What would you do?

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Sean & Rufus, Jan 29, 2018.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014


    The link below shows where my Tuxie was at just before I had the dental done. I was also using an AT2 meter, The spreadsheet starts about 2 weeks after diagnosis

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zjLCy1Y3LgvEsa3TU22TfmUUru9Ekr55QBrfBUpRO1Q/edit#gid=5

    ETA He went through the dental wonderfully. He was such a food hog that when I brought him home, he immediately went for the food even though he could barely stand. He literally stood in his food dish to eat. :smuggrin:
     
  2. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    But see you had some yellows and blues in there. I have yet to see anything that good :(
     
  3. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    I was testing a lot more as time went along. I t is only because I was so obsessive with the testing that the "better" numbers showed up. With a hard to regulate kitty extra testing can show a lot more than what minimal testing shows.
    ETA If you notice on Feb 22 he started with AMPS of 22.4 and had a PMPS of 30.5...but in between he hit the yellows for a reading of 15.7. The more data you can get the more the pieces of the puzzle come together.

    Again on Feb 25 he had a PMPS of 25.6 and an AMPS of 37.9...but in between he got down to 8.8. With only looking at the two preshots numbers it looked like the insulin wasn't working or he needed more...but he did go down much lower in between.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2018
    Critter Mom and Sean & Rufus like this.
  4. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    And my problem is that I see him acting better, take a test, and it comes back bad so I get discouraged and deflated. I will be testing more often now. The vet said to lay off, but I don't think that's good advice.
     
  5. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    My first vet said NOT to home test...I quickly found another vet. With my new vet she said to take it easy with the home testing until I showed her my spreadsheet...which later in the treatment plan had huge drops...and she became an advocate for home testing If you take a peek at my Maxie's S/S you can see that she can go from quite high numbers to hypo numbers very quickly. She never shows any signs of hypos so the only way I can tell is by testing.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HvTZlCS56zZKG1xa4Va14N6DXyBBXe7tJdxbp88gUcs/edit#gid=5

    A human diabetic is TOLD to test numerous times every day and the same should apply to our kitties.
     
    Nan & Amber (GA) and Critter Mom like this.
  6. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    For sure. That's my concern too. What if one day his pancrease decides it wants to work again. I keep asking (or did) how would I know if his BG is too low? "Oh you'll know" Ummm Ok?
     
  7. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Kitties have the unique ability to heal their pancreas. Without regular testing there is no way to tell if or when that can happen. A family member had a FD kitty that was doing fine according to the monthly vet checks. One day she went into a serious hypo, went into a coma and passed away. The really sad part is the fellow was diabetic and had all the testing equipment for himself but didn't want to "stress" the kitty by doing home testing. :oops:
     
  8. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Is Maxie still on pred? How does it effect her numbers?
     
  9. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    They make some good enticing toppers for food-mine like them most of the time.
    I also just tried a new food he may like - it is juicy and honestly I do not know the carbs but Does numbers have not spiked.
    Pure bites food-not the freeze dried. So far my boys like them all.
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  10. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Maxie was only on prednisolone for a short time a few times when she had some serious breathing issues. Testing did not show any definite respiratory problems, so the pred was only for symptomatic relief. Her numbers were higher when she was on pred.
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  11. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Yeah, that really was the vets reasoning for not testing at home. Already stressed cat, don't need to upset them more. Which sounds nice, but it's no big deal to check at home! Plus, for the first 8 weeks he was getting it checked once a week! That's not enough, especially when it can flucuate with so many variables. I was at the emergecy vet and she told me she had a diabetic cat. I asked how often she checks numbers and she said "never, really" I was like what the???? So weird!
     
  12. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Is it the mixers? I only see mixers and freeze dried on their website
     
    jayla-n-Drevon likes this.
  13. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    When Tuxie was first diagnosed...before I knew better...I had a curve run on him at the vet a week after starting insulin. He sat in the litter box at the vets, wouldn't eat or drink and the curve was cancelled half way through because his numbers were not changing at all. Once he got home that day he ended up having a pancreatic attack...talk about stress!!! It took a few weeks of getting him ( and me) climatized to testing, but he got to the point where he would walk to the test area when I told him it was "pokey time" and sit and purr through the test. He was VERY food motivated and he always got a treat after testing...talk about NO STRESS!!
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  14. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Rufus loves his treats (and food) too, just the really bad ones :) I was hoping the at home tests would be lower because of stress at the vet, but no luck. Honestly, I think the hardest part for me will be getting up early to take away the food bowl so he doesn't eat 2 hours prior to first test, although maybe I won't have to if the young again food doesn't affect his BG.
     
