Freestyle libre meter

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by bgenick, Oct 1, 2018.

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  1. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    I've seen some discouraging comments about this meter/sensor. I want to post a positive review! My cat's has stayed on well so far. It is covered with a wide cloth collar and affixed with tissue glue by the vet. It is SO easy to use, and gives a curve fairly easily! I could NEVER have gotten the detailed info that I have with ear pricks (6 or more a day). You then upload from the meter to a web site for your vet to view. The only downside, and it's a big one, is that you must scan the senor every time you want a reading. It does not record automatically. This is a big downside for those without flexible schedules, or anyone who wants to see night time readings.

    I was WRONG about not recording automatically. I was misinformed. It DOES record automatically every 15 min. But you must scan the sensor within 8 hours to get the data, or it will be lost.
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2018
    Reason for edit: My information needed correction
  2. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Googling shows that a sensor (that lasts 10-14 days) is about $35 at Walmart. So if yo do a lot of testing then it is worth it, especially if you use AT strips.
     
  3. C_Star

    C_Star Member

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    Oct 2, 2018
    Where did you put the sensor? I've seen from lots of sites that it's a fairly long needle and I wonder about placement on lean cats.
     
  4. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    My cat is on his third freestyle libre sensor and I want to put in an enthusiastic plug for this device (I'm not associated with it or its manufacturer). It has provided far more detail to inform treatment than I could ever have gotten from ear pricks or curves. It records every 15 minutes and stores the data for eight hours. You must scan the sensor before the eight hour period ends. You upload the data to their web site and it generates all sorts of records and graphs. Your vet, assuming they are paying for this service, can view the results. It has made life much easier for me and my cat. I do see the cautions about double-checking highs and lows. And, it is temporary. They last for only 10 days, although there may be a more recent version that lasts slightly longer. Each of mine lasted eight days. But I observed lows that I did not know were taking place. This was very important to know to determine best dosage and avoid hypos. It seems to require a pretty skilled vet to place it securely, and not too many are using it yet. Mine came from our state vet school.
     
  5. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    It is a very short filament. Maybe 1/2" long. The sensor goes on the neck. I can't say how you get the filament under the skin, as my vet placed mine. On top of it, the cat wears a wide cloth collar fastened with Velcro. Not an e collar.
     
  6. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    I just found this thread!!! I have stated how much I really wanted to try it..I can place it myself..but do wonder how "very loose" skin on the neck might affect the sensor moving around= out of place. So, the sensor does not last 14 days? That's fine..Does the cat notice the sensor-try to get to it? BTW..I am not aware that the DVM has to be involved with obtaining data...Can I not view all info myself?
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O1YNDHz-t4REns_tbAN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=0
     
  7. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Like most things, it has strengths and weaknesses, and is suitable for some folks and not for others. You are smarter than me--at last visit, I asked the tech to show me how to place it, but I don't feel confident enough to do it myself yet. My cat is probably on the more-tolerant end of the scale, and to my surprise has not scratched at the sensor or tried to remove it. He is wearing a wide cloth (not e-) collar with Velcro closure over it. My sensors have lasted an average of 8 days, the most recent one just ended after 5 days. They get loose or shift out of place, then quit working.

    Perhaps the DVM does not need to be involved, I don't know. In my case, the whole PURPOSE was to get more info for the DVM to help make decisions. In addition, I suspect that some health care provider may have to assist you in registering. The device and sensors do require a scrip. My DVM (state vet school) is listed as a provider with them, and I can choose to share my data. As you can imagine, the vendor is not happy to hear that it is being used on animals. So, if I have a Q, I just ID myself as Nick Elliott. It doesn't matter because their tech support is ABYSMAL.

    I view my own info, I just choose if I want to share it with anyone else online. You can also email the reports to yourself and then distribute.
     
  8. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Hi I'm also curious - how much does your cat weigh? Can you send photos of the device on your cat, with the cloth and velcro closure - that to me is the most vexing - where to place it and how to keep it in place. I take it the cat needs to be shaved of fur at the placement site.
     
  9. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Have you viewed the YouTube videos? I liked this one......
     
  10. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    That shows a dog. I’m still curious about the specific cat questions I asked above
     
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  11. Ana & Frosty (GA)

    Ana & Frosty (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Jan 19, 2018
    Wow, this is soooo cool. I wish I knew about this when Frosty was alive. This could be easily hidden under his onesie. Although it may not have been a good idea for him after he started having skin tears, I can see this being a huge help to take testing out of the equation. Wow!
     
  12. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

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    Aug 5, 2016
    A short filament? I actually bought one and it had a huge thick needle that had to go in maybe is a new model.

    Could you show us some photos of the sensor and where it was placed?
     
