Diabities and Animia

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Olga, Jan 8, 2018.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Hello Everyone. Just this morning I rushed my kitty to the vet. He stopped eating, not moving but indeed was drinking a lot. They ran a blood test and urine test and and said he has diabities plus his RBC was extremely low. We had a problem with RBC a year ago when he was hospitalized for 3 days. He pulled it of. Now i had to leave him again. My vet prognosis were not really good he said that you cannot treat one thing and treat another thing at the same time because the steroids will increased sugar in blood, but becouse sugar is very high right now they have to concentrate decreasing sugar levelfirst and not give steroids for RBC. I apologize if I am writhing in a wrong topic or if thetopic been discussed before, but emotions are getting over me. My question is, is it possible to treat both diagnoses at the same time and still give your kitty good quality of life? Thank you
     
  2. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Many people here are treating multiple issues in their cats. Do you have a copy of his blood work?
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  3. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Unfortunately No, i don't. I am gonna ask them to email me a copy. I am sepose to pick him up in 2 to 3 days, they said they need to stabilize him and see how much insulin he needs.
     
  4. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    The way my vet put it, that there isn't much hope in maintaining his condition. But after reading topics here I think I will go to for another opinion if my vet wont give me a solution.
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  5. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    When you get a copy of the blood work, post it here. We have several members who can help interpret it. Does the vet know why the RBC count is so low?
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  6. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I just called them up hopping they can email me resolts, unfortunately they cannot. So i will pick it up with him...hopefully in couple days. Last time when we had problem with RBC it was becouse of the virus and he did warn me that he might have a problem with them in the future. at least that's what I was told back than. this time he said that's because of diabetes the level of RBC dropped so low.
     
  7. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi Olga,

    We can really understand what a worrying and frightening time this must be for you and your kitty.

    :bighug:

    Many cats here have more than one health issue. Obviously we are not vets and your vet can actually see your cat's clinical signs and lab results. That said, there are times when another (possibly long term) condition trumps diabetes and its treatment may need to take priority at times. It is true that steroids can elevate blood glucose levels but, should your kitty need to have steroid support and end up with higher BG levels as a result, it is possible to adjust insulin dose to compensate for the effect of the steroids on blood glucose regulation. Usually it's not a black and white case of either/or.

    As suggested above, when you get copies of the lab results post them here and ask for help understanding them.

    Sending positive healing vibes for your little kitty.



    Mogs
    .
     
  8. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you a lot for support. I was not expecting that, maybe I should have. He is only 4 and had sooo many issues. I kinda feel maybe even my vet is giving up on him, but unless I be sure that I cannot do anything I won't give up on. Now i just pray that they can stabilize him in a hospital and we will go forward. I am really thankful for finding this page, you guys really gave me hope and knowing that it is not the end.
     
  9. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    What virus did he have?
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  10. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    He had a cold. And according to the vet he got it from a person.
     
  11. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    If his low RBC was from a cold, why did the vet think he would have a continuing problem once the cold was gone? Is there another underlying condition?
     
  12. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Yes, he been a sick little kitty from the beginning. He is 4 and we been vet free maybe for a year. First 3 years he would get anything you can imagine. I was doing my best to boost his immune system and it looked like finally I got on a right track. But now this. I had no reason to doubt in my vet, but now i kinda realise I don't have much explanation to all issues my boy was having. Regardless RBC I was told and it sounded righf becouse he was so week and sick from a little age his system been also week and damaged, that's why any little virus could coz drop in RBC. So i did my best to boost him, but it wasn't enough with diabities. I just don't understand how they didn't see it before?!
     
  13. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Back than he also suggested to put him permanently on steroids to maintain his RBC but it had horrible side effects so we desided to go with more harmless way boosting his immune system.
     
