Twitches

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darcylynn

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I was wondering if anyone has a cat that ever had twitches? My seymore is newly diabetic, and has leg twitches and a little head twitches. I have heard he could be low on potassium?? Would love to hear from anyone that knows anything about this.
 
Any disturbances of electrolytes could alter muscle contraction: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, etc.

Have you asked the vet? Did the vet do any blood work?
 
When was last time you had full bloodwork done on the cat? If it hasn't been done since the diagnosis, and its been a few months, insist on it, or find another vet more up to date in feline diabetes.

Uncontrolled diabetes results in excessive urination in an attempt to rid the body of glucose. This may alter electrolyte balances. Severe drops in glucose levels due to too much insulin or not enough food (ex vomiting or inappetance) - may cause hypoglycemia.
Chronically high glucose levels may provoke pancreatitis or diabetic ketoacidosis; these can be pricey to treat and potentially fatal.

Basically, if you think there is a problem, be persistent. Find another vet if you have to.
 
Thank you! I think I will....he had a full feline test about 3 months ago...just before we started insulin. I believe I finally have him regulated pretty good! As of this past week!! Fancy Feast only!! last 2 days he is down to 1/2 unit prozinc BID. As of 2 weeks ago, he was getting 2 units/ 3 units etc....until I got a better understanding. He was rebounding on me. I didnt know any better! I have learned a lot from everyone on here!! Hope I can keep him in good numbers!! He has been happy this past week! Better than the week before! We lost his brother of 14 years! Now I just have my seymore left.
Its really crazy....his brother was BABY...diabetic for about 5 years, 3 units BID on prozinc and ate hard food the whole time!! Then Seymore becomes diabetic, 2 seizures from high blood sugars before being diagnosed. He has been harder to regulate...I didnt know most important information until I found you guys! I never home tested Baby ever!!! only vet care. Had no clue on importance of food!!
Just curious about the twitches, he has been pretty happy, talking a lot, purring, etc. My vet thinks its from not being quite regulated until more recent.
 
My cat, Bob, had low potassium for a long time. In him, it didn't cause twitches, however. Just overall muscle weakness, mostly in his hind legs.
To emphasize what BJ said about getting bloodwork done...
When Bob was diagnosed, his blood panel showed normal potassium levels. Less than a month later, he was below normal, and he stayed that way for about 3 months before he tested again in the normal range. I had to administer sub-q fluids during that time that had potassium added to them in order to bring his levels up.
So even if Seymore tested normal at diagnosis, a new blood panel would be a great idea. It might show other numbers that are above or below normal which could be the cause of the twitches (besides potassium).
Carl
 
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