  13. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Hi Veronica - I so remember your experience - that's why I too would love to see the photos
     
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  14. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Believe me, however, it does not matter how long the sensor is designed to last, if it falls off before that time! I have had about 5, and I think 8 days is the longest any have lasted (though most made it to that mark). One lasted only 5 days. They fall off or get loose so that readings are not consistently available, unless skillfully applied.
     
  15. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    For those who have asked here is nick’s freestyle libre sensor. Put it on flattest area u can find use tissue glue and cover with wide cloth Kitty Kollar at $40
     

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  16. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

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    Thanks do you by any chance have a photo of the filament? How much does your cat weight?
     
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  17. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

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    Having actually seen the sensor I would say is quite okay to put it in a dog but I feel is too big for a cat
     
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  18. Melanie Lee

    Melanie Lee New Member

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    Oct 3, 2017
    My vet has placed the three sensors (so far) on Duffy. The first sensor lasted 8 days, the second lasted 7, and the third only lasted part of one day (today). The readings are very helpful, but today was quite discouraging. My poor vet has several diabetic cats trying this sensor. Duffy's neck is rather small and the sensor was applied to the right side of his spine, on the shaved skin. He rubs the scent glands on both sides of his neck on the wall etc and apparently dislodges the sensor. Duffy survived Diabetic Ketoacidosis (sorry I don't remember the acronym) about a month ago, which occurred while using Prozinc. The vet used the graphs provided by the sensor to make the decision to switch to Bagalar. His numbers are still extremely high, but the extreme spike isn't there now. His low points regularly occur in the middle of the night, which would not be picked up by the usual glucose metering. I'm very new, but will try to upload pictures to illustrate.
     

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  19. Melanie Lee

    Melanie Lee New Member

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    Oct 3, 2017
    Sorry I don't have my tag? Duffy is 10 yrs old, Snowshoe, diagnosed 9/18, very long--has gained back some of the weight he lost after Ketoacidosis--now weighs 13 lbs. Bagalar, Fancy Feast (chicken classic), live north of Seattle
     
  20. Melanie Lee

    Melanie Lee New Member

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    Oct 3, 2017
    The filament is 3/8" long, or 5 millimeters, and very thin in diameter. I can easily bend it with my finger
     
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  21. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Mine wears a wide cloth collar called a kittykollat. Google it. It is $50 but u can buy it yourself. Vet affixes sensor with tissue glue. I keep adhesive remover on hand. Seven to eight days is about all u will get i think. Mine drops low at night on prozinc also!
     
  22. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Kittykollar.com
     
  23. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    The collar is designed for feeding tube but obviously u can use without. Fasten snugly. Mine got it caught in his mouth one day. It is velcro but
     
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  24. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Oh it looks like u have one!
     
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  25. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE. And though Elliott is in remission 2 years now, Suzie (dog) has been Type 1 DM since 8/2017. Because i do so many BG/day, I really want to try the Libre system mainly to see a "pattern" since her nadir changes so much acc to AT strips and the cost is much greater than the Libre system IF I can get it to stay in place. I assumed that because cats are so "mobile" and flex their bodies much more than a dog..The libre might work well on a dog. I like your DVM. You mist live in the North or CA since I can't find a DVM in south to try it..However, I will do it myself..Please keep your valuable info coming...It is much appreciated. I have not used the Libre yet...Good Luck!!!!
    Suzie 2019:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...AN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=811447094
     
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  26. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    I am in NC, and our vet is the NCSU vet school. They have not been using it terribly long.
     
  27. Sunny17

    Sunny17 New Member

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    Aug 7, 2018
    We tried doing this yesterday, because Astrophe'e sugar seems to be swinging wildly on Lantus and we thought getting more data might show what is happening. Somoygi effect etc.

    The problem we ran into was:

    (1) The sensor adhesive doesn't stick well to even the shaved fur. You need a secondary adhesive, like vet glue, dermabond etc, which we didn't have

    (2) The sensor applicator needs you to press down makes a loud CLICK - which freaks the cat out, causing it to jump, and causing the sensor with it's bad adehsive to fall off.

    We tried St the back of the neck. We'll see if the vet can do any better. Each failed attempt costs
    $40.
     
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  28. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    My vet used vetbond tissue adhesive, which you can buy on Amazon, no prescription. There is also an adhesive remover, which I kept on hand and did use once when I had a partially-off sensor.

    I know what you mean about the loud click. My cat is not overly calm, but with his diabetes has been to the vet far more than most. He has become accustomed to it and doesn't jump.

    It is ALL, as you say, in the skill of application. Mine was applied first slightly to one side of the neck, then the next sensor slightly to the other side of the neck.

