New Diagnosis, Need Input

Discussion in 'Prozinc / PZI' started by Mariana, Oct 13, 2020.

  1. Mariana

    Mariana New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2020
    Hello, my Frankie (14 yo) was diagnosed on 9/25/20 (450 at vet) and started on 1 unit of Prozinc (every 12hrs) on 10/5. We had a follow up appointment yesterday at 10/12 where his level was at 451 (7hours after feeding and first shot). Vet upped it to 3units (every 12 hours) with the first shot being given this morning. I did a test 4hours later and he was at 471.

    I need some input regarding how long it will take for him to stabilize and if doing such a high dose right away is the correct route? I just started testing today as my vet did not even mention it and I asked to do it.

    He is also sooo hungry all the time despite being fed around 350 calories of wellness wet cat food a day. Also drinking sooo much, primarily after dinner.

    Thank you!
     
  2. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2020
    Have you had a chance to look at the Prozinc dosing methods we use here? (found in the yellow sticky documents at the top of the Prozinc ISG)
    Sticky PROZINC DOSING METHODS

    The sticky's are a great place to start for an understanding of the guidelines we follow here. Dosing help is based on those guidelines and the dosing protocol you choose to follow.

    PLEASE don't get me wrong, we're happy to help and answer ANY questions you may have but those sticky's answer a lot of things you may not even think of asking.

    1 unit is a good starting dose. Jumping from 1 unit to 3 units based on one test after only a week on insulin, not so good. Did your vet discuss Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar with you? Please have a look at and print out these two documents: Sticky How to treat HYPOS and Sticky jojo and bunny's HYPO TOOL BOX

    Most members start with the SLGS (Start Low Go Slow) dosing method. That method has you holding a dose for a week and getting the necessary test data required to determine if an increase is needed. If testing data indicates an increase is warranted we increase by 0.25 units at a time.

    You mention Frankie is always hungry and it sounds like you might only be feeding twice a day. Correct me if I'm wrong please. Unregulated diabetic cats can't process their food properly. That's why they're always hungry and why most loose weight prior to diagnosis. Is Frankie underweight? Overweight? Or just right? It's okay to feed extra food especially if he's underweight. Most of us feed multiple times a day. The main meals at shot time and mini meals or snacks throughout the day. As he becomes more regulated his hunger should decrease. The only time we don't feed is in the 2 hour window before shot times (unless kitty is in low numbers and food is necessary to bump them up) We test before giving each shot to make sure it's safe to shoot and by not feeding 2 hours before shot times gives us a preshot test that's not influenced by food. For new members with very little data and those only posting in the Main Forum we usually recommend not to shoot below 200. Here in the Prozinc ISG we work with a starting no shot number of 150.
    Our protocols suggest 150 mg/ml as the decision point pre-shot test. (Sometimes called the shoot/no shoot threshold). It's really to make you stop and think about your next step for the cycle, and if you should stall and not feed and retest, give a token dose or skip the shot.

    The other thing I like to mention right off the bat is to familiarize yourself with the term Bouncing. This is one of the more confusing things about feline diabetes. It takes time and test data to recognize if those high numbers are a bounce or if kitty needs more insulin. Increasing insulin when kitty is bouncing can make things worse. You can read up about bouncing here:
    Sticky GENERAL INFORMATION AND IMPORTANT LINKS

    Frankie may eventually need 3 units of insulin but it's better to get there slowly and ensure you don't bypass the best dose. Frankie didn't get diabetes overnight. It will take time and patience, lots and lots of patience.

    If you need us to clarify anything I've said or anything you've read please don't hesitate to ask!


    PS - The Prozinc ISG can be pretty quiet at times. If you have any questions or concerns that are time sensitive please post right away in the Feline Health Welcome and Main Forum to get more eyes on your post.
     
    Diane Tyler's Mom likes this.
  3. Mariana

    Mariana New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2020
    Thank you Shelley for the very useful information. I'm still reading through all the useful links and its very helpful. My vet did discuss hypoglycemia and I have everything necessary to help with that. I'm so confused why the vet would up him so fast, ugh.

    When I asked the vet if I can feed him mid day she said absolutely not so I'm glad that others are doing it and it is safe. He is usually 13 pounds and has dropped to 11 and looks very thin, so I will begin feeding him more.
     
    Shelley & Jess likes this.
  4. Shelley & Jess

    Shelley & Jess Member

    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2020
    Yeah, we hear this alot. Mine told me the same thing. Jess has (suspected) IBD and had a hard enough time processing food as it was, there was no way I was limiting her to twice a day feedings!
    I feed every 2 hours before and up to including nadir, both cycles. Then a mid afternoon snack during the day and I leave food out for the wee hours of the night. Try and feed roughly the same during both the day and night cycles. Most cats naturally seek out food if their sugar is dropping. It'll take time but you'll figure out what feeding schedule (how much and when) works best for you and Frankie.
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2020
    Mariana likes this.
  5. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Your cat is so high I am inclined to say stick with the 3 dose for several more days and let's see what happens. Please try to always get a preshot reading and at least one mid cycle reading. Did your cat have any ketones? Do you have strips or a meter to test for them? I ask because cats that are consistently high like this are more prone to them.
     
    Diane Tyler's Mom likes this.
  6. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Definitly. I feed about 4 times a day. If he's underweight feed as much as he wants, just no food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test so the number is not food influenced.
     
  7. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Definitly. I feed about 4 times a day. If he's underweight feed as much as he wants, just no food at least 2 hours prior to the preshot test so the number is not food influenced. Try putting water in with his wet food.
     

Share This Page