Today my 18.5 year old cat Molly lost her fight with feline diabetes and a bone tumor. Molly was diagnosed with diabetes over 15 years ago. I returned from a week long business trip to find her listless, the food was not eaten and the water was empty. The cat sitter had stopped by several times during the week but did not know my cat very well and did not realize she was sick. I took her to her vet who informed me she was hyperglycemic. When I exclaimed, "you mean she is diabetic?" they told me she was but did not offer any treatment until I asked. I was sent to my pharmacy for insulin and syringes and then went to the vet office for instructions. At that time, the internet was not widely used so I had few resources. I made weekly trips to the vet as we attempted to regulate her. After a year or so, she needed less and less insulin when we finally took her off all together for about 3 months. Then her symptoms returned and I found what I assume was this website where I downloaded instructions for home glucose testing. My vet was not impressed but I persisted and I'm so glad I did.
After these 15+ years we have been through 4 veterinary practices and 6 or more insulins due to discontinued types by the manufacturers. Each time I had to change was difficult but to my recollection, I really only had 2 or 3 crisis type episodes requiring veterinary assistance. Karo syrup was my saving grace. If you have a newly diagnosed cat, hang in there. There are many resources available and keep in mind that you can learn more than your vet will know about your cat. I could write a book about my experiences but it is not going to fill the void I feel right now. :cry:
After these 15+ years we have been through 4 veterinary practices and 6 or more insulins due to discontinued types by the manufacturers. Each time I had to change was difficult but to my recollection, I really only had 2 or 3 crisis type episodes requiring veterinary assistance. Karo syrup was my saving grace. If you have a newly diagnosed cat, hang in there. There are many resources available and keep in mind that you can learn more than your vet will know about your cat. I could write a book about my experiences but it is not going to fill the void I feel right now. :cry: