Large weight gain on senvelgo

[cell1fly]

7 yr old neutered Male cat normally 13 lbs.
When diagnosed with diabetes (trifecta) was down to 11 and symptomatic.
5 months on Senvelgo and he is now 17 lbs!
Back to Normal weight (13lbs) after one month then steady.
Started gaining weight two months ago at .5 per week. No food change, all else looks normal and he is still active outside and inside. Vet does not have a clue.
Should I stop the medication?
Because his lifestyle is in/out he can (and does) catch and eat rats, birds, etc. but at 1/4 of the rate pre- diabetes.

Thanks

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Since he’s in/out, any chance he’s out and about visiting, and a well-meaning neighbour is giving him some extra food (perhaps kibble which is high calorie by nature) that you’re not aware of? Ordinarily the concern with Senvelgo would be the opposite (sudden loss of appetite, weight loss).

It is a fairly new medication, and research on its use is still limited. This info post has some more information that was prepared by one of our moderators which might be helpful to you generally:

Info - New Treatments for Feline Diabetes

 

[cell1fly]

Not too close to neighbors and checked with them (thank you).
This is a wonderful medicine for I could never have given him shots due to his lifestyle / quality of life - a 100% hunter and consumer of his kills.
He had another breakthrough cancer treatment 5 yrs ago that saved his leg (16k for the shot alone so a 26k all in investment for that).
With even UC Davis guessing I will test him with a 1/2 weight dose starting tomorrow and monitor him closely. We all respond differently to medicine, and dosage - no one size fits all - so fingers crossed. Will keep all posted on his situation. Thank you again for your input.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

You are welcome . He sounds like a special kitty, and you, a very dedicated caregiver. I can’t imagine cancer at such a young age, please do keep posted with updates on how he continues to progress with Senvelgo. It will most definitely help to share your experience. Apart from recent weight gain, were you finding the Senvelgo was helping to regulate his blood glucose levels?

 

[cell1fly]

Absolutely. Within a few days on Senvelgo his poop was normal. Within a couple of weeks his urine was back to normal size and his appetite back to pre-stage. He would not have made it this far without it.
When diagnosed, UC Davis also confirmed triaditis (inflammation of the pancreas, liver and small intestine).
This drug has allowed quality of life.
One mouse or rat at a time. When he stops hunting then I will reset.