Some Guidance needed - newly diagnosed Diabetic Cat

[Lisa A]

My kitty - Sammy - who is 10 years old was diagnosed 7 weeks ago with diabetes - (he was pre diabetic about 4 years ago but by switching his food to canned we avoided insulin until now.
He as first put on Lantis and his numbers were continually high (over 500) so he is now on PZI (he has only been on it for 5 days- so not sure how it will work either) - BUT my most pressing concern is his appetite - I have tried all sorts of canned foods and even Dry (Purina DM - even though I know not recommended) and all he really does is lick the canned food - Does anyone have an suggestions? I also have another cat in the home that is constantly stalking him (they used to be best buddies) but since he has been sick the other well kitty - was at first attacking him - now after much separation - he just stalks him.
Also a friend suggested I take him to an internist - as opposed to his regular vet - has anyone else done that - to get him regulated?
Thanks in advance for your help...I am just so concerned - he has taken to hiding now (which he had never done before) and it seems his quality of life is terrible

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Hello Lisa, and welcome to FDMB,

I am so sorry to hear that Sammy is feeling poorly, and that your other kitty is not being friendly to him at the moment. That must be very distressing to see.

May I ask some questions:
Is it only recently that Sammy has gone off his food? Is he being sick or showing signs of nausea (lip-licking?)?
Does he have any other health issues going on that you or your current vet are aware of? Infection? Dental problems?
Has Sammy been tested for ketones since his diagnosis?

I've posted a link to your post in the main health forum to try to get more eyes on your questions.
The link to that is here, so you may wish to check here for replies also:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/new-diabetic-off-his-food-hiding-advice-please.133334/

Best wishes,

Eliz

 

[Lisa A]

Thanks very much Eliz....
Yes just in the last few weeks I am having a very hard time getting him to eat - no other medical issues beside the diabetes and he was tested for Ketones a few days ago.

 

[terriy]

I'm so very sorry to hear of your problems with the kitty's. Have you tried boiling some organic chicken and using bits of chicken and the chicken juice to entice the appetite?
Dry is not the best choice for a diabetic but if you can only get him to eat dry have you heard about Young Again brand with low carbs. Its pricy and you can only order it on the internet but the kitty has to eat!!
Good luck and I'm sending prayers and purrs you way!!