new...

Status
Not open for further replies.
K

kornazoo

Member Since 2013
Hi Everyone,
I just found out that Murph, 11 years old, has diabetes. He has had the symptoms for over a year; I thought it was kidney failure due to accidental dehydration.....
His tests all came back excellent except for the diabetes.
I have a zillion questions and I'm sure this forum will help in time. BUT, I have a big one. I have to go away now to take care of my daughter who has just had a baby, and I won't be back until October 5th. Can I wait to start the insulin and home testing?
He is getting an antibiotic today for a UTI and high white cell count. I already have had him on the FF Classics and took away all crunchies.
Thanks for being here!
Shel
 
Welcome Shel and extra sweet Murph!

Can you give us a bit more info before we even attempt to reply to your question please?

* What were Murph's numbers when he was diagnosed? Do you have more than 1 or 2 numbers?

* HOW was he diagnosed? Blood tests? Fructosimine test?

* Was there mention of ketones being present?

* Do you have home testing equipment yet? If not, may I suggest (assuming your in USA) Walmart's ReliOn Confirm or Micro meters. They take a very small amount of blood and strips are very reasonably priced! PLUS they're available 24/7 if you have a 24 hour WallyWorld! The kit itself will come with 10 lancets and a few strips - I would suggest that you pick up another box of test strips. They're available in 20/$9, 50 for $19 and 100 for $36.

If a diabetic cat's body isn't producing any insulin, they can literally starve to death while eating everything in sight. Their bodies have to have the insulin to turn food into 'energy'. A food change like you're doing should help drop those numbers already.

BIG HUGS!!!!
 
Squeaky and KT said:
Welcome Shel and extra sweet Murph!
Just got back from the vet. Thanks for answering!
Can you give us a bit more info before we even attempt to reply to your question please?

* What were Murph's numbers when he was diagnosed? Do you have more than 1 or 2 numbers?
His number was 483
* HOW was he diagnosed? Blood tests? Fructosimine test?
He had all the symptoms and then they gave him a complete panel of tests. What I know so far is that his thyroid is fine and so are his kidneys. * Was there mention of ketones being present? He does not have ketoacidosis. They want him to come back in two weeks for another convenia antibiotic shot. He has a UTI and high white blood cell count.
Then I leave for CA to take care of my daughter and baby.

The vet said we could wait until I get back because we haven't started and I don't have anyone who can take care of him like I would while I'm gone. They figured out that I can give him up to 4 cans of FF classic a day if he wants it. He has already gained some weight since he was there last Thursday. When I get back, I will learn how to give the injections and how to do the BG tests.

My house/pet sitter loves cats, but surely can't do what needs to be done. She will be in touch with me if he changes his behavior. The timing couldn't be worse, but I have to go to CA.

* Do you have home testing equipment yet? If not, may I suggest (assuming your in USA) Walmart's ReliOn Confirm or Micro meters. They take a very small amount of blood and strips are very reasonably priced! PLUS they're available 24/7 if you have a 24 hour WallyWorld! The kit itself will come with 10 lancets and a few strips - I would suggest that you pick up another box of test strips. They're available in 20/$9, 50 for $19 and 100 for $36.

I will get the testing equipment at the Walmart.

If a diabetic cat's body isn't producing any insulin, they can literally starve to death while eating everything in sight. Their bodies have to have the insulin to turn food into 'energy'. A food change like you're doing should help drop those numbers already.

I hope he'll be ok until I get back. I really don't have any other choice......

BIG HUGS!!!!
Click to expand...
xoxoxo from Shel
 
Hey Shel and extra sweet kitty Murph and welcome to the FDMB! Lots of experienced diabetic cat owners here to help you with your questions.

The UTI can cause the BG to be higher than normal and can be keeping the BG (blood glucose) numbers high. Once that clears, the numbers can come down a bit on their own. Also, your food switch to the low carb Fancy Feast foods should help to bring the numbers down. The Fancy Feast classic, flaked and chunky styles are all nice and low carb for a diabetic cat.

Here is a link to the food chart we use to find other foods for our diabetic kitties. Put together by vet Dr. Lisa Pierson, updated in September 2012.

