Urinary problems with diabetes

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mmoseley

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I have an 11 yr old Manx, named Spice, that was recently diagnosed with Diabetes. For the last 2 yrs the vet had told me he had urinary problems and prescribed Bethanechol. Two weeks ago I took him back to the vet with urinary problems again, explaining that he was drinking so much water that when I gave him his medicine that the urine would literally run out of him. A wonderful vet tech suggested that we test him for diabetes and now with that diagnosis comes all the questions regarding his disease. The vet told me that now that he is on insulin that his urinary problem will get better, but so far it hasn't. He leaks urine when he is laying down and the carpet in my apartment is almost ruined. Has anyone else run across this problem with their kitties? If so, has it gotten better when you started to get the diabetes under control? I am almost at my wit's end with all the information, responsibilities and the bodily fluids. I love him so much and would like to get any suggestions that you may have to offer regarding his urinary issues. I have stud pants on him almost all the time but the urine and sometimes the feces is irritating his behind something awful!! Any help that you may have to offer would be very welcome! Thank you so much. This board is truly a lifesaver, not only for Spice but for me!
 
--I just joined, and posted a hairball medication warning.
Clyde use to drink tons of water too, now he is drinking almost normally.
If you give your cat hairball med/treats, try removing it and see if it helps.
Good luck with your kitty.
 
I put alittle olive oil in his canned food twice a week to cover hair balls, don't use anything commercial, but I really appreciate the suggestion. Thank you for your feedback!
 
That particular med is to strengthen urinary contractions...do you have any idea why your vet prescribed it? Was it based on blood work and other tests? Was he ever tested for feline diabetes in the past? Without this info it is hard to know what is going on...on the surface I could be really suspicious and wonder if he's had diabetes all along but I've no basis for that. Did he lose weight during the past 2 years? Was he really hungry and thirsty?

How was he diagnosed this time with diabetes? Do you know if it was a simple blood glucose test, a urine test or a blood fructosamine test?

Cats have increased urination when untreated/poorly treated but they don't typically leak, so I'm a bit concerned here for your cat. Is there any chance you can get a second opinion?

Next question is, are you testing blood glucose levels at home? If not, you have no way of actually knowing whether he's regulated or not, and you really need to get a handle on this, just like human diabetics do. We can help you with this.

I hope this helps. come back with more info and questions ok?

jen
 
Thank you so much for your reply. He has had an ongoing problem with leaking urine for the past 3 yrs. He was put on the Bethanechol to strengthen his bladder so he could expel the urine. It worked for alittle while but I've had him back to the vet every couple of months for this problem. When I took him back to the vet 3 weeks ago a vet tech suggested that he be tested for diabetes because he had lost 2 1/2 lbs in 2 months and I told them he was drinking excessive amounts of water. Bless her heart, 3 different vets and no one suggested having him tested.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible right now for me to take him to another vet because of my finances. This vet works on your income and I wouldn't have been able to do the things that I have done for him if not for the way they charge their services.

Also I don't know exactly what kind of test they used to determine his diabetes. I will certainly ask them the next time that I talk to them.

I just received my blood glucose monitor and I am in the process of learning how to use it. They have him on Humelin N right now but they also told me that only a few cats actually have good luck with it. I want to put him on a better insulin but again finances are a major concern. He is one of 4 cats in my house and my baby, I want to do everything that I can to help him, but with my problem with money, I am fearful that what I can afford won't be enough.

I will call the vet's office tomorrow and find out the information that you asked for and will post it right away. I can't thank you enough for your help. This message board is a godsend for both Spice and me!
 
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