Seizures

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Mags920, Jun 22, 2018.

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  1. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    Houston had a seizure this am about 45 min after getting his insulin. He was a little off when I went to feed him but hoped the food & insulin would perk him up. Anyway, we were at the vet's at 8:05. His sugars were 21 & he had 2 more seizures. Poor guy. Told the vet & tech I want to start checking his #'s at home & both agreed I should. This was a different tech than the 1 from 2 wks ago who told me they prefer to have it done at the office. I left him there for the day so they could observe him. His sugar was up to 125 when I left & he was sedated. Every time I have a day off something happens. I'll let you know what happens when I go pick him up later today. In the mean time I need to find a way to pay the $1200 in pet care bills that have occurred in the past 2 wks.
     
  2. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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  3. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    Thanks. Going to speak with the vet about the tech that told me I had to test at their office.
     
  4. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    For Houston :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
    For you :bighug: :bighug:
    For your wallet :banghead:
    Let us know how things go.
     
  5. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

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    So many vets and their staff tell people not to test. For anyone who sees this whose vet has told them the same... don't listen to them. Let this be a warning to you!

    I am glad you were home to see the seizure and take action. I hope poor Houston is feeling much better.
     
  6. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    The vet just called & Houston's not doing well, his # dropped back to 21, he won't eat & he has a glucose IV. Looks like I have to PTS :-(
     
  7. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    What is PTS? Sorry.
     
  8. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    Put to sleep.
     
  9. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Sorry, used to work at an animal ER where everything was abbreviated.
     
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  10. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May and June really suck!
    Houston buddy, you just got here. :(
    Houston's human, we are all here for you. It doesn't matter if you've been here for a month or ten years.
     
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  11. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    The glucose IV is more important right now than the cat eating. I wouldn't want to eat either with all the drama of this morning. The cat will start to eat when it is feeling better.

    The vet can increase the amount of glucose to bring the numbers up.

    I'm not on the board much these days, so I don't know the background. However, if it were my cat, I'd wait until the numbers have stabilized before making any kind of decision.
     
  12. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Red & Rover are correct. I know we are not there and there's more to the story but if you need options this is the place to be.
     
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  13. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    He's been on the IV for several hrs, his # went up to 125 then dropped to 20 & now they can't get a read. She doesn't think it will be easy, cheap or even possible to stabilize. She feels that because his # dropped so low even being on the IV. I'm the one that brought up euthanasia & she felt that would probably be the best way to go. I also mentioned that I felt this could have been prevented had the tech not told me I had to bring him there for testing.
     
  14. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

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    Hi there,
    I hope your kitty pulls thru - they are resilient being!

    Many members of this Forum use Care Credit to pay vet / dental expensive procedures and manyclinics are only happy to accept it as payment method. They won't charge interest if you pay the balance off in 6 mo.
    https://www.carecredit.com/apply/

    I agree with Red and Rover - wait until the clinic stabilize him. No one wants to eat if the BG keeps going up and down.
    My cat went severe hypo with seizures, admitted to ER with BG 22 :)eek::eek::eek:) but she did well on the IV glucose. She was almost comatose.. it was 15 months ago, she is fine.:)

    Best of luck to both of you.
    @Mags920
     
  15. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Thank you Tanya and Ducia & Red and Rover, you are getting me to reconsider the pts. I know about CareCredit, I was an Accountant at an animal ER & we offered it to patients. I don't make much & have too much debt right now. I know they approve just about everyone. I do have cc's I can use, just don't have the funds to pay.
     
  16. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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  17. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

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    Lantus is a long-lasting depot insulin, so it seems that it would take awhile to get through this. Surely they can 'crank up' the glucose being given to him to get him through this.

    I hope it all turns out okay.
     
  18. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Vet just called again. His # is up a very small amount - from 22 to 27. He is more alert & eating a little but still can't stand. She is going to do some blood work & urinalysis to check his ketones which were high at the initial diagnosis. I've delayed the decision to pts until I have more info. The results will determine the next step. Was approved for Care Credit which is a relief but I still have to pay the bill. I really need to move back home to get a decent paying job. Thank you Red & Rover for the info on DCIN. I really appreciate all the posts, support & info you are all giving me.
     