    If you can get it on, it WILL provide a wealth of information! Even if you get only a few days out of it. Mine showed my cat was having low's during the night (verging on Karo syrup territory) that we did not know about--VERY important to know.

    Good luck!
     
  29. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    The lows (and when they occur) are EXACTLY why I want to try the Libre system,. I just keep feeling the huge amount of loose skin on the back of her neck? Thanks for the glue info. A lady wanted to sell me it on Ebay but didn't follow through because I hear there are different models now and don't know which to buy..I think I will venture out and give it a try very soon with a little more research..Thanks!!!

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...AN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=811447094
     
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  30. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    There are newer models of the sensor that record for up to 14 days. However, if the darned thing won't stay on that long, it doesn't matter! Most of mine have lasted about 8 days. I think there is also an app that lets you read the sensor with a smartphone instead of buying the handheld reader. My vet gave me a prescription for these, filled at CVS, so not sure if you can buy without scrip. I do recommend the wide cloth collar (kittykollar.com) to cover it. Although will note that, although it is Velcro, mine got his lower jaw caught in it one day. Fasten it somewhat snugly to avoid this--the looser it is, the more room for that to happen. TOTALLY agree about seeing the lows. My cat is on prozinc, and I saw someone else post their cat had nighttime lows with prozinc. IDK whether this is common. We lowered his nighttime dose by 1/4 unit to allow for this. Without the sensor, his other data (fructosamine) would have suggested an overall increase in dose. Glad we had the sensor!
     
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  31. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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  32. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    I only compared readings from the sensor and ear prick a couple of times, but they were consistent. I use a human Precision Xtra meter because it also allows for separate ketone test strips, and I like that feature. Based on my own experience, I do not think you will get a sensor to stay on for 14 days. I have had maybe 8 of them, and only one stayed on for 10 days. Most lasted about 8 days. But even a few days of 24-hour readings is INVALUABLE.
     
  33. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    I found this on google..The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC-enabled smartphones runningAndroid OS 5.0 or higher, and with iPhone 7 and higher running OS 11 and higher. ... The FreeStyle Libre sensor communicates with the FreeStyle Libre reader that started it, or the FreeStyle LibreLink app that started it. However, I am not sure what my galaxy J#3 Samsung is..would be great to learn..Research..research and research for our precious babes!!!!..
    addendum: but then saw this...Once available, people will be able to pair the FreeStyle Libre or FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensors with the app. The Android version of the app is currently under development. *The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC enabled phones on Apple's iPhone 7 and later, running iOS 11 and later.Nov 1, 2018
     
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  34. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    IDK. I had the separate reader, which the vet prescribed in addition to the sensor itself. Don't know if you can get these without a scrip or not. Whether I had to buy the separate reader or could use the phone app, to me, would not be a deciding factor in whether to try the sensor.
     
  35. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    From the first FAQ on
    https://www.freestylelibre.us/support/faq.html#faqTabstab-1
    Both the sensor and dedicated reader require separate scrips.
    "The FreeStyle Libre 14 day reader kit and sensor kit are sold separately and are available at major retail pharmacies with a prescription from your physician."
     
  36. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Ah, good to know. I expect the 10-day sensors will get hard to find as they phase in the 14-days. However as noted previously, I seriously doubt that any of them will stay on a cat for more than 10 days, and probably less.
     
  37. AmericanTemplar

    AmericanTemplar Member

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    Jan 22, 2019
    The phone app works just as well as the reader and you don’t have to plug it into a computer to upload results.

    Mine stayed on my cat fine, but he’s probably going to have some permanent bald spots.

    Overall I’d say I liked having the FL to monitor my cat right after being prescribed insulin to see what was happening over multiple 24 hour periods, but the numbers were often way off from my glucometer.
     

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  38. Sunny17

    Sunny17 New Member

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    Aug 7, 2018
    We managed to get our sensor working and got 14 days of data, but the data is quite puzzling. We're seeing nadirs at around 4 hours and the sugar rises back to above pre-shot values in about 8 hours.

    Would be very grateful if folks who have also used the sensor could have a look at the graph and readings in my thread here and share any advice or insight you might have:
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...day-lantus-graph-wild-swings-in-sugar.210864/
     
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  39. Maddie

    Maddie New Member

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    Feb 22, 2019

    hello, I am new for here from TOKYO. I haven't used freestyle libre yet. when I found this thread I decided to use for my cat. Specially your photos and comment make me "Oh I can!" then I ordered the reader and sensor and waiting it comes.
    Maybe my cat is in the same suituation as your cat, difficult to find the extreme spike.
    Anyway what I wanted to say: THANK YOU very much posting the photo! and if you have time I would like to know what is this on your cat neck "blue and red", seems wraped around? a tape?
     
