help- issues with diabetic 14 year old cat

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frickc

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trying to make some decisions. cat is 14, will not eat or drink since sat. took to vet sunday to check for ketones and pancreititis - was okay, gave some fluid under skin and said to check back- no change. I am bringing him back in tonight and would expect now may now have ketones since no food intake, tried everything. Just trying to figure out, how long is average life for diabetic cat? he had good quality of life before, but now- it is not. he is very timid cat- and I fear that leaving him at vet for treatments will be terrifying for him and remaining quality of life will be poor. when is it time to say enough? I do fear spending alot of money to give him one more year that is not good quality will not be fair to him and will put me in the hole financially- an idea of potential prognosis and what treat / potential outcomes and costs will be?
 
My Simba got diabetes when he was 10, and is going on his 6th year with diabetes and will be 16 this year. So they can live well for many, many of years.

Have you done blood test and checked his kidney and liver values?
 
Feline diabetes can be treated inexpensively at home. The insulin is the most expensive part. We have free testing kits for you and will teach you how. We feed wet low carb food; there are inexpensive options. If he has pancreatitis, that does make it more difficult. They are in pain and don't feel like eating. Here are some resources: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_pancreatitis__feline_.html and http://www.idexx.com/pubwebresource...ng-pancreatitis-and-concurrent-conditions.pdf

Yes, it is very dangerous when they are not eating. Has your vet suggested syringe feeding? Both it and SubQ fluids can be done at home. Syringe feeding http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Subcutaneously

Finger feeding can help sometimes. Just put some wet stinky food on your finger and offer it.

I would do some research and have questions for your vet this afternoon. Can you have pain meds to give at home? What about SubQ fluids?
 
thank you- been on insulin for 2 years. pretty regulated on it.
I have tried finger feeding him everything from chicken and turkey baby food, ice cream (he usually is all over you when you are eating this and now nothing), fresh chicken...

he had in house blood and urine check on sunday- will likely retest today and have full blood work done- but I still struggle with the aftercare/extent of the potential prognosis and quality of life. Will check ou the links you sent- thank you
 
Some folks have had a feeding tube put in for a while, in order to get calories into the cat and get past whatever is going on. It is manageable and can save the cat's life. It does require more time to feed, plus a blender to make sure the food doesn't stick in the tube.

There are a number of folks here who have had senior kitties with diabetes go 5-7 years (or more, I'm just recalling seeing those numbers).
 
Racci is 15 1/2 and had diabetes diagnosed since 2009 along with Asthma before that and meds for both and she lives a good life. She's happy and we have our meds routine but other than that she's like most older cats. She even still plays with me and purrs away. I wouldn't mind having her life when I'm her age. :lol:

Melanie & Racci
 
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