Experience with diabetic cat? - Page 3

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

@Andreatoo wrote:
Talk to your vet about the high incidence of diabetes in cats and dogs these days; it's increased dramatically over the years and it's all to do with the food being sold!
I have no experience with diabetes but I do have an epileptic cat. I think the longer needle suggestion makes sense as I pill Fiona twice a day but there are those times when I know she spits it out! Making sure they're getting every last drop of the medication is crucial

@Andreatoo, are you using phenobarbital? Is so, have you discussed having the pheno compounded? At least with my cat it is so much easier to administer than pills and I know she is not spitting it out. The pharmacy I use has lots of flavor options which makes administration even easier as the pheno has a pleasant taste.

The eyes through which you see others may be the same as how they see you.

Andreatoo · ‎04-04-2014

@Marp

Yes it is phenobarbital. She gets half a pill twice a day. She was supposed to get the whole thing but it was too much for her. When you say compounded does that mean it comes in a liquid form? As for the different flavors unfortunately it wouldn't help with this cat; if there's not a picture of a cat on the bag or the box she won't touch it LOL I do break it up before I give it to her so that I know it's easier to swallow and she can't get rid of all of it if any!

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

@Andreatoo

I have tried using a pill "gun" on several cats, but it really didn't seem to make it any easier.

Also, I've tried the compounded liquids and it was still difficult to get the fluid into the cat.

I keep hoping they will develop little patches to administer meds to kitties, but I guess the fur is an obstacle

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

@Keeper of the koi

I read about the strips, but it would be almost impossible to get a urine sample on a regular basis.

Kitty has gone in and out all his life and prefers outside to the litter box.

I'm resigned to ear testing.

Yes, we started low and are now at 3 units morning and night, that is what prompted me to move to glucose testing.

After reading, I realized that optimum insulin dosage can only come through testing.

Keeper of the koi · ‎12-14-2015

@witchywoman, we are blessed to have diabetic specialist in our large vet group practice. We were taught as many others practice feed wait 30 minutes than insulin

this prevents too low bloodsugar if a pet vomits or doesnt eat all. If vomiting occurs1\2dose. So many things to learn. I hope you can find some help. Have you called a rescue group?lots of them know people who have dealt with many diseases and might be willing to speak to you?

Maryanne

Witchy Woman · ‎03-15-2010

@Keeper of the koi

I am in the process of trying to find a vet that specializes in diabetic care and I'm trying to educate myself.

There is an online message board that has lots of information, but it is overwhelming. I am not sure how much charting, etc. I want to do on my own.

Ideally, I will learn to test and then adjust insulin from there. I realize that it can be dicey, but I am one of those people that shuts down with too much info.

Mostly, I need to know the basics and danger signs (already know these), and try to go from there. He has already been getting insulin since June with no monitoring other than fructosamine tests. For many vets, that's the extent of their care.

Appreciate your input.

Thanks

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

@Andreatoo, yes I mean compounded in liquid form. Phenobarbital is very bitter so one of the advantages of the liquid is that it can be flavored. The pharmacy I use offers something like 30 flavors from the expected chicken or tuna to sweet tasting flavors. My cat's pheno is vanilla butternut flavored (!) and she prefers that over the more traditional cat flavors.

Your vet would calculate the strength needed for your cat and the compounding pharmacy makes up the suspension accordingly. For example my cat's pheno is 20 mg/ml and she gets .5ml twice a day. Her IDEXX levels are always perfect since using the liquid.

My vet uses Roadrunner Pharmacy out of Phoenix, AZ for compounding.

The eyes through which you see others may be the same as how they see you.

Andreatoo · ‎04-04-2014

@Marp

WOW! no one has ever mentioned a liquid suspension but then I get the script at the vet's office.

I've always thought that a liquid in a syringe would be much simpler to shoot down her throat!

She's not that difficult to pill, for me anyway, she goes bezerk on my husband! It's just catching her in the AM! lol I hold on to her for a few moments to make sure she's swallowed, etc..but there are times I've found pieces on the floor....

The seizures are heartbreaking...