  19. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Good that everything is looking slightly up.

    It seems that Chris is getting her keyboard fixed today and is probably not online.

    If you go to this page http://fdmb-cin.blogspot.com/p/our-missionactivitiespeople.html and scroll down, you will find email links for other managers. Since this is an emergency situation, I'd suggest as well as filling out the form that you contact them through the email addresses listed.

    (Sorry for the delay in getting this information to you. The power went off and I had no internet access.)
     
  20. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Spoke too soon, just got another call & Houston had another seizure. Just when I was starting to feel positive. I'll try that link. Thanks again.
     
  21. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If you feel Houston is not getting adequate care don't be intimidated by someone in a lab coat. Is he in emergency or your local vet?
    This has happened to me on a Friday when staff are watching the clock. Sad but true.
     
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  22. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    He's at the local vet, depending on his test results I will bring him to the ER in Raleigh.
     
  23. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Really hope all goes well. I never get the same answer from different vets but at emergency they're bound to be more invested and educated. If they have the right equipment they can do blood and urinalysis right there. There should be a lot more people logging on soon, do you have a smart phone or is this a from-home only thing?
    Do they think the seizures are neurological or strictly a result of diabetic side effects?
     
  24. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Houston could go up and down for quite sometime because Lantus is a long acting insulin and had a depot built up. I would wait at least 24 hrs before making a decision, unless there are other issues going on. ER would be advisable for over night if not now. Houston should be having a continuous sugar drip going and if at the proper rate he shouldn't be dropping any lower.

    When things settle down, maybe a visit to your vet to discuss them reimbursing you for some of the cost.
     
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  25. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Paula.
    If you're going to do the emergency clinic thing remember to take care of yourself. Depending on the distance some people feel the need to not leave and clinics aren't made for human comfort. Having a go-bag helps if you have to make decisions at 3AM. I've been there. :bighug:
     
  26. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Omg what a nightmare. Praying he pulls through for you.
     
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  27. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    Vet called for the last time. She actually called the ER for me & discussed his situation & the Dr on duty there did mention that the Lantus is long acting & they were not surprised at his seizures or anything going on but feel he will pull out of it. Going to pick him up in 1 hr & should be at the ER before he is due (or not) for his next dose. All also believe he may be going into remission due to the change in diet. I feel so much better. I did bring Houston to this ER when he was first diagnosed in May so they have him on file, unfortunately the original Dr that treated him isn't on duty tonight. It's about 40 min from home but it is Fri & people are getting out of work & I'm driving from the country to the city. Let's hope traffic is going the other way. Forgot to mention his # is going up & there are no ketones - yeah!
     
  28. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    @Mags920 He SHOULD NOT be getting anymore insulin today or tonight. If you are driving him, bring along a bottle of honey or karo syrup with you. He can still drop while you are driving. Is someone going with you who can drive so you can tend to Houston?
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2018
  29. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm logging out. Safe journey Houston.
     
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  30. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    I'm on my own, don't really know anyone down here. Thanks Olive & Paula, will bring corn syrup w/me. I know he shouldn't get insulin but they still want me to bring it in case he spikes later as he's spending the night. BTW are you in Quebec? Most of my relatives live there.
     
  31. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

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    he certainly does not need any more insulin today!
    I hope your Dr understands it but I've seen all types of vets.... some held rather peculiar convictions about feline diabetics.
    You need to advocate for the best care for Houston.
    I could not agree more with that!

    Please keep us posted.
    @Mags920
     
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  32. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    I'm in the States. Olive came from Quebec. Houston will probably spike, but could now be super sensitive to insulin. I would not bring it and tell them you forgot it. Ask your vet when you pick him up for some syringes filled with glucose water in case you need it for the drive. I would plan on stopping every 10-15 minutes and give him some or rub syrup on his gums. Honey would be better than corn syrup.
     
