Diabetic shots for an old cat w/ kidney trouble

[MJIthewriter]

In this last year, our cat Waldo has fallen apart. We are treating him for hyperthyroidism for about a year now.  Recently his kidneys have started to give way.  I switched his diet to something for kidney health.  He was still not improving, so we scheduled another appointment earlier than the three months they advised to check his levels.

Now he's developed diabetes. His other levels seem to be stable. We're given two options on what type of shots we want to give him. One is designed for cats, but costs a lot more. The other is designed for human but can be used on cats.  I'm not sure what option would be better.  I'm also left with a decision, if this doesn't work how long I should give it before deciding to let him go.

[Jade59]

Hi MJ, wow, sorry to see Waldo's level is so high.  Lucky for you, Maddie6 knows a lot about this, huh.  I have no idea if the high level could have anything to do with stress, but maybe.  

Aren't you great for taking the stray kitty in for the check up!  I hope her owners find her otherwise maybe you have a new kitty? :)

Best of luck on Monday with the curve test!  Do let us know, honey.

[MJIthewriter]

Well today's vet test didn't go so well.  His level was somewhere in the 400 or 500 range... The next step is to take him in to the vet to have a curve test done...  I'm planning to get that done next Monday.

It could be stress related, I'm not sure. A stray cat adopted us last week. I contacted a nearby animal rescue group and put a posting online to see if the owners would claim their missing cat. So far no one has.  I took her in to have a vet appointment as well. The new cat's results were positive. FIV and Feliv negative.  The only concerns with her is a small infection around her eye and some kind of thing that could cause diarrhea, but hasn't shown it so far.

[Maddie6]

Hi,
Waldo's bg of 300 is high.  It shows he needs more insulin, especially with the urinating and hunger.  Has the Vet recommended any low carb wet food, such as Wellness and some of the Fancy Feast canned?  Low carb food can help regulate them, along with the insulin.    Good luck with the four units. You're doing good.  It takes a while to find the dose.   I know; it's amazing they don't mind the shots, especially if there is a treat following.  Keep in touch and hugs to Waldo.

[MJIthewriter]

The test from this Tuesday put him at a blood sugar level of somewhere in the 300 range.  We're moving up to four units.  He's still urinating a lot and very hungry.  He still begs for his shots when I get the needle out.

[Maddie6]

Glad to hear Waldo is doing better and gaining back the weight.  Maggie also used a lot of litter after being diagnosed until she got more regulated.  Did the Vet mention what his blood glucose was when tested?  I know what you mean about looking like a roadkill.  In the early days of Maggie's diagnosis when she was looking like a roadkill, I would wake her up just to make sure she was okay, lol!   I hope Waldo continues doing well.

[MJIthewriter]

Well I heard back from the vet. Increasing his dose to three units. At least so far what they said, it seems the shots are lowering his blood sugar levels, so there is measurable improvement.  They want to talk to me about the home testing kit, but so far they haven't been able to yet.  I'm guessing they want to see his blood sugar leveled.  When I was there yesterday I saw they were getting a new blood testing machine. I don't know if it would be better than what they were using, but it was interesting to know.

So far Waldo has improved a little in some ways, but in other ways is still pretty much the same. We still go through a lot of litter.  His appetite is still very high.  At least the good news is he gained a little weight. When we first took him in we found he dropped a pound which was a surprise. He seems to be a little happier, but still lays around a lot looking worn out like roadkill.