increased dose, what dose tonight?

Hi everyone, and @Kris & Teasel,

Willow's numbers have increased slightly since our move to Ontario a couple of weeks ago, and this morning we increased her from 0.4 units to 0.6 of caninsulin. She had a fairly fast drop for her by +2, but increased slightly at +3, then back to the +2 number at +4...is this just meter variability or a very small bounce? Still very new to all this

Assuming if all is fine (and looks like it will be) by the pmps, to go with 0.6 units again? Advice on testing frequency tonight?

On another note, I'd been considering switching to Lantus, but since she's been doing so well (no fast scary drops) on caninsulin I'd decided to keep her on it; however, the local vet won't sell me a 2.5mL bottle (rather wants to sell me a 10 mL, which I won't get near through at the rate she's going). I know this vet usually starts cats on Lantus (they called caninsulin the dog insulin, and glargine the cat insulin). So looks like I'll be switching to Lantus (but not buying at the vets); however I'll probably wait until the new year when people on these boards won't be so busy, since I'm sure I'll have loads of questions.

But can someone tell me if there's likely to be any wild swings in her adjustment period from caninsulin to lantus? Or is it *likely* to go smoothly? I've been reading all the lantus stickies and it seems like such a different insulin....

Thanks so much, with love,

Nikki

 

Probably partly meter variance and who knows what else? Did she see a squirrel or bird out the window maybe? It happens and we really don't know what causes it all the time. A bounce from the insulin would not dissipate that readily.

I'd definitely stick with the 0.6u dose tonight depending of course on what pre-shot Willow gives you. Get your usual +3 reading and then decide about any further testing needs. It's really going to depend on what she does with this dose today so let's revisit that a little later.

It's unlikely your vet would be selling Lantus. It's a human insulin so they don't usually stock it. They can just give you a script and you can head to the pharmacy for it. Walmart has good prices for Lantus and I believe some folks have found Costco good too.You can buy a box of 5 pen cartridges which are 3ml each. Those cartridges should have an expiry on them of at least a year if not more and they will keep fine in the refrigerator so that you will be able to use them up (unless Willow suddenly decides she's wants to give up the juice! ) The Lantus cartridges once put into use, are good for several months when stored in the refrigerator so there is little if any waste as opposed to buying a 10ml vial.

We have a saying around here.....Every cat is different (ECID). Some cats can have a dramatic reaction to a change of insulin but most don't. A couple of days of monitoring should let you know how Willow is reacting and chances are good there won't be any wild ride and it will go smoothly. There is a bit of a learning curve with the Lantus but many of the basic principles are still the same. It's really just getting to understand how the Lantus works, how to use it, and gathering some data to see how Willow is utilizing it. The stickies provide guidelines and there is usually someone around to help out if you have questions, need suggestions or whatever.

 

She's very calm in her responses. I think you can give 0.6 u for now. This calm response bodes well if you do switch her to Lantus. She doesn't seem prone to wild swings so there shouldn't be much drama on Lantus. Lantus is very different in its action but there's lots of help for you on that forum and some very specific dosing guidelines to follow.

 

Thank you both so much
If nothing is off, I'll go with 0.6 u tonight for sure and update if I need help.
With love,
Nikki