Questions w.r.t. B12 injections

Bandit's Mom

Bandit's Mom

Member Since 2019
I have been giving Bandit methyl-B12 orally every day since February - 3mg per day - for her neuropathy. I also wanted to give her B-12 shots and I am quite confused after reading-up (http://felinecrf.org/vitamin_b.htm#methylcobalamin_injectable).

I had thought that the B12 shots are cyanocobalamin while the oral B12 for neuropathy was methylcobalamin.

However, per Tanya's website:
"Cyanocobalamin is an artificial form of vitamin B12, which has to be converted into methylcobalamin before the body can use it."

"Since methylcobalamin is more bioavailable, and therefore more effective because it is absorbed more readily by the body, I would recommend giving it to your cat in the first place if possible. However, some members of Tanya's CKD Support Group do use the injectable form of cyanocobalamin, which is much more widely available than injectable methylcobalamin."

So does this mean that one should give methyl B12 both orally and as an injection? Or only as shots? Or give methyly-B12 orally for neuropathy and cyano-B12 as shots for GI issues?

As you can see, I am quite confused. And to make matter worse, it seems that here, we no longer get cyanocobalamin in injectable form. Only methylcobalamin.

@Wendy&Neko
@Marje and Gracie
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@tiffmaxee
@Sue and Luci
 
Bandit's Mom said:
I have been giving Bandit methyl-B12 orally every day since February - 3mg per day - for her neuropathy. I also wanted to give her B-12 shots and I am quite confused after reading-up (http://felinecrf.org/vitamin_b.htm#methylcobalamin_injectable).

I had thought that the B12 shots are cyanocobalamin while the oral B12 for neuropathy was methylcobalamin.

However, per Tanya's website:
"Cyanocobalamin is an artificial form of vitamin B12, which has to be converted into methylcobalamin before the body can use it."

"Since methylcobalamin is more bioavailable, and therefore more effective because it is absorbed more readily by the body, I would recommend giving it to your cat in the first place if possible. However, some members of Tanya's CKD Support Group do use the injectable form of cyanocobalamin, which is much more widely available than injectable methylcobalamin."

So does this mean that one should give methyl B12 both orally and as an injection? Or only as shots? Or give methyly-B12 orally for neuropathy and cyano-B12 as shots for GI issues?

As you can see, I am quite confused. And to make matter worse, it seems that here, we no longer get cyanocobalamin in injectable form. Only methylcobalamin.

@Wendy&Neko
@Marje and Gracie
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@tiffmaxee
@Sue and Luci
Click to expand...
I can't answer your question, but I give my cat raw liver. It is very high in B12 and I can tell a difference in him when he eats it. Even if you cook it, it is still high in B12. Don't give your cat a whole lot or he will get diarrhea if eaten raw.
 
I'm not sure about the biochemistry, but I have personally seen neuropathy in diabetic cats get better while using cyano-b12 injections. It may have been a coincidence since their diabetes was also getting treated at the same time, but for me, I think the injections are easier. Which reminds me... Emily is due for hers!
 
Have you ever had her B12 level tested? I injected it with Tiffany who had lymphoma but gave oral to Max. He didn’t have neuropathy. I don’t know the answer to this question. I kind they do pee out the excess. I thought the form you are giving us considered to be the better firm of it though. It’s hard to find as an injectable I believe.
 
Hmmmmm interesting article and also interesting you only get the cyano now, I don’t know the answer but do you have any horse/alivestock supply places near you? You may be able to get cyano there.
 
Hello!

We gave this supplement to Elie and again to Cosmo to help with pretty severe neuropathy. It has cyano rather than methylcobalamin and worked well for both cats. Elie loved it and thought of it as a treat, while Cosmo ‘tolerated’ it mostly LOL. I know methyl is the gold standard here, but it did seem to work well. I am not sure if it is available where you are, but an option if you cannot get the cyano by injection anymore. :bighug:

https://www.chewy.com/rx-vitamins-amino-b-plex-dog-cat/dp/192738
 
Thanks, Tanya! :-) We do get B-complex here - though I need to look for a sugar-free syrup for Bandit.

From what I have read so far, cats are given cyanocobalamin B-12 shots for GI issues since B-complex does not contain enough B12 and cats absorb it better if given as shots rather than orally. I hope I've got it right.

Not only do we not get only injectable cyanocobalamin here, the B-complex and methy-B12 injections also contain Benzyl Alcohol as preservative, which I think is not good for cats. I could be wrong about that too. My eyes are crossing from reading about this!
 
thebigfuzz said:
I found this helpful:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin#synthetic-vs-natural
Click to expand...
To add to what the article says, this is what IBD kitties says:

"But importantly, cyano converts into methyl ***AND*** adenosyl coenzymes – and adenosyl is the one that is *required* for energy production by fats and proteins, and it is the adenosylcobalamin that is required for production of hemoglobin."

So it looks like they need both B12s!
 
I gave Gizmo both. He got the capsule powder mixed in with his food and injection of cobalamin 1x/week. The vet would also give B Complex shots in the office if she thought it would help.

I looked and all sources I used (US) no longer are offering the injectable cobalamin. IKD why.

I also gave B-Complex (from capsule) mixed in with food but the amount is very, very small.

Why are you giving B12?

Edit - I just did a little more research and found the supplier and order where I ordered the injectable B12 and they DO still carry it but don't ship outside the US.

https://www.kvsupply.com/item/vitamin-b-12-injection/P00663/
 
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