"Buddy's Story"

"Feline Diabetic Page ~ "Buddy's Story"

When You Love Someone

"I was fortunate to have "My Boy Buddy," in my life, For I truly was:

"Hugging Has No Harmful Side Effects" 

~Diana, Princess of Wales~

This page will be primarily about our Buddy: 

How we found out he had diabetes; what has to be done for Diabetic Felines; Insulin's that have been tried. And as much information as I can give firsthand.

This was one of my Posts to the Cat Newsgroups:


Since Buddy was first diagnosed with Diabetes March 1997, I will tell you various reasons why I've posted about him. You know of the trials and tribulations we, as a family, have gone through. Buddy will be seeing his Vet Thursday, October 30th. During this visit we will hopefully learn of his fate.

My hopes in regard to posting the blow-by-blow event of how we found out Buddy has Diabetes is to help those of you out there with as much information as I can provide. How hard it has been to stabilize and control his diabetes; plus what an owner must endure to keep a diabetic feline healthy, etc. And my mistakes along the way. Please understand that Buddy's diabetic condition has not been based solely on emotions.

The frustrations regarding his condition: A) Not being able to stabilize/control his diabetes. B)-Constant monitoring of his glucose and monthly 24-hour diabetic curves at the Hospital. C)- Insulin resistance and changes from Humulin Ultralente to PZI, now to Lente. D)- The neuropathy which has effected his hind legs. E)- His near death experience on October 20th, which, if we didn't get him to the emergency Hospital that night, he would have gone into diabetic shock, coma and died.

At my WebPages I've dedicated a page to Feline Diabetes. I have read and learned so much from these sites: "The Feline Diabetic Site." & "Cornell Feline Health Center." Never having a diabetic animal before, this has been a learning experience for my family. If you have a diabetic feline, the key word is Dedication.

After I inject Buddy with his insulin, I have to watch him for one hour. He's also monitored regarding his water intake, urination frequency. Foods are an essential part of any diabetic - be it human or animal. Because this tricky disease has weakened Buddy's immune system, he's much more susceptible to contracting colds, etc. I have chosen to dedicate myself to helping Buddy for as long as heaven permits. However, this dedication is twofold: If Buddy's true story reaches one owner of a diabetic feline, all is not in vain.





"The Day We Found Each Other:"


During 1995, February, I noticed this huge beautiful long haired cat eating the dry food I always put outside for the strays. This cat was mostly all white, long hair, with dabbles of black. He had this black color around one of his eyes - which reminded me of spot the dog!

He came around more frequently, and stayed longer then the others would. Our son went outside to look at him. He came running to our son, very friendly; Our son sat down, and this cat crawled onto his lap and cuddled. That was it. We'd watch him outside daily, crying and looking for our son. My husband & son both wanted him inside - too cold outside, etc. We took him into our warm, dry basement; made him a bed, and got him a litter box, food, water, etc.



"The Call to the Dog Warden:"
 

I placed a call to my friend, the Town Dog Warden and gave her a description of this cat. He was too lovable and beautiful not to belong to someone. She noted his description. Would phone me if anyone inquired about him. I placed an ad in the newspaper under the Lost & Found section for one week. I also posted some signs at our local grocery store, Vet's office, etc. No one claimed him. We named him Buddy.



"The Vet Visit:"

I took Buddy to our Vet for a thorough check-up. Our baby, Samantha has always been an inside pet-friend, and we didn't want to take any chances or place her at any health risks. Buddy had every possible immunization and test; he was loaded with mats - so bad that the Vet recommended getting him to a reputable groomer. He had to be in a lot of discomfort; these mats were right up against his skin. Off to the groomer Buddy went. He had to be shaved all over because that's how bad the mats of fur were. He came home looking like a different yet beautiful cat. Very happy not to have those horrible mats anymore pulling at him with every step he took.



"The Charmer:"


Yes, he certainly was a charmer and a love from that first day when our son met him. He quickly became part of our family - against Samantha's wishes! Samantha was 5 months when she came to us; was never with another animal, and has been hand raised. Very gentle, loving, never bit anyone or any of us. A wonderful personality. She took one look at Buddy and feared him from Day #1. Subsequently, they never got along - have been kept separated all of the time. Buddy couldn't care less. He had his "new home," and us to love him and vice versa.




"The Illness:"


Everything was going smoothly with Buddy as a part of our family. Then on Day during the end of February, beginning of March, I notices something about Buddy which was not normal: He was lethargic; would go to spots which were cool to rest. I saw that he wasn't well this one day in particular. I tried to take his temperature "alone!' - and the thermometer wasn't in the full allotted time, but the reading I got was l04.



