GA Milo crossed the Rainbow Bridge with me by his side at the Vets-New Member-Senior cat just diagnosed

[milo’s momma]

Hello everyone,

Our 13 year old cat was just diagnosed with Diabetes. This past Friday after work we discovered Milo had thrown up multiple times (undigested food and clear liquids/saliva), took him to the vet the next morning. He was examined, given Sub-Q fluids, did a whole work-up in lab work and was discharged with an anti-emetic med. The results came in yesterday and his glucose was 432 and 3+ glucose in urine, he was prescribed Senvelgo at 0.25; he has taken 2 doses thus far. Milo’s appetite hasn’t returned as of yet, and I have been syringe feeding him since Friday night. He still has urge to drink water, but doesn’t intake enough so I supplement with syringe offerings. Since starting Senvelgo he is getting up more often, but will tire easily. He is still coming around the family, but will just lay — he does seem to have weakness in his hind legs. Also for some medical history, he has CKD for a year now and goes back and forth between Stage 1 and Stage 2.
For those of you that are “veterans” with FD is there a timeline of when we should see any improvement? Our first dog had Diabetes and I’m remembering he also was this way in the beginning except he was in DKA, and had to be hospitalized. We’ve just been so overwhelmed and anxious about the whole thing and want to do right by our beloved boy. Would appreciate any insight.
Thanks in advance ~ Milo’s Momma

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Hello everyone,

Our 13 year old cat was just diagnosed with Diabetes. This past Friday after work we discovered Milo had thrown up multiple times (undigested food and clear liquids/saliva), took him to the vet the next morning. He was examined, given Sub-Q fluids, did a whole work-up in lab work and was discharged with an anti-emetic med. The results came in yesterday and his glucose was 432 and 3+ glucose in urine, he was prescribed Senvelgo at 0.25; he has taken 2 doses thus far. Milo’s appetite hasn’t returned as of yet, and I have been syringe feeding him since Friday night. He still has urge to drink water, but doesn’t intake enough so I supplement with syringe offerings. Since starting Senvelgo he is getting up more often, but will tire easily. He is still coming around the family, but will just lay — he does seem to have weakness in his hind legs. Also for some medical history, he has CKD for a year now and goes back and forth between Stage 1 and Stage 2.
For those of you that are “veterans” with FD is there a timeline of when we should see any improvement? Our first dog had Diabetes and I’m remembering he also was this way in the beginning except he was in DKA, and had to be hospitalized. We’ve just been so overwhelmed and anxious about the whole thing and want to do right by our beloved boy. Would appreciate any insight.
Thanks in advance ~ Milo’s Momma

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Bandit's Mom

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Hi and welcome to the forum Milo’s mom and Milo.
I am going to give you a link to the new oral treatments for feline diabetes. It is not always suitable for all cats and there are some risks attached to using it. One of them is ketones which does develop in some cats so you need to be testing for these. Did Milo have ketones at diagnosis and was he tested for them? Another risk is the age of the cat and any other health issues.
Read the link and see what you think. It is only a new treatment and we have seen some cats go ok on it and some bad outcomes.
NEW TREATMENTS FOR FELINE DIABETES

You will need to get a bottle of ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy to test the urine for ketones or get a blood ketone meter to test the blood. Either way you will need to monitor for ketones quite closely as ketones can lead to DKA which can be life threatening.

Are you feeding a low carb diet and thinking of home testing the blood glucose.?
Keep asking questions, we are here to help you and Milo
Bron

 

[milo’s momma]

Hi and welcome to the forum Milo’s mom and Milo.
I am going to give you a link to the new oral treatments for feline diabetes. It is not always suitable for all cats and there are some risks attached to using it. One of them is ketones which does develop in some cats so you need to be testing for these. Did Milo have ketones at diagnosis and was he tested for them? Another risk is the age of the cat and any other health issues.
Read the link and see what you think. It is only a new treatment and we have seen some cats go ok on it and some bad outcomes.
NEW TREATMENTS FOR FELINE DIABETES

You will need to get a bottle of ketostix from Walmart or a pharmacy to test the urine for ketones or get a blood ketone meter to test the blood. Either way you will need to monitor for ketones quite closely as ketones can lead to DKA which can be life threatening.

Are you feeding a low carb diet and thinking of home testing the blood glucose.?
Keep asking questions, we are here to help you and Milo
Bron

 

[milo’s momma]