  15. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Some people have had excellent results with the Young Again Zero and others have had problems with loose poops and higher glucose readings. ECID..every cat is different. The best food would be low carb wet if you can manage to get Rufus to eat that. Feeding numerous meals of LC wet during the cycle often works best with some kitties.
     
    Critter Mom and Sean & Rufus like this.
  16. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Ozzie won't eat wet food, so I'll have to have dry food out. And if I have dry food out, Rufus will eat it. I like the idea of the young again because theoretically zero carb and also I bought the limited ingredient one, so should be a win-win. Only downfall is less moisture. But I do have a fountain that they both drink out of. Also, even before all of this Rufus has loved playing and drinking water from faucets and bathtub so I think his intake will be ok.
     
  17. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  18. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Noticed that he has lost another tooth, 3 now in 3/4 months and 4 teeth total. Hope it's not resorbtion.
     
  19. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I tend to agree with you, that there is probably something going on with his teeth.

    The dental specialist can't do x-rays until his BG numbers are down? I don't understand that. Do cats need to be sedated for x-rays? I don't know. When J.D. was 14, he had a dental at our regular vet and they quoted one price (I can't remember if it was $400 or $800), but it turned out to be less than quoted, even though they pulled 8 teeth. The regular vet did not have a dental x-ray machine. When J.D. was 18, I took him to a dental specialist, because my regular vet kept saying "No" to a dental. He was always an unregulated diabetic. A couple of times I was told he had a heart murmur, but then it would be gone. I made an appointment with the cardiologist to get an echocardiogram first, and if he passed that, which he did, then I had an appointment with the dedicated anesthesiologist to make sure she knew about and we talked about his kidneys, and the third appointment (all one right after the other on the same day) was for the dental. It was during the dental procedure that they found his canine was majorly infected with an abscess. He had the canine and another 7 teeth pulled that day. Of course the second dental was way more expensive.
     
  20. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I'm new to the dental, but it seems both regular vet and dental specialist do everything at once. Sedate/anesthesia, xrays, cleaning, and extractions in neccesary. Both said they always sedate for xrays because cats dont like to have mouth opened and vets dont want to get ripped apart. I have a call in to vet to see about getting some new/different antibiotics. Hopefully she'll allow it!
     
  21. Kenai_21

    Kenai_21 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2017
    I had the same issue with Rupert being a diabetic and his lil Brother not. It took some time for Leo to eat the wet food but in the long run it was so worth it. I didn't have to feed Rupert & Leo in separate rooms anymore to keep Rupert out of Leo's nasty dry food.
     

    Attached Files:

    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  22. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I've tried to get Ozzie to eat wet food, he just refuses, which is weird because he'll eat anything and everything outside. Another thing is wet food sitting out Rufus won't eat it. I don't I'll figure it out, but first need to fix the bigger issues :)
     
  23. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    I hate to go back, but if Rufus was doing really well on the prednisolone - which seemed to help the allergies, possible IBD and helped his appetite, why not go back on them? Or is there another steroid they can try?

    Jones has been on prednisolone since August 2016. We have gone down and up in dose. It does affect his BG's but I dose around it. That said lately we have had issues as he no longer wanted to eat his Rawz food (2% carb) but settled on Friskies (5% carb). I use the Whiskas treats to help encourage him to eat. 1 crushed up on his food. Again, I am just dosing around the increased carb.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  24. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Vet doesn't want him on the pred, and I didn't either, but at this point I'm not sure. In all honesty, the pred only really helped the itching. When she said yesterday she thought he might have cushings, the main test she normally would use would require a steroid and she won't even do that test because it involves a steroid. I really dont think he has cushings myself. It would explain the numbers not budging, but that's about it.

    So he lost another tooth and I asked for an antibiotic and was told no. Keep current course and check back in next week. I'm really close to going to the internist. Vet doesn't think they'll be able to help, but he's not getting any better numbers wise.
     
  25. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    I love our IM Vet. Don't regret going.
     
  26. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I don't think i would. But have to get a referral from regular vet, and I think that kind of makes her unhappy...
     
  27. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    She needs to do what is best for her patient. I would maybe give her a deadline/set expectation. Not sure if that will work for your situation or not. If our regular vet hadn't gone on maternity I probably wouldn't of gotten referred but the replacement vet didn't want to deal with Jones' issues.
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  28. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    We're kinda said when we get to 7 units am & pm, then we'll re-evaluate. I'm growing impatient. I think there is something else causing the numbers to remain high. She doesn't want me to spend unneccesary money, and while I appreciate that, I don't like the idea of him constantly being in the 400 and 500's. I trust that she has good intent, but it sometimes seems my input is not welcome or is dismissed.

