accuracy in meter? Sam doesn't seem to be doing well.

Hi everyone-

I just received our glucometer (One Drop) in the post and took Sam's first home reading. He is showing 69 at +9.... I know human meters read lower than AT2, but does that seem normal? Have I been sending him into hypo twice a day for the last week?

Sam has been very lethargic, not eating as much as normal, loud crying after using the litter box. His formerly mild dental problems are getting ridiculous... He seems to be going downhill very fast.

Any advice?

 

This is a very good number but it might have been preceded by much lower numbers. Only testing will give you a window into that. Lethargy can be a sign of high/low/up and down BG levels or something else entirely. Crying after using the litter box can be a sign of a UTI or cystitis. It's far to early to give up on him. You could consider getting him to the vet for a checkup and assessment of teeth, test for UTI, etc. In addition to that, if you're willing to test more and post here for advice we can help you to get his BG better regulated. What insulin are you using?

 

Thanks Kris- I'll be doing a full curve tomorrow. He is on 2u of Lantus, twice daily.
I think I'm having a freak out moment because he was acting fine three weeks ago and has been less and less vibrant as he has been on insulin. We only caught the dx because we took him in for "inappropriate elimination" (peeing on the carpet outside his litter room) and now he is , literally, drooling blood tinged saliva while sleeping and barely moving.

I'm sure it's all fine. Just having a moment.
I'll go pour a margarita and prepare for tomorrow's curve.

 

Blood tinged saliva does not sound good. Will he be having a dental done since you had mentioned his dental problems are getting worse? This may be why he's not eating much.

 

I agree that blood tinged saliva warrants a vet checkup. Keep us posted.

 

We've all had those margarita-moments from time to time! Sounds like it's time for Sam to make a trip to the vet. He may be in a great deal of pain, poor guy. Glad you're doing a curve, maybe he needs a dose reduction. Please keep us updated!

 

that is not normal and not a result of starting insulin.... that's a coincidence. You need to get him a dental pronto. If the dental has to wait maybe he can get a course of antibiotics in the meantime... but really it sounds like he needs extractions.

 

Thank you for your concern. The vet knows about the dental issues but chose to hold off and regulate the glucose first. I have a call scheduled with his vet first thing tomorrow morning.
Have a nice day.

 

If he has gum disease the infection will prevent regulation.

Find a veterinary dental specialist.

Take a look at BKs ss.
First dental was 12/08/2008 , Lantus dose was 13u.
Two weeks later 9u.
Four weeks later 7u
By the end of February 2009 he was down to 3u.
BG started creeping up in April. Had a second dental on 5/29/2009.
He saw his last pink number on 06/20/2009.
Last shot was 10/09/2009 .
He remained OTJ for the rest of his life (6.5yrs)

 

Agreed.... The dental problems are exacerbating the bg. Get that taken care of and infections gone and then you'll see better regulation.

 

Thank you Janet and Sandy! That's very helpful info!