Hi I'm Bo's mom

I'm Linda. My diabetic cat is Bo. He is around 11. He adopted me from the shelter. I took food there that my mom's cats wouldn't eat anymore. On my way out I stopped to look at the cats. He came right up to me like "pet me! Pet me!" He was the biggest cat in there. Anyway, I went home but I couldn't stop thinking about him. I was was thinking who's gonna want to adopt such a big cat. Everyone wants kittens. I went back the next day and brought him home. That was in 2005. Bo was around 2 years old at that time. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2010. He's been on insulin ever since.
I almost lost him in April. He stopped eating and drinking. He was in the hospital for 2 days. The vet put him on canned food and new insulin. He gets one unit twice a day.

I also have another cat. His name is Squirt. I took him in in January cuz his owner never took him inside when it was below 0°. I think he is around 2 years old.

Bo is a tabby and Squirt is black. Bo is a bully. He fights with Squirt at times.

 

Re: Hi

Welcome. If you have any questions just ask
What kind of insulin?
Are you testing your cat's blood sugar at home using a human meter? Most of us here do that.

 

Re: Hi

Welcome to the FDMB Linda and extra sweet Bo!

What a wonderful thing you did adopting Bo from the shelter! I always take a special look at the adults since they sit in their cages much longer waiting for someone to see how special they really are instead of taking a kitten. Sounds like Bo knew a good thing when he saw it!

What kind of canned food? While it's much better than dry, some is still too high in carbs for our sugarcats.

Let us know what kind of insulin too and if you're testing at home. It's important to home test for Bo's safety and to help get him regulated the best he can be.

What can we do to help? The people here are great about passing on what they've learned, so please ask any questions you might have!

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Hi LInda, great job! lots of folks here to help!!!!

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+2.5 gave Karo on finger tip and 3 Purina Whisker Lickins chicken and cheese flavor soft treats. Waiting for advice.
Gave 1 unit at 9pm est. after 3/4 can of Friskies poultry platter pate.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Looks like you just changed your title indicating low number @ +2.5

Have you got some high carb food or Karo syrup?

Feed a couple teaspoons of the high carb food OR low carb food plus several drops of the syrup (Karo, honey, molasses, etc will work.)
Wait 20 -30 min and test.again.
Continue with those steps until numbers are safe, rising 3 times in a row, and you are past the nadir.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I'm here.
Good job on giving the Karo.

The idea is to give modest amounts of high carb and monitor glucose until you can get it up.

What insulin are you using?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Someone posted about this on FB and they said she was using Lantus.....

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

High carb foods are like the "Gravy Lovers" types of Fancy Feasts....if you pull the top off and squeeze the "gravy" part out, you can give a teaspoon or 2 at a time. The gravy is where the carbs are and we don't want to "fill them up" in case we need them to keep eating later

We don't usually give the HC (high carb) until they drop below 50, but you're so new it's OK for you to have done the Karo

You'll want to keep testing...at least every 20-30 minutes to make sure he doesn't drop back down again. Since you don't have a spreadsheet going, we don't know when his nadir is (the point in the cycle where he's usually the lowest) so we're just going to have to play it by ear tonight

Do not go to bed thinking he's ok until you've gotten at least 2 hours past the last time you feed to bring up his numbers

(She's using Lantus BJM)

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Thanks Molly & Chris (oh good, there are a couple of us here!)

OK Lantus usually hits its peak action somewhere between +5 to +7 hours after the shot. You're going to be up for a while.

Have some coffee, tea, or cocoa as you'll need to stay up until he is safely past nadir, has 3 rising numbers in a row, and those numbers are safely above 50 mg/dL.

If, for some reason, you cannot stay up with him, checking and feeding, then you'll need to get him to a 24 hour emergency vet to get him on an IV sugar drip. (I had to do that when a friend misread a syringe and gave Spitzer 10 units instead of 1!)

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+3.5- 47bg
1 unit Lantus at 9pm est.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Need to feed some more high carb food or a teaspoon or 2 of low carb food with a few drops of Karo, syrup or honey and retest in 20 minutes Linda

It's OK...he's safe for now, but we need to get him up above 50 and then make sure he continues to come up before you relax any

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

The syrup may be a temp fix..but its only short lived. Sugar like that only last about half an hour and is only ment to keep from dropping lower.Need to get some carbs in him. I woulld also expect higher numbers in the morning. Dont treat the high number..its more then likely a bounce from such a low number

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Hang in there!

Test
If low, 2 Teaspoons high carb
Wait 20-30 min
Repeat

If you have something with a timer or alarm, set it to help you keep on track.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Syrup actually can last up to two hours depending on the cat. That's why it's going to be important for you to be sure he is also getting some food and for you to keep testing past the two hour point after you last gave syrup.

What was his BG when you shot tonight?

You want to lather, rinse, repeat. In other words, test him, feed him if he's below 50, wait 30 mins and start again.

If you can continue to post his numbers here, we can continue to help.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+4.5 - 59 bg
Just gave 1/2 tsp. low carb.
The first time I ever tested him was 2 hours ago.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

A few more hours to go.

Keep steering the same way.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Can you please leg us know what you've fed when and what number you shot tonight?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I don't think she got a pre-shot - tested at +2.5 and said it was 1st ever test on post for +4.5

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Thanks BJ. Guess I missed that :roll: when we cross posted or she edited it.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

That's OK - I had to re-read it to figure out the 2 hours before +4.5!

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

This may be getting ahead of the game, but since he went below 50, would it be a good idea for her to decrease his dose to .75 for tomorrow?

Sorry, trying to observe and learn as much as I can with all this stuff....wasn't sure if that would apply if newer to insulin as I can't tell from the rest of the condo if today was the first time he has had insulin or not.....

