Need HELP ASAP My Squeakers was Diagnosed with Diabetes on Saturday

Hi All
I am new to a diabetic cat. I have rescued many cats over the years and I currently have 25...I also have 2 large dogs. Here is my delema...I am on SSDI so my i come is very low and I spend all my money on my Fur Babies so when the Vet said I was to use Prozinc at $125 I was unable to get it. He did not offer me anything else... he just gave me a script for it. This was Monday Memorial day...My Squeakers needed something so I went to Wal-Mart and bought Novilin N...Yesterday I started the insulin after testing and feeding....I had no idea how much I should use so I started out with 2 units and that was way way way too much for after 6 hours I tested again and his level dropped to 26 from 576. I immediately fed him and kept a close eye on him...he was acting normal to my surprise. After another 6 hours I tested again and the levels were 112 so no more insulin...gave him a little more food for the night and this morning at 7am tested and levels were 317 fed and gave .5 units insulin. Tested at 9am level was 169. 11 am test shows 41 again too low

 

Sorry for double post not sure what happened was trying to edit the original post to show last glucose reading

 

Get some Kato syrup, honey or maple syrup on his gums. If you have any high carb wet food give him the gravy, or teaspoon of food. Keep testing!

 

Thanks I will do that now
When should I test again

 

Test in 15 minutes, did you get him to eat, did you use syrup?

 

Mary, is he responding? How is he acting?

 

It can take 20 minutes for the karo to go from the tummy to the blood stream. I would wait 20 minutes after your kitty ate it before testing again.

Do you have high carb food around? What is his normal food?

 

Bless you! Thank you!

 

No Karo it has what looked like mold on top....forced him to eat about a tablespoon of canned food and I put a pinch of sugar in his mouth....Just saw he doesn't have on if his top K-9 that is why he was having hard time picking up the dry food. He won't eat the Purina dry any longer. I tried calling the vet but he won't help since I am not using the prescribed insulin

 

Honey, maple syrup? Teaspoons of wet food. How is he acting?

 

He is acting normal...looking for food but won't take the canned food

 

Maybe some tuna water on the canned food? Got to get some carbs in small amounts into him. Keep testing every 20 minutes

 

Thanks I will test in about 5 more minutes...he just had a little diarrhea

 

OMG !!! It is now 30 I put a teaspoon of maple syrup in his mouth. I do not know what else to do ???

 

That should help, can you get to vet?

 

Any symptoms of hypoglycemia? If not, take a breath and test again 20 minutes after you gave the syrup.

If your vet won't help over the phone, you may just have to take him in. They should see you on an emergency basis.

Here is the page on treating hypoglycemia - read it over and print it out for future reference.

 

Thanks Everyone !!!
Unfortunately I can not get to the vet....the vet we went to refused to help because I used a different insulin the he prescribed. He is still acting normal and I was eating a piece of cheese and he climbed up my leg to get to it so I gave him some...still ate it like he is starving bit refuses to eat his canned food...will test when another 20 min has passed and will repost

 

Keep feeding and testing and posting every 20 minutes until you get to safe levels.

 

Okay I will do that. He is still going like normal so makes me feel better

 

Just retested now went too high...gave him too much syrup. Jumped from 30 to 239 now after 20 mins of teaspoon of maple syrup. I am at my wits end

 

I used the syrup and now his levels are 239

 

You're doing fine!! Don't worry about having given "too much" syrup. In that situation, you give what you need to get the numbers up. Also, the effects of syrup are short - it's important to keep testing and see if you can get him to eat some food.

I would test again 30 minutes after your last test.

 

That spike might not last long. Let him be for another 20 minutes and retest. It's better to overcarb in a situation like this and stop the action of the insulin almost completely.

 

Okay he was due for a test at 1pm so I will wait until then to retest and post the results. Thanks

 

Thanks ! I was in tears because I said here I am killing him with this cheap insulin because I am too poor to buy the better stuff for him

 

Novolin is likely to peak in its action 4 to 6 hours after you gave it so you might at that point now. Let us know what time zone you're in. I was basing that on where I am - EST. This is a violent reaction to what you said was a dose of 0.5 units at 7 AM. Please let us know:

• whether the diabetes diagnosis was made on the basis of one single blood glucose test at the clinic or from the results of a fructosamine test (gives an indication of average BG over the previous couple of weeks)
• whether your vet sold you/gave you U40 syringes expecting you to use ProZinc and you're using these for Novolin (Novolin needs U100 syringes - really important!!!)
• if you're unsure in any way how to read the markings on the syringes you're using - we can help.

