Are there veteranarians who are considered feline diabetes specialists?

[Lynn B]

Are there veteranarians who are considered feline diabetes specialists? If so, can someone recommend a good one for the southern NH (Auburn/Chester) area?

My 9 yr old cat was recently diagnosed with type 1. I've had a longtime vet that I've always been pleased with, but in this situation the vet seems to be prescribing treatment that is different (sometimes contrary) from what is recommended here and on the AAHA.
I'd like to get a second opinion from a vet with lots of experience with feline diabetes.

I appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks

 

[BJM]

Short of going to the U of Queensland, Australia for Dr Rand, or to Ohio State University for Dr Gilor, you'll have to interview vets in your area.
See my signature link Vet Interview Topics for some topics to discuss.

 

[Lynn B]

Thanks for the reply. I have been happy with my vet for the past 10 years. It's just with the recent dx of feline diabetes in my 9 yr old female tabby - that it seems he may not be current on recommended treatment. Although she had already lost almost 1/2 her body weight (we were both shocked), he started her on glipizide first. It took 3 weeks before I had the supply of gluco test strips to discover that she had some ketones and very high glucose. We agreed she needed to be on insulin. He has me giving her 1U of humulin N, which doesn't seem to be what is recommended. After the 1st wk , we attempted to increase her dose to 2U to try to get her urine glucose down, but she got very lethargic -which scared me into giving her karo syrup.
We are at about 1.5 wks on humulin N insulin, and her urine glucose is still very high. She seems too tiny to go up to 2U at this point.I'm not sure if I should continue giving the Humulin N a chance (feel like it's wasting precious time) or insist on switching to glargine or PZI?
Interested in getting experienced opinions.

 

[BJM]

He understands N type insulin so it may be easier for him to understand ProZinc (no carry over effects).
A 10 mL vial of 400 units runs m up to $110-ish.
It may cost less to order online with a faxed RX.
NPH insulin lasts about 6-8 hours per shot in the cat, leaving 4-6 hours uncontrolled. (Works OK for dogs and their slower metabolism).

 

[KPassa]

When Mikey was first diagnosed, because he was so young, I called around trying to find a specialist who might help us. The few feline diabetes "specialists" I've found aren't really all that great (at least in my area). In fact, they all told me the same thing: stop home-testing and rely on them for costly weekly curves and start feeding high carb "prescription" diabetic food. I don't know how they can call themselves specialists if they ignore the AAHA Guidelines that recommend home-testing and low carb food?

I ended up sticking with my current vet and realized that I might know more about feline diabetes management at this point than he will ever need to know, but he's willing to listen and learn right along with me. And he still knows more about the "big stuff" with feline diabetes than I hope to ever have to know (I.e. DKA and hypo treatments).

You want a vet who will work with you, regardless of their actual knowledge. If you don't think your vet is willing or able to update their learning, then it might be a good idea to find a new vet. But, if you have a vet that listens to you and is willing to try "new" things (like a better insulin), then stick with them. They're valuable.

 

[Carl & Polly & Bob (GA)]

Short of going to the U of Queensland, Australia for Dr Rand, or to Ohio State University for Dr Gilor, you'll have to interview vets in your area.
See my signature linek Vet Interview Topics for some topics to discuss.

Dr. Lisa does phone consults...
If you go to www.catinfo.org you can find out how to contact her. She may know a vet in your area?
The other thing I'll mention is the "Type 1" diagnosis. Only because cats don't exactly fit the "Type 1" and "Type 2" diagnosis as well as humans do. But my understanding is that it resembles "Type 2" in all but very rare cases?

 

[Lynn B]

My 9yr old female (Gabby) has always been a lean/petite female. Based on what I've read it seems she falls into the type 1 category with a pretty quick onset. She had her annual check/immunizations in August 2014 and everything 'appeared to be' fine. By late Nov she was dx with diabetes.
She's getting primarily wet food now; friskies pate - 1/2 can 2x/day ... with some hills SD or blue grain free treats. Although we've eliminated the keytones in the past 2 weeks, her urine glucose doesn't seem to be budging from the 500-1000 mark. Jumping to 2U of humulin seemed to be too much for her after the 1st week - which is why I'm feeling like it would be better for her to be on the longer lasting/more moderate lantus or PZI.
Thanks again for the feedback - it's very much appreciated!

 

[BJM]

I definitely encourage you to get off the Humulin. Its like being on a roller coaster for the cat. Plummets the glucose, then when it wears off, the glucose is back in the stratosphere for several hours before the next shot. You'll be able to document this if you pick up an inexpensive human glucometer such as the Target Up and Up, or the Arkray Glucocard 01 (branded as the WalMart ReliOn Confirm) and compare the tests with feline specific reference numbers (see my signature link Glucometer Notes for some of those).

Also, ditch the dry. It is usually, too high carb, plus it does NOT clean the teeth, and it can contribute to dehydration which can be an issue for unregulated diabetics. For more details, read Cat Info.