High BG (Dental disease and Fancy Feast)

[Katie and Fuzzy]

Fuzzy continues to have an abnormally high BG at PS time. I've been keeping a log, but I haven't kept my spreadsheet updated (because it runs really slow on my computer). Basically he has a consistent BG at 18 (340) in the mornings, and almost always at around 11 to 13 (200 to 240) in the evenings. His insulin dose is not the same because of the difference in numbers. When he's 340, I give him a full unit which he usually drops low on. I give him half a unit when he's in the 200 range, and sometimes he drops low on that too. There are also times when the insulin takes no effect at all and I have to give him 3 shots in a day instead of 2.

I have a couple of theories about why this is happening. One is the new Fancy Feast. Not only did they change the look of the cans, but I've noticed a few extra ingredients in the new ones that the old ones didn't have. Could the Fancy Feast flavors that used to be under 10% carbs be higher now because of the extra ingredients?

Another thing is his teeth. The doctor said he does have infection in his mouth, but she's wary about doing a dental on him because of his age (20). I know that bad teeth can lead to higher BG, but there's not much I can do if I can't get him a dental. I just feel scared that he won't wake up from the anesthetic since he's so old now, and because his BG isn't regulated so he's not in the best health. It's just so risky. The doctor was able to remove some of the tartar without anesthetic, and I gave him antibiotics for a while that didn't seem to help at all. What are my options? Right now he's eating well and doesn't seem to be in any pain from his teeth. I was thinking of starting him on a different antibiotic and see if that helps, as well as switching his food to something I know is lower in carbs in case the food is the problem.

 

[BJM]

... Another thing is his teeth. The doctor said he does have infection in his mouth, but she's wary about doing a dental on him because of his age (20). I know that bad teeth can lead to higher BG, but there's not much I can do if I can't get him a dental. ... What are my options? Right now he's eating well and doesn't seem to be in any pain from his teeth. I was thinking of starting him on a different antibiotic and see if that helps, as well as switching his food to something I know is lower in carbs in case the food is the problem.

Well ... carbs in humans are associated with dental caries, so lowering the carbs might help reduce the "fire" promoting infection.

Also, it is possible to do some home dental care, with gradual training of the cat and, with persistance, that may go a long way to resolving some of the dental issues. Gauze with a dental cleanser may be used to wipe down the teeth daily and massage the gums. As with humans, gum massage will improve the circulation and promote healing. Cleansing will reduce or prevent further buildup. Local application of antiseptic may help reduce infection.

You'll want to start slowly shaping his behavior, using small, low-carb treats or other reward he enjoys, or clicker training. Training sessions should be several times a day, of 5 or so minutes at a time.

First might be just rubbing a finger along the outside of the mouth area. Reward him (treat, praise, click) when he tolerates it. Do this for a good week or so before moving to the next step.

Then you'd begin lifting up the lip with the finger. Reward him (treat, praise, click) when he tolerates it. Do this for a good week or so before moving to the next step.

Proceed with rubbing the gum inside the mouth. Reward him (treat, praise, click) when he tolerates it. Do this for a good week or so before moving to the next step.

Add in dampened gauze over the finger.

Add in dental cleanser or antiseptic on gauze.

 

[janelle and Nomad]

The teeth cleaning is a good idea; However if your cat has an abyss, some infection or decay in the root or many other conditons just cleaning his teeth won,t address that. Infections of any kind can cause BG to rise. You might want to ask your vet to assess the medical risk your cat might have to being put under rather than just basing it on age. Some cats are in poor health at ten years old and others do fairly well despite being 18 or 20. I have a cat who just turned 20 and would challenge any treatment recommendations if my vet just based it on her age. Antibiotics would give some reprieve from the infection but might not remedy any underlying condition. Could your vet at least get some X-rays to assess what is going on?
Your kitty can join the century club. A cat turning 20 is like a person turning 100.

 

[Sharon & Ramsey]

My kitty eats FF and my vet recommended giving him the tips of chicken wings, raw, to keep his teeth clean. If the bones/cartilage in the wing tips are raw, they won't hurt the cat and biting into them will keep tartar down. Do not cook them....that makes the bones brittle and they could harm kitty.