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  40. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    My vet uses tissue glue to affix the sensor. The cat wears a kittykollar over it. See kittykollar.com. Not to say he cant still rub it off but it helps
     
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  41. Maddie

    Maddie New Member

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    Feb 22, 2019
    thank you very much the info! I studied kittykollar.com, seems they will send it to JP too, but shipping cost will be charged +$140 ...ha..ha....:banghead: I will spend the money for the other solution things for him. I will look for tissue glue, maybe 3M has product, I believe they are world wide company.:p
    My vet hadn't known about using freestyle libre on cats. When I asked her his hair clipping for attaching a senser she was surprized, but finally undertook. We will do when the reader machine came, togetherly.
    I couldn't find any infomation written in Japanese for using freestyle libre on annimals. also I felt less information that using on human too. so here information really helpful, thank you very much!!
     
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  42. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    Do u have amazon in japan? Amazon sells tissue glue. The kittykollar is a 2” wide band of cloth that closes with velcro. Perhaps u can find or make something similar? Breakaway or velcro of course.
     
  43. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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    Nov 6, 2014
    There is also an adhesive remover for removing the tissue glue. I will try to send photos of both.
     
  44. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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  45. bgenick

    bgenick Member

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  46. Veronica & Babu-chiri

    Veronica & Babu-chiri Well-Known Member

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    Aug 5, 2016
    Good luck with the procedure, but do take into consideration that some of the people that have used it do find it falls off or stops working properly way before the 14 days and it appears to have some inaccuracies when blood glucose is low both for humans and in cats so it may be a good idea to still have a regular blood glucose meter at hand. Also since it requires to be inserted into interstitial tissue your cat needs to be fairly big

    Here are some links to threads related with people using this meter hope it helps

    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/freestyle-libre-meter.204048/#post-2324301
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/nigel-and-i-need-help.210044/page-2
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/2-5-zelda-200-amps.210332/#post-2330897
    http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fractious.210338/#post-2330882
     
  47. MrWorfMen's Mom

    MrWorfMen's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Feb 18, 2015
    There is a manual meter included in the Libre reader that uses the Freestyle Neo Precision blood strips. The human instructions suggest that normal testing routine should be continued by humans despite use of the Libre sensor. There are reports of inaccuracies in both high and low ranges from human users.
     
  48. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Remember that if you have an iPhone 7 or later ylu can use that instead of purchasing a dedicated reader. However, I do not know in what countries the iPhone app is currently available.
     
  49. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    Oh dear...
     
  50. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

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    Jan 1, 2016
    confusing.... but the geeks usually figure out how to get around stuff..How to use libre anywhere without reader.
    https://forum.fudiabetes.org/t/how-to-use-the-freestyle-libre-anywhere-without-a-reader/2120
    I have NFC on my Galaxy but the following is quite odd...
    "...It is possible to use the FreeStyle Libre without a reader, by using a phone app, for any phone that has NFC. Android and iOS phones both have NFC built-in, but Apple does not allow apps to use it (reserved for Apple Pay), so reading a Freestyle Libre sensor is only possible with an Android phone."

    Now, I am holding off due to too much inconsistent info..since I test sdo much..wish I could use it..You can get reader and strips on Ebay..10 day very reasonable price
    Suzie SS: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...AN6D_M3AYT6_kgqbHE7JWo6kSM/edit#gid=811447094
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2019
  51. Maddie

    Maddie New Member

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    Feb 22, 2019
    Hi all,
    Thank you very much your kindness and good advice!!! I felt I need keep studying and deep consideration more. I haven't known the reader is not necessary if my mobile phone has apps.(am I correct? I will study later.:bookworm:)
    Also my vet has worried that maybe my cat is smaller than US cats, so she said pictures oh this web site are not the same scale as my boy, so we must be careful.

    I have already ordered the sensors (I haven't received yet...) but if I felt it is not going to work I will use it for myself on diet ...
    I visit the amazon link pasted on here (thank you!) and I saw "Vet Wraps" seems nice, then checked amazon-JP. They have it! Once I will try it. My one of hobby is handmade, very good at it (hahaha) so I think I can make similar kittykollor! (I will post the photo when I made!):p

    Usually I have used for checking his blood sugger by Freestyle Lite (for human) every morning and night. He is really shy and be frightened cat, trusts me ONLY. No one can check his blood sugger, even though my husband who lives together more than 10 years.:facepalm: When I need to be out I ask a cat sitter does injection with brind (without checking blood sugger), that makes me very very very much worry.:(
    Before he became diabetie my hobby was traveling but in 3 years I haven't gone anywhere. So, using Freestyle Libre is I thought nice idea for me and him, also I would like to find his extreme spike.
     
