Sick Kittie

[Kari Brown]

My Leo was diagnosed a few months ago with Diabitis. He was sneezing and not feeling good. Hr is not sneezing any more after he was put on a antibiotic. But he does not want to eat. Last night 6 hrs after his shot of vetsulin his BH was 586 this morning 631 he drinks and drinks. Left msg for vet. Cant get him in until tomorrow.

 

[TempestsMum]

Hi! Let's see if we can't get wee Leo eating.
Have you tested for keytones- it's really really important you do that as soon as is humanly possible. Your local pharmacy should sell them for human diabetics. I'd rush out now and get some if you can and they aren't expensive.

Have you tried offering him some really tasty food? Right now you want him to eat something if he's not eaten today. Parmesan sprinkled on his regular food might help, or his favourite crunchy treats sprinkled there. Or try some baby food (make sure it's not got onion or garlic in it tho) sometimes heating the food up a bit helps, not hot but warm - it gives off a better aroma. With my kitty she will do anything for plain chicken, you could try that?

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

Hi Kari and Leo and welcome to FDMB.

How long ago did Leo stop eating? Is he drinking water on his own? Are those BG's typical or much higher than his usual? Have you checked Leo for ketones?

I don't want to alarm you but with him not wanting to eat, a recent infection and those high BG readings, I'd be concerned about DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) which is serious and potentially life threatening. You can get strips at the pharmacy to test for ketones but if you've never done this before, Leo might be wary of you trying to catch a urine sample. With that in mind, if you haven't tested for ketones and can't do so immediately, I'd contact the vet again and tell them you are very concerned about DKA. If that is the problem, the sooner you have him seen the better because not only is it life threatening but it can also be very expensive to treat. If your vet cannot see him until tomorrow, is there another vet clinic you could take him to?

In the meantime, you need to entice Leo to eat and I wouldn't be fussy about what you give him as long as he eats. Do you have a baby syringe that you can try to get some fluids into him? You can add water to his food to make a soupy mixture and syringe that into him if need be but I'd use a food flavour he's not usually fond of if possible so as not to create any aversion to his usual diet.

 

[Yong & Maury GA]

I agree we need to pull out all the tricks to get Leo to eat something as well as a ketone test done. Head to the store to get some ketone test strips, just a few bucks and a long handled spoon and plastic wrap. Just need to catch a tiny urine sample to dip the test strip in. Let us know!

 

[Dyana]

I agree with getting that ketone test this afternoon, and getting him to eat is essential.