Diabetic cat diagnosis today
#1
08-09-10, 06:45 PM
Diabetic cat diagnosis today
We just got the phone call tonight that our cat's blood test confirms diabetes. We have an appointment to learn how to give shots, etc. I'd like to hear any advice, stories, experience that others have had with this. Are shots every day? Can we skip some days for vacations,etc? Thank you in advance.
#2
08-10-10, 01:18 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
PAbugman,
Since the cat has a confirmed diagnosis (DX) you will most likely have to give insulin every day, the same as a human would need. Your vet will train you, if you do need to give the injections. It is not difficult, and anyone can do these sort of injections once shown how.
Here is a link to much more information about Diabetes in cats:
The Signs, Diagnosis & Types of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats
There are many links at the bottom of the article, and many may be very helpful, even before you see your vet.
Do keep us posted and let us know how things are going.
Since the cat has a confirmed diagnosis (DX) you will most likely have to give insulin every day, the same as a human would need. Your vet will train you, if you do need to give the injections. It is not difficult, and anyone can do these sort of injections once shown how.
Here is a link to much more information about Diabetes in cats:
The Signs, Diagnosis & Types of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats
There are many links at the bottom of the article, and many may be very helpful, even before you see your vet.
Do keep us posted and let us know how things are going.
#3
08-10-10, 05:05 AM
Thanks Rhainyc,
I think that we caught this fairly early, as Pumpkin (yes, he's an orange tabby) still appears healthy other than losing weight (down to 11.14 lbs) and large urine balls in litter box. He's playful, has a good, thick coat of fur. TSH normal, liver function slightly elevated (probably due to untreated diabetes?).
Will have more to say after appointment.
I think that we caught this fairly early, as Pumpkin (yes, he's an orange tabby) still appears healthy other than losing weight (down to 11.14 lbs) and large urine balls in litter box. He's playful, has a good, thick coat of fur. TSH normal, liver function slightly elevated (probably due to untreated diabetes?).
Will have more to say after appointment.
#5
08-11-10, 05:04 AM
I had a cat a number of years ago that was diabetic. He required just 1 shot a day in the morning. I gave it to him when he was eating and he never even flinched! You will find that giving shots is very easy and just takes a second. I didn't have a bit of trouble, even with my irrational fear of needles.
Ask your vet, but I would say definately do not let Pumpkin skip days. You don't want things to get out of control. When you see how easy it is to give a shot, you can show someone else how to give the shot if you're gone for a period of time. The one thing my vet told me was that it is a bit harder to control diabetes in a cat than in a dog, so ask about that too.
Ask your vet, but I would say definately do not let Pumpkin skip days. You don't want things to get out of control. When you see how easy it is to give a shot, you can show someone else how to give the shot if you're gone for a period of time. The one thing my vet told me was that it is a bit harder to control diabetes in a cat than in a dog, so ask about that too.
#6
08-11-10, 01:45 PM
Hello all: Thanks for your timely help. At least initially we have to give two shots (small doses) a day for about a week. Also got special ($$$) food. At the clinic they have a resident cat, who for his free room and board apparently, is the test dummy. We got to practice on him!
It is apparent that skipping days/treatments is not a good option. We will re-configure our house for when we are gone so as to eliminate Pumpkins secret hiding places. Our neighbor rescues cats and will be a big help to us-she has much experience. So our strategies are shaping up. My wife and I joked about the irony of it all-we have cats because they are low maintenance, but not now! 1st shot and food tonight. Did I mention the food is expensive?
It is apparent that skipping days/treatments is not a good option. We will re-configure our house for when we are gone so as to eliminate Pumpkins secret hiding places. Our neighbor rescues cats and will be a big help to us-she has much experience. So our strategies are shaping up. My wife and I joked about the irony of it all-we have cats because they are low maintenance, but not now! 1st shot and food tonight. Did I mention the food is expensive?
#7
08-11-10, 03:56 PM
We inherited a diebetic dog, blind as well. Two shots a day and real easy to give. We set the timer for 45 minutes after he eats and when it goes off, he comes running. We have left him in the care of others when on vacation and no problems at all.
Bud
Bud
#8
08-11-10, 08:53 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
PAbugman,
Sadly the food that is usually suggested can be expensive. Look for alternative places to purchase it though, that can be a big help money wise.
As for the shots, glad that you shouldn't have any trouble. The vet should have mentioned that once you get Pumpkin stabilized, hopefully it may possible to do one dose, or perhaps not...it will depend on Pumpkin's response to treatment.
Do keep us posted as to how things go.
Sadly the food that is usually suggested can be expensive. Look for alternative places to purchase it though, that can be a big help money wise.
As for the shots, glad that you shouldn't have any trouble. The vet should have mentioned that once you get Pumpkin stabilized, hopefully it may possible to do one dose, or perhaps not...it will depend on Pumpkin's response to treatment.
Do keep us posted as to how things go.