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Yes, reduce 0.25 if less than 1 year as a diabetic ... if high enough to shoot.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

How're you doing Ms. Linda? Hanging in OK?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I'm doing ok but I am really nervous. I couldn't get blood out of his ears but I can get it out of his foot.
After the last test he seemed to be perking up some. Right now he's curled up next to me.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

If you have to, aim for the ear vein. Just be prepared to blot firmly after getting the test. Also, you can get the droplet on a clean fingernail and test from there if he's squirmy.

How's your supply of test strips?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+5 - 70bg
So what now?
I have a really good supply of strips cuz I'm hypoglycemic and I don't test like I'm supposed to.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

At this point, you can feed medium or low carb, as we know the high carb will wear off quickly and we want more calories going in.

2 more hours to go!

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

How much low carb do I give him?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Linda

Please be sure you read back and note that you need to reduce the dose to 0.75u tomorrow. I also would like to suggest you test before you shoot

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Yeah, I saw that. Do I test before he eats?
And how much low carb do I give him now?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Hi Linda,
(Just waking up here in the UK )
If you're talking about preshot tests then you test before feeding.

Am just going to have a read through of the thread to get the 'story so far'.

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Yes...test right before you shoot and feed.

Usually a couple tsp of LC is fine once he's started up.

Since Elizabeth is on in the UK (thanks Eliz!) and Bo is coming up. I'm headed to bed.

I would suggest if he's below 200 in the morning, you might want to post here for some help before you shoot. It would also be good to get a spreadsheet set up but don't worry about any of that tonight.

Good job!

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I gave him 1/2 tsp of low-carb. I'll be testing again in 20 mins.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I'd go with 2 teaspoons of of he low carb. Still got some time to go.

Sorry - fell asleep for a moment - I have a sleep disorder.

Elizabeth - will you be able to stick with her for another 2-3 hours?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

(Nighty-night, Marje. Sleep well... I-) )

Linda,

How many hours is it now since you gave the shot?

It looks like those numbers are coming up, so the tests you do from now may just be 'precautionary'.
As a general rule of thumb it's good to see three rising numbers in succession to be sure.

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Its about +5, using Lantus.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Sure, BJ. No probs.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

No problem. I have insomnia. Tonight it's coming in handy.
I gave him his shot almost 6 hours ago.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

So sorry, but the sleep disorder is screeching my name and I've got to crash before I fall over.

Just keep on as you are with the low carb, now. The high carb may wear off and he could drop again. Got to get past that Lantus nadir.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Okey dokey, we'll watch out for any further drops, BJ.
(Go get some sleep I-) )

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Linda,

If Bo hasn't yet reached the peak of the insulin cycle then he could still drop once food or glucose wears off, so do watch for any drops in BG that indicate that may be happening.

(Just gonna get my first coffee of the day Will be right back. )

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+6 - 81bg
Do I still feed him? If so, how much?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

So, +5 was 70, and +6 is 81?
The trend is upwards but may be influenced by any high carb food he ate earlier, and we don't know when the peak of the cycle is for Bo.

I'd suggest a couple of teaspoons of low carb as a precautionary measure at this point. He may not need it, but it would be good to have food on board 'just in case'.

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Ok. Thanks.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+7 - 90bg

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Okey dokey, Linda. So we have;
+5, 70; +6, 81; +7, 90.
That's a pretty consistent rise (and a very gentle one. I was half expecting his BG to rise faster at this point as a response to his dropping low early in the cycle).
It may be that Bo will continue to rise on his own now without further food. So, maybe try not feeding at this point and see what the next test is?
Are you feeling OK? You must be exhausted....

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I'm starting to get tired and for some reason the back of my ribs hurts.
I had a hard time getting blood last stick.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+8 - 119bg

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

So, we have:
+5, 70
+6, 81
+7, 90
+8, 119

Aha, that last test shows a much more significant rise. And that was without feeding between tests? If so then it looks like the BG is rising on it's own now (indicating that you're past the peak of the cycle).

Linda, you may wish to get one more test in an hour or so to be sure but it seems to me that you're 'out of the woods' now.
Well done, I know this has been a long haul. I do hope you don't have too busy a schedule in the morning because you'll have had little sleep...

Great job on the testing and with managing to steer those low numbers. :smile:

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+9 - 99bg
What should I do?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I would just take another BG in an hour or so and then determine what to do.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Any further drop, Linda?
(Edited to add: Just realised that it's not yet an hour since last test and Larry suggested testing again in an hour.)
I'd test again now, Linda, and ensure that the BG isn't still dropping at this point. If it is then you may wish to give a little more low carb food.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Recap of recent numbers:

+5, 70
+6, 81
+7, 90
+8, 119
+9, 99

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+10 - 100bg

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

He seems to be holding at those numbers, Linda. That's good.
How are you doing?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

WOW~ what a good mom you are and hope you are grabbing a couple of hours of sleep before test/feed/shot time!
Bo, you are a great boy for your slave! :lol:
Please give me a shout if you want.... wide awake and slavin for my girls!!!
:RAHCAT

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

+11 - 118bg
I'm wiped out. How many times do I have to test after his shot?

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

I'm not surprised you're wiped out, Linda. That was a phenomenal effort!

The general advice here (if there is little data about the cat's response to insulin) is to give NO SHOT if the blood glucose is below 200.

Bo is actually currently 'surfing' in normal blood glucose numbers. Excellent stuff! :mrgreen:

There will soon be more Lantus users online to give advice on dosage etc.
Are you able to get some rest?

Eliz

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Hey Linda....

since the emergency is now past us (yay!), I would go back to your original post and remove the 911 icon.

 

Re: Hi- Lantus - 53 bg- +2.5

Great job Linda!!!

You kept going and stayed calm. Way to go!