Returning with a newly diagnosed sugar kitty

Good afternoon all!

I've been in these shoes before, but they dont fit any more comfortably this time around. Spring/summer of 2016 my boy Cooter had steriod induced diabetes. With the patience, love and support of the great folks here we got him OTJ and hes been in remission since June 3rd of 2016!
Today I am here with Mary. Shes been sickly, stopped eating and started dropping weight drastically the end of last week. Bloodwork shows she is dehydrated, her BG is reading 512. She is showing Ketones, the vet says the levels are on the lower side, but she does need treatment. I am working with the vet right now to start treating at home tonight (I have moved to a very rural area 60 miles away). Waiting for the vet to finish installing the IV catheder as I type this. Will get a spreadsheet up and update my signature later today, just wanted to get the introduction done, I know i will be asking a bunch later about the Ketones! I am scared but so grateful to have such wonderful folks a click away!

 

Welcome back, even if it is not under the best circumstances. Best if you post in the Main Health Forum to get more eyes.

Tagging @Kris & Teasel @Tanya and Ducia and @Meya14 who have experience with treating DKA at home.

 

Welcome back sounds like you did a beautiful job with Cooter and Mary is in great hands!

 

Welcome!

 

Actually, Teasel was treated in my vet clinic's ICU for three days when he had his bout of DKA. @Tanya and Ducia has a lot of home treatment experience.

 

Welcome back Sarah!

 

I don't have experience doing IV fluids at home, but you can also do subQ, I suggest you ask him to show both in case the IV catheter gets pulled out somehow or she's not tolerating the IV (swollen legs, etc).

Things you will need:
1. Electrolyte lab tests. If potassium is low, ask for a supplement to take home. Low potassium can be very dangerous and common in DKA.
2. Anti nausea - cerenia or ondansetron. This is different than appetite stimulants. Appetite stimulants don't work as well in DKA.
3. Home subQ or IV fluids, and supplies if they will show you how.
4. High calorie wet food (usually kitten foods or vet recovery foods can be high calorie aim for 180+ calories for 5.5oz can)
5. Dry food or snacks to supplement her appetite - sometimes if kitty has nausea, having a variety of foods stimulates them.
6. Syringes for hand feeding. You may have to hand feed around the clock for a couple days if she's not eating on her own.
7. BS test supplies and ketone strips. You will have to test frequently.

 

Thank you @Meya14 I just found this and am glad to hear subQ's will work as well. The IV fluids are going ok, but SubQ's may work better. Need to get back with my vet in the AM about some more anti neasuea and appy stimulants. Not sure if the mirtazapine isnt working or if shes still feeling neauseas. appettite is zero right now so I'm syringe feeding. thanks again for the info!
Edit: I posted her labs on her SS, her potassium was low, vet added some suppliments into the IV fluids to help get her balanced.