Maxwell

[Smitty]

My cat, a 16 year old male, was diagnosed several years ago with diabetes. He also has neuropathy. I give him 12 units of insulin twice a day. After returning from a brief vacation in which Maxwell was boarded (he has been there several times and they know his medical condition). I noticed that his appetite had diminished, but continued to give him his shots. At the time I didn't know the effects of a diminished appetite and continued use of insulin could cause, but I soon would. The day after bringing him home he started to have seizures. This was on a weekend so I took him to a 24 ER. His glucose level was so low it couldn't be read. They stabilized him and kept him overnight. When I brought him home, I was told not to give him a shot unless he ate. He didn't eat so no shot. They advised me to take him to our regular vet on Monday. I should mention that his dosage was decreased to 4 units. Maxwell ate a little overnight so I gave him his shot a few hours before going to the vet. His level is still low(under 100), so I was told not to give him a shot in the evening, but to give him 3 units before I take him to the vet tomorrow morning. My concern is that his appetite is still almost non existent. I've been giving him treats and a little bit of dry food which he has almost no interest. He does drink a little water.

Is there anything I can do to increase his appetite? Should I change his diet?

Thank you
Russell Smith

 

[phlika29]

Hi Russell

I can't help you on the insulin side as I am new here but maybe on the lack of appetite. Did the vet give any reason they felt that you cat had stopped eating. Did they run any blood tests? Do you think he is nauseous? This can manifest itself in various ways. Walking up to the bowl and turning away, licking lips, etc.

Cats can feel nauseous if they are dehydrated as well. Ideally you need to get some fluid into your cat. Have you ever syringed water in your cats mouth. If you do it gently and slowly and shoot not down the mouth but from one side to another.

Additionally you could ask your vet for ondanestron. This is an anti nausea medication that works very well. If the cat is actually being sick then cerenia as a shot or as a tablet may be better.

You can get appetite stimulants but these should not really be given without anti nausea meds as they can create a food aversion if the cat feels compelled to eat but still feel nauseous.

I would ask the vet to run a spec fPLI test to check for pancreatitis a long with all the usual blood tests.

Either way you want to get your kitty eating sooner rather than later and if he doesn't do it alone you may need to assist feed him.

What insulin is he on? Where abouts are you-uk?

 

[BJM]

A common complication of diabetes is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Ketones are a result of fat breakdown for calories. Too many ketones may result in DKA. Urine testing for ketones (KetoStix or generic) or both ketones and glucose (KetoDiaStix or generic) is highly encouraged, especially since the substantial reduction from 12 to 3 units.

What are you feeding? What insulin are you using?

Obviously something has changed in his body. Common, co-existing conditions include renal disease, and pancreatitis. Note that the test for pancreatitis requires fasting for 8-12 hours for best accuracy.

I would strongly encourage you to start home testing his blood glucose. All you need is an inexpensive human glucometer, matching test strips, and 26-28 gauge lancets. Home testing will help keep your cat safe.

Until you can home check the blood glucose, see my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools

 

[phlika29]

Obviously something has changed in his body. Common, co-existing conditions include renal disease, and pancreatitis. Note that the test for pancreatitis requires fasting for 8-12 hours for best accuracy.

Hi bjm

Just to add to your post - from reading the discussions on the pancreatitis forum they say not to worry about fasting as unless the spec fPLI is hovering around the normal mark feeding a cat doesn't really have that much of an impact on the test and it is more important to get the cat to eat.