Debkat
Member Since 2022
My cat TT is almost 12 and has always been overweight (we have 5 cats and the rest are fine). She has had colitis since age 5. A year ago she was diagnosed with diabetes. She was on “vetsulin”insulin for 3 months and went into remission. She then started to get constant bladder infections. So we took her to the vet and would get it tested (and an ultrasound) and then a 2 week antibiotic injection. Diabetes came back about 4 months ago. We put her on prescription Science Diet W/D (gets 1 cup total food per day). We tried vetsulin (up to 5 units per day) for the last 3 months. She recently (last month) starting developing skin openings on her upper neck and back area - fur falls off off and skin exposed and very pink - can see blood vessels) starts small and opening spreads wider. Vet staples the area closed and gives her antibiotic shots. The vet recently did a glucose curve test (blood drawn at the vet 6x in a day). Results were not good or conclusive. He suggested we try a better insulin, Prozinc”. She developed 2 more large skin tears and went thru the whole repair treatment again. We were up to 4 units twice a day. Concerned she may be insulin-resistant. Last week I asked for her to be tested for Cushing’s disease. They did a ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) stimulation test and her cortisol level was 12.9. If it was 19 or higher it would be an indicator of the disease. They also checked her urine and cortisol levels were normal. They are doing a blood chemistry panel to check her internal organs and will notify me next week. He didn’t feel a CBC would be helpful at this time based on other results. We have spent about $1500 total in the last 3 months. Vet had me increase to 5 units twice a day and giving her injections in the back side area. So far it’s been 4 days and no change in the excessive drinking and urinating. However she gained a pound in a month and he said that’s a good sign that the glucose may be stabilizing. We don’t think the insulin is causing the skin to tear open. She drinks water excessively, urinates in and just outside the box (large amounts). There are more tests we can try a dexamethasone suppression test (one more test to rule out Cushing’s), an ultrasound to look for tumors and some other tests. The litter is the same and we have tried many over the last several months. It is not parasites or allergies. She has not been bitten or cut/injured.
Please don’t judge but many of these tests are expensive and many involve hospitalization for the testing. I’m trying to find pet insurance but it’s a challenge because she has a pre-existing condition. I also live in a small town. I don’t want to put her down. I’m frustrated and very broke. $
Please don’t judge but many of these tests are expensive and many involve hospitalization for the testing. I’m trying to find pet insurance but it’s a challenge because she has a pre-existing condition. I also live in a small town. I don’t want to put her down. I’m frustrated and very broke. $
