8/16 Eleanor skin lesions/needle or insulin allergy??

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Julie and Eleanor (GA)

Julie and Eleanor (GA)

Member Since 2012
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/8-15-eleanor-amps-314.163096/

Eleanor was getting pinpoint injection site scabs. Last week three of them turned into lesions. Took to vet said it was skin infection. Started antibiotic Orbax.
Day 6 of antibiotics and there are more lesions, on various injection locations.

I'm not doing anything differently. I did change to a different brand of syringes (SureComfort) on July 7. First thing I noticed was that Eleanor was more comfortable with the injections than she had been with the old syringes (Terumo). The info on the syringe box says they are coated with a lubricant. But aren't all syringe needles?
I am wondering if the lesions are an allergy to the needles, or worse to the insulin.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?
I can't believe poor Eleanor has another problem.
Also, she does not seem to be bothered by the lesions, at least, she is not scratching at them.
 
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I'm sorry you've got another issue to deal with. I've never heard of that before. I don't know if all syringes have a lubricant, but maybe the ones you're using now have a different one and she's having a reaction to it. Can you try a different brand? Sending prayers. :bighug:
 
carfurby said:
I'm sorry you've got another issue to deal with. I've never heard of that before. I don't know if all syringes have a lubricant, but maybe the ones you're using now have a different one and she's having a reaction to it. Can you try a different brand? Sending prayers. :bighug:
Click to expand...

I do have a box of Easy Touch syringes and am going to start using them with todays a.m. shot.
This just seems so crazy.
 
Julie, I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. Before you load the syringe and run the plunger up and down to distribute the lubricant, try plunging all the way up and see a drop of lubricant come out of the needle. Some of my Relion syringes had extra lubricant that I would express out. I am wondering if she could be reacting to that?

I did just read something on line about some cats developing a reaction to needles but why all of a sudden?

ETA: never mind with the above, it was in reference to vaccines.
 
But the syringes do have a lubricant in them. I think. Sure worth trying Bobbie's idea. I always run the plunger up and down a few times before loading, just to grease the skids so to speak.

This sure seems an unusual reaction, though. So sorry you and Eleanor have another issue to deal with.

Marilyn and Polly
 
The only other consideration would be if Eleanor might have Cushings. Cats with this disorder's skin tears very easily. You might want to discuss this with your vet. Between the two of you, you can best assess if this is a tear or an infection.
 
Did the vet give you a reason for the skin infection/ liaisons? I was suspicious that Doodles developed an allergy to Lantus as he was scratching excessively and lurching during shot time too often. Probably just in my "head". Sending vines and prayers for you both.
 
Thank you all for the suggestions.
Vet felt that she may have scratched herself, and since the only place she will currently allow me to inject are the scruff and to each side above the shoulders, it is possible that she did scratch there.
Or so I thought but now that I see more lesions, I don't know. I also don't know why the original ones aren't healing up if it's an infection. Also, vet had no explanation for the pin sized scabs except for a possible skin infection. Yeah, I know...

In the past Eleanor has been itchy after her shots once in awhile and I have wondered if she is allergic to Lantus, but then the itchiness has passed.

I gave her insulin using an Easy Touch syringe this a.m. (BG 303 btw). I trimmed the fur in the area so I can keep an eye on the site. I tried ejecting lubricant, but none came out, from the "rough" plunging action, I don't think there was much lubricant in the syringe lol.

I am so upset, I'm a basket case with her being back in pink as it is.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
I can imagine how upsetting this is and I hope you will get an answer that makes sense. Are the other lesions you are finding other than injection sites?
Click to expand...

They are all in the injection site areas. To me, the logical explanation is either dirty injections (but I'm soooo careful!!) or irritation from the injections.
 
Julie and Eleanor said:
They are all in the injection site areas. To me, the logical explanation is either dirty injections (but I'm soooo careful!!) or irritation from the injections.
Click to expand...
I don't know how it could be a dirty injection. At a loss. Did you look into Cushing Disease that Sienne mentioned earlier to see if any of the symptoms resonated with you? Below are some of the symptoms.

  • Excessive urination (polyuria)
  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia)
  • Excessive eating (polyphagia)
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
  • Fragile skin
  • Symmetrical hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Enlargement of the abdomen
  • Curled ear tips
  • Unkempt appearance
  • Weakness (lethargy)
  • Changes in sexual behavior
 
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