Dealing with neuropathy

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Hello

Fistuk's neuropathy seems to have worsened in the past ten days or so and I'm not sure what else I could do.

Shortly after diagnosis I followed a recommendation here and started giving him B12 Methylcobalamin. I started with 3mg and I noticed an improvement quite quickly. But in the past two weeks, roughly it looks like his hind legs are weak again.

I can see by his position in bed that his back legs are devoid of energy. Last night and this morning When I took him from bed to the kitchen for his meal he was glitchy and for a moment struggled to just stand or walk properly. After a few moments of waking up and walking he begins to be a bit more steady. But he's reluctant to move much and both last evening and today went straight back to bed after a few bites.

Today he looks a bit more retreatent.

A week ago I started giving him more B12. Now he's getting 6mg a day.

I'm wondering if there's anything else I could do and also if there's anything else I should consider or check besides neuropathy that could be the cause of deterioration.

Thanks for your help

 

[Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)]

Arthritis is always a possibility. My vet put Minnie on gabapentin as well. Since she was also on the b12 methyl, Im not sure if it was the combo that helped or not, but it may be worth asking your vet about it.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Arthritis is a possibility as Ale noted. I would check for ketones. Is it possible he's on the verge of a pancreatitis flair? I'd think about a vet appointment and getting labs run.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I also a agree with Ale and Sienne , Fistuk could have some arthritis, poor baby , makes me sad if he's in pain Maybe it's time for a vet visit
@Fistuk & Shelly

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

Thank you all for your replies.

Yes, I think he has arthritis. One of the vets that checked him said he could have it.

I would check for ketones

Ketones even when his BG is regulated? I could pop in a stick next time he pees.

on the verge of a pancreatitis flair?

What does it mean? He was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in October.

gabapentin

Ale, sis you try something else than medication? Normally medication is not my first go-to. because of his CKD as well as the gabapentin's side effects I read about, I'd like to explore other options. I started giving him CBD last night

I also a agree with Ale and Sienne , Fistuk could have some arthritis, poor baby , makes me sad if he's in pain Maybe it's time for a vet visit
@Fistuk & Shelly

Thanks, Diane. It is indeed painful to see him in pain. I think the CBD helped a bit yesterday.
Angela suggested trying supplements she gives Cleo for arthritis. I'll order them today

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I use Cosequin for arthritis. I get it through Amazon.

If he's feeling "off," pancreatitis can recur. If he's not in a full blown episode of pancreatitis, the inflammation may just be starting.

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

I use Cosequin for arthritis. I get it through Amazon.

If he's feeling "off," pancreatitis can recur. If he's not in a full blown episode of pancreatitis, the inflammation may just be starting.

I don't know much about pancreatitis. So what you mean is that he'll have flare episodes from time to time?
Also, do you mean that the deterioration of the hind legs, the return of the weakness and the sliding, is due to the pancreatitis?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

No, I wasn't attributing the issue with your cat's back legs to pancreatitis. But other symptoms can be related.

I'm confused. You have "Chronic pancreatitis" in your signature. If Fistuk doesn't have a problem with pancreatitis, can you remove that information?

 

[Fistuk & Shelly]

No, I wasn't attributing the issue with your cat's back legs to pancreatitis. But other symptoms can be related.

I'm confused. You have "Chronic pancreatitis" in your signature. If Fistuk doesn't have a problem with pancreatitis, can you remove that information?

Fistuk was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in October. Hence it's in the signature