Neuropathy and vitamins

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Mocha's mom

Mocha's mom

Member Since 2015
Hi. My cat Mocha's legs are getting weaker and weaker, and it's so sad to watch. We are still trying to regulate her diabetes, and with that I'm sure the neuropathy will improve. In the meantime, I've read about Vitamin B-12 as helping, Zabaline. My vet didn't seem to know about that (no surprise there) and he suggested Vitamin B-6 Benfotiamine. I did a search here, and I didn't see any reference to it. Has anybody else heard of that helping? I'm inclined to trust you folks more than my vet. Thanks.
 
@Mocha's mom - Mocha sure is pretty!

I had very good success with methyl-B12 (methylcobalamin) for Genghis' neuropathy - not to be confused with cyanocobalamin as they are different. Genghis could barely walk 3 steps without sitting down and had real trouble with stairs. She also didn't jump up anywhere. Within a month of working her blood sugar combined with the methyl-B12, I saw improvement. In three months, she is now jumping up on the low bed in my daughter's room, running, and stretching.

I actually bought capsules from a vitamin store (watching carefully it had no added ingredients) and emptied them into Genghis' wet food. Worked a charm!

Good luck with Mocha!
 
Gryff"s hind legs had neuropathy last December. Then a few weeks later they improved but his tail hasn't worked since that time. Instead of his tail going straight up, it looks like a rainbow. The last 2 inches of the tip were totally not working. I started Zobaline about 2 weeks ago. His tail has gotten higher. I'm hoping that he gets more use of it back. Also, when he would lay down to rest, he would shake a leg like it had fallen asleep. So, I'm hoping it will help that too.

I understand, it's so hard to watch our babies health problems. Mocha is beautiful!!!
 
We started with 1 Zobaline 2x per day (1 in the morning and 1 at night) and it worked really well. We also were doing B12 shots 1x every 2 weeks. If they get more B12 than they can use, they pee it out, as long as they don't have kidney disease. If you want to try the B6, my two cents would be to just do a B-complex because then the kitty will get both B12 and B6 and hopefully one works. Tanya's CRF has info on a complex they use called Jarrow's B-Right: http://www.felinecrf.org/vitamin_b.htm But if it were me, I'd just start with the Zobaline (which is made for diabetic cats) and only try the other stuff if you don't see improvement in a couple weeks. Just my thoughts...
 
Zobaline is the bomb and is exactly what you want. I wouldn't go the injections on top. Mums kitty had severe neuropathy we tried Drs Best first (cheaper) and saw no improvement then changed to Zobaline and were seeing improvement within weeks. Two bottles later and he was good as new. Her vet didn't know about it either :rolleyes:

I've only heard of one kitty out of hundreds that turned her nose up at it sprinkled on her food too. You can crush it easily with the back of a spoon and it goes fluro pink when it's added to the food. It's supposed to be tasteless so maybe that one kitty just didn't like the colour!
 
Zobaline Questions: Hi Everybody, my 15 yr old cat was diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago and became regulated via diet almost immediately. His recent follow-up showed that he's still regulated with excellent glucose (non-diabetic cat numbers), thankfully. However, he appears to have minor neuropathy. He still jumps, runs, he's not on his hocks, but can't make the heights he used to and sometimes stumbles on the lower heights. Do you think he might benefit from Zobaline? Also, what form is it? My cat won't take pills. What do people here do?

Many thanks!
 
LamontsMom said:
Zobaline Questions: Hi Everybody, my 15 yr old cat was diagnosed with diabetes about a month ago and became regulated via diet almost immediately. His recent follow-up showed that he's still regulated with excellent glucose (non-diabetic cat numbers), thankfully. However, he appears to have minor neuropathy. He still jumps, runs, he's not on his hocks, but can't make the heights he used to and sometimes stumbles on the lower heights. Do you think he might benefit from Zobaline? Also, what form is it? My cat won't take pills. What do people here do?
Click to expand...

