mamachud and Precious
Member Since 2013
Hi. My cat Precious is one of three cats that I have from the same litter that were born on my patio 13 years ago. He was diagnosed with Diabetes on March 6th. I joined this forum then, but apparently I am not too smart because I just can't figure things out. So I don't know if this will post or if anyone will see it or respond, but here goes. Pe has always been healthy and feisty and a round, fluffy fur ball. He normally weighs about 16 pounds. Since February, he seemed to be having some trouble with his hind legs and he seemed to be losing a little bit of weight. At first I wasn't too worried. He was playing and eating and using the litterbox. I figured that at 13 years old he was probably starting to have some arthritis in his joints and I was researching ideas on how to help him. Then, all of a sudden, he lost a lot of weight, started drinking a lot and peeing a lot. When I got up on March 6th, he was lethargic and I could feel the bones in his neck, I went to the vet. He only weighed 12 pounds and was dehydrated. His blood glucose was 365. He was diagnosed with diabetes and I was told to give him 2 units of ProZinc every 12 hours. I was told to change his food from dry to wet. I was told to get a glucometer and check his glucose levels. I came home from the vet in shock, scared and $400 poorer. I immediately started researching feline diabetes and I am trying to do what is best for Pe. At first he responded pretty well to the insulin. He seemed a little better and he stopped peeing so much. He likes the wet cat food! I am following the "high protein/low carb" theory. After about a week I did a mini curve and he was dropping a little too low. I talked to the vet and he said not to change the dose, that I was probably not using a good glucometer/not doing it right. He wanted to sell me a glucometer specifically for cats and have Pe go in for more blood tests and a curve. Unfortunately, I am in a bad position financially. I have been sick for the last several years and in the past 2 years I have had 3 surgeries and 2 blood transfusions, worked sporadically, and stayed very broke. The initial vet bill used up my meager savings and half of my next paycheck. I was only able to pay my rent and have not paid my utilities. So, I have to rely on myself to take care of Pe. Testing showed me that he was still going a little too low, so I started giving him a tiny bit less. Instead of filling the syringe to the 2 unit mark I fill it to just under that mark. It has made a huge difference. Pe has gained back 1.5 pounds and is playing and feisty again. I was starting to feel optimistic. But I noticed that even though he has gained weight and is acting nearly normal again, he has started peeing more and he now has a lot of dandruff. I brushed him this morning and there was very little hair, but lots of dandruff. What does that mean? Should I up his dose again? I just don't know. For a while there, I thought we were going to lose him. Then he seemed to bounce back. But I am worried again. I wish I trusted the vet and that I could afford to take him for all of the tests and things. But I literally don't have any money to pay the vet. I am working a seasonal job that ends in two weeks and even though I apply for everything and go on interviews almost weekly, I don't have anything guaranteed after that. I have two other cats and a son that I have to think of. So any advice, emotional support and resources are appreciated. I am not willing to let anything happen to Pe or the rest of my bunch! I know that we will get through this! Thanks for listening, Michelle