  52. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    I picked up two sensors yesterday and finished making a kollar. Also purchased some VetBond and and a #50 clipper blade. Have appointment next Friday to attached the sensor at the vet.
    Kollar.jpg
     
  53. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Question: when you use VetBond (tissue glue) do you apple it to the adhesive ring before inserting the sensor on the cat?
     
  54. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Larry, please let us know how it goes - good luck!!
     
  55. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    My vet and I inserted a Libre sensor on Badger this morning. The insertion went OK. The "filament" is larger diameter than I expected. I say it is at least a large diameter as a 27 gauge needle. I will measure it when the sensor gets removed. The click when you insert the sensor is really loud but Bader did not really care. We applied tissue glue to the adhesive ring before insertion but got a little too much on/too close to the outer edge and it oozed out and contacted the insertion device which resulted in difficulty removing the insertion device since it was partially glued to the sensor. Finally go the insertion device remove. When I activated the sensor using my iPhone with the Libre app got message in the app said that sensore will be ready at 11:30, which is 1 hour after insertion. The sensor does read higher than my meter. The PMPS was 70 (a little low, usually in the 90's) and the sensor read 103.
     
  56. Carol & Murphy (GA)

    Carol & Murphy (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Aug 9, 2015
    Will anxiously follow along, Larry please keep us updated
     
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  57. Angie14801

    Angie14801 New Member

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    Mar 19, 2019
    Recently had a Libre sensor on my cat Bob, yes Bob. He has been on Prozinc for 5 years, with lots of ups and downs. Many day long glucose checks at the vets but poor results, always high. Now after having the sensor on for two weeks we see some really low readings 50 and below. Explaining his seizures ( low glycemia). Now his insulin dose is down to 1 unit and he is doing great. No seizures! The vet applied the sensor and removed it. Bob pretty much ignored it. Yes he had a shaved spot but that is already filling in. We will have another one applied in a couple months and make sure all is well.
     
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  58. Maddie

    Maddie New Member

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    Feb 22, 2019
    Hello all,
    Let me report my expreience of yesterday.(sorry my poor English.:p)
    ------
    Yesterday I and Takara(black cat) went to animal hospital and he was shaved on his neck right side.
    He seemed OK. Maybe he is very patience cat or maybe just he had been freezed by his scary vet. (Our vet is pretty and kind though!)
    -----
    my first failure was,,, I hadn't known my mobile has "NFC lock". it needed for reading sensor value, but at the time it was locked.
    The hospital was very much clouded so once we back to home without checking the sensor was started.
    ------
    after turned on the NFC, it seems my mobile got started to read but apps shows "scan failed!" and "This sensor is not started"
    Then I took him to animal hospital again.
    ------
    checking with the vet, the sensor had been nicely sticked, needle also seems OK. but never came the numerical value to my mobile.
    Screenshot_20190322-165335_Gallery.jpg Screenshot_20190322-165413_Gallery.jpg
    I think it is Initial failure but I imported the sensor from out of Japan so nothing to do. Poor my boy he shaved on his beautiful black fur for nothing...
    20190321_102412.jpg
    ------
    anyway I and vet decided kept the sensor on his neck for getting used to the second try.
    He seems, says to me "Mom? this new choker is thicker than old one." but OK to stay at home.
    20190321_114120.jpg
    ------
    when I went to my bed, I think I heard a lite sound, like something a plastic dropped off from somewhere then falled asleep.
    This morning, it was the sensor. very sad.:(
    ------
    should I try again?:banghead:
     
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  59. Nancy Swanson

    Nancy Swanson New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    I am buying the sensor and reader for a diabetic feral cat. The Kollar goes over the sensor, right? Can you read the sensor through the kollar? My vet will be putting the sensor on, he has never done this before.
     
  60. Angie14801

    Angie14801 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2019
    First experience with Libre sensor in Jan. 2019 went awesome, got all the info the vet needed and no complications. Sensor never read as easy as it looks on paper sometimes it took 5 or 6 scans to get the data but it worked. Went in two days ago for a new sensor due to unexplained weight and hair loss. Got up this morning and the sensor was on the floor, happy I didn't step on it. No it wasn't covered or wrapped because he never made any effort to remove it previously. Really need the data so I will probably head back to the pharmacy for a new one today. Waiting to hear back from the vet.
     
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  61. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Correct. Yesterday I attached a sensor to my foster Wiggles. I attached it a little too far towards the back so a cloth color would not cover it I uses a little harness instead. Yes, some time one has to scan the sensor several times to get it to read.
     
  62. Nancy Swanson

    Nancy Swanson New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2019
    Thank you. I saw a video on U-Tube of a vet claiming that a skin adhesive called Skin Tac was very helpful for keeping the sensor on a cat. I ordered some from Amazon. Also he said to put the sensor between the should blades and it would stay on longer. I don't think the Kitty Kollar that some board members are using would cover the sensor if placed in that spot.
    Thank you - where did you get the harness?
     
