HELP! (Wished I had found this site sooner!)

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

soulnova

Member Since 2012
Hello!

My male cat is 12 years old and weighed a little over 17 pounds before he was diagnosed with Diabetes. We have been following the vet's instructions the best we can and he had shown improvement with low glucose for several weeks but he bounced back a couple of months ago. Our vet said we should give him 2 units in the morning and 1 at night.

He's a very lazy cat that only gets so much movement every time I go to the fridge to see if he can get some snack. Yesterday, I started to notice he hadn't eaten all his dry food (I feed him twice a day with each insulin shot) so I decided to give him some Whiskas canned food. Later at night he threw up a brown liquid but no food (very strange as usually there's some kibble or whatever he ate). After that it went down south from there. He looked very very depressed and when to lay down pitifully on his bed. I tried to make him eat for his next shot but only got a little. He threw up again brown liquid. I gave him some honey because I wasn't sure what else to do. Our vet right now is on vacation.

My boyfriend took him to the substitute vet at out veterinary and she said he had gastritis. She asked us to feed him with a syringe several times a day... but so far he had only eaten less than a 1/4 of a can of food. I don't know how much would he really need to eat for me to give him his shot in a few hours (1 unit) or simply wait to see how he does for the next one tomorrow at noon (2 units). She didn't say he was in danger or needed to stay at the vet. I tried to contact her a while a ago but they tell me... they don't have her cell phone if I have an emergency.

This is all the info I have. Please let me know if you need more.

Male
Neutered
Less than 10 pounds (he actually got very skinny, I can even feel his spine)
Using Lentus Doses twice a day: (1:30 pm, 2 Units); (1:30 am, 1 Unit) <--- This one is the problem right now!
Depressed, wont eat, meows or even purrs and barely moves.
Affected by Gastritis.


Should I wait to see how he does until his next dose (2 units)? I have at hand Whiskas, Friskies canned food and the vet sent Royal Canin "Recovery" canned food. His favorite food in all the world is ham, but he's not even accepting that. Also have honey and maple syrup if I need to smear his muzzle instead.
 
Hi,
Do you know how much experience your primary vet has with feline diabetes? Or with Lantus in particular?
The reason that I ask is because of the way he has you dosing the Lantus. The shots should be 12 hours apart, but they should always be the same amount for both shots. Lantus depends on consistency in dose, because of the way it works.

Because you didn't list any blood glucose numbers, is it correct to assume that you aren't home testing his glucose levels? Did your vet mention that you can do that? Just like a human needs to know what his or her BG level is before giving themselves insulin, you need to know your kitty's BG is so that you know if it is safe to give him insulin.

When you brought him to the vet for his stomach problem, did she test his BG to see what it was? It could be gastritus but it could also be other things. It could be low blood glucose, it could be really high, it could be pancreatitis, it could be some sort of virus or infection.... it could be a whole lot of things.

He needs to eat of course, and if and when he does, he needs to keep it down. It sounds like you've tried multiple choices but he just doesn't feel like eating?

You said he's acting depressed and barely moves. Is he laying in what we call the "meatloaf" position, with his paws tucked under him and his head hanging down? That position indicates a cat that is really just feeling badly. If you rub his abdomen or anywhere else for that matter, does he react like he's in pain?

Is he drinking water?
How soon before your vet returns from vacation?

I would cut his shots back to 1u for each shot, just for now. He needs insulin as well as food and most of all, you need to know what his blood glucose levels are. Would you be interested in learning how to home test? We can explain it, and link you to videos that show how it's done. Home testing of BG is the #1 weapon in treating diabetes. It takes a lot of the questions out of the picture, and it's the safest thing you can do.

Carl
 
Thank you Carl.

I do not check his glucose at home. We were doing urine test at the lab every 15 days, but this past month I traveled and then my vet went on vacation so its been a month since I got him checked. He was doing "fine" last time as the vet put it. She told me she has treated other cats with diabetes before and that he would enter remission in a couple of months when we regulated his glucose. We have been in treatment since June. 3 months ago he actually showed no high glucose at all.

The vet that looked at him today only checked his stool.

He does get in the "meatloaf" position as you say. Has been in that pose for most of the day. Either that or just laying on his side at the bed. I have given him some water with the syringe and he actually went to urinate in the litter box like two hours ago. He is not in pain when I touch him, he just stays there, BUT he complains when I pick him up... a meow that I know like he's saying "Aw!... c'mon!"

How much food should I give him for 1 unit? A spoonful? Or could I smear his muzzle with honey? He usually ate his whole ration so I never had a problem with his portion. I don't know how much is the "least".
 
I just saw him walk and there's something terribly wrong with his hind legs. Is like he barely has strength left there. I just took him back to his bed and he actually stumbled when I placed him down. :(
 
OK, stumbling is not encouraging. Do his eyes look glazed over? Is he acting disoriented at all? That can be a sign of low blood sugar. Which time zone are you in? (Trying to figure when 1:30 is for you).

