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.

[MJIthewriter]

I don't have the home testing kit yet. So far, Waldo seems okay with the shots, except he must think there's food because he tries to get his mouth up there, sometimes begs when getting ready.  I wonder if his previous owners bottle fed him as a kitten or something.

I haven't seen much difference other than he seems to look happier laying down. He still does a lot laying around but that may me typical for his age.

[Maddie6]

Hi MJlthewriter and Jade,
Adding a treat after a procedure is definitely a great idea.  After I pricked Maggie's ear,  I would give her just a little of the Stage 2 Gerber chicken baby food on a spoon, and she licked it off after the ear thingy to get a drop of blood.  She even seemed to look forward to it and would jump onto the sofa t times when I called her name.  Now that she's in remission, I still give her a treat.  I still have to test her.

[Jade59]

I'm happy to see Waldo has slightly improved.  That's something.  I think with the additional insulin, you'll see even more improvement.  While the home testing might seem overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it'll be simple for you, MJ, and Waldo will get used to it, too.  

You're doing a great job, hon!!!

Oh and MJ, if you implement treats into the session afterwards, this will help Waldo to see what you're doing as a good thing.  We give Jade a treat (it's not a *real* treat, just Fancy Feast hard food she likes, but normally doesn't get unless she's endured a medical procedure :)

[MJIthewriter]

Anyways an update from the vet. We will be upping his dose a tiny bit. I brought up about home testing kits and they do have them available and plan to discuss about that later with Waldo's treatment.

[Maddie6]

Hi,
It sure looks like a good sign that he is feeling better.  It is cheaper and much better and easier on the cat if you can home test  There is a good website called www.felinediabetes.com that gives good information about home testing.  It's a message board, and they are very helpful with questions on home testing.  

If it's hard to get Waldo in the carrier, he is probably feeling pretty stressed once he gets to the Vet, so his blood glucose would be high.  Good luck to you; I can see how much you and your Grandma love Waldo.  He's a lucky kitty.

[MJIthewriter]

I'll try to bring up the home testing question to the vet. If I can't be there at the appointment, then I'll suggest to grandma if she can ask.  I wonder if it would be cheaper and easier on the cat and grandma in the long run.  He is pretty calm at the vet, but it is a little bit hard to get him in the carrier at home, then when he is there to get him out. He was trying to hide under the bench one of the times we took him.

Today I caught him on our kitchen table cleaning a bowl I forgot to put in the sink. We thought that may be a sign he is feeling better. He jumped down as soon I saw him and I removed the bowl. Later I picked him up and put him on the couch and pet him. He really enjoyed it and purred.