  63. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
  64. Deborah S

    Deborah S New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2018
    My cat just got the sensor. I notice that the graph does not go above 350 but my cats bg does. Were do I find information on uploading to the website so I can see those graphs? Thank you!
     
  65. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    How are you reading the sensor?
    I read my using my iPhone. That Libre app uploads the data to the Libre website.
    I do not know if there is an app for Android phones.
    If you use the dedicated Libre reader you have Install the Libre software on a computer and then connect the reader to a computer via USB
    https://pat.libreview.com/
     
  66. Deborah S

    Deborah S New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2018
    I would like the answer to this question as well!
     
  67. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
  68. Cinnie Cole

    Cinnie Cole Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2019
    Hi do you attach the sensor yourself or does your Vet do that?
     
  69. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    For my Badger, my vet helped me attached the sensor. The sensor comes with some adhesive already attached. I added some vet tissue glue since others have used it and said only using the attached adhesive was not sufficient for cats. For my foster, Wiggles, someone else and I attached the sensor, again with some tissue glue. One has to shave the area where the sensor is to be attached.
     
  70. Cinnie Cole

    Cinnie Cole Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2019
    Thanks! Our vet has not done it before and recommended we see an internal medicine specialists for it. Just wanted to get an idea of whether it is difficult to attach if doing on one's own. Sounds like it is a two person job.
     
  71. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Yes, it is a two person job especially for the shaving. The other person does not have to be a vet. You need #40 or #50 clipper blade for the shaving.
     
  72. cat-astrophe

    cat-astrophe Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2019
    Hello, I am new here and an getting one of these tomorrow for my cat. How do you give the insulin with the collar/disc on?? I will not be able to test within the 8 hours, so am still confused if all the data will be lost of how to download. Thanks
     
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  73. CandyH & Catcat

    CandyH & Catcat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2019
    this picture should help:
    [​IMG]
     
  74. cat-astrophe

    cat-astrophe Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2019
    Thanks. I have seen that picture. I cannot usually get him on the scruff since he scruches up so I do tend to go more towards the side of checs, but try to get as high up as possible since lower hurts him. So sort of between the scruff and side of chest. It is hard with him because he has a very rough and tough hide/skin from being outside so long. My vet even told me it was hard to give him needles, so sadly I do hurt him every now and then. Plus he keep turning towards me. The only way I devised to be able to get him is put him in a box (the kind that paper reams come in) with the front part cut off so he cannot take off.
     
  75. Bibi and Kira

    Bibi and Kira Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    Did you have the three freestyle sensor’s in succession or was there a gap between them ( if there was a gap how long was it?)

    Our cat has one now and there are about 6 days left to go.
    Thanks


     
  76. cat-astrophe

    cat-astrophe Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2019
    It does take a VERY skilled vet in putting them on!!! They do need to be bandaged in my opinion. The supposed pros vets at the local university said it just gets put on the shoulder. (my cat had it off in one day AND there is still a gluey substance on him). A lot of vides I see the put it up closer to the neck and bandage it so it stays on. Wishing everyone using these the best of luck. It was a godsend for when it lasted being able to see h e was crashing after the vet told me to give him insulin after the visit, even though I think he was just stressed which was why number were high. They do make a 14 day version. When I called Libre with a question about what the glue was they used, they flat out refused to answer, stating it was not meant for animal use. Again I hope everyone using it has better luck than me! One amazing thing has come about though. My semi-feral has actually been letting me do the ear prick and curve. Going on no insulin since his crash. Basically his numbers have been in the 90s!!! Remission???? Will keep testing daily for a while, then maybe every other day, etc. They say the majority of cats that go into remission do not stay that way:(
     
  77. Bibi and Kira

    Bibi and Kira Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
     
  78. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I agree that a covering is required. The one on my Badger was covered and lasted the whole 14 days. My vet helped attach the sensor. I attached Wiggles first sensor but I attached it too far back so nether a neck wrap or harness would cover it and it only lasted 9 days. Yesterday I attached another sensor on Wiggles and this one gets fully covered by the neck wrap. I also used a couple of drops of tissue to help hold on the sensor. One has to be careful to not use too much glue. I one does (I did) the glue gets on the outer part and glues the sensor to the sensor applicator.
     
  79. Bibi and Kira

    Bibi and Kira Member

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2019
    That’s amazing that your semi-feral lets you do that. You must have really good technique!
    We are wondering if we’ll need to wait any certain amount of time after Bibi’s current (and first) 14-day Freestyle Libre stops recording in 6 days, before we can have the vet place a new one. Has anyone used these one-right-after- the-other? It’s on the back of her neck, no collar or anything just the glue the vet used. No problems with it coming loose. If anything I’m more worried we might have trouble getting it off.
     
