Hello from Sam & Oscar

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Sam & Oscar, Jul 13, 2019.

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  1. Sam & Oscar

    Sam & Oscar Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2019
    Hello All!

    My sweet boy was diagnosed ~2 weeks ago, and after scouring these pages for hours since, I thought I would introduce us.

    In Mid-April we had the dog (Mona) to the vet for some allergy issues, and in attempt to get it under control we were experimenting with her food, adding fish oil, etc. It was around this time Oscar started being picky with his food, and since he is already a pretty finicky guy, I thought he was jealous of the dogs new fishy foods. So, I changed his food a little, but to no avail. We went on vacation for the first 2 weeks of June, and when we got returned it looked like he hadn't eaten. He had lost a lot of weight, and his normally shiny and soft fur was lackluster and wild!

    He was diagnosed on 6/27 and immediately all of the pieces connected - he had been drinking more water, he is indoor/outdoor so doesn't us a litter box, so of course I wouldn't notice increase in urine! I felt terrible, but was determined to do my research and find the best course of action. So, the vets options were trying food control OR transitioning him to indoor cat status and starting insulin. This has been the hardest part, and I can say we are doing our best. He still comes out with Mona and I in the morning for his morning log scratches and potty break, but he has been using his litter box while locked in the house.

    The vet finally yesterday gave me a meter (AT2) and encouraged me to start home testing. He has been on Lantus for ~1 week and it has been very nerve-wracking for me to not be able to test him. As far as food, I bought a case of the RC glycobalance from the vet right away before I could do all my research. The ingredients were not ideal for my preference, and the carbs higher @14%. So I started him on this, but then took him down to half lower carb, and yesterday no glyco at all. I didn't want to make the switch to the lowest carb diet until I could monitor him at home. The vet approves of my food choice and will help me to continue to monitor/adjust dosing as needed.

    So that's our story - thanks for the support and community that is offered here - it has made me feel much more comfortable about this new journey!

    Sam & Oscar
     
  2. Sharon14

    Sharon14 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2015
    Welcome! Glad you’re starting to home test, it’s the best way to keep Oscar safe and see how well the Lantus is working. If you have any questions please ask them on the Main Health Forum Hope to see you there!
     
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  3. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    Welcome!
     
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  4. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Welcome Sam and Oscar. I'm so glad you decided to introduce yourselves after checking things out on the board. This is an excellent place for more information about feline diabetes, and to get input and encouragement from a very supportive community.
    The Lantus insulin support forum has very helpful information about using that insulin. Please visit and read the stickies at the top of the page. As Sharon14 suggested, post questions about general health like diet issues in the Main Health forum. Most of us have been the route of finding the low carb diet that best suits our kitties and our wallets.
    Best wishes going forward :cat:
     
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  5. Jerry dutchboy

    Jerry dutchboy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Welcome to you Sam and Oscar. Very impressed that you have your signature and spreadsheet set up and that you are home testing already. This is a fabulous forum to help you get Oscar back on the road to health. I would be lost without it.
    Oscar is beautiful.
     
  6. Sam & Oscar

    Sam & Oscar Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2019
    Thanks! I wanted to be sure I had all the info here so if I had a problem or question people could actually help. And I love me a good spreadsheet, so I'm all about that. So far so good!
     
  7. Jerry dutchboy

    Jerry dutchboy Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Fabulous. Someone used the word empowering when descibing how they felt about the forum and I've been using it ever since as it truly describes how it feels. I'm sure you will feel the same. The ss is a fantastic tool for you as well as others who may need to help. It really lets you see Oscars trends and it is so rewarding (and frustrating at times) too see the colors gradually change from blacks/reds/pinks to lovely blues and greens. One last thing. You may want to add your location or timezone to your signature.:D
     
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