Phoebe newly diagnosed multi problems

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Phoebes (GA)

Phoebes (GA)

Member Since 2017
Phoebe is 11 years old, newly diagnosed with diabetes after treatment for pancreantitis and IBD. Her bs at vets 2 weeks ago 500s and 400s. We bought an Alphatrak got it this last wednesday. Her bs here at home are 300s and 400s. She gets gel gabapentin for inflammation for pancreantitis, and anti nausea pill every other day. We have narcotic buprenex if she's uncomfortable. She eats only FF chicken classic. 3 weeks ago she was in vet hospital for not eating a day, then she continued for 2 more days. She was getting iv fluids at vets during day then back home at night. She Hates people and travel. So her stress levels were thru the roof. She has lost a total of 6 pounds in a year. We bought a scale. She has gained about 8 ounces since home bs started. She gets 2.5 units if lantus 2x a day. Her appetite now is ravenous. We feed her smaller amounts regular and just started this am doing every 4 hour ear prick. Vet asked to get more bs at home and call Monday with results to work out plan. I am just exhausted. She is our light. Thank you for listening. Just want to hear what we are doing for her is the right thing. We are not ready to let her go just yet.
 
I answered your first thread. Yes, you've covered a lot of the basics in what you're doing and that's great! Here's the testing routine we recommend:
  1. test AM and PM before feeding and injecting (no food for at least 2 hours prior) to see if the planned dose is too high or not
  2. test once or twice roughly mid way between shots and/or just before bed.
We also recommend setting up the spreadsheet we use here to log doses and BG test results. It's an online SS and is viewable by all members so we can see how Phoebe is doing before we offer advice. Here's a link to the SS instructions:
FDMB SPREADSHEET INSTRUCTIONS
If you need help with the SS let us know.
 
Because I am trying to get her to gain weight back we feed 1/2 can 8 am insulin while eating, 1/2 can 1130, 1/2 can 300, 1/2 can 530, 1/2 can 800 insulin, then 1/2 can at bedtime around 930 -10.
 
It looks like she's getting 2 cans in the AM cycle and 1 can in the PM cycle. Cats often go lower at night time. A lot of people use an automatic feeder. If you had one, you could leave out an extra meal for mid cycle in the PM. Most of us recommend feeding the majority of the food between the insulin shot and mid cycle, and then giving less food as the insulin starts to wear off. You'll get to see where she onsets and nadirs as you collect data from home testing.
 
I am computer illiterate. Can't figure out the spreadsheet. Only have my phone at the moment. Yesterday: 730 am bs 502 930 am bs 433 630 pm bs 430 10pm bs 329 today 8am bs 430 12pm bs 376 5pm bs 399. That's what I have so far.I know people say they don't feel those pricks on the ear but I do by hand no pen, and she jumps and pulls every time. Mind you I get plenty of blood. But jesus help me with hurting her.
 
Totally relate to where u are right now but I promise it gets easier. I too am computer illiterate but the wonderful folks on this board will help you set up your SS. Just keep reminding yourself that this FD elephant gets eaten one bite at a time . This board saved my guy's life several times with their knowledge, compassion and patience in guiding me so hang in there . It does get easier :bighug:. We have ALL been where u are right now :bighug::cat:
 
If you don't have access to a computer you can download Google Sheets to use the spreadsheet
 
Beth 73 said:
Totally relate to where u are right now but I promise it gets easier. I too am computer illiterate but the wonderful folks on this board will help you set up your SS. Just keep reminding yourself that this FD elephant gets eaten one bite at a time . This board saved my guy's life several times with their knowledge, compassion and patience in guiding me so hang in there . It does get easier :bighug:. We have ALL been where u are right now :bighug::cat:
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Thank you!!
 
Phoebes said:
I am computer illiterate. Can't figure out the spreadsheet. Only have my phone at the moment. Yesterday: 730 am bs 502 930 am bs 433 630 pm bs 430 10pm bs 329 today 8am bs 430 12pm bs 376 5pm bs 399. That's what I have so far.I know people say they don't feel those pricks on the ear but I do by hand no pen, and she jumps and pulls every time. Mind you I get plenty of blood. But jesus help me with hurting her.
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Her bs is 372 at 8pm gave her 2.5 units
 
If steroids are being used to treat the IBD, that is most likely the cause of the diabetes and will keep the glucose higher. Just something to keep in mind. Squeaker was a grazer so his IM told me to free feed him (food accessible all the time).

As for the fluids, it is really best to give fluids daily-not every other day. This could help to account for weight fluctuations; on days when fluids are given weight will be higher on days when no fluids are received weight will be lower. So if you are giving 150mL every other day, start giving 75 mL daily. It is the same amount over two days but the hydration is constant not fluctuating. TIP: Mark (eyeball it) the 75 mL level with a greasy black eye liner pencil then wipe away the mark when you are done.

You can also take the blood for the test from one of the large paw pads in the center of the foot. I did this with Squeaker. Wrap in a towel leaving a foot accessible, lay the cat on its back on your lap. Works like a charm. Don't forget to warm the foot and give love and treats when done.
 
Anitafrnhamer said:
If steroids are being used to treat the IBD, that is most likely the cause of the diabetes and will keep the glucose higher. Just something to keep in mind. Squeaker was a grazer so his IM told me to free feed him (food accessible all the time).

