen form you will be able to use the whole pen before it expires and it will be a better use of money as compared to the 10 ml vial that will most likely expire before you use it all.

    You definitely can monitor from home.... most here use a human meter. The important thing is to find a meter that takes a very tiny (.3) sample size and get lancets that are 26 or 28 guage so that they are big enough to get a sample from the ear. The smaller 31 gauge lancets are harder to get a sample with.

    You don't have to take a reading every hour. You want to get a sample before each preshot (test, then feed, then shoot)... and when you can get a few mid cycle readings. Every so often (maybe once a week or so?) do a curve, that's a reading every 2 hours for 12 hours so that you get a good picture on how the insulin is working.

    My cat was a bit squirmy about it all at first, but soon come to associate testing and shots with food, so it doesn't bother her at all. She's quite happy, and was able to go off insulin after 4 months. She is now almost 10 months into remission (knock on wood). we have many MANY cats on here that are either regulated, or in remission. It's VERY possible and not all that uncommon at all with proper treatment and careful monitoring. The fact that your vet has only seen 2 in remission tells me either he hasn't treated many diabetic cats, or he sucks at dosage suggestions... or a majority of his clients don't home test.
     
  3. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    BTW If you want to see for yourself how well my cat does with home testing, just watch the video of me testing her in my signature.
     
  4. Bee

    Bee Member

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    Jun 27, 2017
    I am from Central CA (Monterey area) . Im hoping he will get better. He has gone down hill the past week. We are getting his medicine today. He looks so frail peeing on the floor he peed on the kitchen counter today. He has diarrhea which he's on medicine for now. this week I've also noticed his back legs seem weak. I wish we would of noticed the signs sooner he had lost some weight but didn't look or act sick. He ate normally it was hard to notice the drinking well since all 4 animals drink from it. it wasn't till i saw how much he peed outside one day that i knew something was wrong.i am hoping its not to late to help him. thanks for your input
     
    Last edited: Jun 27, 2017
  5. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    oh ok... Then what a lot of people in the US do is order lantus from Marks marine pharmacy in Canada. 5 3ml pens are just $150! That's like a years supply.

    https://rxcanada4less.com/
     
  6. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Bee likes this.
  7. Yong & Maury GA

    Yong & Maury GA Well-Known Member

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    Jan 11, 2017
    Welcome Bee and Rocky!
    We have a saying about treating FD (feline diabetes): It's a marathon, not a sprint. So there is no quick fix to it but it's manageable :). The Lantus forum is very active here and you can post any general questions on the Main Health forum :cat:
     
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  8. Jan Radar (GA)

    Jan Radar (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jun 27, 2015
    Welcome to you and your extra sweet kitty. :cat: There is a lot to learn after being informed that your furry friend is diabetic. I remember that moment like it was yesterday... we were scared and unsure about everything. But we were determined to help our little guy feel better and, like you, found our way to this board. Without a doubt, the education, kind support and guidance provided here has saved our sanity and our kitty is a happy and joyful being once more.
    We are glad you found us and we'll be happy to help you get busy helping your kitty feel better. So start Gathering up your questions and head over to the Main Health Forum to let us know what you need assistance with.
     
  9. Julia Rae

    Julia Rae Well-Known Member

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    Jun 11, 2015
    Bee welcome to the sugar dance, yes it is very possible to get your fur son off of insulin, this is doable. I personally found in the beginning I did between 5 and 10 test a day.. but then I tend to test a lot and hover over Magellan. The test system that works for me is the walmart relion mico, as it uses the smallest amount of blood.. I have found. Like Jan said there are lots of people more than willing to answer questions, hand hold and help. We all have been there, done that or are doing that. There are no stupid questions here only the love of fur children and the willingness to help others. Manny hugs and snuggles you can do this just trust yourself and most important BREATH.
     
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