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  33. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

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    No more insulin for Houston any time soon! The poor boy may not even need insulin at all at this point. This was a super bad hypo episode! I hope that vet's office has learned their lesson and will start encouraging people to test rather than telling them not to.

    I am so glad he is doing better. :bighug:
     
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  34. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    re bringing insulin with you. Don't say "I read it on the internet". I barely squeak by with feline medical knowledge and yet I know more than the techs at my vet. The truly smart people here speak from years of experience and sometimes tragedy.
    Earlier you said "I'm on my own, don't really know anyone..." but you know us. It's not just to cheer you up, it really means something.
     
  35. Marie&HerCats RUSTY

    Marie&HerCats RUSTY Member

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    Thoughts & prayers for continued improvement! It must be difficult doing this on your own, safe tp say ypu have lots of folks here with u in spiri
     
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  36. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I'm back on.....if you need me, please send a private message by clicking on my name and choosing "start conversation"

    Prayers sent for your baby
     
  37. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Please keep us updates
     
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  38. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 18, 2016
    The vets may try to talk you into using a pet meter (alphatrak is the most common one). The strips for this meter are very expensive.

    Most people here use a human meter just fine. The Relion Confirm at Walmart is a good meter for cats, and it is inexpensive.

    Glad that things are looking up for you and Houston. It's been quite a day.
     
  39. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Houston has been delivered & was doing great when I picked him up, talking up a storm - something he has never done at home. He has eaten a lot this afternoon. The ER vet agreed, no insulin for up to 24hrs. She also tried to talk me out of home testing but as I said to both vets "Had I been home testing, this could could have been prevented." Both vets wanted me to get a pet meter but I stood my ground. I'll pick one up at Walmart tomorrow when I go get him - that's my plan. I'll call to check on him at 11p if I'm still awake. Been a long stressful day! Thanks again all for your help & support.
     
  40. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Seizures appear to be diabetes related. I'm using my home computer, rarely use smart phone.
     
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  41. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Thank goodness he's doing well!!!

    And thank goodness you have the strength to stand up to the vets ….especially when they're so obviously wrong!!!
     
  42. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    My last post for the night as I'm exhausted & need some sleep. Just called the ER & he's doing great, # is up to 62 from 42 @ 5p. He's getting 5% glucose which they will lower to 2.5% once they feel he is stabilized enough. Still eating well & was sleeping until I called. I brought one of my cat beds so he would feel at home & it has helped. Til tomorrow, thanks for your support.
     
  43. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

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    I'm just reading this thread, I am so sorry to hear you and Houston have had such a rough day. I'm glad he's doing better, and I hope you have had some rest by the time you read this. Hugs and healing/recovery energy to Houston, hugs and peace to a bruised and worried human heart and mind. :bighug::bighug:
     
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  44. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    So glad Houston is doing well. Good for you standing your ground. You are woman hear you roar!!!!!
     
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  45. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    So glad he’s ok
     
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  46. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    ER Dr called a while ago, Houston's # is 162, he's been off glucose & LRS since 7am, eating & alert. He had a mild heart murmur when he arrived but now it's more pronounced which is why he's off the fluids. Another issue which has been going on for years is his constipation. They gave him 1 enema & were going to give another - poor guy. Very good chance I'll be able to pick him up around 5pm. Absolutely no insulin for at least another 48 hrs - glad to hear that, need to clear his system of it. She thinks if I feed him a DM he may not need insulin for a long time if ever. They are feeding him that now & he's eating, he'll eat anything you put in front of him. I will pick up a meter when I go get him. I may have a new vial of Lantus to sell :)
     
  47. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

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    :):) How good to hear that!:) Thanks for the update!

    fingers crossed and anti-jinx - several cats had gone off insulin after the food switch so it is possible.
    BTW, you do not have to feed DM exclusively - any wet low carbs - below 10% per 100 Kcal - would do just fine. HERE is the food chart w /calor composition.
    Petco sells Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau and Koolina Luau which have no carbs at all and very good quality.

