Neuropathy possible with normal cobalamin levels?

[SRB]

My cat is showing possible signs of diabetic neuropathy in his hind legs, but his bloodwork has never shown abnormal cobalamin levels, as far as I understand. He gets his labs done regularly by an internist.

Maybe someone can tell me what levels I would expect to see in a cat with neuropathy, in case the internist is off his rocker. And maybe some advice as to whether to supplement with B12 anyway?

The cat has IBD/pancreatitis, so I don't want to introduce anything that could trigger a flare. 2 vets also think he has some degree of IVDD (disc disease), and he has been showing some weakness in the back legs since before the diabetes diagnosis. He is partially paralyzed at this point and isn't improving after 2-3 weeks of confinement from stairs and furniture. He walks on his tiptoes and sits on his hocks. His legs have lost a lot of muscle.

Thank you!

 

[JanetNJ]

Do you have a copy of the lab reports?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

There are two types of B12, methyl B12 (methylcobalamin), and cyanocobalamin B12. The former helps neuropathy, the latter helps the GI system and is often low with cats with IBD or small cell lymphoma. Typically if your cat's B12 are blood tested, they are testing for cyanocobalamin B12.

 

[SRB]

There are two types of B12, methyl B12 (methylcobalamin), and cyanocobalamin B12. The former helps neuropathy, the latter helps the GI system and is often low with cats with IBD or small cell lymphoma. Typically if your cat's B12 are blood tested, they are testing for cyanocobalamin B12.

Ah! Is there a test for methylcobalamin, or do people generally just try the supplementation? Thank you.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I haven't seen a methylb B12 test.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Typically if your cat's B12 are blood tested, they are testing for cyanocobalamin B12.

No really. the test measures SERUM COBALAMIN
https://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/service/assays/b12folate/

In at least humans:
"When cyanocobalamin enters your body, it’s converted into either methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin, which are the two active forms of vitamin B12 in humans (1)."
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin#synthetic-vs-natural

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

My cat Sheba had diabetic neuropathy. It is reasonably common in diabetic cats especially if they have been in high numbers for a while.
I gave Sheba methyl B12 in the form of Zobaline for cats from Life link.com It takes a while for it to work (I put it in the food daily, it is tasteless) and You need to also get the blood glucose levels down to more normal levels to see improvements.
Sheba was quite bad, couldn’t jump on a chair, had to sit down frequently and slipped on wooden floors. She eventually regained all her abilities and regained all her muscle.

Are you home testing the blood glucose levels? That will not only keep your kitty safe, it will tell you if you are giving the correct dose.
What type of insulin are you giving and what dose?