How can a veterinarian tell if a cat has diabetes?

Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will diagnose diabetes mellitus by demonstrating persistently elevated glucose levels in a cat’s blood and urine. This testing, along with consistent clinical signs, will lead to the diagnosis of diabetes. A single blood glucose reading in a veterinary clinic may not be sufficient to diagnose diabetes in all cases.

Can a 20 year old cat have diabetes?

Because it’s more convenient for people. Some people just don’t like dealing with canned food. And there are a gazillion cats that eat dry food and don’t get diabetes. We see 20-year-old cats that eat dry food. Q: Will diabetes shorten my cat’s lifespan?

Can a cat with diabetes go into remission?

Some cats, when you start treating their diabetes and you get their blood sugar under control and get them on a reasonable diet and get them in a better body condition, their diabetes actually goes into remission or partial remission.

Can a cat with diabetes have a ravenous appetite?

And while we do see it in cats with appropriate body weight, it’s more common in obese cats. Some cats with diabetes have a ravenous appetite because their bodies cannot use the fuel supplied in their diet. Q: What’s the treatment for a cat with feline diabetes?

What’s the life expectancy of a cat with diabetes?

Loading… Congratulations to you and your remarkable cat, I also had a cat with diabetes, Gremmie he was 12 when diagnosed, and on a daily morning injection lived to be 14 years, and 8months, a more amiable cat you could’nt wish to meet, or treat.Hope your cat carries on for many more years. Loading…

What should I do if my cat has diabetes?

Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections to manage the illness, which your vet can train you to provide at home. Schedule regular checkups to monitor your cat’s blood sugar and her response to the treatment. If obesity is a factor, you’ll also need to make changes to your cat’s meals.

Can a 7 year old cat be diabetic?

Cats under 7 years of age rarely get diabetes. Overweight cats are more prone to become diabetic than cats of healthy weight; males are slightly more likely to become diabetic than females. Each cat’s diabetes is an specific condition; your veterinarian will provide individualized treatment for your pet based on his symptoms.

Can a diabetic cat live a normal life?

A diabetes diagnosis is not a death sentence for your cat. Most diabetic cats who receive proper veterinary care and good quality home treatment enjoy essentially normal lives, their longevity the same as non-diabetic cats. He’ll have a shortened life as a direct result of diabetes only if you fail to manage the diabetes properly.

Is it dangerous to have a diabetic cat?

Diabetes in cats really isn’t scary. You need to be educated about feline diebetes, you need to have a vet you trust and with whom you can communicate well, and you need to be ready for the fact that your lifestyle will change when you bring one of these special cats into your home. Tell us: Do you have a diabetic cat?

Why is my cat diabetic and what causes it?

There are a few different ways that cats can contract diabetes. Feeding your cat too much “people” food can cause inflammation of the pancreas —where you find insulin-producing cells—which can inhibit insulin production. Prolonged use of steroids can also predispose a cat to diabetes. Being overweight puts cats at high risk for developing diabetes.

What can cause diabetes mellitus in a cat?

Diabetes mellitus can occur due to a deficiency of insulin or because of an inability of the body to respond to insulin 2. Without insulin, the body can’t utilize glucose. In diabetic cats, excess glucose is eliminated by the kidneys, producing frequent urination.

How old does a cat have to be to have diabetes?

Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).

Why does my Burmese cat have diabetes mellitus?

An increased incidence of diabetes mellitus has been noted in Burmese cats in Australia and the UK. Diabetes mellitus can occur due to a deficiency of insulin or because of an inability of the body to respond to insulin 2. Without insulin, the body can’t utilize glucose.

What is the best treatment for feline diabetes?

These goals are best achieved through a combination of insulin and dietary therapy. Injectable insulin is a mainstay of treatment for feline diabetes. Unlike humans with Type II diabetes, oral medications to reduce blood sugar such as glipizide have not shown to be consistently effective in cats.

Can a cat be diabetic without insulin injections?

With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.

How often should I check my cat’s blood sugar?

Blood glucose curves are the ideal way to monitor blood sugar regulation during treatment. During a blood glucose curve, the cat’s blood sugar will be checked right before receiving an insulin injection, and then every 1-4 hours throughout the day.

With early, aggressive treatment of diabetes, many cats will enter a state of diabetic remission, meaning they are able to maintain normal blood sugar levels without insulin injections.

How often do you give insulin to a cat?

The mainstay of diabetes treatment in cats is insulin therapy. Insulin injections are typically given twice daily, though some cats do well on once-daily injections. The injections are given under the skin.

