Best diabetic cat vet in SoCal: name please?

[Steph]

Who is the best vet for this, in SoCal, or do I need to fly to UC Davis, and if so, who there? Thanks. Even my cats' internist isn't what I need for numbers that remain all over the place. And she doesn't have a clue about food: shocking, really. Read that if I don't get some stabilization before six months, I never will?

 

[BJM]

Who is the best vet for this, in SoCal, or do I need to fly to UC Davis, and if so, who there? [/url]

See my signature link Vet Interview Topics to start interviewing vets near you. (I'm in Columbus, OH, so not much help there!)

See if you can update your current vet - print out and provide the AAHA Guidelines for feline diabetes. Of course, lack of willingness to do the reading is another clue to ditch the vet, but I like to give folks a chance to redeem themselves.

And she doesn't have a clue about food: shocking, really.

Most vets have only limited exposure to nutrition info, usually at the hands of industry representatives, which of course gets the vet to prescribe their products, given no other information. Pop over to Cat Info and print out the consolidated web page to give your vet or give your vet the link. Again, if not interested in learning, probably time to ditch.

Read that if I don't get some stabilization before six months, I never will?

Some cats stabilize or get off insulin within 6 months, some take longer, some remain on insulin the entire life. each Cat Is Different (ECID)

 

[Steph]

Got it. I'm a health journalist, so I think I might sniff around UCD and see who/what's there. At least, thanks to you all here, I know what questions to ask.

 

[BJM]

If its anything like Ohio State University Veterinary School clinics, you make an appointment, first year students interview you and examine the cat, go to another room and present the cat's case to peer and senior students and supervising staff, develop a care plan, come back to you and review the plan, and may take the cat in back for any tests or procedures if you permit it. It can be very time consuming AND very thorough.

 

[LynnLee + Mousie]

You know I love my vet of course It would be a little drive for you of course

She uses Lantus, supports hometesting (although doesn't think people need to wrap their lives around testing all day every day), and knows nutrition (carries in the clinic wellness, fancy feast, and a variety of raw foods)

if you want to check her out it's All About Cats Health & Wellness Center. Phone number is 714-692-8228 and her name is Dr. Birgit Ankone. Dr. Panza is there too and I've seen her a few times and she seems pretty darn good too

http://all-about-cats.com

 

[Steph]

Thanks, you all. Yes, I am familiar with academic medical centers: CSU, for example, Colorado--horses.

I would drive for the right vet. I do need some professional input...The bouncing numbers are difficult after two months.

 

[nancy and payne]

I used UC Davis for the first year of Payne's diabetic life. She was Dx at Davis and immediately
went into DKA and EVERY expert saw her while she was in emergency for 3 wks while they tried to
figure her out.
Sent home without really having a plan, she went into DKA yet again and then one more time after
that. Meanwhile I am learning more and more and eventually I get it thanks to this list.

I found a user friendly vet who was open to what I had learned and also had a 24/7 ER with the
practice. That was needed when we tried to change her insulin and she crashed again, DKA #4.

Davis is no better than a great vet who will listen and let you take the lead because with reading this
list you will learn more about feline diabetics than most vets know.

Payne has not gone into DKA in almost 2 yrs. because I understand what she needs and my vet is
willing to learn. I am from southern CA and there are some great vets there but I have been up here
too long. Good luck,