Switching from Caninsulin to Lantus

Hey everyone,

After doing some online research and getting advice from people here, I found a new vet and got a prescription for Lantus for Mottyl (please see my other post for her info). I'm a bit nervous about making the switch, because while I work from home sometimes, other times I work long shifts away from home and won't be around to monitor her. And I work both day and night shifts so can't always give the shot at the exact same time every day. I do my best but sometimes it fluctuates an hour or 90 minutes.

So, for instance, if I start her tomorrow AM, I'll be around all day but then working from 7PM-4AM, so can't check her during the night.

Should I wait to start her for a time when I'm working less? Are there people who use Lantus with irregular schedules? Or is this not an option given how my work schedule is? I want to do the best thing for my cat but I need to keep my job.

All advice appreciated.

 

You probably will be fine, especially if you start with a low dose, like 1 unit.

 

A couple of years ago my cats were on a 8/16 hour schedule on the weekends because of my work schedule.
I think a 90 minute window id OK if slowly work up to right dose.

 

Hi A,

Congrats on making the switch from Caninsulin to Lantus. This is going to help Mottyl a lot.

Start posting in the Lantus Tight Regulation forum, if you don't mind, because it's the most active forum on the board, as that's the insulin the majority of caregivers are using. You will get lots of help every day with how to treat Mottyl, with raising or lowering her dose, and generally taking care of her.

They'll let you know how to format your "condo"; that's what they call the daily posting, and how and what to post. Every day you post whatever readings you get, plus your Whole Cat Report (WCR). The WCR covers the 5 Ps:

• Purring - is the cat exhibiting customary signs of contentment or happiness?
  Playing - will the cat play and interact with others?
  Preening - is the cat maintaining its fur and cleanliness?
  Peeing - occurs, and is a normal volume?
  Pooing - fecal material is formed and passable? Constipation may happen with a food change; adding a tablespoon or so of water may help, plus ensures the cat is hydrated properly.

 

In addition to the Whole Cat Report, there are some other assessments you can make as needed, listed in my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools.