Sinbad started his journey tonight, so I'm a little blue. I'll miss the sweet boy and the belly rubs we both enjoyed every morning and evening... and those sweet little kisses he planted on my nose. But, I know Maureen at Catnip Cottage will take good care of him, until hopefully he finds a fur-ever home.

I thought, perhaps to cheer myself up a bit, I'd share his story here. Perhaps it will inspire a newbie, or give someone a story to share when they meet someone who's not sure they can take care of a diabetic cat.

Sinbad is the child of a messing divorce. Supposedly the wife's cat, she reportedly didn't want him anymore so he was with the ex-husband when he noticed the great weight loss, excessive drinking, excessive urination... a vet visit showed a cat that had never been sick in his life was now diabetic. The vet prescribed he start on 4 units bid of Lantus, and Purina DM. The man didn't think he could handle insulin shots - too much travel with his job.. and supposedly Sinbad wouldn't eat the DM. The vet warned of diabetic ketoacidosis. The man waivered - he hated to PTS... so he began contacting shelters, pleeing for Sinbad's life.

Cats are Purrsons Too (Chicago) agreed to take Sinbad in, though they had no personal experience with diabetes. The director there happened to meet Jenny (of Jenny & Mrs Hippy) at a pet expo and she told her of the FDMB. After posting Sinbad's situation, Maureen of Catnip Cottage agreed to take him in there. I agreed to foster him until transportation could be arranged.

When Jenny picked him up and brought him to me, we were both taken aback at his condition. The poor man was so dehydrated his scruff just stood up on end. His fur was filthy and matted. He was also terrified. He'd never been in a carrier before - and now had been in one for the first time, transported to a strange place, and put in a cage. (Both my two foster rooms were occupied at the time.) I gave him the night to cool off, deciding I'd start insulin (and fluids) in the morning. I did get a BG test in - 427. My first experience with arm's length testing.

Sinbad had been fed 9-Lives canned and Kit-n-Kaboodle dry. I eliminated the dry and fed canned only. I started with some tasty tuna varieties, which he loved - and later fed mostly Happy Tails (same food as 9-Lives, different label). He loved the canned. I also began insulin (PZI) at 1 unit bid. He responded right away:

3/29: +0: 427
3/30: +0 (am ps): 415 PZI-Vet 1 units
3/30: +13 (pm ps): 394 PZI-Vet 1 units
3/30: +10 (am ps): 295 PZI-Vet 1 units
3/31: +14.5 (pm ps): 401 PZI-Vet 1 units
4/1: +11 (am ps): 329 PZI-Vet 1 units
4/1: +6: 172
4/1: +11.5 (pm ps): 436 PZI-Vet 1 units
Just a few days after starting, I got a surprise... a preshot of 155! Wow! I gave a reduced dose of 0.6 units, and was lucky I could be home that day to test.

4/2: +12.5 (am ps): 155 PZI-Vet 0.6 unit
4/2: +2: 93
4/2: +3.75: 82
4/2: +6.25: 150
4/2: +8.5: 157
4/2: +11.5 (pm ps): 182 PZI-Vet 0.6 unit
Perhaps just settling taking place, but he's doing great!
4/3: +11.75 (am ps): 161 PZI-Vet 0.6 units
4/3: +4.25: 218

Back to higher numbers, so I go back to 1 unit
4/3: +11.25 (pm ps): 354 PZI-Vet 1 units
4/4: +12.5 (am ps): 230 PZI-Vet 1 units
4/4: +12.5 (pm ps): 232 PZI-Vet 1 units

Another surprise!
4/5: +11.25 (am ps): 134 PZI-Vet 0.6 units

Still low that evening - but I'll be around to test, so I'm going to try 1 unit. I really prefer to stick to the same dose instead of changing each shot...
4/5: +12.25 (pm ps): 149 PZI-Vet 1 units
4/5: +2: 61
4/6: +4: 60

Another surprise!
4/6: +11.75 (am ps): 115 PZI-Vet 0.4 units

An even bigger surprise that night! an 82!
4/6: +13.5: 82
4/6: +14.75: 81

Well, I'm not shooting on a number in the 80's. He has his dental the next day, so although his number is up... I gave no insulin because he'd get to food.
4/7: +24.25: 147

Another BIG surprise that night! Only 114! I'm not giving any insulin what will happen?
4/7: +36.5: 114
4/8: +50: 115
4/8: +59: 135
4/9: +74: 134
4/9: +84.25: 143
4/10: +95.75: 123
4/10: +107.5: 81
4/11: +119: 108
4/11: +133: 85
4/12: +143.25: 93
4/12: +155.5: 73
4/13: +168: 119
4/13: +180.75: 70
4/14: +204.25: 95

Sinbad never needed another shot. Apparently, a diet change was all he needed! In retrospect, I may have been able to stop insulin sooner - when his numbers first dropped.

On the one hand, his story makes me very happy because it shows what a very simple diet change (keeping his canned and eliminating the dry) can do. On the other hand, it makes me sad. Did anyone suggest to his owner that this was possible? Could Sinbad's anguish at losing his home been averted?

Anyway, sorry this was so long... I'm rather incapable of a short story, unfortunately... but I think it's a story worth telling. He's a wonderful cat, and he deserves a happy ending.

Safe and pleasant journey, Sinbad. Remember I love you.

** edited to add picture



Lynette

Current diabetics: Jellybean (diet-controlled) ** GA diabetics: Meow Meow, Ralphie, Latifah, Louie ** Fostered diabetics: Ewok-JennyLynn, Sinbad, Sammie Ray, Dreamsicle
** Crazy Cat Lady Blogging
"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Pet food labeling and safety issues: Pet Food Crusade

Spreadsheet for tracking BG levels and insulin doses
Cat Care Videos



Edited 1 times. Last edit at 06/08/06 10:59AM by Lynette and Meow Meow.

Having followed Sinbad's story... I am always glad to hear it again. You have done wonderful work with this scared furbaby. I am so glad you were there for him. Sending you hugs... as I know that you miss him so much!!!! Safe journey Sinbad...

Cindy, Squirt, Patches, and Annabelle
The Girls in Tennessee!!!!
And Mr. Smokey Joe (GA) too!!!
[i479.photobucket.com]

[i63.photobucket.com]



Squirt and Patches are diet controlled and were never on insulin. On a h*n*ym**n since Nov 2005. Annabelle is my only civie. Smokey Joe(GA) was adopted Nov 23, 2006. Had most of his teeth removed on 2/9/07... thanks to the kindness of FDMB!!!! Confirmed with pancreatitis on 1/11/08, but died from a gallstone on 01/26/08.

Squirt and Patches story:[www.felinediabetes.com]
Smokey Joe's Story [www.felinediabetes.com] Birth 12-11-1992. Death 01-26-2008.
Smokey's Death announcement:[www.felinediabetes.com] Smokey's Tribute:[www.felinediabetes.com]

Thanks Lynette for sharing Sinbad's story. And thank you Maureen for taking him. You are both such wonderful people. I so hope Sinbad finds a loving home. It always makes me so sad to hear the reasons kitties/droolers lose their first home. Did you get a chance to see the "letter to my foster mom" I posted awhile back? I think Sinbad will always remember and love you!



Patti and Merlin (forever in my heart)
DX with DM 10/5/2005 diagnosed with Acromegaly 1/30/07
waiting for us at rainbow bridge since 12/6/08
[catacromegaly.com]
family includes 6 civies, 2 droolers, and 1 DH

Hi Lynette, Thanks for the great story.

I hope it cheered you up some because it sure did cheer me up a lot.

How loving of you to foster these cats in need of loving homes. You give them that first step to finding the happiness they so rightly deserve.

Good luck Sinbad!
I'm sending (((hugs))) your way Lynette,

Gail and Pita (GA)

I was never told to switch to canned - many vets need to be sent a letter!

Yay the man who saved Sinbad's life for looking for shelters. Yay you!! Yay Catnip Cottage!! What a lifeline!!!

Thank you for caring for this sweet cat. His chances, otherwise, would have been quite slim.

You are his angel with experience. Without you, he would have died. Please hang on to that!!!

Carolyn aka Carone. Kelowna BC Canada
Owned by Moggie, Phoebe, grandcat Abbey, and Shih Tzu, Luka.
Louella, at the Bridge. Volunteer in small dog rescue.

Good job Lynette. The dental also may have played a large part. My "civie" Ennis, a lifelong wet food eater, came up diabetic a few weeks back. A few shots of insulin and a dental with multiple extractions got him back in shape.

You have saved Sinbad's life and gave him love when he needed it most. Also how great that now Maureen will give him plenty of love also.
Alice

What a wonderful story! Sinbad was so lucky to find you!

**************************************************

U of Queensland Lantus Protocol [www.uq.edu.au]

Update on Glargine Protocol [romlin.com]

Tilly's Diabetes Homepage [www.tillydiabetes.net]

Diabetes Mellitus in the Dog and Cat with Special Emphasis on Feline Diabetes
[www.michvma.org]

Why is my morning BG so high?[www.faqs.org]

Ketones [www.gorbzilla.com]

Home Testing [www.gorbzilla.com]

Carryover [petdiabetes.wikia.com] Overlap [petdiabetes.wikia.com]

Pam and Stasha DX 10/06/05 Started Lantus 11/25/05
Diet Controlled/in Remission since 6/16/06

Sinbad had a tough life that he didn't deserve to experience. You made him whole again. The sweet kisses and the belly rubs is what I think he will remember

A voice that echoes everyone elses is not heard.
Speak up for what is right.


Sneakers

Thank you for sharing Sinbad's wonderful story, (((Lynette))). He has had some wonderful angels looking out for him. I hope he has a safe journey.

Thank you Jenny, Lynnette, and Maureen for taking care of this wonderful kitty.

Teresa and Olivia (GA) - acromegaly, my golden girl passed away 8/18/06; Brownie (GA on 1/26/08, 19+ years old); Nell and Rafe (2 year old kitties); Keely and Rusty (the dogs); Skittles, Snickers, and Skwinkles (the Sugar Gliders); and Cody (the horse).

for this dear boy.

Thank you for writing this story. It will be a very practical help. I'll print it out and make it part of his file. a copy to his new vet will help provide some valuable history and a starting point here to continue what you began.

I think the fluids also helped so very much.

When he is adopted, I'll include his story in his adoption kit.

I know you miss him. We have open arms and an open spot here for him. I hope I can continue the skilled care you began.

Lynette-your stories are never too long...what a wonderful thing you have done-we need more people in this world like you my friend!

Robin and Peri(GA) and Alex(GA)
FDMB 2004

/



Edited 1 times. Last edit at 07/25/06 09:59AM by Dale Ann.

That story brought tears to my eyes. You amaze me. And Catnip Cottage and all the others who foster, adopt, and just love their own animal companions. But, thanks for sharing your story, it truly inspires.

Jennifer


Tucker DX 9/05, IBD/Pancreatitis - Remission 6/24/06; 8/7/07 FD again
Sadie (GA) adopted 2/21/06, previously DX - passed peacefully on 9/15/07 from CHF
Misty (GA) adopted 4/11/06, previously DX - passed peacefully on 2/6/09 possibly from cancer or fatty liver


Tucker Sadie (GA) Misty (GA)



Tucker's Spreadsheet

that you are one special lady! You are such an inspiration to everyone on this list. I don't know how you do it all!
And Maureen, same to you!

Wow.

You two just made my day.


Holly

Patti,

I was trying to remember who posted that and wanted to re-read it. Thank you for posting it. Now that I remember it was you, I can search for it - I want to print it out and put it in Sinbad's room. I know it's going to be hard to clean it. :-(

*** edited to say: Hard *emotionally* not physically! He isn't a messy boy. :-)

Lynette

Current diabetics: Jellybean (diet-controlled) ** GA diabetics: Meow Meow, Ralphie, Latifah, Louie ** Fostered diabetics: Ewok-JennyLynn, Sinbad, Sammie Ray, Dreamsicle
** Crazy Cat Lady Blogging
"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Pet food labeling and safety issues: Pet Food Crusade

Spreadsheet for tracking BG levels and insulin doses
Cat Care Videos



Edited 1 times. Last edit at 06/08/06 11:02AM by Lynette and Meow Meow.

Perhaps the dental played a part.. his teeth weren't bad, he needed no antibiotics or extractions... but you never know.

Lynette

Current diabetics: Jellybean (diet-controlled) ** GA diabetics: Meow Meow, Ralphie, Latifah, Louie ** Fostered diabetics: Ewok-JennyLynn, Sinbad, Sammie Ray, Dreamsicle
** Crazy Cat Lady Blogging
"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Pet food labeling and safety issues: Pet Food Crusade

Spreadsheet for tracking BG levels and insulin doses
Cat Care Videos

(((Maureen)))

As we drove to Jenny's (and I struggled not to cry - I didn't want Sinbad to think something "bad" was happening), I told him over and over how wonderful you were and how happy I knew he would be with you.

