A thought about our diabetic kitties that aren't eating....

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MsBliss

Member Since 2012
So, if you've eliminated other issues endemic to glucose and appetite, but are having trouble that your kitty is turning away from food. Appears to WANT to eat, but turns away, and you've eliminated dental issues, this might be something to consider. A recent visit to a internal medicine specialist for my sugar cat turned up something I hadn't considered before: low grade, chronic pancreatitis. The vet explained that they think some cats become diabetic from having a form of pancreatitis that comes on from some commercial diets or from just the wrong, but decent, food. The pancreatitis doesn't fulminate, but it lays there, causing them nausea, some discomfort and occasional vomiting. It can escalate to a full pancreatitis, so it is a good idea to consider this condition if symptoms are present.

My kitty had a high SPEC fPL test, and an ultrasound revealed an inflammed pancreas, but not majorly acute.

The treatment varies, darn it, and they don't have a protocol other than good hydration, possible subq fluids, Cerenia--which also acts as a mild anti-inflammatory, and since it reduces vomiting, helps reduce irritation and depletion, and sometimes pain management, (Buprenex) because reducing pain helps the body heal. Also, B12, and pepcid, but that may be because my kitty is already on that stuff.

My point is, if you have a cat that is just "off", appearing nauseous, occasional vomiting, and looks like it WANTS to eat, but turns away, and you've ruled out DENTAL problems, this is something to look into.
 
PART 2:

I just read Marje's INCREDIBLE primer on Pancreatitis, and realize that the bulk of info about diagnosis and treatment is already available in that Sticky.

But I hope that the take-away from my post is that our sugar cats can have a low grade pancreatitis that remains under the radar and if you are at the vet or going to the vet, to make sure this possibility is considered.
 
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