Off to the Vet Hospital we went, because it was after hours and our Vet was gone for the day. I did call him and he notified the Hospital that we'd be coming in.

Buddy was admitted. I wasn't too worried - concerned yes. Our Vet said he'd be running tests, etc. to determine what was wrong, and would phone me in the morning. Cats can be fine one minute, and get sick the next with their illness coming on like gang busters! Really fast.



"The Call From Our Vet:"


Our Vet phoned early that morning and I held my breath waiting to hear, thinking Buddy had an upper respiratory infection. He said that Buddy has Diabetes! I was speechless. He said that Buddy would need insulin injections daily; arranged for us to bring Buddy in that day to his office to teach us [Ha!], me how to inject Buddy, etc. My husband watched as I "learned." I didn't have a problem with this, as I'd do most anything to assure Buddy a healthy life. Our Vet informed me however, that Buddy would have to be watched for one hour after the insulin injection, every single day. Which I did.

All of the foods which Buddy loved had to be replaced with special diabetic foods: Prescription W/D. He hated it, and wouldn't eat it no matter what I did in preparing it. The search was on to locate a food which would be good for a diabetic cat. I found this food via a posting in the cat newsgroups through Renee Wrede. What a Godsend! I informed our Vet about the food. He read all about it and said great. It's called "Vet's Choice - Select Care Hi-Fiber." I fed it to Buddy in both canned and dry form - LOVED it! So, that problem was solved.



"The Diabetes:"


Buddy had to be seen by the Vet twice a month to check his glucose readings. He also had to go into the Vet Hospital once a month for "24-hour Diabetic Curves." He was started with the Humulin Ultralente Insulin. And, gradual increases were made via the dosage from week to week. Buddy seemed to be okay, but there was something still wrong which perplexed me. Off to the Vet's we go again.

Our Vet was as perplexed as we, because Buddy was not responding to the insulin, no matter how high the dosage. He mentioned an insulin: PZI, which was very successful in treating diabetic animals about five years ago before it was discontinued.

Off for my search for the PZI. After extensive searching via phone calls in and out of state - I once again posted to the cat newsgroups about the PZI. I was contacted by another wonderful cat lover - Colleen Valente - who set me on the right path. With tenacity on my part, I did locate the PZI in Vermont. Our Vet phoned the man who made the PZI, was satisfied with the properties in it, and ordered it for Buddy. The excitement I was feeling was almost euphoric! Finally I thought, Buddy would become stabilized and controlled with his diabetes.



"The PZI Results:"


Going from Human insulin to PZI meant "starting from square one all over again." The PZI had to be started at a low dosage then gradually increased. PZI was, as I was informed, a wonder-drug and would only have to be administered once a day because of its properties vs. the human insulin's. So Buddy started the PZI with great anticipation by us and his Vet for success On August 30th, 1997. He began with 3-units per day. The next week he went for his glucose test, and the PZI had to be increase to 5-units, with subsequent increases as the weeks and months went by.

During October, 1997, when Buddy was still not responding to the PZI - even at its highest dosage, there was a new problem added: He had developed Neuropathy in his hind legs - a weakened condition, which made walking hard for him [Rubber legs, very wobbly].

On Monday, October 20th, Buddy was not right - I knew it. I observed him and he wasn't Buddy - lethargic, not wanting to eat [his favorite thing to do!]. I had given him a small amount of Karo early that afternoon, as suggested by our Vet. Karo acts on diabetic animals like Orange Juice does with Humans. This did not help nor change Buddy's condition. At 11:30 P.M. that night, we rushed Buddy to the Vet. Hospital. One of the resident Vets checked him, and I asked her about his breath which had a foul smell [almost like cesspool]. Another indication he was sick. She ran a blood glucose, and the results took both my husband and I aback: "597!!" He was admitted and given regular insulin to bring down the high levels of sugar; he was in ICU and had to be carefully monitored so that "he didn't crash as a result of bringing down his sugar, etc."

If we had not gotten Buddy to the Hospital, he would have gone into diabetic shock, then coma, resulting in death. I spoke in depth with our Vet the following day. He said to bring Buddy in that Thursday, and he would be on Illentin I - Insulin Zinc Suspension - Lente. Once again he had to start from square one with small doses and gradually increased.



