Itchy Kitty

[Arienna]

So Theo is itchy, which is what got us into this diabetic mess... The steroids put him first into a diabetic state we didn't know about and then into a diabetic ketoacidosis after the second shot. We were treating his diabetes with Lantus insulin and then one day, poof, normal BG (13 days insulin free so far) which is great. I assume the steroids worked their way out of his system and are no longer shooting his BG's through the roof, but now he's itching again. He's already shaved his tummy and one of his legs. We live in a smallish apartment with no other animals. Despite being an indoor kitty, he gets Advantage / Frontline to make sure he's not getting nibbled by something I track in. He's been itchy on several different foods (Core Wellness Grain Free, Eukanuba, and now Friskies Pate). I know Beef & fish are the usual food allergies for kitties so I've been doing the poultry cans.

We have an appointment at the vet Monday and I was hoping to go in armed with some knowledge - anyone have any ideas? On our way home from the DKA doom, one of the vets suggested I think about kitty prozac.

 

[terri1962]

Arienna,

My diabetic kitty Lilly(GA) had the same problems which I believed is what caused her diabetes. After repeated shots of Depo Medrol she became diabetic. The vet did at one time mention taking her for allergy testing. I never did pursue it since I figured I probably could not afford it.
They did at one point before she became diabetic put her on Royal Canin Green Peas and Duck prescription food which helped for awhile but she got to where she did not want to eat it.
I can only offer support and hope that you find what Theo is allergic to. I would not however let them give him any more steroid shots.

Terri

 

[sophie]

Hi, Arienna!
Have you tried a different kind of litter? My Pudge was allergic or, at least, exhibited contact dermatitis on his belly (=shaved lower belly) when using clay-based litter & peeing a lot at the beginning of his DM. He's now on corn-based litter (World Best) & all's OK. Congratulations on your OTJ trial! Pudge's been on his 2nd remission since May 2013. You could also try Vetericyn spray for skin conditions & cuts to see if that would help - available through Amazon - if you do try it, please use the "shop" button above so this site gets a bit of money. Some pet stores carry it. Vetericyn is good stuff. No prescription needed.
Best wishes,
Sophie

 

[Arienna]

Hey Sophie!

I have tried Vetericyn for Theo! Also tea tree shampoo and cortisol conditioner and other sprays... I think it helps... very slightly. I haven't tried switching the litter though, that's a good idea.