 

Please don't beat yourself up. There are ways to make Novolin work better for your kitty and we can help.

 

Thanks...I can't believe he dropped that low on .5 units...Yesterday I gave him 2 units and I didn't test that often just after 6 hours and he had dropped to 26....I wonder how low he actually got...scary !!! Can I give below .5 units ???

 

I can help you better if you give me the info I asked for in my post #26 (above).

 

Wow! This is quite the trial-by-fire you are having in your introduction to FD! Good job keeping calm through all this-- you're doing great!

I'm really impressed that you took matters into your own hands with the Novalin N, after realizing that the Prozinc was too expensive. That shows that you have Squeaker's care as a high priority-- lots of folks would have just given up at that point. Kris is right, we can help make the Novalin work for you and Squeaker.

I'm thinking that that may be part of the reason he's so sensitive to the 0.5U today. It happens sometimes after they go hypo-- they get a lot more sensitive to insulin.

Did you just switch over to the canned food he isn't eating? Does he have another food he is more familiar with?

 

Squeakers is giving off a moan every few minutes should I be concerned...he had a little diarrhea earlier

 

He may be feeling yucky from either the unfamiliar food (maple syrup) upsetting his tummy, or just the rapid rebounding of the BG numbers, but I'd go ahead and test BG now (if it's close to time) just to make sure there's nothing going on there.

 

Test his BG in another 10-15 minutes and post your number. Nan is right - the low today could be from the insulin sensitivity that can follow a previous low.

 

I am not sure what test they did...I took him in on Saturday because he is just skin and bone. They took blood and about 45 mins later the Vet told me his glucose levels were in the 500 range but all his other tests were negative which was a good sign. The kept him until Monday trying to lower the levels and they too were getting him to drop way low using prozinc only once per day. I bought the other needles for the 100....so not using the 40's that were for the prozinc.
Going to retest now and will relost

 

No he is used to getting this food on occasion and I had started feeding him mostly this canned food about 2 weeks before is initial test

 

I am seriously going crazy here Now the reading is 20...so he is still dropping!!!

 

Should I give more syrup ???
Do you think there is something wrong with my Reli on tester ? I just bought everthing on Monday

 

Give more syrup. I wonder about the diagnosis if he dropped low on once a day ProZinc at the clinic.

 

Try testing yourself. A non diabetic person usually runs around 90 - 110.

 

How many hours has it been since you gave the insulin?

 

LOL ! I already did that mine is 99

 

6 now

 

Still acting fine?

20 is pretty low, especially on 0.5U. I agree with Kris, I'm starting to wonder about the diagnosis. But that question can wait until he's back out of the danger zone. Up, Squeakers, up!!!!

 

Nan I want to thank you for the nice comments you made about me. I do not have much but all I have goes to taking care of my babies...I eat Romen Noodles way too often so my babies can have food. I lost my oldest male Tigger 3 years ago to CKD but I treated him with info. I got of websites and gave him another 2 years. My Molly McGee had Pancreatitis and Fatty Liver and I had to force feed her for 2 months before she started to eat again and that was 2 years ago she is going strong. I will do what it takes to get my Squeakers stable.

 

Yes he is acting Normal. Just layed down by me an wanted some loving and is purring away....hates the maple syrup though...but he has been a trooper through all this.

 

Mary, I have to go out now. I'm glad Nan is there to help.

 

He should be getting past the insulin's peak action time. However, a dose that's too high can have longer duration so he'll be keeping you busy for a little while. Hang in there ...

 

Thank You so much for the help

 

Who would have thought that .5U would be too much ??? That is the smallest this Syringe has ?????? Makes me wonder

 

Do your syringes have an orange top or a red top?


Can you tell us, using the black marks on the syringe, how much you used? (do not count the lowest black mark which is the zero mark)

Edit: If your syringe has half unit marks, count each mark and divide by 2.

 

Glad to hear he's acting normal! But we're still on high alert for the forseeable future-- test again in 20mins. after the maple syrup.

While waiting for the next test time, let's brainstorm on what else you can get him to eat to boost carbs. The maple syrup is great for the quick boost (as you saw with that 239!), but it fades quickly (as you are also seeing). It can also upset their stomachs, the straight sugar.

