WHAT BRAND OF INSULIN MAKES A 31 GUAGE NEEDLE?

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KUMA CAT

KUMA CAT

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I think I would have such an easier time if I could use a smaller needle. My beautiful cat, Kuma, that was just diagnosed with diabetes (blood sugar was 412 when tested ) needs shots twice a day. I am wringing wet with nerves every time I have to get this syringe out, as I am terrible when it comes to needles. I poke, and it doesn't always go in, he yowls, and sometimes tries to turn and bite me. I am desperate to figure something out to make this easier for him (and me). I am using the following syringe/needle: "Monoject 29G x 1/2". This syringe must be used with the insulin the vet gave me, called "ProZinc". I asked him if I could use a smaller needle, but he said this insulin company does not make a syringe with a smaller needle that can be used with ProZinc. Do I need to order a new type of insulin that does make a syringe with a smaller needle? Can someone help me?
 
Kuma Cat, I do know that there are other gauges and while I don't see why ProZinc couldn't be used in other syringes, I'm sure members more familiar with that specific type will be along to help.
I also have the 29G x 1/2" and it's WAY too large for insulin needs. There's no need that I can see for that type of needle being needed. We also use the 31g ultrashort needles and I've stuck one in myself (without injecting anything) and found there to be NO feeling....even knowing I was doing it to myself. A cat being distracted by a treat should not even feel it going in.

I'm pretty sure that there MUST be a way to use the ProZinc in a finer needle. :) I'm pretty sure that you need a U-40 syringe for ProZinc but...MAY (wait for other members to answer this one who use the same insulin PLEASE)....be able to use a conversion table to use the U-100 syringes as well. Here's a link...hope it works...if not...copy and paste it into your browser. But DO wait for other members to answer first as there may be a more simple solution. Here is the link.
Conversion Table U-100 U-40

Hang in there and I'm sure a more experienced member will answer this one easily for you. I don't think you need to do all of this sweating and your cat...all of this howling. :) Take a deep breath...as members have told me to do. :)
 
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You can actually use a U100 syringe with Prozinc, you just have to convert it from U40 to U100. http://www.felinediabetes.com/insulin-conversions.htm Then you can buy Relion brand 31 gauge, 5/16th inch 1/2 unit syringe.
PR-037_1280x580_1.jpg
 
Prozinc is a U40 insulin so is not the same scale as most U100 needles, including the BD mentioned above. I think there are people here that use a conversion table to calculate what the dose would be on a U100 needle. You cannot use the U100 needles without converting or you will have the wrong dose. I think that it might be easy to make a mistake doing it this way, but some people here do.

Since she hasn't been on the insulin long, you could also ask to switch to a human insulin that uses U100 needles. The ones typically prescribed for cats are lantus or levemir.

29g is pretty big, Max hisses and jumps if I use these. It's much easier with the smaller needles, and it all does get easier.
 
There are 2 concentration of insulin we use:
U-40 with 40 units of insulin in 1 milliliter (mL)
U-100 with 10 0units of insulin in 1 milliliter (mL)
I explained the conversion on your other post.
 
I need to find a finer and shorter needle for my poor cat that screams when I give him his insulin (currently using "“ProZinc insulin (40 units per mL), Net Contents: 10 mL”. The syringe I use is called, "Monoject U-40 1/2 mL Insulin Syringe, 29G x 1/2"". The following brand looks very nice (has a finer gauge, shorter needle). Could this brand be used with the ProZinc insulin I am using, and can vets order from this company with a vet's prescription?:

resource.aspx

BD Insulin Syringe with the BD Ultra-Fine™ 6mm Needle
1/2 mL 6 mm (15/64”) x 31 G
BD Catalog #: 324911
BD NDC/HRI #: 08290-3249-11
 
You want the following:
U-100 syringe
3/10 mL (also written 3/10 cc)
short needle
30 or 31 gauge (the higher the number, the finer the needle)

WalMart may carry them; it is where I get mine.

Another possibility is your cat is being a bit of a drama king because he knows you'll back off. Giving a low carb treat every time you give a shot can help with this.
 
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