Hi Bron,
Thank you for replying and the warm welcome! I’m not sure if they tested him for ketones, she didn’t mention anything about it? The lab work that was done: CBC, Superchem, T4, UA, HW. At the moment he is not eating any proper diet, he is very picky and has been eating Open Farm Lamb with Grains dry and a selection of WeRuVa wet food. Since this crisis he has lost his appetite and I have been syringe feeding his usual wet food mixed with Gerber baby food. I did read about the increased risk of DKA and monitoring ketones closely. We still have our glucometer that we used with our dog that has since passed, and discussed using it because that’s what we are used to prior.
Milo has become lethargic, but still gets around okay - sometimes wobbly, but not too bad right now. Thinking he has neuropathy in his hind legs - he walks and has to lay soon as he reaches his “destination”. He used to be very vocal and chatty, but has hardly made a peep since Saturday; it’s literally breaking our hearts. He started salivating tonight, not sure if it’s a reaction to Senvelgo or because he feels so nauseous - he has been taking Cerenia orally since Sunday, and had the injection version at the appointment on Saturday. This weekend was very difficult for us, we even talked about euthanasia because we didn’t want him to suffer unnecessarily - we watched our first dog decline rapidly within 2 weeks and compassionately decided to have him euthanized at home. My husband is more optimistic and I as the momma always fear for the worst - I’m so wrecked. I just remember the guilt seeing our first dog being so sick and I’m having crazy flashbacks looking at Milo. If you know him, you know that he is the KING of the house even with his two 60 lb dog sisters, and they know it too, lol. Seeing him so down is unbearable. Sorry for the long rant — I just feel helpless. We would do anything for him if we knew what can help him recover

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

First of all, feline diabetes is a very treatable disease and Milo should live many more years once he is on the right treatment for him. I would not consider euthanasia. We rarely lose our kitties to FD here. If they die it is from some other cause. Most of our cats live for many happy years.

If you think he has got worse since starting the oral medication, go back to the vet and get them to change his treatment to Lantus or Prozinc insulin. He should not be lethargic. If you have not already done so please go out today and get the Ketostix to test for ketones. Lethargy is one of the early signs of ketones. And if he is not wanting to eat, that is a concern. It is lack of food and lack of insulin which causes ketones to form in the first place.

Did they find any infections at diagnosis?
It does sound as if he has diabetic neuropathy. That will improve with treatment. My Sheba had it badly but once her BGs went back to near normal range she went back to normal. Took a few months though. More about that later. At the Moment I am concerned Milo is not well.
Please keep us updated. And ask all the questions you need to. We want to see Milo on the right care

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I agree with Bron.

Senvelgo is relatively new and we don't have a solid baseline for how quickly a cat responds. If you've started home testing, you should have some idea where Milo's blood glucose numbers are at. While it's unclear whether vets suggest that you test a cat that's been prescribed Senvelgo, I would encourage testing. I'd especially consider it if you're not seeing a response. A quick Google search suggests that you can see glycemic control in as soon as a week. That's comparable to Lantus (glargine). However, please test for ketones. I get concerned when someone describes their cat as "lethargic" and given the high blood glucose and Milo's inappetence, I would want to be sure that he's not brewing ketones. Ketones and Senvelgo are not compatible.

 

[milo’s momma]

First of all, feline diabetes is a very treatable disease and Milo should live many more years once he is on the right treatment for him. I would not consider euthanasia. We rarely lose our kitties to FD here. If they die it is from some other cause. Most of our cats live for many happy years.

If you think he has got worse since starting the oral medication, go back to the vet and get them to change his treatment to Lantus or Prozinc insulin. He should not be lethargic. If you have not already done so please go out today and get the Ketostix to test for ketones. Lethargy is one of the early signs of ketones. And if he is not wanting to eat, that is a concern. It is lack of food and lack of insulin which causes ketones to form in the first place.

Did they find any infections at diagnosis?
It does sound as if he has diabetic neuropathy. That will improve with treatment. My Sheba had it badly but once her BGs went back to near normal range she went back to normal. Took a few months though. More about that later. At the Moment I am concerned Milo is not well.
Please keep us updated. And ask all the questions you need to. We want to see Milo on the right care

Good morning,
We are actually at the vet’s office now. Milo has not been improving at all. I hope they can figure out what is going on with him, will update when I can.
Milo’s Momma

 

[milo’s momma]

First of all, feline diabetes is a very treatable disease and Milo should live many more years once he is on the right treatment for him. I would not consider euthanasia. We rarely lose our kitties to FD here. If they die it is from some other cause. Most of our cats live for many happy years.

If you think he has got worse since starting the oral medication, go back to the vet and get them to change his treatment to Lantus or Prozinc insulin. He should not be lethargic. If you have not already done so please go out today and get the Ketostix to test for ketones. Lethargy is one of the early signs of ketones. And if he is not wanting to eat, that is a concern. It is lack of food and lack of insulin which causes ketones to form in the first place.

Did they find any infections at diagnosis?
It does sound as if he has diabetic neuropathy. That will improve with treatment. My Sheba had it badly but once her BGs went back to near normal range she went back to normal. Took a few months though. More about that later. At the Moment I am concerned Milo is not well.
Please keep us updated. And ask all the questions you need to. We want to see Milo on the right care

We are at the vet’s office. I had to race him over here. Milo became unresponsive shortly after arriving, vet said he was in DKA — no ketones, but his glucose was so high it wasn’t reading. They placed an IV and giving bolus fluids, also gave him Vetsulin. He is now reading in the 600s after 2.5 hours and his temperature has gone up to 100 from 98.4
When the vet explained everything she said he had a 25% chance of making it, and she would do everything she could. She intitally recommended to transfer him to an Emergency Vet, but I decided to keep him here. Slowly showing improvement.