The Final Diagnosis:"


From October 20th, until now, November 3rd., Buddy's insulin dosage has been increased to 10-units twice a day to no avail. He was almost put to sleep on October 23rd., because of the problems of not being able to stabilize or control his diabetes. Our Vet explained in depth to my husband and I that day that Buddy has a bum pancreas. He may also have receptors in his pancreas which eat up the insulin before it can get into his bloodstream to do any good. Additionally, there may also be an underlying disease present which would also explain why Buddy cannot become stabilized.

I took Buddy to the Vet again on Monday, November 3rd., because he was exhibiting similar strange behavior [e.g. not feeling well, and seeking cool areas, etc]. The Vet took his glucose, and, unfortunately the reading was 397. Still too high. Buddy's glucose has never gotten below the 300's. Another indication that he's insulin resistant. Our Vet has told me that "he's done everything in his power to try and get Buddy's diabetes stabilized and controlled. He's frustrated as we are, and told me so."



The Final Decision:


During that Vet visit on Monday, November 3rd., our Vet advised me to inject Buddy with 2-units of insulin upon getting home; followed by 10-units at his regular injection time. We're to see the Vet with Buddy on Thursday, November 6th. At which time our Vet had informed me that we will have to have a _serious talk.

He also informed me that maybe I was right all along [much to my dismay], about prolonging Buddy's life. No, he's not, nor ever has been in any pain. He plays and eats. But, his quality of life as it now stands is not, IMO, good. To constantly subject him to trips to the Vet and Vet Hospital is cruel - especially since he'll NEVER become stabilized regarding his Diabetes.

Consequently, as much as I love Buddy with all my heart, I must set my feelings aside and do what's best for him. He cannot keep going from week to week with all of the setbacks and emergency trips to both the Vets and the Vet. Hospital. It is not fair to him.



"Thursday - November 6, 1997


This visit will not only be for testing of Buddy's glucose, but for the emotional decision in respect to his life. As it's a family decision, we must decide what's right for our beloved Buddy - not for us. It has been one of the worst emotional Roller Coaster rides we, as a family, have ever experienced.



"The Miracle:"


Yes, I'll call it a Miracle.....You decide:

The Vet Visit on November 6th was kept. However, because my family and I had been so distraught, we were *internalizing.*

The night before this fateful Day was awful. I could not reach my husband or my son with anything I was saying. Consequently, I had decided that "They take Buddy to the Vet on their own." I would NOT go this time. This decision not to go to the Vet with our Buddy came over me suddenly during Thursday morning. I found myself packing a small bag! I organized the house, left notes, and instructions, and kissed and hugged both Samantha and Buddy bye.

I drove to a town about two hours away. I parked my car and walked all around, did a little shopping and then drove to a nearby motel. While at the desk waiting to be checked-in, this flash came over me [no, not a HOT flash!], to "go home!?" I apologized to the manager, got into my car and began driving home. It took well over two hours. All the way my mind was thinking of "What Did I do?!"...Was Buddy gone?....Did my husband and son, along with Buddy's Vet, make that final decision to "Put Buddy to sleep?!!"...Oh No!, was all that kept going through my head!

I kept looking at the clock, knowing full well that Buddy's appointment was at 4:00 P.M....and, it was well after five o'clock, and I wasn't half-way home yet. Finally the exit was there, and I got off and stopped quickly at the grocery store. The furkids needed food.

Then, the most unusual thing happened to me: As I was rounding the corner upon entering the store, I almost bumped into my own husband - literally! He saw the look on my face of complete guilt and anguish. So, I asked about Buddy........was he still alive; what happened? He said "Yes, he's home." And, for "me to guess what his glucose test was." I couldn't guess, and just wanted the facts NOW! My husband said that Buddy's glucose was at *143*.....Yep, this was the FIRST time since being diagnosed that his glucose EVER got below 300's.

Okay, all the mushy stuff of hugging the heck out of Buddy once I got home I'll leave out <G>. To make sure this wasn't a "Fluke," Buddy's Vet wanted to run two more glucose tests on him that Saturday - November 8th.

My husband [Bless his soul!], took Buddy at 8:00 A.M. and then again at noon, Saturday, November 8th, 1997. The first reading was high, so my husband thought: 315; But, the Vet was Thrilled with that reading, because Buddy has just had his injection of insulin at just before eight A.M. So, some of the residual effects were there. My husband came home with Buddy and told me the results of the morning reading, and of course my heart sank. I guess I resigned myself with the probability that Buddy's Diabetes would never become stabilized nor controlled.

