Newly Diagnosed, w/Vomiting, Diarrhea, Anorexia

Status
Not open for further replies.

Charlotte360

Member Since 2013
Hi Everyone,

I'm very new to this. My cat was diagnosed as of four days ago. While we were awaiting a confirmed diagnosis, our vet asked us to change her diet to a low carb/high protein wet food, which we did. Cat didn't seem to mind. We took away her dry food and she was eating fine.

Then she was confirmed diabetic, and then we set to work getting the syringes and insulin, which took a day, since our pharmacy didn't have the insulin, we got the wrong syringes, etc.

However, on the day we set to get her started on insulin, our normally ravenous cat suddenly become anorexic, and was refusing to eat. This made giving her insulin a little tricky. She was also a little more lethargic than usual, and showed no interest in playing, or her snacks which she previously loved. We called the vet, they suggested it was because we changed her food and to give it a day or two.

The next day, she managed to eat some, so I gave her insulin, both day and night. Then, in the middle of the night, she started vomiting. I fed her. She ate just a little. I gave her insulin. My husband called me and said she was still vomiting and having diarrhea. He called the vet, and they said to keep giving her the insulin, but to call them if she is still vomiting.

I don't know what to do at this point. She's being awfully lethargic. She let me carry her around today, which she would never let me do if she was well. She's still not eating a lot, so I didn't give her any insulin tonight. I'm a bit worried that my vet isn't taking this all seriously.

So... is she having hypoglycemia? Ketosis? Anyone else experience anything like this?
 
Welcome to the boards:) I'm sorry you are having such a stressful time:( I know a sudden food change can cause stomach upset and the pooping problems...I think the suggestion is to do it over a week or so gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old. I'm sorry that I can't help much but can ask some questions so others can jump in.

What insulin and dose are you giving, and how much does your kitty weigh? Are you home testing blood glucose at all? I know if the diet goes from dry to wet the insulin needs can change fast and you could need much less insulin (sometimes none at all-a diet change can bring the cat into normal numbers alone in some cases). The signs of hypo and how to treat it are here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=15887
 
Welcome!

Immediately, rub some Karo syrup or honey into her gums. That's to try to increase her blood glucose level.

Next: Immediately, take her to an emergency room.

That's what I would do. She could have very low blood glucose - very dangerous if it's under 40 on a human meter. If it's ketones, has had she had those previously? Again, very dangerous.

Put the "911' SYMBOL IN YOUR SUBJECT LINE== ALERTS MEMBERS THAT HELP IS NEEDED STAT.

You're off the line, but I'll try to come back in 30 minutes. What insulin? When given? Where are you located?

Take care,
Sophie
 
Hi again,

Rachel is quite right in what she said. I don't mean to scare you, but it's difficult to answer your questions. I assume you're not testing her blood glucose since you don't mention it; therefore, she could have been quite low when she got her insulin. Do you have any Ketostix to check her urine for ketones? Anything over "trace" amount should be taken to an ER or vet. Your vet does not seems very engaged with our kitty's situation. Some cats show no symptoms while low. Lethargy can be a symptom.

Keeping you & your kitty in my thoughts,
Sophie
 
I would test your kitty's urine for ketones as soon as possible.
Prayers and healing vines are coming your way.
 
Welcome to FDMB.

Smell her breath. Does it smell fruity or like nail polish remover? If yes, that is the smell of ketones; go to an emergency vet now.

It is not always possible to tell by breath smell, so urine testing for ketones and/or gluose can help ID what may be wrong..

Is she dehydrated?
- gently pull up the fur at the scruff of the neck and release. If it stays pulled upN there is moderate to sever dehydration
- press a finger on her gums then remove it and see how fast it pinks back up. If it takes a while, again, there may be dehydration, particularly if the gums are sticky/tacky to touch.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top