Diabetic Neuropathy questions

[Chicklet's mom]

Hello,

Chicklet has been on ProZinc and is not regulated at all yet. I am not sure she can do any stairs any more. She has a favourite place to sit but she needs to go down a couple of stairs. This morning I heard a bang. I got up and rushed to Chicklet. I do not know exactly what had occurred because she was in her favourite spot. when I got to her We have two set of stairs in our home. She only has been walking a steps lately but has been managing the few stairs to her favourite spot. I don't want to keep her in a room but I also don' t know if she is really suffering from diabetic neuropathy. I can't block the stairs as my 15 year cat has a tendency of trying to jump everything (no matter the height). How are people managing this and keeping their kitties safe. I would hate for her to be alone in a room.

LM

 

[Brashworks]

Hi LM, Genghis had pretty bad neuropathy when she was first diagnosed. It was in fact her funny walk that made me take her in, in addition to her water consumption and weight loss.

She could only take a few steps before she had to take a rest, always in a sitting position. She could not jump up to anything higher than four or five inches. I have thirteen steps to upstairs and, at 15, she managed them okay. I set up a special sleeping spot for her - she easily tired - both upstairs and downstairs. Most cats can usually adapt very well to the condition and keep themselves safe. At its worst, a cat is unable to walk at all, but if she's still getting around she is probably okay. I think your instincts are spot on - it would be more stressful for her to be isolated at this point.

When you say you don't know if she is really suffering from diabetic neuropathy, do you mean you don't know if the condition makes her suffer or if she actually has it? If the former, what does your vet say? Does she have what is called a plantigrade stance, meaning she is walking with her hocks quite low, or even flat? Here is a pic:

The condition itself can be helped with methyl B12 - do a search here as there are all sorts of posts about its use in improving the condition. It is important that it be METHYLCOBALAMIN, not the usual B12 either injections or oral that is cyanocobalamin.

As for suffering, it isn't exactly painful, but I understand it can cause unpleasant numbness and tingling along with the nerve problem that causes the problems walking. Thankfully it is reversible - my Genghis now walks and jumps like a regular 15 year old cat. She also grooms properly and runs again! Regulation is likely the biggest part of that - good luck getting Chicklet regulated!

 

[Dan & Alley]

I'm not sure this has been discussed, but it's something that I'll mention because it's very important when choosing any supplement. Some methyl B12 supplement tablets (and other supplements) contain xylitol as a sweetener. Remember, most supplements out there are intended for human use. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for many animals, cats and dogs included. It causes a sudden and extreme insulin release from the pancreas and severe often fatal hypoglycemia may result with liver failure being another hazard. Not any supplement will do, you have to read the ingredient label very carefully and educate yourself about the additives, sweeteners, binders, etc.

If you stick with capsules instead of tablets, the artificial sweeteners are typically absent. But always read the ingredient label carefully at any rate.. or look for pet formulations that should already take incompatible additives into account.

NEVER GIVE AN ANIMAL A SUPPLEMENT INTENDED FOR HUMAN USE WITHOUT FULLY READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE ENTIRE INGREDIENT LIST.

I don't think this caution about supplements is sticky'ed anywhere, maybe it should be? Would be an awful shame to lose even one furry friend here for something so simple and not readily apparent.