Let's see how the BG numbers trend once the food change has been in place for at least a week and also after the antibiotics have had a chance to work.

How much does Murph weigh? With this, we can give you a better suggestion on if the 4 cans a day (12 ounces) of FF is enough.
 
Hello and welcome to the board

I would train your pet sitter if you can (whether now or later) its a great skill for them to have - testing and giving shots - and will be valuable to other clients they have too!

Before you go can you go get the urine ketone /sugar test strips? Then while you are away your pet sitter can test the urine to check for ketoacidosis if there are ketones present (immediate vet trip!!!) , and she can also watch the urine glucose levels to get an idea of how high his blood glucose is and whether its coming down. You can get keto-diastix at most pharmacies although sometimes they are behind the counter.

here are some urine testing tips : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1quta5WLEjdO0Y_t2dAYSwN84h-LNZWxOdtVsJDKZ16A/pub

When do you leave?

Wendy
 
Wow!

Thanks so much for all your help!

Murph weighs 16 lbs. About a year ago he weighed 28 lbs. I put him on a very slow weight loss program and he went down to 22 lbs. The rest of the loss, I believe, is from the diabetes.

Since yesterday, his water comsumption has slowed down quite a bit. I'm not sure what has caused this. Antibiotics? Just eating the FF and no crunchies? I know you all understand that I am worrying about him constantly.

I read the post from the kitty, so I don't hover around him too much.

I will probably leave for CA on Sept. 11th. I want to watch him for a while before I go. I will be back Oct. 5th.
Shel
 
Yes both the low carb food and antibiotics could be having an effect already. since you still have two weeks before you go you might want to start home testing his blood already (and his pee) to get a good idea of whats going on.. it will ease your mind for sure.

I can give you a shopping list etc if you like?

Wendy
 
My 3 cats rarely drink water from their water dish anymore. It's an event worthy of a picture when they do! They are getting all the water they need from their canned food now. I also add a bit of extra water to their food, until applesauce consistency, to help keep them more hydrated.

The same thing is probably going on with your Murph, getting most of his water needs from the wet food now.

Thanks for letting me know how much Murph weighs. One calculation to see if he is eating enough calories is (16 pounds * 15 calories per pound ) + 70 = 310 calories minimum to maintain his weight. Diabetic cats can need up to 50% more calories, because their bodies can not properly process the food until the insulin is better balanced.

You said you were feeding 4 cans of Fancy Feast, roughly 90 calories per can so that is 360 calories. It might be enough, maybe a bit too much/ too little, not sure until I know his body condition score and how hungry he still is after you are feeding him. Is he in the "trying to tackle you for food and steal it from your hand" stage? Or is he more in the "yes, feed me now stage? or is he "Oh, food, ok that's nice" stage?

Where does Murph fall on this Body condition Score chart? Is he over or under weight or ideal weight now? That's quite a weight loss and I'm a little concerned that he may be too skinny. Not sure, until you tell us.
 
He seems between moderate and thin. He's got a lot of loose skin underneath. He's still a big guy. The vet weighed him and was glad he had gained some weight, but didn't seem concerned.....

This morning he meowed for food, but didn't tackle me like he usually does. I gave him two cans and he didn't finish it! About 10 minutes later he finished it. No diarrhea today. Yesterday I opened one of my probiotics and put it in his food.

I am getting much less litter when cleaning. This morning there were only two big clumps to remove. They are about 8" around and 2" high. That's a lot less than usual.

He really seems like his old self. He goes on the porch, checks his water bowl, but this morning he didn't even drink from it. Then he likes to lie down. He goes out, but stays on the porch or in the yard.

I am not going to do any testing until I get back. Then I will learn.

Thanks to everyone for your help. You're the best.
 
Sounds like he may be feeling better. The food change can help. Understand you will be going away for a bit and will not start insulin or testing until you return.

If Murph seems especially hungry, or seems to be losing more weight, I'd increase the food a bit more, 1/2 to 1 can more of the Fancy Feast, see if that leaves him more satisfied. You have 10 more days until you leave.

Please, keep us posted on how he is doing. Hope your cat sitter takes special good care of him while you are gone to help with your new grand baby.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top