After the second reading, the Vet [according to my husband], said "WOW!" Apparently Buddy's glucose reading was: *111* too low! Unbelievable, because it's always been TOO HIGH!



The New Instructions:



Buddy is to have two insulin injections a day - One in the Morning and the other at night. The dose had to be _decreased to 9-units twice a day rather than 10-units twice a day. Buddy has even put on weight. He's scheduled to go into the Hospital for his monthly *24-Hour Diabetic Curve,* on Thursday, November 20th.

After this day, and all of the results from the curve are complete [they have to run glucose tests every six hours], I will have a talk with Buddy's Vet to find out exactly what's going on.

According to Buddy's Vet: Buddy has used up Two of his Nine Lives so far! Honest! That is the truth. Let's hope that of the seven lives he _hasn't used, that he'll be with us here on Earth for several more years to come.



December 29, 1997 


The miracle continues.....Buddy went to have his 24-hour Diabetic Curve at the Vet Hospital [Monday, 12/29/97]. His curve gave indications that his *Diabetes is becoming stabilized & controlled! Buddy is now on insulin doses which are:

A.M.= 4-units P.M.= 2-units.

I can now divulge the "secret to Buddy's success:" Believe what you will, but this is the truth, facts cannot be disputed.

BACK during November, when we thought Buddy was going to be put to sleep - I had reached the point that I felt during his final days [week], he should eat what he wanted. I began feeding him "Fancy Feast Beef Dinner." He had looked so bad during that horrible week. He was thrilled to be eating the Fancy Feast, and gobbled it down. I began feeding him this food on that Monday prior to NOVEMBER 6TH. When Buddy was taken to his Vet on November 6th [with my husband & son], his glucose that day was *143!* Subsequently, on that following Saturday, his two glucose tests were normal! Our Vet concurred that the "New Food Diet Is the Factor which caused Buddy to FINALLY respond to the Insulin, etc."

I've been feeding Buddy "Fancy Feast Beef" ever since. And I might add, ever since, he's looking wonderful, and his Diabetes has become slowly under control! This is the SECRET [Along with many prayers], to our Buddy's success.

Buddy will be seeing his Vet in one month - Approx. during the end of January, 1998! We'll know more then about how much and how often Buddy will or will not require insulin. To Be Continued - Thank God!



Trip to Vet & New Instructions: 

During February, Buddy went to see his Vet for his glucose tests. He had his first glucose test on Thursday, February 12th - & had his 2nd. & 3rd. tests on Saturday, February 14th. All tests concluded that Buddy is FINALLY stabilized and controlled! [HOORAY!!]. Buddy's to be on:

**4-units of insulin in the A.M. & 2-units in the P.M.**

His Vet surprised me and phoned me the following day, Sunday, February 15th, 1998: "Said that he doesn't have to see Buddy for glucose tests, etc. for THREE WHOLE MONTHS!" of course this is barring any emergencies, etc. This was thee greatest St. Valentine's Gift I've EVER received!!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of "really getting to know your diabetic feline." Watch him/her carefully, never take anything for granted in respect to their behavior. Speak *with* your Vet. Ask questions, and by all means, read as much as you can about Diabetes.

Here, on my Web Pages you will find two sites dedicated specifically to Feline Diabetes. These sites are invaluable. Access them, read and copy if you'd like - anything which can help you and your diabetic feline - do it.

You must also be willing and able to dedicate yourself to your diabetic feline in every way. You must monitor his/her effects after he/she is injected with insulin for no less than one hour. You must also monitor your diabetic's water intake, urine frequency via a LOG. With daily entries about all and any information about the above. It is very difficult to treat such a tricky disease as Diabetes, especially in cats. Don't give up, as our Vet has told us in the beginning stages:

"Cats don't die from Diabetes, they die as a result of their owners putting them to sleep because they can't/won't go through the trouble of trying to stabilize/control their diabetic condition."

Please don't give up on your pet-friend unless you have no choice whatsoever. If your diabetic cat becomes stabilized and controlled, then you're on your way of spending a long time together. My best to each and everyone of you with Diabetic Felines.

Barbara J. Pfrommer





 

Our Buddy did not die from Diabetes. He died from a Cancerous Tumor located in his sinuses and brain ~ We, his family made the decision to have him put to sleep on March 14, 1998. Buddy was with his Dad, Mom, Vet and Cindy, the vet's assistant who knew and loved Buddy since the first day she met him.

"If I had to do it all over again, with Buddy's Diabetes, and even his tumor, I WOULD!"

From My Desk

NEXT:  Buddy's Story Part Two Tumor

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