So, reading through the thread, it seems like he was acting hungry, and devoured cheese, but turned his nose up at his current canned food (and in general will no longer eat his old dry food). How about treats?

If he were eating his canned food, another good option can be to drizzle a little syrup on the food-- gives both a carb hit and some staying power. If you have any other food varieties around that he might eat, you could give it a try on the next round (assuming he's at least in the 40's-- in the 20's and 30's, I'm inclined to stick with the syrup).

Hang in there!

 

Thank God !!! Got a reading of 111

 

They are orange and I used .5 I used to work in the medical field so I know how to drawal up meds. and I give myself B12 shots every other week for a deficiency

 

Can you check the box? Does it say U40 or U100?

 

Unfortunately he does not like treats except hotdogs...lol

 

U100

 

Just wanted to make sure that you were using the correct size syringe for the type of insulin you bought.

What about ice cream?
Does your cat like ice cream (not chocolate)?

 

[although, in a pinch, a few nibbles of hot dog + syrup is better than nothing!]

One of the common go-tos is to keep a few cans of Fancy Feast Gravy Lover's (or another "gravy" type food) around for this kind of situation. All the carbs are in the gravy, so (if they like it, and most cats find it yummy), you can give a boost that way. But if he only likes hot dogs, well...

 

[to be clear, the gravy suggestion is for a future time-- you don't want to leave him alone just now, even with that 111]

 

Nope he dies not

 

No I would Never leave him alone and tested again it is 55...gonna give a little more syrup and keep testing until it stays at 100 or above

 

OK, good.

Really would like to get something in him other than all this syrup, though. Have you offered him a few nibbles of his old dry food, just to see what he'll do? Maybe tuna, if he likes it?

As a last resort (assuming you don't currently have hot dogs on-hand), maybe a little more cheese. I do worry that, while it's more like solid food, it's still very rich on top of the syrup. The very last thing you want to have happen is for him to throw up while still going low, so fingers crossed that this latest round of syrup (plus being on the downslope of the insulin action) does the trick and he keeps it all down.

 

There is his dry food out all the time but he can no longer eat it...lost too many teeth. I tried to give him tuna but he refused so gave it to the other cats. I had a piece of baked cheeked and he did eat a few bits of that so I know I will get him into a safe zone soon...it has been a little over 7 hours since his insulin shot...I guess I will go through this same thing tomorrow but at least I will not be quite as panicked. Thank You so much for all your help. I feel exhausted now...too much anxiety I guess. It is test, test and test until I get him where I know he is safe. Once again Thank You

 

Aw, poor guy! Maybe if you added a little water to soften it up?

Let's hope not! The goal is to get a dose that this doesn't happen every time-- you're just trying to get him into non-damaging numbers for the bulk of the day, not drop him into hypo territory.

I'd suggest a wait-and-see on the next few doses, possibly skipping one or more shots to see what kinds of numbers he has without insulin. That is assuming that he's never had ketones or diabetic ketoacidosis (which it doesn't sound like he has).

You are very welcome-- and you're doing fantastic with all of this!

 

Here is the information for beginners using Novolin N.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/beginners-guide-to-novolin-humulin-nph.186097/

 

Mary, please contact another vet. Call your local municipal and non profit shelters, look to see if your state has vets with sliding scale fee or assistance For exampke, in RI we have a vet org that subsidizes vet visits for low income. My town shelter has low low cost vet appt schedule with assistance for treatment.

 

What State do you live in? I will do some research

 

I will try what you said about softening his food.
I skipped his dose yesterday evening because he was like 112 but this morning he was 317. Like I said earlier the vets office had the same problem with him dropping too low as well on the Prozinc. So I will skip this evening again and possibly tomorrow morning to see what happens.
Thank You for the compliments I try my best for I am all my babies have and they mean the world to me.

 

I live in Dundalk, Maryland

 

The Baltimore Human Society lists 14 organizations that assist with vet, medical expenses of various kinds including meds for special needs pets. If you are not near Baltimore look up the nearest HS or ask a local shelter for info

https://bmorehumane.org/adopt/surrender-2/financial-issues-veterinary-costs-food-etc/

• The Buddy Foundation of Maryland (provides financial assistance for veterinary costs): tbfmd.org
• Cats in Crisis (helps cats and kitten with special medical needs): catsincrisis.org
• Paws 4 A Cure (provides financial assistance for canine and feline owners who cannot afford vet care): paws4acure.org
• The Pet Fund (provides information to owners about preventative care and financial services which will ensure that pet owners are able to develop financial resources on their own and avoid future medical crises through care and planning): thepetfund.com
• Pets of the Homeless (pet food and veterinary care assistance for homeless): petsofthehomeless.org
• Rose’s Fund (provides financial assistance for veterinary costs): rosesfund.org

One of our local non profit food banks actually gives out pet food maybe one near you can assist
I so hope these or others you find by contacting local agencies can help.
At least another vet that has sliding scale or payment plan Your current vet SHOULD know and or at least be able to refer you to help. Not cool on his part!

