Diabetic neuropathy

[Julie & steve j]

Hello everyone

Our Benny has been diagnosed since September, been on 4.5 units of Prozinc for most of this year. He lost a lot of weight initially but has put back on steadily and has levelled out at more or less ideal weight for the last 5-6 weeks.

Although recent glucose numbers have been coming down, the best we've got is down to 9 at around +6, then back up to mid twenties by the end of the day. So we've just increased to 5 units on vet recommendation and hopefully that will make a difference to his numbers.

We've noticed though recently his hind legs are becoming weaker, especially his right rear. He struggles to climb the stairs now, takes them one at a time (although he comes down them much quicker) and doesn't really jump anything over 1-2 feet.

Discussed it with the vet and diabetic neuropathy seems certain. He tells us the only real way is to get control of the numbers, then the strength will gradually build back up.

That makes sense, deal with the root of the problem. We've also read about unproven "medicines" (for want of a better word) - methylcobalamin seems to crop up a lot - and we wondered if anyone else has been in the neuropathy situation, and has experience of it or other alternatives.

Getting the numbers right is obviously priority, but if there's something else that can help in the meantime, that has to be good?

Thanks

Julie & Steve

 

[Idjit's mom]

Hi Julie & Steve. I am giving you a link to the diabetic neuropathy information here on the board in the FAQs forum:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...europathy-weak-back-legs.178252/#post-2172382
I know that there are members who have cats with this issue and have used the methycobalamin (methyl B-12) with very good results.
I am sure they will chime in with their personal experiences and recommendations. Best of luck with dear Benny.

 

[H.M. Victor (GA)]

Our boy Victor began having issues with diabetic neuropathy not long after his diabetes diagnosis. Our vet told us that the weakness in his legs and such would most likely be irreversible, but we decided to go ahead and try giving him the Methyl B-12 that many members here have mentioned. It's been seven months since we started giving it to him and we still don't have his BG numbers regulated, but his neuropathy actually has shown improvement. He used to walk very slowly and entirely on his hocks, but he is walking much more like a normal cat now - not with all of his old strength or agility, but it is definitely better than it was. So I say it can't hurt to give it a try, but do keep in mind that it might take a while before you start to see results. I wish you guys the best of luck