As for the fluids, it is really best to give fluids daily-not every other day. This could help to account for weight fluctuations; on days when fluids are given weight will be higher on days when no fluids are received weight will be lower. So if you are giving 150mL every other day, start giving 75 mL daily. It is the same amount over two days but the hydration is constant not fluctuating. TIP: Mark (eyeball it) the 75 mL level with a greasy black eye liner pencil then wipe away the mark when you are done.

You can also take the blood for the test from one of the large paw pads in the center of the foot. I did this with Squeaker. Wrap in a towel leaving a foot accessible, lay the cat on its back on your lap. Works like a charm. Don't forget to warm the foot and give love and treats when done.
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Yes they gave her the steroid for it, but just 7 days later she developed the diabetes. So stopped the steroid and now she is getting the gabapentin. She also gets a motility gel rubbed into her ear. Once a day un less she has loose stools. She had solid nice form yesterday eve, but by this am she had 2 runny. We chose the iv every other day because she was being messed with so much she was getting agitated. Will might try the foot but jesus she doesn't like being on her back. Which foot? Does it hurt more? What about have wound on foot ,then entering litter box, infection high possibility sorry so many questions? I'm frustrated.
 
Phoebes said:
She Hates people and travel. So her stress levels were thru the roof. I am just exhausted.
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We have the same cat. Travel wise, Noah cannot be crated and I really am afraid he'll have a cardiac event the next time he's forced to travel. If you're here spilling your guts here you obviously love Phoebes so don't beat yourself up about what "The right thing" is. A bit further down this forum is a thread "transdermal BUPE buprenorphine update #2". Noah hated the oral BUPE, hoping that may be of some small help. Everyone's with you.
 
Noah & me said:
We have the same cat. Travel wise, Noah cannot be crated and I really am afraid he'll have a cardiac event the next time he's forced to travel. If you're here spilling your guts here you obviously love Phoebes so don't beat yourself up about what "The right thing" is. A bit further down this forum is a thread "transdermal BUPE buprenorphine update #2". Noah hated the oral BUPE, hoping that may be of some small help. Everyone's with you.
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Oh my gawd YES!! she hates pills, liquid, she has a steel jaw. They are so fickle but we love them so much. I have had to give up time with my grandson, he stresses her out, and he doesn't have to do anything. So I have had to tell my son no to having him on Fri and sat. Feel like I am being torn between family. She is my baby. They don't get it. Grandson is 6.
 
Thirty + years ago I had a girlfriend who didn't seem to understand that on certain days I needed to do laundry, be by myself, love my cats/my family. Litter doesn't change itself, things float in the water bowl, they ate wet food. ABC Yes I am seeing someone else, my cats! And I thought I was needy. Also learned what commitment meant, one lived to 17, his brother 23!
 
Noah & me said:
Thirty + years ago I had a girlfriend who didn't seem to understand that on certain days I needed to do laundry, be by myself, love my cats/my family. Litter doesn't change itself, things float in the water bowl, they ate wet food. ABC Yes I am seeing someone else, my cats! And I thought I was needy. Also learned what commitment meant, one lived to 17, his brother 23!
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Yrs have had one of those best friends for 16 years now. 2 of her 3 children whom I have helped raise are having babies and haven't been there much to help her celebrate her great news. But My baby is ill and needs me home. Am sure this friendship will have to learn new boundaries or be let go. My cat will come first.
 
We had a Border Collie that protected "her" 9 cats, loveable, smart but also had very bad separation anxiety. Message from my sister, dinner at 6, don't bring "that dog". EVERYONE but you loved that dog, you could at least say her name. What's for dinner, horsemeat? Hard to believe we're genetically connected.
 
Hi Angela!

I crashed early and slept late so I'm just seeing this. I see also that the spreadsheet is filling in-- looks great!

Will be interested to hear what the vet says today.
 
Nan & Amber said:
Hi Angela!

I crashed early and slept late so I'm just seeing this. I see also that the spreadsheet is filling in-- looks great!

Will be interested to hear what the vet says today.
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Just did her amp 429 was +1 because I had to take hubby to work. Called vet gave my values now waiting game. She's good about calling.
 
Nan & Amber said:
Hi Angela!

I crashed early and slept late so I'm just seeing this. I see also that the spreadsheet is filling in-- looks great!

Will be interested to hear what the vet says today.
Click to expand...

Your Nan reminds me of my precious girl Hakitty (stood for hot ass) my kids couldn't call her that. Lol she passed aT 18yo in 2011. I still cry. Beautiful Nan
 

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Phoebes said:
Yes they gave her the steroid for it, but just 7 days later she developed the diabetes. So stopped the steroid and now she is getting the gabapentin. She also gets a motility gel rubbed into her ear. Once a day un less she has loose stools. She had solid nice form yesterday eve, but by this am she had 2 runny. We chose the iv every other day because she was being messed with so much she was getting agitated. Will might try the foot but jesus she doesn't like being on her back. Which foot? Does it hurt more? What about have wound on foot ,then entering litter box, infection high possibility sorry so many questions? I'm frustrated.
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I always used a back foot. Never had an issue with infection as the paw pads are designed by nature to seal quickly. A little pure pumpkin, plain psyllium husk, or pro-biotics will help with diarrhea. By wrapping in a towel, there is zero resistance, they just go still, then in a couple of minutes it is all over. I found it the least traumatizing way to test.
 
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