Neuropathy and Chelsea

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J

jmoran

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Hello eveyone.

It has been a while since I posted regarding my 17 yr old Chelsea. She was doing great and OTJ for almost 2 months. I am home testing and her numbers have been great (until last evening). She is on an all wet food low carb diet.

I came home and went to feed her and I could see that she could not walk. She is falling on her back legs. She was still hungry and not crying in pain. I checked her BG and she was at 220. Highest it has been but still not aweful. I gave her 1 unit of insulin.

She ate fine. Even went to her sisters bowl to finish that up. But she basically dragged herself over there.

SHe always had neuropathy but not to this extent. She could always walk... but just slowly. This is horrible to watch and has me and my husband in tears. I Checked her BG again this AM and she was at 182. Did not shoot.

I am taking her to the vet this AM. I would just like everyones thoughts so I can discuss with the vet.

Thanks everyone.

Jane
 
Jane,
ask the vet if they can check for low potassium, which also causes muscle weakness.

Carl
 
Of course I'm not an expert - but my Mookie had the neuropathy in his hind legs very badly last spring. What you're describing seems to have happened too suddenly to be neuropathy, and those BG numbers don't seem high enough to have caused. Good idea to have the vet check Chelsea out.

What do other people think?

Good luck to you,

Myriam
 
I can only offer my own experience (no medical expertise). I thought Saima had neuropathy after her diabetes diagnosis because she was having trouble getting up and down the stairs and would rest after a few steps. Turned out she had pretty severe heart disease, which I'm guessing made her weak and tired. I agree with the others that a checkup is a good idea. If it's something bad, maybe you can catch it early and have a shot at treatment.
 
Hello,

The news isn't good. Her BG is fine and the vet doesn't think it is the cause. He took blood and gave her a cotisone shot. Basically, he feels this isthe beginning of the end for her. We will see how she does with the cortisone but I don't feel good about it. She can't get in the littler box. Heart breaking. How are you supposed to determine when it's time? I guess not being able to walk is a sure sign.
 
Sorry to hear about Chelsea's troubles. Give it a bit to see how she responds to the cortisone. There's some good signs in this: she's still keen to eat, for example. (((hug)))
 
I'm so sorry. We ended up having an X-ray that diagnosed the heart disease. Maybe that is a possibility (not just for heart problems, but to try and find the problem in general) if she is still not doing well after the treatment from today. I agree that it is good that she wants to eat. My thoughts are with you--I know it is so awful to know something is wrong with your kitty and not be able to figure out what it is. :YMHUG:
 
Thanks Everyone.

She is worse today. She doesn't seem to be moving from her bed. I needed to lift her up and put her in front of her bowl. She ate as usual but can't walk or stand.

The vet is calling me with her blood results but my husband and I feel this is her time.
 
{{hugs}}

She may have had a blood clot damaging blood supply to the nerves for her legs.
 
I'm so sorry. I agree that this isn't typical of neuropathy. It's most like low potassium (which can be treated!) or something neurological, a stroke, etc. Even late kidney failure will often present that way. I will keep my fingers crossed for low potassium and an easy fix... Wishing you luck, and sending good vibes your way.
 
Hello,

Her bloodwork was normal. Her pancreas level was high but that is because of the Diabetes. He suggested we try and give her steroids in pill format and then possible to x-rays etc but I can't have her suffer anymore. I just went home to see her and she hasn't moved from her bed. When I moved her from her bed, she just sits there looking at me to help her not understanding what is going on. I also feel like her breathing isn't regular.

It's her time. We are going to take her in on Saturday. I'll pray for a miracle but won't expect it! She had a good 17 years with us....can't complain!

Thansk for all your support.
 
I am so sorry to hear this. You are right, you had 17 good years and that is a blessing. I know how much you will miss her. My thoughts are with you.
 
I think you are right about the decision you and your husband have made. She's really an old lady and has had a wonderful life. It would be a kindness not to let her suffer now. It sounds as if she had a stroke or heart attack and she must be very confused by not being able to get to the litter or her food or to you or anything else she wants to do. It should be as easy for humans to say goodbye when it is time. I know you all will miss her terribly. I'm so sorry.

Melanie
 
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