Home Treatment Tips and More
Practical Advice on Everything From Injections to Nutrition
After diagnosis, it's time to make a plan — for giving injections, monitoring symptoms and more — to help make home treatment a success. And we're here to help.
Want more information on the topics below?
Just download our Pet Owners Guide to print and refer to anytime.
Administering PROZINC
Learn to give PROZINC with ease in these step-by-step video demos.
Preparing and filling the syringe.
We'll show you what type of syringe you need as well as how to fill it and prepare your PROZINC. Plus, we offer some helpful safety tips.
Giving the injection.
If you're nervous about injections...
User Safety
For use in cats only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Accidental injection may cause hypoglycemia. In case of accidental injection, seek medical attention immediately. Exposure to product may induce a local or systemic allergic reaction in sensitized individuals.
Tips for Home Management
Get advice and learn what to expect when it comes to home care.
If you're stressed, remember — the research is positive
In a clinical study, most diabetic cats treated with PROZINC showed improvement in excessive thirst (76%) and excessive urination (74%) within just 45 days.1 And about half of the cats in this study improved within seven days.2
Every cat responds to home treatment differently
When you start managing your cat’s diabetes at home, keep these two things in mind:
- The time it takes to regulate a diabetic cat’s blood glucose varies from cat to cat.
- Typically it takes up to a few weeks to become regulated on any insulin, including PROZINC.
Read more about recognizing the signs of proper glucose regulation
How will you know the blood glucose is properly regulated?
You will notice an improvement in the signs of diabetes — such as excessive thirst and urtination, weight loss, and weakness of the back legs.
What if you don’t see immediate results?
Do not adjust the PROZINC dosage by yourself. Talk to a veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations.
Effective Home Monitoring
Staying proactive -- by watching symptoms and visiting the veterinarian -- is key.
Make regular veterinary visits — including follow-ups
PROZINC dosages may occasionally need adjustment. So it’s important to keep follow-up visits for checking blood glucose levels and symptoms. Then the veterinarian will decide what dose is best.
Monitor the cat’s symptoms
Your own observations are key to managing treatment. Learn common symptoms to watch for that may indicate high or low blood glucose.
Use advanced home monitoring if desired
A blood glucose monitor or urine reagent strips could help as well. Talk with your veterinarian about whether these options are right for you. If you use them, download this handy form to track food and water intake.
Diet and Exercise
Learn why and how to include these two essentials in your home care plan.
Provide the right nutrition at the right time
Nutrition is an important topic to discuss with the veterinarian. You may need to restrict or limit certain foods as well as provide special food for diabetic cats.
Scheduled feeding is important as well. PROZINC will regulate the cat’s blood glucose best when she eats as close to the same time daily as possible.
Monitor water intake
Note how much water the cat drinks daily and ensure there’s always access to clean, fresh water.
Have fun — with regular exercise and play
Exercise can make a difference in maintaining a healthy blood glucose level. Like feeding, exercise should happen consistently every day.
If your cat is not very active, your veterinarian can offer ways to help you get your cat moving.
References
1Nelson RW. Disorders of the Endocrine Pancreas. In: Nelson RW, Couto CG, eds. Small Animal Internal Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2008: 764-802.
2Nelson RW, Henley K, Cole C, et al. Field safety and efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2009;23:787-793.
