Treating Feline Neuropathy with Methylcobalamin

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JackBlack

JackBlack

Member Since 2014
Hi there

I am 3 weeks in to this merry dance with Jack. He is still walking/moving very slowly and looks to be weak in his hind legs. He has trouble jumping down (really takes his time) He isn't walking on his haunches or anything, but even though his energy is better he is still physically struggling.

From what I am reading my instincts say he may have Neuropathy. Does anyone have any experience with diagnosing/treating this? I mentioned the symptoms at all our vet visits since diagnosis and he treated Jack with antibiotics/pain killers for a suspected infection. Antibiotics/painkillers now finished but he is still slow and not moving much.

I don't want to treat him myself without guidance. I am in New Zealand so our supplements may differ but I have been looking at Methylcobalamin with the least amount of additives Like these drops: http://www.clinicians.co.nz/special-nutrients/products/vitamin-b12/

Merrin
 
I've heard in the US B12 injections help with inflammation and energy. Something i have to ask my vet about once I get her BGs back under control. Can't hurt to ask your vet about them.
 
You want the methylcobalamin for the neuropathy; you use cyanocobalamin injections with pancreatitis.
 
probably can't hurt give him the the methyl. Maahes did well on his and it definitely helped reverse some of the neuropathy. Getting him stabilized helped more, though. My vet also recommended strengthening exercises. I put him on his back and make him kick at my hands. He actually likes this and gets a treat (pill pocket with his drugs, mwhahaha) afterwards, so it's all good.
 
thanks everyone. I read through the other posts and I might get him tested for potassium levels. When he was diagnosed his potassium was low and they added it to his drip at the hospital. It's time to make another vet appointment. If that isn't conclusive I will get the methyl drops. As the ones I have sourced are for humans I will need to figure out a cat dose though.
 
the methyl b12 .... being a b vitamin is safe to give on your own. The body will only take what it needs and pee the rest out.

another good bit of info is http://www.ilifelink.com/zobaline-for_diabetic_cats-3_mg_x_60_tablets.html
what you are describing sounds just like neuropathy.
It can take a couple of months for it to really be noticeable but some cats start feeling better right away..... mine did.

the one you picked out is fine.... no added sugar....but it is 50mcg..... you will give 3000 mcg (up to 5000 mcg) .... that's a lot of drops....
the dosage is 3 to 5 mg..... so remember that when you see products in mcg.....
 
hmm yes I just did the maths and that it 80 drops to give 4mg. I may have to find a more concentrated product. I was hoping to source something in New Zealand as the financial outlays are adding up!
 
I'm sure you can find it. I just know I can't find it for you...since I don't get NZ websites without special hunting.
amazon has it...
I also bought mine from vitacost which probably isn't there.
I'd gladly send you mine ( not using it anymore- remission) but I don't think it would get there any faster than you finding it locally.
 
My sugardude Wink had severe diabetic neuropathy when I first got him. No running, jumping, had trouble with stairs, could only walk 3-4 steps before he had to stop and rest. He was walking completely down on his hocks. We did add the methylcobalamin to his medication regimen. In combination with getting his BG levels under control, the neuropathy resolved in a couple of months. Who can say how much the methyl b12 helped? Getting his BG levels regulated and low helped too I'm sure.

It takes time for the neuropathy to get better. Pull on those patience pants.

p.s. Wink jumps, runs, climbs stairs, plays, and walks almost normally now up on his tippy toes. I can tell when he's tired, because he walks down on his back paws when he's tired.
 
Hey Merrin

You could try speaking to a pharmacist to see if they can mix you something of the correct strength, or a dispensing naturopath may help?

C
 
KittyMom777 said:
Get it from Vitacost. The old board used to have a link bit I guess they removed it. I have it shipped ftom US to Canada.

http://m.vitacost.com/products/vitacost-vitamin-b-12-methylcobalamin-5000-mcg-100-capsules-4

I've been using it for a month and a half and my kitty is already back to walking on his toes. Make sure it is methylcobalamin not the the cyanocobalamin. I give 5000 mcg purely because it's easier than splitting the capsule.
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do you put it in the cats water how many times a day
 
@princess chessie -

You can also put the methylcobalamin into food. If you're using Zobaline it's really easy to crush the tablets to a powder between your finger and thumb. I break tablets into half so that I administer it twice a day. I add a little water to Saoirse's food, crush and sprinkle the half-tablet over and then mix it into the grub.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
@princess chessie -

You can also put the methylcobalamin into food. If you're using Zobaline it's really easy to crush the tablets to a powder between your finger and thumb. I break tablets into half so that I administer it twice a day. I add a little water to Saoirse's food, crush and sprinkle the half-tablet over and then mix it into the grub.