    Whilst off insulin for the next 48 hours please keep testing the BG throughout the day and get some random nightly tests in (some cats go lower at night naturally, not to worry: no insulin= no Hypo) and keep record at what/ when and how much you fed - if he stays between 50 and 120 on human meter eating low/ no carbs foods he won't need insulin.

    Good start imho would be taking a test, then feeding and then taking another test in 3 hours. If 3 hours later Houston is lower than he was before eating then it is possible that his pancreas is working. Future record keeping will help understanding it.

    I'd ask the clinic to give me an enema to keep at home just in case. Being constipated raises the BG in some cats and it is better for dosing assessment to rule out any possible causes of the elevated BG - and constipation is the usual suspect here.

    Please keep us posted on Houston's progress. Ask any questions.
    I do hope he'll do fine w/o the dose!
    @Mags920
     
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  48. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    I did mention the other food options but she thinks the DM would be the best to keep him stable right now. Problem is I can't get it around here, have to wait for it to be shipped to me, the nearest PetSmart doesn't have it in stock. No Petcos near me, the only 1 I know of closed.
    I will start a chart on everything. Not sure about giving him an enema, will give him Miralax, hopefully the 2nd enema flushed more out him. If you could see what comes out of him you would be amazed. Last week it was so big & long I initially thought a black snake had gotten into the house, lol. Insulin does seem to cause constipation, my father is diabetic & has had issues since starting insulin.
    Stopping at Walmart before I pick him up & getting a meter, strips & more Miralax.
     
  49. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

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    Feb 25, 2017
    :joyful::joyful::joyful:
    i hope Miralax will do its job just add some extra water to his food whilst he on it - Miralax will soak up a lot moisture from the body and staying well hydrated helps the BM. I add 1 teaspoon of warm boiled water per each teaspoon of solid food I gave - I cannot even remember when was the last time Ducia was plugged up.(knock knock)
    you might want to get Neosporin with pain relief - ointment is better than cream to apply on his ears after testing.
    Once a day maybe?, just a dab on the pokey site.
    Some cats have allergic reaction to Neo but most do fine. It helps prevent infection and soothes the ear.

    Have you heard of Chewy.com? They sell almost all the foods in Dr. Pierson's food chart and have nice promo/ discounts from time to time.
     
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  50. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Miralax does work on him, been giving it to him off & on for 4 yrs now. Thx on the Neosporin w/pain relief suggestion, will add to my list.
    Chewy.com? lol, I placed an order earlier for the DM to make the vet happy, also got my "wild child" his FortiFlora - he's addicted. I had a coupon for $15 & they gave me an additional 40% for auto ship that I'll cancel later.
    I told the vet that I will be stopping at Walmart on my way to get a meter & supplies & we can each do a test w/our meters & compare readings. I'll do the same next week my my local vet - should make them all happy.
    Leaving now to get him.
     
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  51. Chester and Rita

    Chester and Rita New Member

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    Jun 12, 2018
    So sorry to hear that! I know what you mean by the "money" thing. I'm getting a second job to afford this and I wouldn't have it any other way. They're our children!
     
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  52. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    We are home, Houston has been fed & after acting strange - like he wanted to go outside which he hasn't done in nearly 7 yrs, he is now laying under a chair in the living room. I ended up buying the ReliOn Confirm. We tested his blood with both meters, the AlphaTrak read 255 & the ReliOn was 167 - big variance. I'll check him at 9:45 to see where he is at. Apparently the 2nd enema had quite results, lol & boy does he stink! Needs a bath but I think we have had enough stress the past 36hrs. Here's to a good night & getting back to normal.
     
  53. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    there's really no reason to use the DM no matter what your vet says. The problem is that vets don't get hardly any education on nutrition except what they get from the pet food salesmen (who naturally, want to sell product!!)

    There's absolutely nothing in a "prescription" food that requires a prescription (or any other special thing)…..if you check the ingredients, you'll see they're really pretty lousy.

    Fancy Feast is a lot more affordable and the ingredients are actually better than DM's!!