Will update again soon

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

We are at the vet’s office. I had to race him over here. Milo became unresponsive shortly after arriving, vet said he was in DKA — no ketones, but his glucose was so high it wasn’t reading. They placed an IV and giving bolus fluids, also gave him Vetsulin. He is now reading in the 600s after 2.5 hours and his temperature has gone up to 100 from 98.4
When the vet explained everything she said he had a 25% chance of making it, and she would do everything she could. She intitally recommended to transfer him to an Emergency Vet, but I decided to keep him here. Slowly showing improvement.

Will update again soon

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Wendy&Neko
@tiffmaxee

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@milo’s momma
Oh no, please keep us updated, sending prayers
Can you change your title to read
milo is in DKA at the vets now , New Member Senior cat just diagnosed
To do this tap on Thread Tools to the Right then tap on Edit Title and put this to get more eyes on it

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I strongly suspect that the vet is wrong about the ketones. You need to have ketones present to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis.

They should be running labs to test for any metabolic/electrolyte imbalance. They also need a complete blood panel to be sure there's no infection. DKA usually results from an underlying infection/inflammation + not enough calories + not enough insulin.

This is our primer on ketones and DKA. It may be helpful for you to look over so you have a better sense of what the vet will tell you.

 

[milo’s momma]

@milo’s momma
Oh no, please keep us updated, sending prayers
Can you change your title to read
milo is in DKA at the vets now , New Member Senior cat just diagnosed
To do this tap on Thread Tools to the Right then tap on Edit Title and put this to get more eyes on it

Just left Milo at the Veterinarian, he’s responding to treatment as of right now. He went into Spinx posture (not sure if this is the correct term, he was laying on his side the entire time until then). They have heat pad, warmer beanies on/around him and he’s covered in blankets. Vet said they’re keeping him overnight to make sure he gets enough IV fluids and stabilizes; may keep him longer if his BG doesn’t regulate properly. I was an entire mess - crying while trying to comfort him. That first hour was just unbearable, and tbh I didn’t think he’d pull through, but Milo is a fighter and has been since he was a kitten.
I just wish when we brought him in on Saturday they would have took more precautions, but the original vet that saw him wasn’t there today, and another senior vet intervened when she saw the shape Milo was in when they brought him to the back. Only time will tell, and I’m sitting here reflecting on what I could’ve done differently.
They brought me back to sit with him shortly after they placed the IV and gave Vetsulin. In those early moments I kept telling Milo how sorry I was, and that I loved him, and how he was always a good boy as I cried over his fragile body — I played “You are my Sunshine” the entire time for him, and I know he knew that I was there even though he was was in that comatose state.
Please pray for him. He is in God’s hands now.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

I am praying for your sweet Milo

 

[milo’s momma]

I am praying for your sweet Milo

Milo passed away while I was there. I was able to tell him I loved him one last time before he took his last breath. They tried to revive him, but it was his time. My sweet boy is now my angel. I’m sure his older dog brother who passed a few years ago was there to welcome him home.

Thank you all again

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

Oh I am so very sorry to hear this. You must be devastated.
Fly free Milo. Your family loved you

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@milo’s momma
I'm so so sorry , my heart breaks for you. I'm glad you were able to be with him when he passed. I'm sure he knew how much you loved him. Fly high sweet Milo

 

[Mai & Dad]

@milo’s momma

So sorry to hear that. Especially since Milo had very similar experience that my cat had last year (fortunately we were able to save him after weeks at an ICU). Please know you are not alone. We understand what you are going through and we are sending best wishes to you and to Milo who crossed the rainbow bridge. Just remember he went to the cat planet (that is what Chinese people say when their beloved cats pass away). They are just returning home after spending 15 years here on earth with you.

And I always believe that when they cross the bridge, they take a piece of us with them. Even if we don't notice anything, Milo is not alone there.

 

[CORKY]

@milo’s momma

So sorry to hear that. Especially since Milo had very similar experience that my cat had last year (fortunately we were able to save him after weeks at an ICU). Please know you are not alone. We understand what you are going through and we are sending best wishes to you and to Milo who crossed the rainbow bridge. Just remember he went to the cat planet (that is what Chinese people say when their beloved cats pass away). They are just returning home after spending 15 years here on earth with you.

And I always believe that when they cross the bridge, they take a piece of us with them. Even if we don't notice anything, Milo is not alone there.

I am truly so so sorry about Milo, I am sure you did everything you could for him. and sometimes we feel is not enough, but you did and most important, you were there with him , till the end, again I am so sorry

 

[Sheila and Minky]

Milo passed away while I was there. I was able to tell him I loved him one last time before he took his last breath. They tried to revive him, but it was his time. My sweet boy is now my angel. I’m sure his older dog brother who passed a few years ago was there to welcome him home.

Thank you all again

I am so so sorry for your loss. The time with them is never enough, and it is so hard to see them going through sickness. *sending you hugs* and praying for you

 

[Mikey’sDad]

So sorry to hear this. It is so difficult to let them go! He knows you loved him. Sending condolences .
Tom

 

[tiffmaxee]

I’m so sorry it was his time.