  14. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Is there any way you can get those blood work results now, while he’s still at the vets? Maybe we can see something that you can then ask your vet about. If you have blood work from last year, get that too. Sometimes comparing them gives answers that a single test doesn’t show.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  15. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I called if they can email it to me, but they she said they cannot do it becouse it is not electronic. Which shouldn't be a problem every office have a scanner, but no. So as soon as I get it i will upload it. Thank you a lot again.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  16. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    They don't have electronic copy of test results?! That seems very odd to me. Can they not photograph the page and email it to you?
     
    Olga likes this.
  17. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    That what i couldn't understand either, I was really surprised to say at least. I do TNR to my local ferals and any clinic I would take them they would have electronic files on them. And that a low cost clinic. Now where my boy is far away from low cost and i couldn't get it. I just gonna shoot there tomorrow and pick it up, hopefully with no problem.
     
    Sharon14 and Critter Mom like this.
  18. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Good luck getting the results tomorrow! We’ll watch for them. In the meantime, if you’re not already familiar with home testing, you can start reading up on it so you can keep your kitty (name?) safe and see how well the insulin is working. This is very important especially if you need to keep using the steroids. Here’s some info to get you started
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
    Another great site with a lot of advice on nutrition
    http://catinfo.org/
     
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  19. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you. I will need any help I need. I never had to deal with diabities, even in humans. It is tottaly unknown ground for me.
     
  20. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Check out the sites I listed and come back and ask any questions you have. We will be happy to answer:cat:
     
    Olga likes this.
  21. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Some older, in-house analysis machines had simple printers with no way to communicate the results electronically to a computer.
     
    Olga likes this.
  22. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I would never think of that. I guess we so used to be everything electronic this days.
     
  23. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    His name is Wenz:cat:
     
    Vader723, Critter Mom and Sharon14 like this.
  24. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Good morning, or afternoon guys. Got blood resolts from.my vet, i hope the pic is readable. He is still at a hospital, they trying to find the best way to get his RBC back up without increasing his sugar.He is absolutely pissed of and tired of needles. Eat and used a bathroom. My little champe!:cat::cat::cat:
     

    Attached Files:

    Critter Mom likes this.
  25. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    I won't pretend to get able to analyze your blood work. But others can. I just wanted to welcome you and Wenz.

    You have tons of support here, you are in the right place :bighug:

    Best,
    Sandi & Whisper.
     
    Olga likes this.
  26. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you:)
     
  27. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Glad you got the results. I can’t interpret them but will tag @Larry and Kitties who can help
     
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  28. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    Glad you got the results, I'm not an expert interpreting lab results either hopefully one of the experts will jump in shortly, but has he lost a lot of weight lately? Has he been tested for pancreatitis?

    Hang in there a lot of people here are dealing with multiple issues on top of diabetes ( Me and Babu included)
     
    Olga likes this.
  29. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Hey. Yes, he did lost weight. When he got to the vet on Monday he was 11ponds. Less than a month ago he was close to 16. No, he wasn't check for pancreatitis. They should call me with more updates and i will ask nurse about it. Is pancreatitis a common problem with diabities?
     
  30. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Any updates?
     
  31. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    Not necessarily related to diabetes but more common than most people think considering some of his symptoms and lab results I thought it would be worth asking the vet about it and IBD too
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  32. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Not too great not too bad. He finally started responding on insulin. His sugar dropped from 381 to 265 so that's a progress. If i understood coreectly it should be somewhere between 74-159. But RBC still low but that coz they haven't done nothing yet to bump them becouse of the sugar. So i was hopping to get him back tomorrow....but I got a feeling that wont happen.
     
  33. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    I’ve never had a diabetic with a low RBC count, so I’m not sure why they can’t work on both things at the same time. Hopefully Larry will be around soon and maybe can give some insight. If not I’ll tag a few others that might be able to read the tests.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  34. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you Sharon. That's becouse a medication for RBC increases sugar. So he is researching if there is any other way to fix RBC.
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  35. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Most of it all steroids or steroid bassed medication, and they effect sugar. But now diabities is bigger problem for his life so they concentrate on it.
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  36. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    Controlling his diabetes and taking him to normal values is going to take time is not like you shoot insulin once and you get low values, even finding the right dose for him is an slow process that can take many days even months (that is with or without steroids) so I think they will have to work on both conditions at the same time, just a thought I don't know much about RBC

    if the only way is givin him steroids you will have to work around it, that will probably mean that his insulin dose will have to be higher than what it would be with out steroids but still you can give steroids and insulin at the same time.