    There are lots of choices for foods.....don't let your vet buffalo you on the need for "prescription" foods! As long as they're under 10% carbs, they're fine for our sugarcats!!

    P.S.....you can return the DM.....just say your cat refuses to eat it. It has a 100% guarantee (and that's usually not a lie either....most cats get tired of it quickly and stop eating it)
     
  54. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    For the constipation, you can give pure pumpkin in his food during the day and miralax at night. Give both daily and it should keep him going. Daily prevention is the best way to keep things moving.
     
  55. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    Dm is not ment for diabetics. It's 25% carb. The MD is low carb. Still nothing about it is better than ff classic
     
  56. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Tried pumpkin several years ago none of the kitties would eat it, so Miralax it is. All vets who have seen him believe it could be megacolon, oh well, another issue for another day.
     
  57. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    I've discovered when I put FortiFlora on the food with the pumkin cc wolf's it down.
     
  58. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Sep 6, 2015
    That's to bad. I see a lot of people say cat won't eat it. I guess I have weird cats. None of them mind it. I put a very small amount (what fits on end of butter knife) in each meal. Mix it in very well. Olive is the only one who gets miralax in addition.
     
  59. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    FortiFlora is so expensive (used to get a case of 6 for $5 when I worked at the animal ER) and my "wild child" turkish angora is addicted to it so he gets a little most days but I have to stretch out my supply & adding another to the distribution would be costly. At this point Houston is eating everything so maybe I'll give pumpkin another try. Stay tuned..............
     
  60. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    I have plenty of the acceptable food so I'll just alternate with the DM until it's gone. Don't plan on keeping him on it after the 1 case. The main reason I did order it is to get the $35 discount they offered & get my Denace his "kitty crack" (FortiFlora).
     
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  61. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

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    Jun 8, 2016
    I get it from Adwdiabetes.com with a 10% off coupon. It comes to about $75 for 90 packs. It's definitly pricy.
     
  62. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Let me clarify, I used to pay $5 for a case of 6 boxes that had 30 packs each. Ordered some yesterday on Chewy.com, my order came to about $57 for 2 boxes (60 packs) of FortiFlora & 1 case of Purina DM wet. Had a $15 coupon & got another $30 for signing up for auto ship which I'll cancel in a few weeks. That wasn't bad.
     
  63. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

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    May 10, 2013
    Where?? I'd love to get in on that kind of price!!! I paid like $27 per box last time I bought some!!
     
  64. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    I am so glad Houston is home. I saw your reference to the ER in Raleigh, which I assume to be NC, and then either NCSU or VSH - Ha, lots of assumptions there! But if so, we are in N. Raleigh near Falls Lake and I wish I had seen your postings before now as I have a couple of extra brand new ReliOn Confirm meters (got free with strip purchase) and I could have met you at the ER to get it to you :(

    If there is anything that I can do to help you and Houston, please let me know. :bighug:

    Sandi&Whisper
     
  65. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    That was when I worked at the animal ER & employees only pd $5 for Purina products. That benefit has since ended.
     
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  66. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

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    May 18, 2018
    Yes I went to VSH in N Raleigh, I used to live on Durant which is why I went there, knew how to get there. Now in Louisburg. I ended up buying a ReliOn Confirm before I picked him up yesterday. That would have been great, appreciate the thought. I have been checking him every 3 hrs today just to create my own curve with this meter. Having the worst time getting blood. Had to skip the last test because it was too soon after he ate. Thanks again for reaching out, appreciate it.
     
  67. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2015
    Yes, very familiar with VSH N Raleigh. We used to live a stone's throw from Durant and Six Forks, but now we live near Hwy 98 west near the Durham county line rather than towards Wake Forest.

    Make sure that the ear is warm...you can make a little heat packet by putting rice in a thin sock, knot it and put in the microwave. Test it on your wrist to make sure it isn't too warm. Then hold it on his ear. It will help the blood flow. Also, the lancets that came with the meter might be too thin. They are probably 30-33 gauge. Instead look for the ones labelled "alternate site testing" or 26-28 gauge. That is a slightly thicker needle and that will help a lot at the beginning.

