newbie here- not eating

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jakesmom

Member Since 2014
just found out that jake (male 11yrs) has diabetes (initial test - litle to eat-over 300), really tough to hear- cant get him to eat anything- he gives old favs a 'lick'- Waiting for full blood results, may have lyme/vector infection on top- which cant be treated until he starts eating again. We were away for 4 days, 5 days earlier- only sign then was some increased thirst/peeing. After being bit by the tick, now all signs.

WOULD STARTING HIM ON INSULIN HELP WITH HIS APPETITE??

Very worried, nada to roast beef, tuna, salmon unless I sprinkle with best vites, then only a nibble. Doing this for 2.5 days now... still drinking but not as much.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
 
I would assisted feed Jake with a syringe for now. For info join the following group
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Fel ... eding/info
I would also test his urine for ketones using either the only-ketones dipstick or dipsticks that measure both ketones and glucose in the urine. You should be able to purchase them a a drugstore pharmacy. If ketones are not negative that is bad and a vet visit (ER) is required.

Over 300 at the vet is not that highe
 
I would go to the pharmacy and buy some ketone test strips and test his urine. If he has ketones, he has to go to the vet.

Cats can not go long periods without eating. Keep trying everything. I have gone to many a grocery store buying this and that hoping to tempt my cat. Some tuna (with water only), some lunch meat, some treats, some chicken, some steak, some shrimp, some parmesean cheese.

If he still won't eat, then you may have to go to the vet anyway to get him checked out (if you haven't checked for ketones, be sure they do, I've seen them not :roll: ), they will check to see if he needs some fluids, and check out his other condition, and they may be able to give you some appetite stimulants.

Sending prayers and wishing you the Best Of Luck.

You may have to end up assist feeding him until he gets better.
 
I know we are not necessarily talking about a cat transitioning from dry food to canned food, but please read this document:
http://www.catinfo.org/docs/TipsForTran ... -14-11.pdf

It tells you all about the daily minimum calories requirement of a cat and gives many many tips to help him find his appetite back.

If he goes too long without food, be worried about him being dehydrated! He might need to be rehydrate at the vet (with fluids). That simple re-hydration might help him get his appetite back.

Test for ketones!
 
Two or more days without eating may result in hepatic lipidosis, a condition where fat is broken down for calories. The fat overwhelms the liver causing it to swell, blocking the normal liver function. This totally disrupts digestion and can be fatal and be very expensive to treat.

Additionally, fat breakdown for calories results in ketones as a by-product. Too many ketones may result in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal and is very expensive to treat.

If his breath smells fruity or like nail polish remover, this may indicate DKA. Two of 3 types of ketones have these detectible odors. If he is acting ill at the same time, a vet visit is urged.
 
Thanks so much guys!
We did end up going to the vets- I had to force feed with a 'critical care' science diet food several times a day for 4 days- After several visits, we found out that Jake was also low in potassium- his brother Botan had been on a low protein diet because of kidney failure- to which we added potassium. Jake was always finishing his food-Since Botan's passing -7 weeks ago - we stopped potassium not realizing that Jake was diabetic and in need of potassium as well.
Jake also has regenerative anemia and lyme and/or blood parasite is suspected. Still giving him Doxy, app stim (in forced feedings), as well as Orbax.
Funny thing is that Jake seemed to improve very shortly after we started potassium supplementation - perhaps coincidntal. not sure.

Am supposed to start insulin injections soon- last visit to vet- blood sugar 375 - but I wanted to wait until he was eating better on his own to avoid a crash. Now wondering whether I should take him back in to check sugar again, seeing that his potassium is stabilized and that he is now eating a higher protein food. (He is also well enough now to catch a meal outside now and then, which the vet thinks is great) Do you think I should start the insulin without further testing? I guess I am hoping that the diabetic diagnosis is reversible or that it can be addressed with diet change and supplementation (glucasure?)
Again, thanks so much- this experience has been so devastating seeing that we just lost his brother not too long ago!!
 
If a home tested glucose was 375, a small amount of insulin would be prudent. That number is above the renal threshold, where glucose spills into the urine and organ damage may be happening.

If that glucose level was at the vet, stress may elevate the glucose from 100-180 mg/dl, so the glucose could be just under 200. That could be from infection and waiting for the infection to clear could be OK.
 
Diabetes in cats is reversible in many cases, but you often need to supplement with insulin for a few months to allow the pancreas time to heal. Yes, a change to a low carb <10% carbs diet helps but don't wait too long to start the insulin if needed. Without that external source of insulin, your cat can't get the proper nutrition from his food and if the BG (blood glucose) levels remain high, over renal threshold, that is causing slow but steady organ and nerve damage.

Best chance for diet controlled remission is in the first 2 months after diagnosis, with up to 6 months being the window of opportunity for the pancreas to heal enough to start producing enough insulin on it's own.

If your cat has been on antibiotics for a week to 10 days, that's long enough to see a lowering effect in the BG levels. Still high? Then it's time to start up the insulin.

With those high readings, at a minimum, I hope you are testing daily for urine ketones at home. Ketones can quickly lead to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) a very expensive and life threatening illness that requires an extended stay at the vet for monitoring
 
Let's Talk Newbie Living 'With' Fear...

cat(2)_steam

I love and pain for our cat Coulee, but my husband on the other hand, has been devistated by the affect diabetes has had on our newly diagnosed kitty. The thoughts we may run out of all kinds of options with finance being close to the list are overwhelming. I can't bare to watch him sob profusely and at unpredictable intervals. Here is a peek into his adornment to our special one. One June day 10 years ago, my husband heard a noise outside of our den window and went out to investigate, as he walked closer to hedges under the window, out charged a tiny little fur ball that attacked his shoe laces. Instantly, he was a new father! He loves our cat so much and I understand this, yet his feelings of fear is transforming my efforts to feel hopeful, to feeling helpless! What to do with so many concerns, and sore and raw emotion???
 
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