    I've only been going to this vet since September, as they are super close to my house and was a second opinion on issues that cause all of this. My first vet for his first 12 years said some things that made me question their sincerety and intergrity.
     
  29. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2016
    That is a sad comment. :( You are the day-to-day care taker. You see things that they just don't. Our regular vet always started with how does Jones feel today. Then allow me to go through my litany of thoughts and ideas. At that point she would start to exam Jones. She never made me feel like I wasn't heard. The IM vet is the same. I may not know all about animal medicine but I know my cat! And I am the only one talking because the cat sure isn't.

    I will keep up with Rufus' story, but not sure there is much more I can add except :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  30. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Thank you for your input! I appreciate it :)
     
  31. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    once you get the Cushing in control you will both feel much better-just a freaky and strange Side one of my dogs had Cushings and because she had other issues that caused discomfort we didn't treat it as the excess cortisone helped mask the pain...just a thought.
     
  32. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    I agree that is very sad and your vet should listen to every word you say-you know him best....do you have any homeopathic doctors for your boy?
     
    Tracey&Jones (GA) likes this.
  33. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2015
    I hope you find abetter vet...
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  34. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    The easiest and cheapest and least invasive test for Cushing's is the UCCR test that I mentioned in an earlier post on here. When I had the test done..it was sent to IDEXX...3 1/2 years ago the cost including shipping was just over $100 Cdn. Not sure what the cost would be at this time. The HDDS (high dose dex suppression test) is useful to help diagnose which type of Cushing's it is PDH or ADH IF the UCCR comes back positive or borderline. I had the HDDS with Tuxie and although it shot the glucose numbers through the roof for a couple of days there were no long lasting effects from it. Dexamethasone (which is used in the HDDS test) clears the system faster than prednosilone. Ruling out Cushing's would be helpful, since if it comes back negative then you would be able to use steroids, if required, for the potential food allergy/intolerance problems while you try to find a food that Rufus does not react to.
     
    Critter Mom and Sean & Rufus like this.
  35. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Ok thanks! I'll bring up the UCCR test to my vet. I guess I would worry about the steroid test, because his numbers are already high. The vet and I had some "issues" yesterday and she wants me to decide if I want to move forward with her, or switch to a internist and specialist. Not sure what to do at this point.
     
  36. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    My vet did not think Tuxie had Cushing's, but I was VERY suspicious from the research I had done. I had an ultrasound done by a vet would had actually dealt with a few Cushing's kitties over the years. His subjective opinion was PDH Cushing's. ..enlarged pancreas with no tumours, both adrenal glands enlarged with no tumours (very typical with PDH), enlarged liver. My vet checked with a few specialists who said it was too rare so it was most "likely" not Cushing's. I waited awhile then had the UCCR test done which came back as borderline. From there I did the HDDS test which came back as lower end positive...but still positive. Unfortunately most data for Cushing's is based on dog results so unless the results were through the rood or the skin was tearing badly vets are hesitant to consider Cushing's. Many vets do not consider Cushing's until the skin tearing problem becomes apparent and that is usually further down the line. The symmetrical hair loss, no hair-regrowth, pot bellied appearance, glucose VERY hard to regulate, major glucose ups and downs were all warning signs for me so I am glad I had the testing done...even though treatment is very sparse for it, at least I knew what I was dealing with and could adjust his insulin accordingly.
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  37. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I'm not saying it doesn't have it, because that would explain some things. But! Rufus licks, you said Tuxie didn't. No hair regrowth on Tuxie, Hair did regrow and fill in on Rufus when on steroids. No major up and down BG on Rufus. No pot belly on Rufus. He does have symmetrical hair loss. My regular vet did say she thinks it wouldn't hurt to do an ultrasound on him, so that'll probably be our next step. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. Not a whole lot of info out there on cushings, especially in kitties!
     
    Tuxedo Mom likes this.
  38. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    The ultrasound is useful, but is more expensive. I believe the first U/S I had done was around $250 Cdn..3 1/2 years ago. I still needed to get the other testing done to confirm the suspicions. Because of Tuxie's chronic pancreatitis the vet wanted me to start him on a low dose of prednisolone to see if that would help with the pancreas. I was hesitant to do that in case it actually WAS Cushing's which is why I proceeded with the UCCR and HDDS testing.

