? Does anyone use B12 that they don't get from the vet

[Teresa & KitKat]

I took my cat to a different vet, to see if she could offer something to help my cat with his chronic pancreatitis. This vet let us have B12, this B12 was in syringes. I am wondering if any one gets B12 some where besides the vet, or do I need to go back to this vet to get B12.

 

[Sandi and Toby]

I just got a large bottle from the vet some time ago, and draw it out with my insulin syringes, following the Texas A&M University protocol for dosing.

You might look at these references for other sources, but I've not used any of them: https://felinecrf.org/vitamin_b.htm#methylcobalamin_usa

 

[Bandit's Mom]

If you mean Methylcobalamin, most people here use either Zobaline (https://www.ilifelink.com/zobaline-for_diabetic_cats-3_mg_x_60_tablets.html) or Vitacost (https://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-vitamin-b-12-methylcobalamin-5000-mcg-100-capsules-6)

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

B12 is often used with GI conditions, such as IBD, when nutrients aren't being absorbed well by the intestines. I'm hoping your vet ran a B12 level although, B-vitamins are water soluble and you'd have to give a considerable amount for there to be a problem. I think @Bandit's Mom is thinking about the use of methyl-B12 for diabetic neuropathy.

Like Sandi, my vet sold me a bottle. I used a different syringe than insulin syringes only because B12 is "thinker" and using s larger syringe with a bigger needle was easier but I've used both an insulin syringe and other syringes.

It looks like you can order the injectable form of B12 from Chewy's.

 

[JL and Chip]

The B12 used with GI conditions is called cyanocobalamin.

The B12 used for diabetic neuropathy is methylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin comes in injectable form. It is inexpensive ($7-8 in the U.S. at certain online retailers, such as KVSupply.com) although it *is* prescription.

Methylcobalamin (also referred to as methyl-b12) is often in capsule form and is available without a prescription. I always used the Zobaline brand, which is specially formulated for cats, although many use human brands (you just need to make sure there aren’t artificial sweeteners in it or other ingredients that aren’t safe for cats). It might also be available in injectable form but I’m not familiar with that.

My guess is that you’re looking for cyanocobalamin.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Injectable cyanocobalamin requires prescription, at least in the USA.

I used a different syringe than insulin syringes only because B12 is "thinker" and using s larger syringe with a bigger needle was easier but I've used both an insulin syringe and other syringes.

My experience is that the B12 is not more viscous ("thicker") than insulin. I have been using insulin syringes for B12 injections for many years. Adequan on the other hand is visibly more viscous than insulin but I still use an insulin syringe but avoid use of a 31 gauge needle.

 

[Sandi and Toby]

My experience is that the B12 is not more viscous ("thicker") than insulin. I have been using insulin syringes for B12 injections for many years.

Correct everyone, I was assuming cyanocobalamin based on Buddy's IBD and Pancreatitis issues. I agree, I don't think that the B12 liquid itself is more viscous, HOWEVER, as Larry eludes, the rubber stopper on the end of the B12 bottle is definitely much thicker and will bend a 31g insulin needle. I have some 29g whole unit syringes that someone gave to me a while back, they didn't know that we needed half-unit markings, so I kept them to use for the B12. You still have to be a little careful when piercing the bottle to not bend the needle, but I like the 29g needle better than using the syringes from the vet.

Whatever you do, be careful to obey the storage instructions if you get a bottle (and for the pre-filled syringes too). They should be stored out of the light. Personally, I wrap the bottle in a kitchen towel and then stored it inside a box in a cabinet in a cool room. Probably overkill, but hey.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

Injectable cyanocobalamin requires prescription, at least in the USA.

My experience is that the B12 is not more viscous ("thicker") than insulin. I have been using insulin syringes for B12 injections for many years. Adequan on the other hand is visibly more viscous than insulin but I still use an insulin syringe but avoid use of a 31 gauge needle.

Larry, how is your kitty doing that had the surgery. I hope he is feeling better.

 

[Teresa & KitKat]

The B12 used with GI conditions is called cyanocobalamin.

The B12 used for diabetic neuropathy is methylcobalamin.

Cyanocobalamin comes in injectable form. It is inexpensive ($7-8 in the U.S. at certain online retailers, such as KVSupply.com) although it *is* prescription.

Methylcobalamin (also referred to as methyl-b12) is often in capsule form and is available without a prescription. I always used the Zobaline brand, which is specially formulated for cats, although many use human brands (you just need to make sure there aren’t artificial sweeteners in it or other ingredients that aren’t safe for cats). It might also be available in injectable form but I’m not familiar with that.

My guess is that you’re looking for cyanocobalamin.

Yes, for Pancreatitis. What did you use it for. Did I not see an old post where you gave your Kitty prednisolone for pancreatitis, if so I would like to ask you a few questions.