Pyometra (or other major infection) and Diabetes

Status
Not open for further replies.
Jason & Belle (GA)

Jason & Belle (GA)

Active Member
Hi all,

I have posted this in Lantus, but it was suggested I post here as well. http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=34315

SInce I found Gracie 6 months ago, she seemed to eat and drink excessively. Her BG's were fine, but she did have Pyometra. The vets told me it is a common cause of excessive thirst. She had successful surgery, but the thirst continued. Two nights ago, 3 months after her surgery, I checked her BG's again and they were high. They remain elevated. She is young, and shows no other signs like loss of weight or anything behavioral. As a matter of fact, her coat, weight, and attitude are excellent. I can't help but wonder if the high BG's are caused by the pyometra, or some other major infection, like her teeth. She needs a cleaning badly.

Have any of you experienced high BG's for reasons other than diabetes, and if so, could you share? I know she very well could have diabetes, and I am familiar with caring for a diabetic cat, but all of this seems too coincidental to be unrelated. She did/does have hairball issues, and she is taking Vet's Best Cat Lube pills for it, but the ingredients like psyillium are supposed to help diabetes, not hurt, so I'm not sure if that factors in here at all.

Thanks,

Jason
 
Jason, my condolences on the loss of Belle (((hugs))). And bless you for taking in Gracie.

I don't have direct experience, but my sister recently lost her diabetic who was difficult to regulate at first from stomatitis. I know she tried steroids for the infection and maybe antibiotics (as is common for dental issues when a "dental" can't be done). His BGs were high and higher. After a full extraction he did very well for several years on a low dose of PZI. So, it was clear that the stomatis was having a direct effect on his BGs from infection and pain.

My thought is that BG's in the ranges you got when testing her needs insulin until whatever else might be causing it can be sorted out. If it is infection, like from her bad teeth, and her BGs are high and not brought down, she runs a risk of DKA.
 
I agree with Sheila. You may need to treat her high numbers until you get the underlying cause figured out. And since you have already switched her diet and are still getting high numbers you should be okay in the treatment.
Having said that, I have a cat, Abigail, that had pyometra. It was before I got her and was resolved before I got her as well. Oddly enough, Abigail has excessive thirst. She has been with us 2 and a half years and I test her every now and again but her numbers are always normal. She is a little over weight and has allergies-which she has had a steriod shot for twice in the past 2 and a half years. She has already had a dental and just had her teeth checked, vet says they are okay but to me they look kind of bad. So it could be the teeth causing the thirst and the higher numbers with your Gracie. I think my Abigail gets thirsty because of her allergies. I really don't know. I know that didn't help you at all.
Sorry for the loss of your sweet Belle.
 
Thank you for the replies. I spoke to the vet and the fructosamine test(average of BG's over about two weeks) was normal. He thinks it could be the steroid shot he gave her. He recommended sticking with the diet and monitoring her. It could be some transient thing or the start of diabetes. Since the fructosamine was normal, her high numbers haven't been going on for long. I will be keeping a close eye on her, and will likely have her teeth cleaned soon, so if it is an infection, we should get it taken care of.

Thanks again,

Jason
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top