Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday/he passed

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mcashon1963

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Hello, my cat Tigger was diagnosed Saturday with diabetes. Glucose over 400. The vet gave us the Purina-DM dry to use for 10 days, then wants him back for more blood work. Tigger is 15, and weighs 6 pounds. Before the change in diet (on sat.) he had a voracious appetite, like he could not get enough food, or water for that matter; and when he urinated, it was a deluge. He does not care for the food, called the vet on Monday and they said we could give him cooked well drained ground beef. Which he only ate a little of (Tigger loves meat, so this is not normal for him). SO bottom line, since this past Sunday he has only eaten very sparingly (meaning 1/4 teaspoon of meat-if that) 3 to 4 times a day. We have been trying to feed him every two hours, but he is not always interested. He is lethargic, still is drinking a little water, but not peeing that much. He is also diagnosed anemic. He is glassy eyed, and I wonder if he could have hyperglycemia??? I called the vet tonight to see if I can get him in sooner than the 10 days, they will be calling back tomorrow. From what I have been reading diabetic cats are over weight not under weight. They did do a thyroid and said that was fine. He has had that hunched back legs for several months; I had actually taken him in for a check up 6 months ago and the vet initially thought he was diabetic then because of his stance, apparently his glucose levels were normal (?) then and after some ex-ray's decided he was arthritic. I wish we had known then, he was 14 pounds at that time. So his symptoms before Saturday were: voracious appetite, frequent drinking, running to the litter box and urinating a "lot" as well as smelly stool, he was also very shaky (he would stand still a lot and shake-we thought perhaps he was trying to get balanced before he walked, as he was arthritic), and wobbled when he walked. Symptoms after Sunday: glassy eyed, VERY lethargic, not wanting to walk, no appetite, seems to have lost some more weight, drinks a small amount of water and seems to have difficulty urinating.

I would dearly love and appreciate any comments, suggestions, ideas; do these symptoms match anyone elses?
 
Re: Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday

Did the vet do a frutosamine test? That is the definitive test for diabetes. Just taking a blood glucose level at the office can be misleading because stress raises bg levels and kitties are usually very stressed at the vet.

Is your kitty on insulin?
 
Re: Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday

Not on insulin yet, the vet wanted to try the Purina DM for 10 days first.
 
Re: Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday

Tigger seems to have a lot going on. If I were you, the first thing I would like to know is if he is truly diabetic. So I would ask the vet to do a frutosamine test. His early symptoms do sound like he may be diabetic. But I am concerned that he is not drinking and urinating now. That does not sound like a diabetic. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, which your vet can test for. I had thought that maybe too much insulin was causing some of the lethargy and glassy eyed symptoms, but if he is not on insulin, I don't know.

I know quite a bit about feline diabetes, but not much about other diseases. The board is very slow tonight, but we are an international board so maybe some of the other side of the world will come on and have some ideas for you. Be sure to check back in tomorrow morning. There may be someone who has seen the symptoms you describe. I am sorry I could not be of more help.
 
Re: Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday

I would get him into the vet ASAP. A fructosamine would clue you in about the diabetes which the earlier symptoms sounded like it. Now it may be something else or not being given insulin he may be getting ketones or going into DKA. Have you tried feeding him canned food, any kind, or at least going back to what you were feeding him? Dry food of any kind is the worse. Please don't wait on taking him to a vet. Not eating enough to maintain. Also, new diabetics do not gain weight before diagnosis, they lose weight.
 
Re: Need help, my cat was diagnosed saturday

Tigger needs food. Any canned food (if he will eat it), but a pate (something without gravy) would be the best. It doesn't have to be expensive---Friskees or Fancy Feast is fine. What was he eating before?

Not eating, high BGs, and no insulin are a recipe for a disaster. Diabetic Ketoacidosis. A 10-day wait for insulin is not reasonable under these circumstances. With "borderline" diabetes, a food trial is OK. Not in this situation. Please talk to the vet ASAP.
 
Tigger Passed

Thank you all for answering my 911. Unfortunately we put Tigger down Friday afternoon. He was too sick to save. It is nice to know there is this community for pet owners with diabetic animals. I appreciate the time you all took to answer me. I wish I had found your website earlier.
With much Gratitude for your kindness,
Marcelle and good health for all your babies.
 
((((((Marcelle)))))

I am so sorry for your loss of Tigger. No matter how much time we have with them it is just never enough. But please know that you gave him the last final gift of love that we humans have to give our furbabies. The release from pain and illness.

Fly free Tigger and enjoy those angel wings.

Mel
 
Re: Tigger Passed

I'm sorry to hear this. I am sure you loved and miss that cat. You did your best.
 
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