  80. ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer

    ELLIOTT & Fran Munschauer Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2016
    If I do not plan on using the libre system on a regular basis to monitor everyday glucose, can I use the 10 day? I simply would lie to use it a few times to see what is actually going on throughout 24 hour period. Is there a site for dummies? ..NOT for placing the sensor but with all of the app links? I read that Ii can now use my android with NFC...but app links and uploading to pc? And reading terms like Libre vs Libre 14..I assume they mean 10 day vs 14 day? I understand timing differences but all what goes in to making the work? Can't I just place it properly. wait for activation and read it many times during day? Now, I see a notice that app link makes it so much easier..easier at what? I guess my real question is can i still use 10 day sensors in uSA? Thanks
     
  81. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
     
  82. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    I could no longer use the 10 day. Cant remember details. 10 day reader would not read 14 day sensor or something.
     
  83. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Googling tens to indicate that the 1-day sensor is phased out and replaced with the 14-day sensor. If you use a dedicated reader, the 10 day sensor reader will not read a 14 day sensor and I do not know if a 14 day sensor reader will read a 10 day sensor. An the iPhone (7 and later) w/app and will read both 10 day and 14 day sensors. I do not know what sensors work with what Android (w/app). One disadvantage of the 10 day sensor is that you have to wait 12 hours before you can take a reading. With the 14 day sensor you only have to wait for 1 hour
     
  84. Kitapuff

    Kitapuff New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Hi I found this thread. I managed my cat with diabetes for 10 years and I am thankful for the support here. I am working on a passion project to design a product that will help pet owners manage their pet's diabetes through their mobile device. I remember having to find post its and scratch pads everywhere when I was tracking Nikita's numbers, time, meals etc. at home. I never knew of the libre meter when I had her, I wish I did. As the early part of the design process I would like to find some pet owners that would like to help me understand the current challenges they are facing. Please inbox me if you can help. :)

    *It would just involve a 10 minute conversation by phone which would be best or I can create a questionnaire to be emailed if that is more comfortable for you.
     
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  85. qatrmom

    qatrmom New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2019
     
  86. qatrmom

    qatrmom New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2019
    I come I come at this from a different angle as my husband had an insulin pumps which had to be inserted pretty much the same way as the sensor does on the cat so I'm familiar with it. The needle goes into the cat a little filaments stays in the cat when you pull off the inserter the needle goes away. My cat wears his sensor closer to his shoulder than his neck he's a big boy he goes out it stayed on for 2 weeks. As a matter of fact I can't figure out how to get it off! It's wonderful it's really really helped!
     
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  87. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    I sympathasize, as I now have TWO diabetics (14-y-old litter mates) both wearing sensors! I am off tomorrow to have one replaced after about the same length of time as yours. My vet does use vetbond to affix it (you need adhesive remover to remove the sensor) and my cat wears a Kitty Kollar (designed to cover feeding tube) over it, but it looks like yours is also wearing something over top of the sensor. Sometimes I think it is just the luck of the draw as to whether it stays on or not.
     
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  88. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    To get creative, if there are certain spots he rubs on the wall, can you block him away from them?
     
  89. Christi S.

    Christi S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2020

    Hi. I'm a T2D and have used the Libre on myself for a couple years. A couple thoughts:

    1. If you have 10-day sensors around, do not throw them out! The 10-day sensors are still good, in fact, they are much better than the 14-day sensors that replaced them. Because the information they transmit is not encrypted, they can be read with Android or iOS apps, including Glimp and xDrip+, and they will read for 14 days (unlike Abbott's official reader). There is an Android app called Glimp S that will start the sensor.

    2. The 14-day sensors are highly encrypted and AFAIK can only be read with Abbott's official 14-day reader or its very basic smartphone app.

    3. BG blood tests are necessary, especially over the first few days, to check the Libre's readings. The apps that read the 10-day smartphone apps can be calibrated with BG spot readings, so the Libre curve will adjust to match them.

    4. Using a CGM after spot BG readings is like going from a handful of still photos to a motion picture - an enormous difference in showing patterns, even if the absolute values are not especially reliable.
     
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  90. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    that is interesting information. Thank you. What I learned in my most recent use of the sensor is that sensor readings and actual BG readings (taken with an Alpha Trak) may vary considerably. My vet was aware of this, having seen it happen with other cats. For my own cat, the readings sometimes differed by 50 points and sometimes by 100 or more. The difference was less at lower readings and greater at higher readings. My vet said that, for some cats, one or the other reading may be consistently lower or consistently higher--individual cats differ. the message is: BEWARE.
     