Even though he's better regulated diabetes-wise now, if there is any neuropathy maybe it will take longer for his body to heal properly? You could always ask your vet to check his B12/folate levels if you're not sure what to do.

Zobaline comes in tablet form but you can easily crush it to a powder between your fingers and sprinkle it onto food. :)


Mogs
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That's quite possible. He had a lot of hair loss (down the center of his back, his undercoat and hear both of his shoulders) and it's very very very very very slowly growing back (like 2 hairs a week lol) I suspect he has his good days and bad days (this has all been a HUGE life adjustment for us--switching the canned food--still in the process of getting the ideal match of food for him, the stress, etc.) About 4 days ago, he easily jumped on a desk that was 3 feet high. Tonight, slightly stumbled jumping on a 2 foot high bench.

I'm kinda figuring it can't hurt to try the Zobaline for a few months and see if it helps with the healing. Do you think I should speak with his vet before I use it?
 
@LamontsMom - You should always let your vet know which supplements you wish to use.

For information, Saoirse had major problems with post-shaving alopecia earlier this year (after diagnostic scans). A couple of months after she was shaved she still had completely bald spots. Saoirse was diagnosed with early stage II kidney insufficiency at that time. I followed the recommendation from Tanya's Site to supplement Saoirse's diet with B-complex. Her fur started regrowing pretty much immediately after I introduced the supplement to her diet.

According to Tanya's Site, it is important to know the cat's renal health status before supplementing with B12 - especially at the levels typically used to treat neuropathy. Helen has a link on the site to research that points to the possibility of B12 supplementation carrying the risk of accelerating CKD, so they recommend conservative dosing of B12 if it's needed.


Mogs
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Thanks! I will check. Lamont has very minor pre-stage 1 kidney disease. The veg said it's nothing to be concerned about at all. However, I am mindful of the amount of phosphorus he gas just in case. He did have recent blood work done but I don't have a copy of it so don't know if he's low in potassium. I guess the best thing is to call the vet and ask.

Thanks guys!
 
Thanks. And just looked at Tanya's site about b12. One of the studies said it can increase speed up the progression of cancer. One of the possible issues Lamont has us cancer. I say "possible" because he has a very very very hard lump. The vet felt it and said that usually a lump like that turns out to be a malignancy. Of course to find out, he'd have to take X-rays and a biopsy. He said that if it is a malignancy, with the type of lump it felt like, even after surgery, it wouldn't help his prognosis so vs putting him through those tests, I'm just hoping for the best. It might not be a malignancy (the lump hasn't grown in 9 months), but in the event it is, I don't want to push things along. So no b12 for Lamont. I hope that in time his minor neuropathy improves.

Thanks guys.
 
LamontsMom said:
Thanks. And just looked at Tanya's site about b12. One of the studies said it can increase speed up the progression of cancer. One of the possible issues Lamont has us cancer. I say "possible" because he has a very very very hard lump. The vet felt it and said that usually a lump like that turns out to be a malignancy. Of course to find out, he'd have to take X-rays and a biopsy. He said that if it is a malignancy, with the type of lump it felt like, even after surgery, it wouldn't help his prognosis so vs putting him through those tests, I'm just hoping for the best. It might not be a malignancy (the lump hasn't grown in 9 months), but in the event it is, I don't want to push things along. So no b12 for Lamont. I hope that in time his minor neuropathy improves.

Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Where is the lump? Is it in the abdomen?
I've seen the quote from Tanya's CRF that you're referring to ("It may be wiser not to give Vitamin B12 to a cat with cancer because cancer cells rely on Vitamin B12 for growth. "). I've been thinking for a long time about emailing her for her references or the study that is the basis for that statement. I love and respect Helen's site, but I feel like that statement is a bit problematic (at least in its phrasing) because you can easily say that cancer cells rely on "food" and water to grow too, but you wouldn't withhold these from any person or animal with cancer, because they are also obviously essential to the well-being of the person or animal themselves. Anyway, in the meantime, just to mention the other side of the coin, many cats with GI cancers need B12 supplementation to be able to function appropriately (below). It's a bit of a Catch 22; so I would talk to your vet about it more before making a firm decision.