    A glucose value of 265 is not life threatening is actually quite good for a newly diagnosed kitty
     
    Olga, Sharon14 and Critter Mom like this.
  37. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    @Marje and Gracie - When you have a moment is there any chance you could look at Wenz's labs for Olga, please? They're in post #24 on this thread.

    (Maybe immune-mediated anaemia with respiratory tract infection as a trigger? (I don't know enough about different types of anaemia nor how to interpret the labs.) Wenz is only a baby (4). Vet seems to be taking something of an either/or stance WRT steroid treatment for the anaemia and insulin treatment for the diabetes.)


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Jan 9, 2018
  38. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Veronica, i will take the fact that 265 is not bad number, coz for me now anything looks like a bad number.:D Doesn't help the fact that I stepped in in something i have no idea about, but i guess most of people start like this and than it just gets easier. For now i am still more panicking.
     
  39. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    We understand we were like you at the beginning at least I was totally panicked desperate and worried sick but it gets easier, regarding the initial values click on the link of Baby's spreadsheet in my signature and see the values he was having also take a look at this other one for Han Solo and Fernanda and see their values a few months ago both of them are doing just fine now (at least with the diabetes) but it took a few months https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11MBXnuL4TR-D668qaZzuaheQMMEw9VZvxSJPe6x8s_s/edit#gid=0
     
    Olga likes this.
  40. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Wow!so...wow.so I see his numbers are 300 or 400, and even with such high numbers is possible to give your kitty a good life?and you do blood test every day?dont mind my questions, i just have no clue how that works. Like you said, for right now there is lots of fear and panic.
     
  41. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I know i have to wait for my vet to give me the info on what, how and whatever to do, I just trying to get a head start.lol
     
  42. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    He is severely anemic and I doubt the issues with his RBCs were ever from a cold. His liver enzymes are also really elevated which means something is causing damage to his liver cells.

    Because there are reticulocytes in his blood, his anemia is likely regenerative. This means his bone marrow is trying to make more red blood cells. Here is some additional information on anemia in cats. It’s important that you find a vet that can properly diagnose the cause of the anemia.

    He likely also needs an ultrasound to get a look at his liver. I’m not surprised that he’s feeling poorly with those liver values.
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
  43. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    He had those high numbers at the beginning we even had some 500s but once we started with the insulin and following the protocol the numbers began to improve little by little and he began to feel better right now he's is in remission (he is no longer getting insulin and we are keeping him regulated with his diet)

    Once you start giving insulin you will need to test his blood glucose before you shoot him insulin (this tests are a must to keep him safe) and insulin is given every 12 hours and ideally you will test one or two more times inbetween shoots
     
  44. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Oh boy!Thank you a lot for your respond. Tomorrow I will ask the vet to make an ultrasound. I been going to this doctor since the begging, he sepose to be one of the best in our aria. Although I already had thought of trying another place.
     
  45. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    This makes me even more scared. :oops::(but I am ready to do what it needs.
     
  46. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    We can help you learn how to test and home testing is probably one of the most important things you'll have to do most of us test from an ear
     
    Olga and Critter Mom like this.
  47. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    Seriously is not as bad as it sounds and there is a lot of very experienced people here that can help you
     
    Olga and Critter Mom like this.
  48. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Marje and Gracie, Olga and Sharon14 like this.
  49. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Hey Guys, so I am picking up my boy today. I haven't got specific instructions for now how to give him insulin and how much. Only said twice a day after feeding. One thing she told me that I will need to come back in a week and check his blood for glucose. She said i won't have to do it myself...does that sound right? Also for Animia only option he has is give him more iron. He checked everything, liver, kidney and pancreatitis. Everything is Good, no cancer or parasites. It preaty much leaves problem with his immune system.
     
