Any Experience with B Vitamins for Neuropathy?

[Albert & Xander]

One of Xander's symptoms before diagnosis were weak back legs. He's gotten better and is able to run and jump around, but he still slips around quite a bit on the hardwood floor when running and playing. He doesn't seem to be in pain and it doesnt deter him from playing any but I feel bad for his hips and joints as he slides around. I've read about B12 methylcobalamin being used with success. Any recommendations?

 

[squeem3]

LifeLink Zobaline is often suggested but it's pricey. There's a lesser expensive alternative:


posted by @Diane Tyler's Mom GA

the Vitacost brand another member told me about
Vitamin B-12 Methylcobalamin -- 5000 mcg - 100 Capsules

Same as Zobaline , but the Zobaline is so expensive as you know
This is the same thing
The only difference is the Zobaline has 200 mcgs of folic acid
So I bought the folic acid at the supermarket and crush it up and added it to the Vitacost brand
If you can't find the 200 mcg get the 400 mcg and cut it in half and crush it up and add it, some members didn't even add the folic acid and the neuropathy improved
The Vitacost brand is a capsule so just open it and pour the powder on the wet food
Has no taste, no need to crush it up, I still give it to Tyler every now and then and he has never tasted it in his food , I always add water to his food and just stir up the methyl B-12 good
I switched to the vitacost brand because the zobaline was too expensive,
Even though the vitacost brand is 5000 mcgs and the zobaline is 3000 mcgs
What they don't need they will pee out because it's water soluble.

The Zobaline is expensive for 60 pills, 30.00 some other places want 33.00
I used to use the Zobaline when I joined, then a member told me about the Vitacost brand .

It took about 2 months for Tyler to get back to walking normal, jumping on to the couch, running around
But every few weeks I did see a slight improvement
Some members didn't even add the folic acid to the vitacost brand and it still helped and the neuropathy was gone

https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-vitamin-b-12-methylcobalamin-5000-mcg-100-capsules-6

14.49 for 100 capsules

 

[Lauren & Esse]

In addition to the supplement, you can also put down cheap rugs or even something 'grippy' like a yoga mat in those areas to help him get around easier!

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The information about methylcobalamin (methyl-B12) for neuropathy is correct. One other thought -- how old is Zander? It may be that what you're seeing is arthritis. His blood glucose numbers look good. If this is is arthritis, you could try Cosequin. If you see improvement over a couple of months, then it's likely arthritis and not neuropathy.

 

[Albert & Xander]

The information about methylcobalamin (methyl-B12) for neuropathy is correct. One other thought -- how old is Zander? It may be that what you're seeing is arthritis. His blood glucose numbers look good. If this is is arthritis, you could try Cosequin. If you see improvement over a couple of months, then it's likely arthritis and not neuropathy.

He is 12 years old. I don't believe I really noticed it before he started with symptoms of diabetes. They were really bad before he was diagnosed and better controlled where he wouldn't stand or walk around much. He seems to jump fine and run around on the rugs mostly normal (although his back legs do spread apart a little). It mostly seems to be an issue on the hard floor, where his back legs slip around a bit. It seems it is equally both legs and only the back ones. Maybe I should start with the B vitamins?

 

[squeem3]

Is he walking flat on his hocks?

If not, it may not be neuropathy. Try taking a video of your cat's back leg issues and show it to the vet.

Arthritis is common in senior cats. There are different treatments available.

 

[Fenster]

has anyone ever dealt with a compounding pharmacy for less expensive VitB? Any luck? My vet recommends a shot 1x per month but I was hoping for a non-pill oral route!