"Vitamin B12 (cyanocabalamin): Cats with cancer of the intestinal tract may develop a deficiency in vitamin B12. This can be given as an injection, and may help them gain weight and respond better to therapy." http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+2120&aid=3614

"A B12 deficiency can cause poor cell formation in the digestive tract and lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, poor absorption of food (malabsorption syndrome), constipation, gas, weight loss, fatigue, lethargy,
abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea." http://www.ibdkitties.net/B12.html
 
Thanks, SpecklesandMe! The lump, to me, feels like it's attached to his hip bone. The vet thought it was on a lower rib. It actually feels like a bone spur. It's about the size of a small lima bean or large garbanzo. It doesn't move and is hard as a rock. It hasn't changed size in 9 months. Depending on his position, it feels bigger or smller ( when he sits, you can't feel it at all.)

In fact, I a tumor that grew inside part of my knee when I was 11. It looks like a small bump protruding from my knee (no pain) and feels like a bone. Mine is non-malignant. That's how I would describe the way Lamont's lump feels. So it's hard to say. In the event it's some type osteo cancer, I would guess the b12 might be dangerous?
 
Not sure. I looked on PubMed and couldn't find any studies on this topic in felines. I'll email the woman who runs Tanya's CRF to see if she has the reference and then will post here.
Hopefully it is a non-malignant thing... fingers and paws crossed!
Happy New Year!
 
Im ordering Zobaline right now ( I have Amazon open on other tab)
Skittles had bloodwork about 4 weeks ago and he was fine, I test his urine with keto strips a few times a week and to my old eyes that need bifocals sometimes I see a Trace, but my 16 yr old will say....no it beige ( which means none)

I think he is safe to start Zobaline w/o the stress of taking him in for more bloodwork. He FREAKS out in the car. he hasnt need any insulin since the morning of 12/5. (see his SS) he has started running around, playing more and jumping over the baby gate but his back legs down always clear the gate. he has also jumped up on my daughters bed a few time ( mine is very high, I have to climb up on it myself)

he does need a dental bad! but I cant afford it right now ,Im not working :(
Im scared that a trip to the vet for bloodwork might send him out of remission. I know he HAS to have his teeth done, but Im so worried about him getting it done...but then again if he doesnt that can be bad too! when I can get his teeth done, I was going to get ALL bloodwork done before they even put him under.

Do ya'll agree with me?
 
Bear in mind, the fructosamine test is an average of the bloodwork for the past few weeks so the car ride probably won't change things. Vs. getting bloodwork done again, why don't you just call the vet and speak with a tech and ask about it. They might not have you take another blood test.
 
My vet and I are not seeing I to eye right now. She still wants him on four units twice a day. And does not support any home testing whatsoever. If I had listened to her vet tech my cat would be dead right now. Thank goodness I also work ( worked) in the Animal field. I knew that the vet tech had told me the wrong information not once but three times in three weeks. And I'm also glad that I have experience doing curves.
The only way I will returned to that clinic is if it is a life and death emergency before I can get to the new clinic we're starting
 
Gee, that's terrible. Maybe since Skittles is playing and jumping and in remission you should wait til you can get to the new clinic. I'm very new to this so maybe other people with more experience can chime in with their opinions about it.
 
