? 10/8 Tinker AMPS 92 (NS) +3 103 PMPS 142 (NS) Vomited, ketones? :-(

last post http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/tinker-10-04-2019-amps-200-4-196.220070/#post-2454784

I have not been testing for ketones... so much going on in my life right now

Tinker vomited last night. It was very watery which is weird because we don't put water out for him anymore. For the past few years he almost never drinks any water. If he is thirsty he hops up on the sink and drinks from the tap. I guess he could have gone into the toilet and drunk from there. I will start putting water out.

Anyway I am going to run out and get ketone strips as soon as the store opens. What do I do if his ketones are elevated? Is it something I can manage?

Also is there a pinned thread about testing for ketones? Do I have to test it right after he pees? I have some crystal litter pellets.

Thank you all!

 

Very good idea to collect a ketone testing kit and test for ketones.
To test for ketones, collect a specimen of urine from Tinker. Dip the test strip into the urine and read exactly 15 seconds afterwards against the colours on the side of the bottle. Check with the instructions that it is 15 seconds from dip to read. Most ketones test kits are 15 seconds as far as I am aware. Test the urine as soon after you collect it as possible.
Read the result in a good light.
Anything above a trace needs vet attention.

Does Tinker have an infection at all that you know of?
Is his appetite good? It's important he is eating.
Looking at the SS I see you have skipped 2 morning doses of insulin.
If you find the BG is too low to shoot, stall, post and ask for assistance. You may need to adjust the dose so you are not skipping doses.
Please post the result of the ketone test.

 

Is there a history of ketones? I don't see it mentioned on your SS or in your signature...

 

I stick a large spoon under Elmo when he pees and dip the strip in it, shake off extra urine and immediately compare to the color chart on side of ketone strip container....in 15 seconds results are seen. Earlier in the day sample is taken the better but anytime is also fine. Bron gave awesome, easy to follow instructions

 

No history of ketones. Last time he was DXed we had a really easy time of it.

 

I doub

No infection. I think he is eating OK. Maybe a little less hungry than normal today. (edit: his appetite seems ok and he just ate)
I thought about giving him a smaller dose to avoid skipping a dose when his BG is on the lower side. But I am doing SLGS and I thought you were supposed to do slow & steady changes? Although skipping doses is not very slow or steady.

 

i just tested him... 92! What is going on with this kitty. He is munching away at his breakfast so that's good. He looks pretty alert and happy today. He has been sleeping a lot but IDK, he's a cat. I definitely will not give him a shot until I hear otherwise.

 

Can you please add your previous post url to your first comment? Here it is. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/tinker-10-04-2019-amps-200-4-196.220070/#post-2454784

It helps for continuity to know what was said previously - I see mention of additional testing. Are you getting a 1+ or 2+ this morning?

 

Could he have gone to long without eating that caused him to vomit?

 

He didn't pee all day so I wasn't able to test ketones. I put water out but he didn't drink any. I don't think I should give him a shot tonight. He just tested 142 but it was not fasting, he had been eating. I can't stay up much past +2.

 

I am concerned you have skipped 4 out of the last 6 shots of insulin.
Please try and get a ketone test in if at all possible. It is important we eliminate ketones with the skipped shots and vomiting.
I am glad he is eating better now. Maybe the vomit was from not having anything in his tummy as it looks like it happened at +10.
Do you offer food during the cycle as well as at preshot.?

Are you able to get any tests in after the PMPS? For example a before bed test will tell you if Tinker is going to drop lower that night. If the +2 or before bed test is lower than the preshot than it will most likely be an active cycle and you may need to test again later.

 

@Tinker's Mom
What would be good for you to try, would be for you to learn to shoot some lower numbers.
For example in the beginning you could shoot numbers in the 120, 130 and 140 range.
What I would suggest is if you get a lower number in the range just mentioned, stall, don't feed then post and ask for assistanc and we will help you through it.
Learning to shoot lower numbers is the way to getting flatter curves and overall lower healing numbers.
How would you feel about trying that? It is a bit scary the first time but someone will stay with you.

Getting those before bed tests in is really important if you can possibly manage it.

Also you have chopped and changed the dose a bit from 0.75 to 0.8 to 0.9
Lantus works best if the consistent dose is kept, except if you drop under 90 and earn a reduction

 

Anything above trace ketones means a visit to the vet. Ketone levels can change quickly, so even if just trace, test frequently to make sure it's not changing. Are you adding water to his food? Fluids will also help flush ketones.

In addition to what Bron wrote - there is this document.