  50. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    He also told me to buy Purina DM cat food for him.
     
  51. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Did your vet confirm that he had run a Spec fPL test for pancreatitis? Or a SNAP fPL test?

    Did your vet do an ultrasound scan of the internal organs including the liver and pancreas?


    Mogs
    .
     
  52. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    You’re welcome, Mogs :bighug:
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  53. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    His liver needs some support. Your vet is missing something. A 4 year old cat does not have anemia or liver values that high without there being an issue somewhere. My kitty’s liver values were half that and my vet took action.

    Can you speak to your vet about putting him on milk thistle supplement?
     
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  54. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I am not sure about those tests, i will ask when I pick him up, i did ask to do ultrasound, he said everything looked good, no internal problems. So confused.
     
  55. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you a lot for helping me out. When I spoke with him over the phone, he said all test came back negative and the reason behind high liver cells( forgive me here if I will get to confused) becouse of the glucose beeing high and diabities not treated, liver started to produce some kinda chemical( I forgot the name, English is not my native language so I have a hard time with terminology), to supplement glucose.
     
  56. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2016
    What insulin did he said you'll be using? Shooting twice a day is how is usually done

    A lot of vets have this approach where they say that the owner does not need to test at home but I (and I dare to say everyone else in this forum) think it is very risky to handle things that way since you will be shooting insulin into his system and doing so with out knowing his levels of blood glucose before shooting and learning how he reacts every cat is different

    Some Vets think (mine included) think that testing at home is stressful for the owner and tend to say not to test but I discovered that was far more stressful to shoot with out knowing and to look at him and not being sure if he's too low or too high so I certainly recommend that you consider home testing regardless of what your vet thinks plus doing the curves at home is way cheaper
     
  57. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    So he prescribed Humulin N NPH U-100 2 units.
     
  58. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    We finnaly got settled home. He looks very tired and angry. I used to leave dry food for him all the time so now he will has to get used to new schedule. Him and my other girl. That be a chalange. But we make it. I also never knew how much insulin cost...
     
  59. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  60. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Oh yes I did!I watched them all and read the link. I am defenetly considering doing home testing, one thing,he did not let nurse do it through his ear, but he didn't mind too much through the paw. Nurse also exp lain to me that he was in a stage on DKA when I rushed him in. Even though his numbers were not that extremely high compare to some other fluffs, that was enough for him. That's why his liver test was high also, but ultrasound didn't show anything abnormal. They will do second blood work in 30.
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  61. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Erm ... that's extremely important information. They should have told you that much sooner.

    Given that we now know Wenz is a ketone-prone kitty, it's even more important for you to test him regularly for ketones at home. (Ketone-prone kitties are a little more vulnerable to developing ketosis or DKA in the future so it's a wise precaution to take.) Here's some info for you:

    Are you testing your cat for ketones?

    Tips for collecting urine samples

    You can test urine for ketones using human urine reagent strips (e.g. Ketostix).


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
    Sharon14, Olga and Tanya and Ducia like this.
  62. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Very important to know!!

    You can buy urine ketone test strips in a human pharmacy. Here are some ways to get urine for a test:
    • put the end of the test strip right in his urine stream as he's peeing
    • slip a shallow, long handled spoon under his backside to catch a little pee - you don't need much
    • put a double layer of plastic wrap over his favourite part of the litter box and poke some depressions in it too catch pee.
    Most test strips have to be dipped and allowed to develop for 15 seconds before viewing the colour change in very good light.
     
    Olga and Sharon14 like this.
  63. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Yes, please pick up the ketone test strips. You can also get a human glucose meter at the pharmacy so you can start testing him. What are you feeding Wenz? It’s important that he eat so you can give the insulin.
     
