Introduction; Philly area?

[Hazelnut]

Hi all,

I'm checking in for information/support about my newly diagnosed cat. Hazel (this is not the first time I've stolen her name for an internet forum!) is an approximately 11-year-old female DSH; at least, the SPCA had her age as 1 year when I got her 10 years ago. I'm actually a licensed DVM, but I've only worked with lab mice since graduating 6 years ago and don't even have a prescription number, so I knew enough to have a pretty good idea what was going on when the litter box started filling up fast but am not entirely up-to-date on the latest protocols, nor did I ever personally manage a new diabetic cat in vet school. Sadly, I'm not convinced my local vet has managed one lately either, which is not too surprising given that most of the cats in my neighborhood seem to be indoor/outdoor and lucky if anybody bothered to neuter them. I work at UPenn, although not within the vet school/hospital, and live just southwest of Philadelphia, but I didn't go to school here and am ironically not terribly familiar with the local veterinarians; is anyone in the general Philly area and/or know a good feline diabetes vet around here?

Thanks all,

Judy

 

[Blue]

I wish I could help you with a vet rec but I am in Canada... if you ever need a great one in Toronto, though....

I think you may be disappointed if you are looking for a good vet who also knows alot about feline diabetes. So long as you can find a vet who will work with you, and is good at non diabetes issues like testing and doing dentals and setting broken bones, you will be well off.

I would change the Subject in your first post to say "Looking for a Vet in Philly Area"

 

[Vyktors Mum]

The good news is that since you've found this board you won't need a vet to help you manage the diabetes by doing anything more than giving you the insulin. Have a look at the stickies (starred posts stuck to the top of the topic sections) in the insulin support group forum that is relevant for the type of insulin you're using for further advice on the protocols that are followed (I am only familiar with Lantus (Glargine) myself) and post in that forum for additional expert advice.

Whichever insulin and protocol you wish to follow the most important thing is to start home testing so that you can keep Hazel safe. So get yourself a glucometer (most people use the human varieties - just don't get a Freestyle many people have had huge problems with dodgy readings from that one :sad: ), watch a couple of YouTubes and post back with any questions you might have about the home testing or anything else cat related.

 

[Venita]

Hi Judy,

I live in Wilmington DE and vet my cats in West Chester PA at a all-cat clinic, West Chester Cat Hospital. The clinic was bought by Dr. Rachel Coyer about a year ago and I don't know how she is with diabetes because I always managed Ennis on my own. After awhile, the vets never asked about his diabetes. But from what I have seen from having all four of my cats to Dr. Coyer, she is a competent and caring vet that is willing to research. She has been out of vet school at UPenn about 6 years, so she is willing to consider current treatment protocols. She may be too far from you, but I do highly recommend her.

Venita