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  91. Christi S.

    Christi S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2020
    Yes, I agree. The Libre is great for showing duration and magnitude of reactions but unsuited to treatment decisions.
     
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  92. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    One more tip I recently picked up: you can use either the phone app or the handheld reader. If you want to use BOTH, I believe you must FIRST scan the sensor with the handheld reader (i.e., before you start using the phone app). Readings from the two, even if you upload them to the vendor's site, will NEVER be together--they will be two separate sets of readings. Thus, using one or the other, and not both, is preferable IMHO. The phone app uploads data any time your phone is connected to the internet (something the vendor does not document, and which took me HOURS to figure out), while the reader has to be connected to a computer and you have to log into the vendor's site. The one advantage of the handheld reader is that anyone in the household can use it; or, if your pet goes back to the hospital with the sensor still on, the reader can go with it. Otherwise you either have to leave your phone at the hospital (LOL) or have ANOTHER sensor placed.
     
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  93. Deb & Wink

    Deb & Wink Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2013
    Remember, the Libre is a human meter, meant to interpret the components of human blood, not cat blood. There are algorithms in the meter, that interpret what the test strip "reads" from the blood drop.

    The Alphatrak has slightly different algorithms built into it. Different ones, for different species since that pet meter can be set for dog, cat, rat, guinea pig, etc.

    Human meters will read lower at lower numbers than a pet meter like the Alphatrak. The wider difference in BG readings between the pet and human meters is well known here on this message board. All our documentation is written for human meters, since the board has been around decades longer than pet specific meters have been around.

    Too high is too high, when you are talking about blood glucose levels.

    The Libre gets it's glucose data from the interstitial fluid. That data can lag behind the blood glucose, by some set amount of time, I don't know what it is. Something like 5-15 minutes difference would seem like a possibility, but not at all sure on that. Would not surprise me if it's more time than 15 minutes.
     
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  94. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    This is data I graphed of Badger's sensor rBG and that from the Libre. Not that which one read high switch.
    BG comparison Libre JPG.jpg
     
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  95. Christi S.

    Christi S. New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2020
     
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  96. SuziRider

    SuziRider New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2020
    It seems a lot of the posts are old.
    Update on purchasing and install:

    My kitty Abby has bad kidneys and now mild diabetes. Vet has her on the Libre14 meter.
    1. (2) Libre14 meters (sensors) are $60+tax at Costco. Ask for the Costco Member discount for items not covered by insurance. Reader is $65, and includes a blood glucose tester if you also buy the Libre Optium test strips. A newer NFC enabled phone (that can do checkstand payments) works as a Reader and lets you send the logs to the Vet IF they have a LibreView account number; due to 'Human' medical privacy laws, emails do not work. A screen shot might.
    2. The vet put the sensor on the middle of my 8-9 lb. tabby cat's partially shaved back on the right side, about an inch (to the edge) from the spine. Neck is NOT recommended on cats (too 'bendy'). Little dots of dermal adhesive were put near the perimeter of the sensor prior to install. 3. Protection: Vet put a little vest on my cat to cover it, but she didnt like the vest and walked funny in it. Sensor does not seem to bother her at all, but she is a mellow cat. I bought some circular 'tough bandaids' (with waterproof glue, none in the center for easier changes) made for Libre sensors on Amazon to cover it since I am afraid she'll knock it off when squishing under my bed.
    4. Coconut oil or other similar oil can be used to remove the adhesive and sensor, but clean off the oil well with some dish soap & let dry before wiping with alcohol & installing another sensor.
     
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  97. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
     
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  98. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    Very informative, thanks. One of the most important things I learned is that values may differ from the alpha trak, and the degree of difference may vary by individual cat. I found 30-60 points diff with my two diabetics. It may be higher or lower depending on individual cat, and the diff for me was greater at higher values. so, of course be sure to compare to alpha trak.
     
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  99. Dusty & Roe

    Dusty & Roe Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2020
    Hi My cat had the Libre put on at 8 lbs she was still wearing it when she was down to 6 lbs .
    The sensor is supposed to last 14 days but rarely does I got about 8 days out of 1 sensor . Please keep in mind this is not suppose to be permanent it is up to the Vet how long to keep it on ALSO they use surgical glue to put the sensor on so let me show you the results of the removal too . I Never put it on myself I Always had the Vet do this .
     

    Attached Files:

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  100. bgenick

    bgenick Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2014
    I never put one on myself either although I think I might have been able to. I DID remove quite a few, using adhesive remover carefully applied, repeatedly, to the edges of the sensor. I observed this done at the vet and learned there. I used a q-tip, repeatedly moistened with adhesive remover, and gently dabbed around the edges of the sensor. It sometimes took an hour to remove one.
     
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