Saturday, February 8, 2020

The Guinea Pig


Tucker has long had health problems. Each has been defeated or, at the least, beaten into a stalemate. The continual trouble has been his diabetes. For quite a while, it was under control, his numbers representing a satisfactory armistice in the war, rather than a victory. Lately, however, they have been erratic and, while the roly poly has not exhibited any overt signs of diabetic advancement, they are symptomatic of a disappointing turn in the fight. This may be due to a new development, the onset of kidney failure. Whether or not this is complicating his diabetes, and the struggle against it, the fact remains his blood-sugar levels are unstable.

In an effort to understand them better, a new weapon is being prepared. This coming Thursday, Tucker will be taken to the veterinary hospital where a new sensor will be applied to his body. A patch of his fur, between the shoulder blades, will be shaved off, and a very thin needle inserted into the skin, and glued in place. This needle is actually a glucometer of sorts, and will record continual readings of my cat’s blood-sugar levels, taken every fifteen minutes. I will have a device, rented from a pharmacy, that will allow me to read the numbers; I need only pass the device over the needle. This must be done at least four times a day to keep everything active.


This device in itself will do nothing to control Tucker’s diabetes, of course. But it will give a much greater series of readings than would even a conscientiously performed ‘curve’, which usually samples the blood-sugar every two hours, hourly at the day’s most critical period. Furthermore, the numbers will be recorded over several days, giving a comprehensive record.

The machine is something new to our veterinary hospital, though a doctor, recently hired there, is familiar with it. Tucker will be the first of its patients to be fitted with it. It stays in until it falls off of its own accord; when and where it does that cannot be predicted, and so will require some vigilance on my part. I don’t know how Tucker will react to the implanting of the needle which, to other cats who have been so fitted, gives almost no clue to its presence. Much will depend upon Tucker’s attitude to the whole thing, so I hope my little sausage-cat will coƶperate. If he does not, it won’t be his fault; having an implant, however slender, between his shoulder blades will not be the most natural experience he could have.

I will write about the events when they occur on Thursday, providing more details on this device, its workings and its effect on my much prodded little guinea pig.


20 comments:

  1. Poor Tucker. I hope it goes well for him.

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    1. Thank you. And how did your dental visit go?

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    2. Urgh. One tooth is fractured and the other one’s infected. I go to a specialist on Tuesday so he can take a look at them. By this point, I just want them yanked and be done with it. Tucker and I will both be saying, “I haf no teef.”

      I pass on the mancat bits, however.

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  2. Goodness! We'll be thinking good thoughts for Tucker on Thursday, hoping all goes well.

    I don't fully understand, though: This is implanted, but will fall out? So is it partially implanted under the skin, with part of it sticking out? Wouldn't it come off when Tucker rolls on the carpet? I can't picture it! I'll look forward to further info and an update.

    Meanwhile, give your "guinea pig" a scritch and smooch from me!

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    1. Those questions will be asked, definitely, but from what I was told, the implant is worked loose through the cat's normal actions. It's not meant for long-term monitoring, and often comes out before its short life-span is over, but after enough data is collected for successful use. I think it looks like a small cap on the shaved skin.

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  3. So glad to learn there is such a device that does the readings for Tucker. I never knew that was an option.
    We had a cat with kidney disease. It's really a difficult thing.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such a good kitty owner!!!



    Debby in Arizona

    http://RescuesAndMore.blogspot.com


    Debby in Arizona

    http://RescuesAndMore.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you. I have three cats with kidney issues, though these are all due to age. Tucker has the worst kidney conditions - of course, the poor guy. Three kidney cats, two with diabetes, one blind. Sigh.

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  4. They have those things for peoples too and they are supposed to me way more accurate.

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  5. I will have Tucker on my mind Thursday and I'll keep checking to see of we hear form you. Shortly I will have to make a dental appointment for Katie.

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  6. Poor Tucker. He is such a good boy and seems to take everything in his stride.

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  7. Golly, this seems like a great device, if Tucker isn't uncomfortable. Getting those readings mean all the difference.

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  8. Oh dear! Hope the gadget isn't too uncomfortable. Tucker looks quite relaxed and easygoing.

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  9. Ah! Bless the little fella..
    Let's hope it's all o.k. and not
    to much of an inconvenience for
    him...hope the results work out
    o.k. to...!

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  10. I have seen, what seems to be, a similar device for humans advertised on TV. It will be interesting to see how Tucker does with it. Since the needle is probably quite small, hopefully Tucker will not be bothered by it. Meanwhile, it sounds like the device will permit better glucose monitoring so that any adjustments in Tucker's insulin can be made easily. Good luck, Tucker. I'll look forward to hearing how things go on Thursday.

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  11. Hello..Morning John..
    Thought you'd like these for a chuckle..
    They were in to~days Sun newspaper...

    https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10928924/long-cat-stretched-out/

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    1. Some of those cats don’t even look real. They remind me of those wooden ornaments from the 1970s, the long stretched out cats…

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  12. Tucker looks so content in these photos. I know a cat usually
    detests a trip to the vet for any reason. I do hope the implant
    goes without incident and it helps his health in the long run.
    Best of luck to you both on Thursday.

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  13. catfather; we hope ta cod ewe canna feel it....we dunno buddy; if ya getz an itch N knead ta scratch can ya pull it out, ore if bye chanze...say... renn dee sidez ta groom ya, can he bring it out? frank lee it soundz scaree dood ....???? ♥♥♥

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    1. Don’t worry, guys; I will be asking plenty of questions about the process come Thursday.

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