    Nice to meet you both :)

    Sandi.
     
  68. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2018
    Hey Sandi, nice to meet you as well. I've been rubbing his ear until it gets warm & pink but I think he's tired of being pricked. The tech at VSH showed me her trick which I don't really care for. She told/showed me to basically scratch the ear with the lancet & just pick the scab next time you want a read. The poor little guy's ear looks so bad I ended up putting some neosporin w/pain relief on it. I had success last night using a pad on a paw but not today. I don't plan of checking him as often but just wanted to get an idea of how he's running w/this meter.
    Any experience w/VSH?
    Marianne
     
  69. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Holy cow that's an awesome price
     
  70. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    You aren't hitting the vein, right
     
  71. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    What in the world?! No.

    You mentioned that you rub the ear to get it warm. I would imagine that all the rubbing might be a bit irritating. You could try a different method. Some people put rice in a sock and microwave it to heat it up (not TOO hot) then hold that to the ear. I wet the corner of a washcloth with hot water and wring out the excess. I hold that to Mia's ear for a few seconds to warm it up then use it to wipe/apply light pressure to the spot after. Be sure you are hitting the area between the vein and the edge of the ear and not the vein itself.
     
  72. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    I gently would massage Max’s ear to get it warm. I’m just now reading what you have endured. I’m so angry for you that after all this you were still being advised not to test at home. They should pay the vet bills. I’d be looking for a new vet. Chewy.com is great. They refunded money for food I couldn’t use even when I could have sent it back. Just would say to donate it which I did.
     
    Mags920 likes this.
  73. Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA)

    Sandi&Maxine&Whispy(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2015
    It's been 10+ years ago so my experience is not recent,but we had good experiences most of the time. For the last 10 years we've just been going directly to NCSU, and have had a good experience every time. They have absolutely every but if equipment there, and I like that it is a teaching facility, but that would add a good 30 minutes to your trip on top of what it already takes you to get to VSH N Raleigh. I've heard good things online about https://wakevetandurgentcare.com/ near Knightdale. They are a 24 hour ER as well, and depending on where you are in Louisburg, it might be about the same distance as VSH for you if you want another option.

    Be sure to press pretty firmly on his ear after the prick. We test at least 4-5 times a day, sometimes more, and Whispy's ears barely look touched (but he has so many capillaries from regular testing that we always get blood easily even with a thin gauge lancet). I've never heard of picking off a scab, that sounds not ideal, plus Whispy never even has a scab since I press on his ear for several seconds afterwards. It'll get easier, hang in there Marianne!
     
    Mags920 likes this.
  74. Tanya and Ducia

    Tanya and Ducia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 25, 2017
    Mags920 likes this.
  75. Lillie

    Lillie Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2017
    Good grief- I wish more vets would stress home testing. I had a similar thing happen when my cat went into a hypo at home after he left the vet from a week long curve. The insulin dosage was too high and I was not yet home testing. Even after I took him back to the vet with the minor hypo they told me to skip a dose and then resume a lower dose the next morning- without home testing him first!!! Thank God I tested at home first that morning because his BG was only 85 (alpha trak pet.) He since went to remission and has remained there without insulin.
    I hope Houston is still doing well and you have since started home testing.
     
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  76. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
  77. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2018
    The vet initially wanted me to go to Knightdale but that is even further & after speaking to them on the phone I decided I would never go there. One of the techs at my local vet told me that the person I spoke to has since been terminated.
    As for picking the scab I could not do it. It started to look like it was getting infected from them repeatedly picking so I put some ointment on it & let it heal. I prefer to just prick him - poor little guy. I've been testing 3x daily & had a few nights where his # was pretty low - 59, 69, 68. I put out the dry which he eats & his # usually goes up within a few hours.
     
  78. Mags920

    Mags920 Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2018
    I'm testing 3x daily & he hasn't had insulin in 2 weeks & I have a brand new bottle of Lantus in my fridge.
     
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