Mogs
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Thank you so much. This is quite helpful. Chessie is 16 years old and has had diabetes for 10 years she can't walk right now very well because of the diabetic neuropathy and the vet wanted me to put her down I just can't do it that's why I'm looking for another source to help her. Any information on the diabetic neuropathy would be helpful at this point .
 
Zobaline recommends a dose of 1 x 3mg tablet a day but this article on vetinfo.com makes mention of people giving 3-5mg per day. I don't know whether or not that is a good thing.

One thing to bear in mind is that Tanya's Site references a human study where B12 was considered to speed progression of CKD so they advise conservative dosing of about 1mg/day (B12 helps with anaemia, a common problem in CKD cats). I offer this information not to discourage you but so that you can make an informed decision about how you treat your kitty. If your vet is making such a drastic recommendation then perhaps a short term increase in B12 methylcobalamin supplementation to treat the neuropathy may be the better course of action?

I've not been faced with such a situation as yours, therefore the following comment is based purely on my speculation: If I were faced with such a choice I think I would probably be inclined to treat the neuropathy and I would check with members of support groups who have also had to deal with both CKD and diabetic neuropathy to see whether there may be additional CKD-supportive measures to put in place to compensate while she was receiving more aggressive B12 supplementation in the short term (obviously in consultation with my vet). If the neuropathy treatment is only short term then perhaps it might not have an adverse effect on the kidneys? As I said, I'm speculating/brainstorming here.

There is a support group at Tanya's Site (link in the left-hand column on the destination page). If you're not already a member, I heartily recommend your joining the group; it boasts some highly knowledgeable people as members and they may be able to advise you about the B12/CKD issue and the overriding need to treat your kitty's neuropathy. (NB - I've had a bit of difficulty accessing Tanya's Site over the internet sometimes. If the links don't load first go, try again later.) @Anitafrnhamer also recommends "an excellent support group like FDMB but for cats with kidney disease."

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-CRF-Support/info

To end on an encouraging note, here is a video illustrating the story of Tootsie who had severe neuropathy but who made a brilliant recovery when treated with Zobaline.


I very much wish a similar success story for your little one. :bighug:



Mogs
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Thanks for all the info. I'm trying to figure out what to do for Java's neuropathy. Right now, I have injectable B12 (cyano-), which at one vet site, that I closed already, sorry, said it doesn't matter whether you use cyano or methyl if it's being injected -- and my vet says cyano- is much cheaper, but that orally, methyl works and cyano does not. A less expensive daily dose of a pill is worth a try. He's notoriously hard to pill but I have a new pill shooter that I''ll try, plus Cosequin, which might help, and seems like it can't hurt.
 
Erinia said:
probably can't hurt give him the the methyl. Maahes did well on his and it definitely helped reverse some of the neuropathy. Getting him stabilized helped more, though. My vet also recommended strengthening exercises. I put him on his back and make him kick at my hands. He actually likes this and gets a treat (pill pocket with his drugs, mwhahaha) afterwards, so it's all good.
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My vet told me excercises wouldn't help because it's a nerve thing not muscle but I think how can that be bad? My cat is getting weaker and weaker and can hardly walk at all, it's heatbreaking. I hope this Zobaline kicks in someday but I am going to try your excercise idea.
 
@Viggo's Mom Zobaline works great, and exercise may help, but the best thing is to get Viggos BG's under control. Get your spreadsheet set up and come to the Prozinc Forum so we can help you and Viggo. If you need help getting it set up, like I did, just ask and someone will do it for you!
 
Viggo's Mom said:
My vet told me excercises wouldn't help because it's a nerve thing not muscle but I think how can that be bad? My cat is getting weaker and weaker and can hardly walk at all, it's heatbreaking. I hope this Zobaline kicks in someday but I am going to try your excercise idea.
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Oh no, I'm so sorry. It's so hard.
I'm trying to get Java's BG under control and am getting really good help first in the main health forum and now I've just moved to the PZI forum. It is the main thing to try to accomplish, the other things support the cat's wellness and help the cat's body.
I gave Java bupe last night and I'm panicked about his pupils still be dilated 20 hours after the dose. I just noticed it, to my chagrin. If you have any info, it's a thread in the main health forum. thanks.
 
B12 methylcobalamin is safe to give as if the cat cats more than they need it is flushed out in the urine. So they don't overdose on it.
 
We just found out our 8 year old Cat has peripheral neuropathy but its not caused by diabetes. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Would these meds also help him even though he's not diabetic. Wanting to help him somehow, we are so devastated.
 
Summer Pask said:
We just found out our 8 year old Cat has peripheral neuropathy but its not caused by diabetes. Does anyone know what could be causing this? Would these meds also help him even though he's not diabetic. Wanting to help him somehow, we are so devastated.
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It certainly is worth a try... How are his potassium levels?
 
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