Oreo and I just learned cats can get diabetes.

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Paige & Oreo

Member Since 2016
Oreo has been in the family for about 12 years now. He had been living with my parents up until about 6 weeks ago when it was decided it would be better for everyone if he moved downtown with me in my new, cat-friendly apartment.

Things started out well - he's a pretty easy going little guy and seemed to settle in just fine. Then, he slowly lost interest in his dry food, which he would previously have gobbled up. I first chalked it up to the change in environment, especially since there were no longer two dogs around waiting to eat any leftovers. It just kept getting worse, and he started looking somewhat skinny, so next thought was a dental issue. Wet food was purchased, which turned out to be at least somewhat appetizing. I scheduled a vet appointment last Saturday, and while there was some concern over lost weight, the teeth did seem to be the source of the problem. The vet took blood and urine, which seemed at the time a largely precautionary measure before putting him under for a through teeth cleaning.

Yesterday morning I get a call from the vet - Oreo's blood sugar is through the roof. This is the first time I'm made aware that cats can get diabetes. Fructosamine test came back this evening, vet called to confirm Oreo has diabetes. We're going in first thing tomorrow to get the first insulin shot and figure out how to mange this thing.

Overall, I'm pretty overwhelmed. I work full time and am getting my masters part time. My boyfriend who lives nearby can help, but his schedule is pretty unpredictable. I don't know the first thing about diabetes. I don't even know what I don't know about diabetes. I'm still adjusting to even taking care of a cat on my own, and this blood sugar/insulin/food management stuff seems really complicated. I'm not sure if this old cat can be convinced to cooperate through it all.

Meanwhile, Oreo is looking thinner every time I look at him. Not sure if I just see it now that I know he's sick, but he just doesn't seem himself.

Anyways. I've poked around a bit here and you all seem amazingly knowledgeable and supportive. Need whatever advice and support you have.
 
Hi and welcome. It's overwhelming at first, but we can help you get through this. First thing we highly recommend is learning to home test Oreos blood glucose. It really easy to do and can save his life! Then switch him to a low carb wet food (we have a list of affordable grocery /pet store brands, no need for the expensive vet brands) once he's started insulin you must be home testing before you make this switch because it can lower his BG significantly. Here's some info to get you started
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/hometesting-links-and-tips.287/
Come to the Main Health forum and ask any questions you have. Let us know what insulin your vet gives you.
 
Welcome, Paige, to you and Oreo.

If your vets haven't already done so ask your vets to check Oreo for ketones today.

Be sure to pick up some urine ketone test strips when you're picking up supplies (e.g. Keto-diastix - should be available anywhere that does diabetic supplies) and test daily for ketones (especially because Oreo is unregulated and losing weight). For information, if you get a trace result contact your vet for advice and post on the main Feline Health board here for more information. If you get higher than a trace result contact your vet immediately and ask for Oreo to be seen as an emergency case. (You need to keep kitties free from ketones in order to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from developing.) Not trying to alarm you here; it's just that a lot of the time there is so much focus on getting insulin treatment started that sometimes a cat's ketone status may not be given quite the attention it deserves and you may not get much information on this aspect of monitoring and care from the vets during your initial tutorial with them. (You can find more info on ketones and DKA in the forum FAQ section.)

An easy way to collect a sample for urine testing is to put some plastic food wrap over the litter in the box - ideally covering one of Oreo's 'favourite spots'.

There is a bit of a vertical learning curve in the early days and it may take a little time to work out a schedule (we can help with suggestions) but once you get into a routine that works for you, your boyfriend (props to him for helping out!) and for Oreo things won't feel so overwhelming. Plus we're all here to help you learn more and support you all along the way.


Mogs
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When you see the vet,be sure to tell him about your lifestyle. Some insulins require that you stick to a strict 12 hour schedule. Others allow more flexibility. Be sure to post any questions on the Health forum. You will get lots of help from some wonderful people.
 
Get copies of all his labs that where done. The bad teeth could contribute the higher glucose levels.

Will be waiting to see how you do tomorrow.
 
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