Rachel & Racecar

My kitty Racecar has had a tough 5 months. He was hospitalized for a week in December for DKA and hepatic lipidosis. He was also anemic and received 3 blood transfusions. He had an esophagal feeding tube. After a couple months, that became infected and he was switched to a PEG tube. In the midst of this, he was hospitalized for DKA again, for three more days. His infection also returned. We had it cultured and discovered he was previously on the wrong antibiotic.

The PEG tube was removed and he's eating well now. However, he now has high liver values (ALT 414) and we're still struggling to regulate his glucose. We started with Lantus, but found his BGs were too low on 2 units, and too high on 1 1/2 units. Our internist switched him to Vetsulin because she suspected he absorbed the Lantus differently than most cats. He is now on 2.5 units, twice/day. We do pre-shot home test regularly. We've also been doing curves every week or two, based on our internist's recommendation.

Because of the high liver values, the internist suspects cholangitis as an underlying issue. She has also indicated lymphoma is a possibility. Racecar was prescribed prednisolone two weeks ago for possible liver disease. As expected, his BG's have increased. He often has readings in the 600s and 700s. I am hoping we can wean him off the prednisolone and finally give him a chance to be regulated. His liver values were re-tested yesterday, so we're waiting for results.

It's been a long road. I hope we can regulate him.

 

Welcome.
Most of us here test our cat's blood glucose at home using a human meter. We test before each shot and periodically between shots. Form you information it appears that you many be home testing. We record our reading and other info in a spreadsheet. See:
Here is a link to home testing blood sugarshttp://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/
The spreadsheet allows other to see what is happening with BGs.

What are you feeding? A low-carb canned is best. No reason for a prescription food. Here is a list of commercial low-carb canned

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/shortcut-shopping-list-all-8-or-less-updated.117688/

Yes, the prednisolone make regulation more difficult
If you have any specific questions please post n the Health forum
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/feline-health-the-main-forum.28/

 

Welcome to you and Racecar! I am so sorry your boy has had such a rough go of it lately, but hopefully you can get him weaned off the steriods and get him on the mend

 

Hello and welcome

 

Welcome to FDMB.
When there isn't enough insulin, the body will break down fat for calories and may overwhelm the liver (the hepatic lipidosis). This may cause liver function tests to elevate.

 

Thank you for the information and encouragement!

 

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Add any other text, such as your name | cat's name | date of Dx (diagnosis) | insulin | meter general location (city and state/province) any other pertinent issues like if there are any food issues, history of DKA, hepatic lipidosis, pancreatitis, allergies, IBD, etc.

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