    However from your description of Rufus and the licking problem I would still be leaning more towards a skin infection or food intolerance/allergy. I mentioned in an earlier post that it may be helpful to have a skin scraping done so see if there are any obvious skin problems:


    https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-health/skin-scraping-in-cats/

    Also using a special black light light can detect whether there may be ringworm present. This link discusses some testing done ( it was with a dog, but still the same with a kitty) and the follow-up treatment

    https://www.banfield.com/pet-health...save-your-p?BanfieldBuildReleaseTag=20180117b
     
    Critter Mom and Sean & Rufus like this.
  39. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    You know what is strange? Rufus was on pred and then got the pancreatitis, but the pred really didn't seem to help at all (besides the licking). He was on a pretty low dose of it, only 5mg. Maybe if he has cushings it could be steroid induced? Vet was thinking the ultrasound would be useful to look at liver and kidneys and all that fun stuff. I thought before it would be good for the possible IBD, would be hesitant to do it for that reason now.

    My vet's first priority is to get Rufus regulated or normal numbers. That's obviously my priority too. But she thinks we have to fix that and then look at his other issues, the specialists (or the techs there at least), think we need to look at his issues now to see if that is what is causing his numbers not to drop. I'm kind of stuck in the middle. If I go to the specialist, she said I have to continue his treatment with them, and not with her anymore. I like the conveience and cost of her, but I'm wondering what to do. His numbers havent budged since November and I'm just worried that this is hurting him (not pain wise) to continue to be this high. I'll admit im impatient, but it's more for the sake of his health.
     
  40. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    You know actually my other cat, Ozzie, is having hair loss issues. He lost a big chunk of fur on his neck during the summer. He was on pred (before I even knew what it was) and the hair grew back. Then late summer, he started licking his leg and fur loss. He was put on a different med and it kind of helped, but was still visible hair missing on leg and belly. Then late last year he was thinning in one area on his back. Brought to the current vet who suspected possible ringworm. I was told to keep an eye on it, no meds. Brought him in last week and they are doing a culture on the hair sample. It was $130! They wanted me to do Rufus too, but I'm going to wait til it comes back. Their symptoms really aren't the same and I can't see spending another $130. I've spent soooo much money since August on both of them and still no real answers. I really want to do a food allergy test on Rufus, but was discouraged by both old and new vet. I'll ask new vet about the scraping for both Ozzie and Rufus!
     
  41. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Definitely getting numbers regulated is a key goal. HOWEVER if there are other concerns that may be causing the high numbers then not looking into the root cause will not help any. I had IAA and IGF-1 testing done a few months after diagnose to rule out IAA and acromegaly. Those conditions require higher doses of insulin to get movement with the numbers. The chronic pancreatitis was a concern, but I was also concerned with the possibilty of Cushing's which is why I went ahead with testing for that. Steroids can certainly cause Cushing's syndrome which is different than Cushing's caused by a pituitary or adrenal tumour. This type of Cushing's resolves itself once the steroids are removed.

    The first things to rule out are proper injection technique and location. My vet actually had me come in a do a saline injection ( since he had already had his insulin before the visit) to make sure I was injecting correctly. Originally I was injecting in the scruff, but found better results with injecting in the abdomen (belly). Since Tuxie was already shave there it made injections quite easy to do.

    upload_2018-2-3_9-47-34.jpeg

    I also changed to Levemir from Lantus since the Lantus seemed to "sting" him more. This can happen with higher doses with soem kitties. Also going back to basics, make sure the insulin is stored correctly. I used the cartridges with a syringe since it was all used up within a shorter period of time than using the larger vials.


    ETA I was posting when you posted your last comment. If both kitties are having hair and licking problems then having them checked for fleas may also be prudent
     
  42. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Regular vet seems to think 10 weeks (or however long it's been since diagonis), isn't that long to get him to lower numbers and just need to keep current course until 7 and 7 and then re-evaluate. I have no clue as to what level of concern I should be at that hes still not budging numbers. Specialst thinks we should be inclined to change things up sooner rather then later. That's my issue. They each have different opinions, and I just want to be make the best choice I can.

    How much was the IAA and IGF-1 testing? Do you think it would be worth doing now, after only 10 weeks? I briefly mentioned switching to levemir and she said we aren't close to the point of switching. I dunno.

    Both kitties have been inspected for fleas, and no signs. Also had bravecto and frontline.
     
  43. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I'm inclined to switch to the specialist to get him regulated sooner, but then I lose current vet. Also, the costs will be more significant, 35 minutes away, and no "personal" doctor.
     
