infection

[Elena]

Hi everyone, our cat Perkins was diagnosed with diabetes in Aug, his blood sugar is staying under 400 so the vet said he doesn't need insulin. Last time it was check at the vet he was 345. The thing is his back legs are weak, his legs have lost muscle mass. It is hard for him to walk around. He is walking more on the flat part of his feet. The vet has him on Royal Canin Glycobalance , he has to be on that food because he also gets crystal in his bladder and the food has a s/o complex. So far the food has worked to keep his blood sugar below 400. He has a history of bladder infections. When I looked up infections in cats I saw that infections can cause high blood sugar in cats. When he had his full panel blood work done in Aug his white blood cell count was normal, 7.8. He hates going to the vet, every time we go he acts strange for days but I am thinking we might have to take him for a urine culture to see if he has a UTI. My question is this, has anyone here had a cat who high blood sugar was caused by a infection? For a treat we have been giving him human tuna fish, I am not sure if that is ok or not.

 

[Sharon14]

Hi Elena, yes infection can cause increased BG, and diabetic cats can be prone to urinary tract infections as well. The weakness you are seeing in Perkins' back legs may be diabetic neuropathy caused by uncontrolled diabetes. The cure is getting his glucose under control. Until you do, try giving him Methyl B12. I use Zobaline, if you use another brand, be sure it has no sugar. To get his BG under control, it looks like Perkins will need some insulin, blood sugar should be 68-150 on the vets Alpha trac meter. 345 is way too high, do you test at home? Since he hates the vet, he may be lower at home. But since he's developed the neuropathy, it sounds like he is still too high.

 

[Tucker&Me]

Hi Elena
Any chance you could change vets? I am thinking you need a second opinion, and possibly this vet is not so great with diabetic kitties. Here's why.
A kitty with blood glucose levels over 300 is not considered regulated. Just "staying under 400" is pretty much not treating the diabetes at all.
Regulated would generally be UNDER 300.
Well regulated : 200-250

If your vet knows Perkins is prone to bladder infections, he should have him on INSULIN at the very least, as a precaution, to keep him safe, in my opinion. Infections are a constant worry with diabetes and cause blood sugar levels to be high, among a myriad of other things.

The terrible weakness in your sweet kitty's legs is a symptom of unregulated diabetes. It's called neuropathy and is common here on FDMB. It can be addressed and significantly reduced, if not reversed when the diabetes is under control.
I really think you need another opinion, at the very least dear.

 

[Squalliesmom]

Hi Elena, how are you and Perkins today? I, too, would urge you to at least get a second opinion from another vet! A kitty with blood glucose levels at 345 almost certainly needs insulin, and the neuropathy in his hind legs will just continue to get worse unless his diabetes is treated. If he has a UTI or other infection, that will also raise his BG, and needs to be addressed, as well.

Sending prayers for your sweet boy. Please let us know how he progresses!

 

[Anitafrnhamer]

Here is an article that will explain the plantigrade posture and what you can do about it. http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Neuropathy
Low potassium can also cause this condition. What concerns me is that you have stated there has been a loss of muscle mass. What is the protein content of the food that you are feeding?
I do agree that a new vet is in order or possibly a visit with and Internist.

 

[Tucker&Me]

Good Morning Elena,
You are getting good advice here I see. I realize it may seem quite overwhelming, all this info and possible expense!! I have certainly been there!
We can guide you here at FDMB and help you sort out your priorities and support any and all of your own decisions.
No one will judge you. We only want what's best for your and Perkins situation. Many things are possible here, Elena.
Just give a chance. We figure out miracles here!
Looking forward to your reply.

All the best
--Brenda & Tucker

 

[Elena]

First I want to thank everyone for all their help, me and my mom really appreciate it. I guess we went along with what the vet said about not needing insulin because I don't think Perkins will tolerate me sticking him in the ear to check his blood sugar. Sometimes he doesn't like being pet so I know he wouldn't react well to getting a shot. I don't think he will tolerate it. He is just not the kind of cat who would want to be stuck by needles. Maybe we should take him to a lower cost vet someone told us about to get a second opinion.

 

[BJM]

Check my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some other assessments you can make to evaluate his health.

 

[Squalliesmom]

Hi Elena. I understand what you're saying about Perkins probably not liking getting a shot and being tested! I guess to one degree or another we've all been down that road, lol. You might be surprised, though, some cats can be very accepting of it, even those who prefer not to be petted much. It always seems incredibly challenging when you first start out, but it does get better, so don't let it overwhelm you. And if you can manage it, I would definitely get a second opinion, it really sounds like Perkins needs to be on insulin.

 

[Elena]

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't posted a update on Perkins yet, I will soon. We have had a lot of stressful things going on. A plumbing repair that cost us 1600 on our charge card, plus 120 higher water bill. We were going to use the charge card to try get two cats who are brother inside. Anyway now we have another plumbing problem a leaking out side faucet. I will post a update on Perkins soon. God bless.