    Olga likes this.
  64. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    In all honesty, they most likely did say It, but i don't always cutch unusual words for me, simply because I am Russian. Lol I do speak Well, but not always perfect understand. Specialy terminology. That's why i took of from work to pick Wenzy up and actually had a chance one on one to go over with everything with nurse( I spoke with a doctor earlier before pick up). But thanks to her patience and hour and a half of her time. I got a better picture now. I wouldn't understand half of this stuff if you would tell me in it Russian. But also thanks for all yours advises and what to.ask my vet I actually starting to see things better and understand.
     
  65. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    So Vet told me, feed him only twice a day, before the shot. I ordered diabetic Purina DM food...it is on it way.geez thag stuff is expensive. But I also picked up chicke liver to add more iron to his diet to get his RBC up. I was always giving him duly supplements, now I be giving it to him twice a day. They also told me no snake or free feeding...that would be hard since he so used to food be available...plus I have another kitty
     
  66. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    His usual food was Blue wilderness high protein grain free. He is also allergic to grain.
     
  67. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Пожалуйста!

    (One of the eight Russian words I know. :oops:)


    Mogs
    .
     
    Olga and Sharon14 like this.
  68. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Most of us feed several small meals a day, not just twice a day even though vets often say that. If your cat has had DKA he needs calories, water and enough insulin to prevent ketone formation. We hope you will test Wenz's blood glucose at home. What insulin is he on?
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
    Vader723 and Critter Mom like this.
  69. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Is the Purina dm canned or dry? A canned food is best, and it’s good to add a little water to it to help with hydration. You don’t need to buy the expensive vet food either, there are many grocery store brands that are low carb and fine to feed to Wenz. I’ve never used Humulin N, but It’s important that he eat before you give the insulin and most of us feed small snacks during the day
    @Tanya and Ducia speaks Russian
     
    Tanya and Ducia and Olga like this.
  70. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    You know more than my husband.lol
     
    Critter Mom and Sharon14 like this.
  71. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Humilia N NPH U-100. He defenetly needs calories...he lost a lot of weight. I was thinking of buying high valley supplement on chewy.com
     
  72. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    I got bought, wet and dry food. What is consider good amount of carb? I am shooting to pharmacy right now. See if I can pick up ur in strips and that thing to test blood
     
    Sharon14 likes this.
  73. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    It's best to keep carbs under 10%. However, a thin kitty who has had DKA sometimes does better with slightly higher carbs so that a high enough insulin dose can be given.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  74. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    He prescribed 2 units. If i read all the I do from links correctly thats treaty high
     
  75. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Info
     
  76. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    :D

    I'm feeling all smug 'n' clever now! ;)


    .
     
    Olga likes this.
  77. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    So do I just buy regular human glucometr and that's It? Do i need something else?
     
  78. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Ask the pharmacist for a human glucose meter that gives a reading with a very small blood drop. You need to buy test strips for the meter and we would suggest a supply of 100 strips for now. You need lancets to poke your kitty's ear for the BG test. It will be easier if the lancets are 26 to 28 gauge (a bit thicker than the 30 or 31 gauge that come with most meters.)
     
  79. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Awsome. At the vet he hated be tested in the ear, he was ok with paw. Thanks to Shanon I saw how people do it with ear...not sure about paw
     
  80. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Here’s a video showing paw testing

     
    Olga likes this.
  81. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Should I also get some kinda antiseptic?
     
  82. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Alright, preaty sure I read somewhere here that someone suggested Freestyle brand so I got that. And 28lancest. So you feed a kitty hour before insulin, than test blood before injection, is that correct?
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  83. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    I'm not sure. You'll be trying foot pad testing, right? There's no need when we use ears for testing.
     
    Olga likes this.
  84. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Test first, then feed, wait 20-30 min then give the shot. Then try to get a test about 2-3 hours after the shot if you can
     
  85. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Frestyle Lite meters are used by many here. There are other Freestyle models too.