Carl
 
Sorry for the delay, I was comforting him. He's drinking water by himself this same second (finally!). It's time right now for his shot. Its 1:37 am here... (-6 gmt, I'm in Cancún, Mexico).

His eyes look dilated and simply stare into the nothingness.
 
I would hold off and skip the shot. The symptoms you mention could be signs of low blood glucose. I would try to get him to eat anything he'll eat.
And I would try to get him to the vet in the morning. Something seems to be "not right" to me.

Carl
 
Gave him some maple syrup and managed to force a little piece of ham on him. :(

Yes, we will take them directly to the vet first thing in the morning. I'll keep this updated. I'll leave my PC on too if I need to check something else quickly.

Seems like I'll be sleeping on the couch today to make sure nothing else happens. Thank you, Carl.
 
The symptoms you describe could be those of hypoglycaemia. (Although that seems a little strange if it's 12 hours (?) since his last shot. So it might be something else....not sure what....)

I think Carl has probably gone to bed now, but I'm in the UK and it's morning here, so I'll be around for a while.

If it is hypo (and that's our 'best guess' right now) then you've done the right thing by giving syrup, and the ham too. The syrup will work quickly to bring the blood glucose up but will also be out of the system quickly too. The real food (ham) will take longer to get into his system but is longer lasting. So both together are good.

Does your cat seem any perkier now that you've given the syrup?
 
Nope. Carl is still awake. Didn't want to sign off before knowing for sure you'd skipped the shot.
Those symptoms could indicate hypoglycemia. Good that you got some ham and some syrup into him.

The next thing we're going to work on convincing you to do is to start home testing. ;-)

Carl
 
Elizabeth,
It is comforting to know that you are online in case I do decide to got to bed soon! Thanks for being here!

Carl
 
Hi Carl and Elizabeth,

Reading over this post, you are certainly correct, Carl, about the home testing. I wish more vets would want their clients to do that, but sadly it seems they don't.

This cat sounds like the way my Rudder used to be. The throwing up and meatloaf position, and he had pancreatitis along with the diabetes. The sad thing with him, is that he developed abdominal cancer, and after I would give his insulin to him, he started dropping more than usual.

The most important thing for soulnova here, is to get her cat to the vet, get his bg tested, and like you said, Carl, learn to test at home.

To soulnova, you have no idea without testing at home, whether your boy is way up high, or way down low, and that is why it is imperative that you learn to test at home. I tested before every single shot I used to give my Rudder and Charcoal. It definitely gives you more control over your cat's health, rather than just guessing at what could be wrong.

I hope he feels better soon, and that you get him to the vet's, as you said, first thing in the morning.

The more you read, too, about the different signs to watch for with diabetic cats, the more you are able to understand how to help your boy.

Best wishes,
Jean and Charcoal (GA)
 
Here's some info on some of the symptoms of hypo (though some cats show no symptoms at all until the hypo is quite severe!) For more info and treatment of symptoms the full document is here:
http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=15887

"SYMPTOMS
...here are the most common ones:

MILD HYPOGLYCEMIA
Sudden ravenous hunger
Shivering
Weak or lethargic

MODERATE HYPOGLYCEMIA
Disorientation
Trouble with vision... bumps into furniture
Poor coordination, such as staggering, walking in circles or acting drunk
Changes in head or neck movements
Restlessness
Urgent meowing Behavioral changes, such as aggressiveness

SEVERE HYPOGLYCEMIA
Convulsions or seizures
Unconsciousness"

In addition to the above, some owners have reported that their cats had squeezed themselves behind furniture or into other tight spaces; or were found in cupboards just staring into a corner. My own cat (during hypo) has seemed to see things that aren't there, and swatted at the air in front of him. So, symptoms can be very variable...
 
One more thing I wanted to mention...
I do not check his glucose at home. We were doing urine test at the lab every 15 days, but this past month I traveled and then my vet went on vacation so its been a month since I got him checked.
Click to expand...
Urine glucose testing is an "okay" substitute for blood testing, but it does have a couple of shortcomings. Yes, it will indicate that there's enough glucose in the system that it spills over into the urine. But it isn't as accurate as blood glucose testing. Also, testing the blood gives you a "current" glucose reading, what's in the blood at the instant you test. Glucose only shows up in the urine "later". It gives you a ballpark idea of what the BG was a few hours earlier, but by the time it shows up on a urine test, it's of no value in terms of treating or reacting to it. It doesn't help to know that the cat had high blood sugar hours ago. And if the BG is low, you need to know immediately, not hours later when it's too late to take any corrective action.

Cats can display "low" BG symptoms, but many cats can go as low a 40 on the meter, and you can't tell just by looking. Many times, by the time you see staggering/drunk behavior, or glassy eyes, falling over, etc. it's a real crisis. A crisis that could be avoided by catching the low numbers on the meter before they start to display themselves as hypoglycemic symptoms.