I also told him of the big party this weekend, and how there would be dancing, etc... I think he looks forward to it. :-)

There is a copy of all his BG tests and fluid treatments in his "white envelope" that houses the copies of medical records I received. I'd be happy to send it to you as an Excel file as well, if you like. Just let me know.

Thank you for taking in this sweet boy. I feel you & Jenny deserve most of the credit for saving this little guy... I was lucky to have the pleasure of his company for a while.

I hope his presence helps some to comfort you for the loss of dear Checkers. :-(

Lynette

Current diabetics: Jellybean (diet-controlled) ** GA diabetics: Meow Meow, Ralphie, Latifah, Louie ** Fostered diabetics: Ewok-JennyLynn, Sinbad, Sammie Ray, Dreamsicle
** Crazy Cat Lady Blogging
"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Pet food labeling and safety issues: Pet Food Crusade

Spreadsheet for tracking BG levels and insulin doses
Cat Care Videos

I was watching a documentary on otters this weekend and thought of her, and her adorable little black nose. :-)

She is a little angel, and I'm so pleased she's doing so well - though not surprised, I knew she'd be in capable hands with you.

Please give her a little hug and kiss from me. I'll remember holding her like a baby, her little doll eyes looking up at me. :-)

Lynette

Current diabetics: Jellybean (diet-controlled) ** GA diabetics: Meow Meow, Ralphie, Latifah, Louie ** Fostered diabetics: Ewok-JennyLynn, Sinbad, Sammie Ray, Dreamsicle
** Crazy Cat Lady Blogging
"If you're going through hell, keep going." ~Winston Churchill

Pet food labeling and safety issues: Pet Food Crusade

Spreadsheet for tracking BG levels and insulin doses
Cat Care Videos

Thank you so much for sharing that story. What a great recap with a great ending. I too hope he finds wonderful caregivers. Angie, are you there? He's a cute black one. I know you love them....


Lynette, you did a terrific job. He will be forever grateful.



Victoria and Sundance (in spirit)
Adopted June 12, 1997. Dx December 20, 2005. Set free July 12, 2008
Goodbye Our Beautiful Sundance.....…and….My thanks

Received a new diagnosis? Feeling scared? We've been there. Click here for some of our stories.
BID, TID, SID: What's it all mean?
BG conversion tools
... Light a candle

Feline diabetes is a bump in the road, not the edge of a cliff. Please treat your diabetic pets.
Barclay joined our family on Nov. 29, 2008.Barclay on Catster

I have tears in my eyes reading about that dear kitty. Thank God for people like you and Maureen that reach out and help cats in need. He will have a much better life now because someone cared. Donna

Donna and Shiloh ( age 13, Diabetic for 8 years, tube feeding survivor times 2 - YEAH!!!), a beige tabby with the cutest cat face you can imagine, civie McKaela, and kitty GAs Toby, Muckie, Trigger, Peach and PJ, and doggie GAs Abbey and Mitzi.
Shiloh’s Lantus #’s

Sinbad's story is a wonderful one, and we pray his next change will be to a home where he is tremendously loved and wanted as he deserves to be. Coolidge and I add our hearty AMEN to your experience that a diet change can resolve diabetes. I know it isn't everyone's experience, but it was ours and that of many others and makes a simple change well worth trying.

Lauren and the big grey guy with the feeding tube and the body stocking

Lauren & Coolidge

Coolidge recovered from diabetes in 10 days with 8 insulin shots and a change from dry to wet low-carb diet; he recovered from hepatic lipidosis in a month, also with diet change and assisted feeding. Took this Forum's advice and have live, diet-regulated, healthy cat!

"A righteous man regards the life of his animal..." (Prov. 12:10)

[www.felinediabetes.com]

[www.felinediabetes.com]

[www.felinediabetes.com]

thank you for all you did for sinbad, who is a beautiful boy!! i'm so glad the owner didn't just pts, that would have made me sick. now he is headed to the catnip cottage for a new lease on life, kitty style, thanks to all of you!!

susan g and tiger, tabby, julia, toothy GA,snowy GA, and mittens GA