God bless you for your compassion & commitment to your pets

 

Diabetic Cats in Need (DCIN) is another organization that can help. A member here on FDMB, @Chris & China is the contact person. They might help with insulin cost if Novolin just won't work.

 

Thank You for this

 

What's the latest BG value?

 

You are in capable hands and I don't have much to add, just a note to tell you to hang in there and that you're doing great.

If his teeth are too gone for kibble, definitely try soaking some in warm water -- the warmth also makes them more palatable.

 

I would strongly suggest you don't give insulin again for now....NONE

A few days running high are a lot safer than having him run this low....He may not be diabetic at all if your vet didn't run the right tests and only ran one blood test.

I'd suggest you feed him a low carb canned food and test him at various times for the next couple days and let's see what's going on first.

If you qualify, DCIN will help pay for (or provide) insulin. Feel free to send me a private message by clicking on my name and choosing "start conversation"

 

I agree. You should hold off on giving insulin for a few days. Test him before you feed him and let us know what his readings are. There is a spreadsheet that many members use to keep track of their readings. I do not have the link to it, but one of our other members can provide it.

Some inexpensive low carb canned foods are the Friskies Pate flavors. You want to avoid any canned foods that are in gravy. If you do go back on insulin, buy a couple cans of the foods with gravy to keep on hand if he ever drops low again.

Do you know what tests your vet ran to determine that he has diabetes? It should have been a fructosamine test. A simple test using a glucometer would not give an accurate reading to determine if he has diabetes. A cat's glucose readings normally does raise when a cat's at the vet. A fructosamine test measures the glucose levels in your cat's body over a period of several days and takes an average. That is way more accurate test.

 

Thank You for all the information. I will certainly look into this...my fear is too many people finding out that I have so many cats....These are wonderful cats and Love me and I Love them. They were all ferrals at one point and most of them do not like anyone but me and if they were ti be taken away from me they would be put down as unadoptable. So I am reluctant to ask for help...I could lie and not tell them about the other cats but then they would say you should get by on what you get. Which is just $2 over getting any State assistance. I will look up these places though and see what info. they want. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to bring me this information.

 

So sorry My phone died and then I fell asleep. He gradually kept going up by 6 pm he was 125 so I knew he was out of danger and then I laid down and fell asleep until like 6:50 this morning. Exhausted from all the stress the past several days I guess....his level this morning was 426 but decided to withhold all insulin today unless he goes above 600
JustJust tested again and got 137....I knew that couldn't be right so retested and got 421. So thus far he is holding steady...not sure how often I should test today....I am so behind on cleaning up the 40 Plus litter pans and will be extremely busy but I will post when I can

 

Thank You so much and Yes I have decided to withhold insulin for a while but I really don't want to let him go over 600.
Thanks !

 

Thanks for the info.
I am not sure what blood test he ran. I know they took him in the back and took blood. Then like 45 mins later he called me back in the room and said they were going to keep him in the hospital for a few days and give him insulin because his BG was 500 s d something but all other blood tests were normal. I will call and see if they can tell me what test they used to determine his diabetes diagnoses

 

Thank You !

 

Mary, you might consider starting a new thread with a different title ,since the initial emergency has resolved and this thread is getting very long. I'm so glad your kitteh is better. I sure hope you can find help for your furry friends. You are a good person for caring so much.

 

Thanks will do

 

If you call the vet, ask if urine was tested for glucose. The diagnosis for FD is made by showing persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria. A fructosamine test can be helpful in distinguishing between stress hyperglycemia and true diabetes, but is not always needed.

You can test the urine at home for glucose. If you are getting repeated high BGs and can show persistant glucose in the urine, the FD diagnosis is correct.

 

Thanks

 

BTW, you did a great job in handling the low numbers.

 

Thanks ! I started a new tread just now stopped insulin yesterday and today and posted his levels thus far today