Carl
 
I think Jean has made a good point. The symptoms -- especially the meatloaf position and the "ouch" when you pick your cat up, could indicate pancreatitis. There is a blood test to determine if a cat has pancreatitis. The test is called a Spec fPLI or, if the vet has the quick test materials, a Snap fPLI. Usually, with gastritis, the most common symptom is vomiting. However, cats with pancreatitis are nauseated and may vomit and are in considerable pain. Medications for nausea/vomiting (ondansatron or maropitant) will help and once the nausea is under control, an appetite stimulant (mirtazepine, cyproheptadine) may get your cat's appetite back in gear. Pain medication is also extremely helpful. (Most of our cats get buprenorphine.)

It is important to get food into your cat. If what you're seeing is due to low blood glucose levels, food will help. A cat that is refusing food is at increased risk for other problems that can complicate diabetes management and pose serious health concerns.
 
Alright, I spent the night in the living room sleeping with him in the sofa. He eventually got up and decided he wanted to sleep on the tile floor instead (fresher, I think?).

He IS drinking water which I guess its good.

We will check how much are the glucometers here. I really hope I can afford it. Being in Mexico means that anything over 20 might be too expensive for us. :sad:


I'm looking online at the stores I have available and they have the following glucometers:

http://www.pharmath.com/productos/glucometro/

https://www.accu-chek.com.mx/mx/product ... forma.html

http://www.farmaciasdesimilares.com.mx/ ... C3%B3metro


There are more stores here but they don't have online catalogs I can check. I'll have to check directly on our Mexican Walmart if they have the one you have on the "Home Testing Kit" thread. ("Mexican Walmart" sound like the start of a bad joke :P)


My boyfriend just went to buy Nutrigel to eat. http://www.vetnpetdirect.com.au/NUTRIGEL#.UN8ULB2ZS8A

I really really appreciate all your help. Thank you!
 
Ok, he's on the vet. I just got a call to tell me he looks like he has anemia and something might be happening to his liver too. They are going to put him on intravenous solution and do some tests. I won't be able to buy the glucometer anytime soon.
 
soulnova said:
Ok, he's on the vet. I just got a call to tell me he looks like he has anemia and something might be happening to his liver too. They are going to put him on intravenous solution and do some tests. I won't be able to buy the glucometer anytime soon.
Click to expand...

Oh, poor you! And poor kitty too!

Here's hoping he recovers very soon. Please keep us updated.

(((Hugs)))
 
soulnova said:
Ok, he's on the vet. I just got a call to tell me he looks like he has anemia and something might be happening to his liver too. They are going to put him on intravenous solution and do some tests. I won't be able to buy the glucometer anytime soon.
Click to expand...

If you have a Walmart near you, you can get one of their Relion brand meters and test strips. There meters run about $9 and strips about $39 for 100. This is one of the most economical meters to use. Or, you can also click on the Hometesting Kit link at the top of this page and have one sent to you.
 
Today at 12pm Clovis passed away at the vet's office. I got there a couple of minutes too late. Thankfully, he just drifted away. No visibly pain. He just laid down and went to sleep.

The vet said it must have been something very wrong with his liver and that there was nothing we could have done at this stage. He looked fine for the last few weeks so I never really thought something else was a amiss besides his glucose.

I loved you so much Clovis. You now have the biggest garden you could wish to explore. I hope you watch from the gate like you always did before.


Thank you everyone for your help. I really appreciate it. We still have a big kitten but I hope I won't need to come back. I wish you all the best and hug your cats today for me.
 
Oh my goodness, you poor love....

I am SO very sorry for your loss.

It sounds like it was just 'his time'... It was a blessing that the end was peaceful and gentle for him. May your memories of your beautiful boy, Clovis, bring you comfort.

(((Hugs)))
 
Oh no! This makes me so sad to read.
So, so sorry for your loss.
Fly free sweet Clovis, and keep an eye on your momma bean like you always have.

Hugs and prayers for you, Clovis will always live within your heart.

Carl
 
Thank you. **hugs**

If I ever know other owner with diabetic cats I'll make sure to send them this way. :')
 
So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying your memories will bring you comfort in the days to come -

Libby (& Hershey, too!)
 
This is such sad news to see when I came here just now, and I am so terribly sorry for your sad loss of Clovis. He was a very special kitty, and now he is with all of our other kitties who have gone ahead to the Rainbow Bridge.

You tried your best, and Clovis at least spent the night with you on the sofa. Bless your hearts, and may you see him again one day. He is now free to soar with the eagles with his new angel wings.

(((((((HUGS))))))),
Jean and Charcoal (GA) rb_icon wings_cat rb_icon
 
My deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of your beloved boy Clovis. Cats hide things so well from us. I'm glad that the vet said he just peacefully passed away but sad for you that you weren't there in time to be with him.
 
oh Gee. my deepest sympathies. clovis is now running free from pain and having a grand old time. he will be waiting for you. Hugs
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top