    Tracey&Jones (GA) likes this.
  44. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    I believe it is suggested to wait until 3 months (12 weeks) has passed before doing the IAA test. I can't find my invoice right now bit these test were both done at Michigan State University since they are one of the only ones that do them. I "believe" it was around $250 Cdn for the both tests. This included the blood draw from my vet, blood preparation and the shipping/customs from my vet. My vet sent the samples to IDEXX in Canada who then sent it to MSU, so I am sure this increased the shipping costs. The actual tests themselves are not expensive, but having the blood draw and shipping is most of the cost.
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  45. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014
    https://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/Bin/Catalog/Catalog.exe


    Insulin Like Growth Factor-1
    Printable Format
    Order Code: 20005
    Section: Endocrinology
    Price: $58.00
    Turn Around Time: 4-9 Days
    Days Test Started: Wed
    Species: Most Species


    Insulin Autoantibody
    Printable Format
    Order Code: 20031
    Section: Endocrinology
    Price: $18.00
    Turn Around Time: 2-7 Days
    Days Test Started: Varies
    Species: Canine, Feline
    Any of the Following Specimens are Acceptable

    Specimens Containers Min Volume
    Serum Leakproof Tube 0.5 mL
    Collection Protocol

    The rest of the cost is the blood draw and shipping


    ETA You can print out a copy of each of these test by clicking on the "Printable Format" link for each one
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  46. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Thank you! I think I will bring this up tomorrow and hopefully get her on board with this. So did they come back positive then? With the cushings?
     
  47. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    I did the UCCR test which came back borderline positive and the HDDS test which came back low positive...Along the other visible symptoms there was no question about Cushing's being present. Most of the reference ranges that are used as for dogs, so it is hard to judge the results with kitties. If the tests come back borderline or positive, the U/S shows organomegaly and the other signs are there that is a very good indication of Cushing's.

    Tuxie did not test positive for the IAA or IGF-1 tests. The two tests I posted above are for other high dose conditions. IAA is for insulin autoimmune antibodies, which the body can produce that prevents proper utilization of injected insulin The usual approach is to continue slowly and safely increasing the dose until a "break-through" level is found. Many people on here who have IAA kitties found that this resolved within a year. The IGF-1 test is for diagnosing acromegaly which is also caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland, but it reacts differently than it does with Cushing's. There are many people on here who have dealt with acro kitties and several different approaches for treating it. You can get lots of support for either of those two conditions from members here IF Rufus were to test positive for either or both. Acro years ago wes though to be rare in kitties, but more recent data has shown that as many as 25% of kitties may suffer from it.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2018
  48. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    I see. I just thought they we're all connected for some reason. I know 5 units isn't HUGE but it seems to be quite a bit, compared to what I was first told to expect and looking around on here. Who know where he'll end up. But I think it would be worth it to test. I just looked up symptoms for tumor on pituitary gland. Hair loss, decreased appetite, nauseau, dilute urine. Hmm. Rufus has those issues.
     
  49. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    Some of these issues can be related to the diabetes as well, depending on the severity. Tuxie never lost his appetite, aside from pancreatic flares and never lost weight, except towards the end. Dilute urine can be from the extra water that kitties drink with FD or from kidney issues. It is hard to make a guess at other issues just with the symptoms, since many symptoms overlap with other conditions.

    The rule of thumb is that once a kitty gets up to 6 unit doses extra tests for high dose conditions are warranted. Some people, myself included tested at slightly lower doses than that when there was no sign of movement even with regular, safe increases in the dosing.
     
  50. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Originally when diagnoses he was 430ish if I recall correctly. Now I know if he doesn't get his insulin, he's 600's. When he does, anywhere 350-500ish. But we really can't tell if has acro, right, unless we test? So at least we know the insulin is working, just not enough. I really need to read up on acro and insulin intolerance.

    Yeah, his urine was dilute back in August too when I brought him in (before diabetes), when he wasn't eating and drinking tons of water. I bought a new fountain for the 2 cats and they are going through a gallon of water a week!!! I guess it's good to flush out those kidneys, but jeez! Rufus has always drunk a lot of water, Ozzie not so much. But now he is too.
     
  51. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    The fructosamine and BGd BG values are not directly comparable.
    Cats Fructosamine values
    (micromol/l)

    Normal non-diabetic cat 190-365
    Newly diagnosed diabetic cat 350-730
    Treated diabetic cats:
    Excellent control 350-400
    Good control 400-450
    Fair control 450-500
    Poor control >500
    Last Friday I paid $490 for ultrasound and an additional $98 for radiology professional services for BunBun
     
    Sean & Rufus likes this.
  52. Tuxedo Mom

    Tuxedo Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2014

    WOW Prices have really gone up in the last 3 1/2 years :eek:
     
  53. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    That's interesting. Dental specialist said he needed to be in "fair" control and according to this, he was/is. Maybe she just wants it a little lower. If I go to the specialist, the bill will be 1500+. If I can get him in normal range, regular vet is 700+.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page