    Here's the basic testing routine:
    1. test every day AM and PM before feeding and injecting (no food at least 2 hours before) to see if the planned dose is safe
    2. test at least once near mid cycle or at bedtime daily to see how low the BG goes
    3. do extra tests on days off to fill in the response picture
    4. if indicated by consistently high numbers on your SS, increase the dose by no more than 0.25 u at a time so you don't accidentally go right past a good dose
    5. post here for advice whenever you're confused or unsure of what to do.
    We can help you much better if you use the spreadsheet:
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
     
    Olga likes this.
  86. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Almost:

    1. Withhold food for 2 hours prior to preshot test.
    2. Do preshot BG test.
    3. Feed and wait c. 60 minutes. (Humulin N can hit hard and fast in early hours after insulin dose so this delay allows time for carbs to get into bloodstream ready for the insulin to get to work on.)
    4. Give insulin dose.

    Test at +2 hrs after insulin to get a possible early warning of what may happen next (if lower than PS test monitor more closely for next few hours).
    Test at +3 and then +4 hrs after insulin to try to catch lowest BG for cycle (aka the nadir).


    Mogs
    .
     
    Vader723, Olga and Sharon14 like this.
  87. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Yes, i will try with a foot
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  88. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Is there a **** where you could compare human resolts to a pet?...the glucometr will show human numbers,right?
     
  89. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    The human meter will work well to tell you if BG is too high, OK or too low. The important thing to know is that a BG of 50 on a human meter is a warning that it's getting too low and you should give a bit of food to keep it from falling more.

    This is the info guide for your insulin:
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-novolin-humulin-nph.186097/
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2018
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  90. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thanks. I opened up a package and there were no strip wich goes inside the metter, where you put a blood sample on. They already closed now so.i have to wait till tomorow
     
  91. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
  92. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Ugh! In the meantime, get to know the meter and how it works. Also start rubbing Wenz on his foot and/or ear and then give him a little treat or a cuddle so when you’re ready to do the test he’s used to it. You could also set up the spreadsheet, like Kris mentioned. If you need help with that let us know and someone will do it for you.
     
    Critter Mom and Olga like this.
  93. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Yes, i will defenetly do that. I gonna print it out. It is missing this...so stupid.so mad
     

    Attached Files:

    Sharon14 likes this.
  94. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Well...his appetite wasnt great...he didn't eat much. So i got scared giving him full 2 units, so I just gave him 1.25...i wish pharmacy didn't screw me up with a meter. Despite what my vet told me I left a little bit of food out. Hopefully I am not killing my cat. But he lost too much weight as it is.
     
  95. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    If your cat is underweight then the general guideline is not to restrict food for a diabetic cat until its weight returns to normal, with the exception of the 2 hours before each preshot blood glucose test (to make sure it's safe to give the next dose).

    Not sure about how the liver and anaemia issues might complicate things.

    I very much recommend that you give your vet a quick call to explain that Wenz's appetite is slow and confirm what to do about insulin dose? It's really important that a cat on Humulin N eats a fair amount before the insulin dose is given. Also, because Wenz has a history of DKA it's very, very important that he does get insulin regularly - ETA: and enough food! (Note: a reduced dose is better than no insulin at all.) Perhaps your vet could prescribe an appetite stimulant for Wenz? Also, please read the following page to see whether Wenz is showing any signs of nausea when he tries to eat (very common problem in cats recovering from DKA):

    Nausea and appetite problems - symptoms and treatments

    Let your vet know about any nausea symptoms. Generic ondansetron and Cerenia are very good anti-nausea treatments for cats. If Wenz is suffering from nausea then these medications could help him to eat a lot better (and the appetite stimulant is better given AFTER anti-nausea med).


