Insulin overdose?

Thank you for your comments. My family has been telling me the same thing as you. It’s a real relief, as I have to admit my stomach has been in knots imagining I was the cause of our cat’s death. I didn’t ask the vet, as that detail only came back to me after everything happened. But according to him, it had nothing to do with her diabetes; it was more likely her heart failing due to her age. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

Audreylug, the trick is to get the injection ready before you catch the cat. 

I agree with the others, you've got nothing to feel guilty about. 

Hi there,

 

In my opinion, forgetting to mix the vial shouldn’t cause an insulin overdose as long as you stuck to the correct dosage, especially since you turned the vial over once and drew the liquid up into the syringe, so the product would have mixed enough anyway.

 

Given your cat's advanced age and the symptoms you've described (your cat "emptying herself"), a heart attack is indeed the most likely explanation, but it’s very unlikely that it was caused by an overdose. An insulin overdose usually leads to mobility issues (being wobbly on their feet), tremors, loss of balance, and signs of disorientation. These signs normally show up within about an hour and a half of the injection.

 

I know it’s incredibly hard not to feel guilty in a situation like this, but I really don’t think you have anything to worry about or blame yourself for. 

It’s so difficult when you’re left with so many questions and don’t fully understand the circumstances surrounding her passing. Do have a chat with your vet about all of this if it’s weighing on you. 

 

Thinking of you and sending my deepest condolences, 
Agathe.

I’m so sorry for the loss of your cat; she clearly had a long and surely wonderful life.

 

The insulin routine sounds quite complicated (rolling it three times, pumping to get the air out, making sure a drop beads before the jab...) plus having to hold the cat still at the same time. I really don't think you should beat yourself up for missing a step...

 

Besides, @melib0o might be right—the heart attack was probably more down to her old age than any overdose.

 

Anyway, best of luck with breaking the news to your parents.

I don't think that’s what caused the cardiac arrest if you followed the dosage instructions, even if you didn't shake the bottle properly. Have you asked the vet? I actually think it’s more likely down to the cat's old age.