UPDATE: about Lamont's hair loss. It *is* slowly starting to grow in. I suspect it's partly because of the Omega 3 I've started feeding him (he's been on it for about 5 days) and partly because of his diet. BTW, I know fish isn't supposed to be the greatest, but.....Lamont loves BFF as a topper. I haven't been able to get him to eat Tiki, am trying Cats in the Kitchen one last time (he hates shredded) and feel it's important for him to have something that's super high protein/low carb and higher fat. Not only to keep him in remission but in the event he does have a malignancy. I'm hoping against hope he'll eat the Cats in the Kitchen. if not, BFF it will be (along with Wellness Turkey/Duck as the main food.) Either way, it's all working. He's back jumping well. Running. And the hair's coming back.
 
@LamontsMom -

What a wonderful update! I'm really happy for you both. :D

Just a thought about the Cats in the Kitchen shredded food. I wonder whether if you could change the texture Lamont might like it better? Perhaps you could try adding a little water to it and blending it into a soupy consistency. Worth a try.


Mogs
 
I'll be here. ;)

I'm very interested to see at what rate Lamont's fur will regrow. If you pick up any tips along the way about things that help, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know.


Mogs
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Of course! So far, all I've been doing is diet (he's been on 1/2 Purina DM canned 1/2 Wellness Chicken complete and now BFF Tuna/Chicken as a topper--transitioning him to Wellness Core Turkey/Duck and the BFF Tuna/Chicken as a topper or --hopefully--Chicken Frick A Zee.) Aside from that, he gets some crumbled freeze dried chicken on top of everything --I use Whole Life because they don't process w/sodium. And I started the Omega 3 (Welactin) --1 a day--about 4/5 days ago. Will keep you posted and if I figure out any other tips will be sure to post.
 
Hi Mogs--just a brief update. It's 7 days on the Omega 3 and I am actually starting to see a noticeable difference. He still has loss (mostly on his shoulders which are bald when he's on his haunches and back.) But hair is noticeably starting to grow back in. Also, I got Chicken Frick A Zee last night and it's a winner. He LOVES it. So after I finish going through the cans of Purina canned DM & Wellness Complete Chicken (another 23 days), his diet will be Wellness Core Turkey/Duck with Chicken Frick a Zee (Cats in the Kitchen ) as a topper. Once in a while, for variety (maybe once every week or two, I'll give him Chicken Chuckles from BFF (which is mostly tuna.) I'll keep you posted re: the hair.
 
@LamontsMom - thanks for the update. That's great for only 7 days! Saoirse's growth is still very slow. :( I can check it where she was shaved for her last blood test. Know what you mean about the baldy bits; it's easy to notice the thinning in Saoirse's fur round the shoulders when she is sitting like that, too.

Looking forward to getting Lamont's next update. Please give him some scritches for me. :cat:


Mogs
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We started Zobaline yesterday. Just getting Shenandoah's BG controlled has improved her neuropathy, but she still has some. Hoping for good results.
It's red, haha. Surprised me when I mixed the crushed pill in with her food yesterday, since the pills don't really appear red. But her food got all reddish.
She doesn't seem to notice it at all.
 
Just a brief update: Lamont's hair is continuing to grow back but...incrementally. But it is. A friend who hadn't seen him in 4 weeks thought there was a difference. Meanwhile, I've decided to stop the omega-3s. Why? I just saw a special on PBS that said that 83% of OTC fish oil has been exposed to oxygen which can not only turn it rancid but worse, change it into oxidized lipids which trigger inflammatory cell responses. Since Lamont probably has cancer (his bone tumor), I don't want to chance anything. In fact, his tumor has grown a little which is distressing. I have no idea if this has anything to do with him taking the omega-3 (his tumor hadn't changed size in 9 months prior.) So...I'm hoping his hair continues to grow back just with diet (it's official his forever diet is mostly Chicken Frick A Zee from Cats in the Kitchen and Wellness Core Turkey/Duck with Whole Life freeze dried chicken lightly sprinkled on top--use about 1 piece of the freeze dried chicken a day.) Here's the link to the PBS vid--> http://www.nytimes.com/video/health...ideo-player-region&WT.nav=video-player-region
 
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