    Mogs
    .
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2018
    Vader723, Olga and Kris & Teasel like this.
  96. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Alright, did everything like you suggested. He lowered dose to 1 unit. Becouse his RBC are still low and sugar obviously hasn't been regulated it gonna be hard to get him to eat a good amount of food. He did suggested appetite boosters. On a good thing He ate today a lit more than last night and actually was really interested in it.( for a minute maybe) I also tryed to use a syringe, it didn't work to well for me. Not even becouse of him,maybe I didn't put enough water. Also trying to boost his iron, besides the supplement I baked chicken liver and he actually went for it. So i guess baby steps
     
  97. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi Olga,

    Glad to hear you got help from the vet. :)

    Be sure to check Wenz's pee daily for ketones. Have you managed to get a blood glucose meter yet, Olga?

    It's even more vital for a ketone-prone kitty to get enough food and insulin than yer average feline diabetic so as to ensure they don't start producing ketones again and having a relapse.

    If you're getting a prescription for an appetite stimulant I'd also push the vet to prescribe an anti-nausea medication, as it is frequently the case that nausea causes the poor appetite (especially in kitties recovering from DKA) and if you can control the nausea the appetite stimulant is sometimes not needed at all. With an appetite stimulant used on its own it's not as effective if the cat is queasy, and it may not work at all. If it does, then it could potentially lead to food aversions (we wouldn't like to feel compelled to eat if we were nauseated! ;) ).

    If he looks keen to eat, tries to eat (or licks at the food) and then gives up that can be a sign of nausea. Keep an eye out for this sort of behaviour - especially if it's accompanied by marked lip licking behaviour after the attempt to eat.

    This is good news. And every little bit helps, Olga. :bighug:

    Keeping fingers and paws crossed for Wenz to continue making a nice steady recovery.


    Mogs
    .
     
    Tanya and Ducia and Olga like this.
  98. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Thank you a lot. I haven't manage to test his ur in, becouse I have hard time separating litters. I live in 1 bedroom apartment and got 2 kitties. I have 2 jobs and basicly rarely home. My husband trying to help but he works 12-13 hour shifts too. I got a meter last night, what I didn't realize that strips for it come seperat.i thought they just forgot to put them in...and they cost **** lot of money.lol but I just got them:)
     
  99. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2017
    Hi Olga,
    Добро Пожаловать на Форум!
    I am sorry that your kitty ( I didn't get his/her name, sorry) is sick but this is the BEST place to get help.
    My cat Ducia (Дуся) had anemia, DKA and not regulated BG and many other things and we were treating it all simultaneously. I cannot remember at the moment what type of anemia Ducia had but it was resolved by eating well, hydration, rest and time - no steroids were needed. I, in general, keep away from steroids unless it is absolutely necessary - and confirmed so by tests/ 2nd opinion, but it's me. I think vets and human MDs Rx-ing very strong meds too easily...

    I want to second the suggestions given above - it is important and he has enough food and good dose of insulin otherwise you are risking ketone development and more often than not it's downhill from there. The earlier the stage of ketones the easier - and significantly cheaper - it is to treat (think $1G v. $3 or 4 G) . I hope your "pee ambush is successful" and that he is ketone free. Ducia had DKA in Feb March 2017 - I still test her urine for ketones daily.

    Another I thing I support strongly is that you need to have at home anti nausea med, an appetite stimulant and liver supplement Milk Thisle based. Ducia had her 10 days course of Denamarin liver supplement and it helped a lot with her VERY elevated liver values at the time. Another clinic suggested Silymarin. Ask your vet.

    I have a question - did your vet mentioned anything about him being dehydrated?

    Very best of luck you and your sugar baby!
     
    Vader723, Sharon14 and Olga like this.
  100. Olga

    Olga Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2018
    Здравствуйте Таня he is Wenz. My husband pick the name, he is German. Well, the name is German. Yes, he was very dehydrated! I am keeping an eye now how much he drinks, i just saw him using a bathroom and i missed it.lol is Denamarin prescription medication?
    I am trying to motivate him eat more, i did use a syringe just to give me more nutrion in. I belibe he does have nausia...he got the simptoms:(
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page