? Rom - failed decrease?

[Sue484]

Morning all. I reduced Rom's dose to 1 unit 6 days ago. He didn't bounce very much from a 2.7 (49) which is when I reduced. He then got a 2.6 (47) which I put down to the depot. Since then he has been bouncing up and down and never getting lower than high blue. Is this a failed decrease? I think I should increase tonight back to 1.25. What do you think?

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

I'm wondering if he could be dropping low either earlier or later than your mid cycle tests and is then bouncing from it. Do you have a day (or night) when you can do a curve, or at least get two or three more mid-cycle tests in? I'd suggest +4, +6 and +8, just to see if you can narrow down when he is nadiring. That might reveal if he is dropping low or not and give you the answer to whether or not he needs some more juice.

One other point, Sue. I know you're not a newbie at this, but I see that when he dropped into the 40s, you didn't test again until six hours later the first time and four hours later the second. I think that is really taking a huge risk. How do you know he didn't go even lower? The next time it happens, and there will be a next time, I would encourage you to follow the guidelines from TR on follow up testing:

If your cat is testing in low numbers and you are not getting a quick response to your post, there are several things you need to do. (Low numbers are under 50mg/dL or 2.8 mmol/L.)

• Depending on how carbohydrate sensitive your cat is, feed approximately a teaspoon or less of gravy from high carb food or high carb food only. (If you have a cat with GI issues, using a couple of drops of syrup plus low carb food is an alternative.)
• Test again in 15 – 20 min. Depending on the numbers, give more HC food.
• Repeat the above steps every 15 – 20 min. until your cat tests in the 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L) or above range for 2 consecutive tests. Continue to feed in small amounts to keep numbers in a safe range.
• Test in 30 - 40 min. and repeat the test and feed process until there are 2 consecutive tests where numbers are stable or rising.
• Test in an hour and follow the same steps.

DO NOT become complacent. If number have risen after one or two tests, it’s important to continue testing. Numbers may bobble up and down as the HC food and/or Karo wear off. DO NOT get one test where your cat has risen from low numbers into the 50s and go to sleep or leave the house. You are putting your cat in a risky situation. When in doubt, leave HC food out.

I have seen kitties drop lower and have a symptomatic hypo with tragic results for lack of testing, and I'd hate to see that happen to anyone ever again. Please understand that I am not criticizing you, just concerned.

 

[Sue484]

Thanks for your concern @Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey. Unfortunately I work full time, so the low on the 26th was caught by the petsitters, and I only get home just before PMPS, so that could not be avoided, and the one on the 28th, I had an appointment, so had to go out and could not test again. I made sure 2 pouches were eaten first though. I know from previous experience that they both rise quickly after eating, so although I was concerned, not overly worried. I will have to try and do a curve one weekend, but working full time, unfortunately life gets in the way at the weekend with all the boring chores you can't do during the week, but I will do my best.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Thank you for explaining and understanding that I wasn't criticizing you. I am guessing you discussed the situation with your petsitter afterwards! Thank goodness someone was there to catch it! I had a sitter that just couldn't seem to catch on to the fact that she needed to retest and make sure the cat stayed safe. Drove me nuts. Some people say I worry too much, but once you've been here when someone loses a cat due to not testing, you do start worrying about it. Even though you've never met the person or the cat, you care.

As I said, you aren't new at this, and you know your cats. I'm sure if you feel Rom needs an increase, it would be okay to do it, but if you can grab a couple more tests on your day off, it might be enlightening.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

Rom looks like he's being very bouncy. I can see why Tricia is wondering if there are low numbers you're not catching that he's bouncing from. If you get some extra tests in and don't see a low number causing the bounces, I'd increase back to 1.25 units to try and flatten him out.

 

[Sue484]

@Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey. I don't mind criticism either, it's always better to say your piece and give advice when you think it's necessary. I know it's only to keep our babies safe. I do the best I can, and yes, after that low when the sitters texted me I asked them to make sure he ate at least two pouches, which he was more than happy to do (he has hollow legs!). Rom is not usually a very bouncy cat, so I will try an increase tonight and hopefully get a +4 and +6, if my alarm wakes me!