What happens when a diabetic cat is given Lantus?

Newly diagnosed diabetic cats given Lantus as the first insulin have the best chance of remission. This means they may return to being a normal, non-diabetic cat. Lantus means easier control of diabetes, which translates to fewer trips to the vet, which translates to less money spent.

What are the pros and cons of diabetic cats?

Diabetes is more common in male cats, and the statistics show that males have a slightly better chance of reversing their diabetes. Anywhere from 30–90% of cats will return to normal with early diagnosis and treatment. 3. Better diets are helping diabetic cats live healthier lives.

What are the goals of diabetic cats treatment?

The goals of treating cats with diabetes include: Restoring normal blood glucose concentration (glycemic control) Minimizing or eliminating signs of weight loss. Minimizing or eliminating signs of increased thirst and urination. Normalizing the appetite. Avoiding inducing inappropriately low blood glucose levels with therapy.

Can a cat with diabetes have kidney failure?

When an older cat is presented to the veterinarian with the common symptoms of drinking lots of water, urinating tons and losing weight, a diagnosis of feline diabetes can actually be good news. It’s often better news than kidney failure or liver failure in many cases.

Why is the incidence of diabetes in cats increasing?

The incidence of diabetes in cats clearly has increased in the last two decades, likely because of the increase in risk factors in general and obesity in particular. However, as stated above, not all obese cats progress to becoming diabetic. Conversely, not all diabetic cats are obese at the time of diagnosis or ever have been.

What happens if a diabetic cat is left untreated?

If diabetes is left untreated, the cat will go into a condition call diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In essence, because the cat has not been able to use glucose for energy, he starts making ketones to be used for energy. As these ketones build up, the body can no longer function, and the cat will die without treatment.

What is the blood sugar level of a diabetic cat?

However, diabetes is the only common disease that will cause the blood glucose level to rise above 400 mg/dl (22 mmol/L). Some diabetic cats will have a glucose level as high as 700-800 mg/dl (44 mmol/L), although most will be in the range of 400-600 mg/dl (22-33 mmol/L).

What’s the cut point for diabetes in cats?

Diagnosis is made based on blood glucose concentration; however, currently, there is no commonly accepted lower cut point for diabetes in cats, with values of ≥180–288 mg/dL (10–16 mmol/L) reported as diagnostic. 35, 36

What causes weight loss in a cat with diabetes?

This breakdown results in weight loss, despite increased appetite. Excessive thirst and urination can also signal diabetes in a cat. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause the body to excrete excessive amounts of glucose in the urine (since urine is made by the kidneys filtering the blood).

Who is most at risk for type 2 diabetes in cats?

Which cats are most at risk? Diabetes, and Type II diabetes specifically, is a very common disorder in cats. The condition is most common in overweight, neutered male cats over 8 years of age, and those that exclusively eat a high carbohydrate diet (which includes pretty much any diet of dry cat food).

Why does my cat pee so much all the time?

Some hormonal diseases such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism result in poor urine concentrating ability, causing too much water to be excreted as urine. Whatever the cause, the result is increased water intake in an effort to balance this excess urine output.

What happens when a cat has uncontrolled diabetes?

In rare cases of uncontrolled diabetes, cats may experience damage to the nerves in the hind limbs, resulting in a “plantegrade” stance of the hind limbs (walking or standing “down in the hocks”).

How often should I check my cat’s urine?

Many cats use the litterbox only once or twice a day,and going four times would signal a problem. If your cat suddenly begins urinating more or less than usual, don’t delay. Any changes in frequency of urination should be checked by your veterinarian immediately. Normal cat urine should be a clear, pale yellow 3.

Can a cat with diabetes get a UTI?

Written by: Dr Laura McLain Madsen DVM. Cats with diabetes are prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs), but non-diabetic cats are also at risk. Symptoms of a UTI include the cat urinating in the house (not using the litterbox), straining to urinate, frequent urination, licking the genital area, and blood in the urine.

When to take your cat to the vet for excessive urination?

Excessive urination (polyuria): Often the first indication that a cat is urinating excessively is that there are more and larger clumps of urine in the litter box, or urine spots outside the litter box. It is important that cats with excessive urination be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.

What do you need to know about feline ultrasound?

Feline abdominal ultrasound is a useful, safe tool to help see what’s going on inside your cat when trying to determine health issues in your cat. Feline abdominal ultrasound is a useful, safe tool to help see what’s going on inside your cat when trying to determine health issues in your cat.

What should I do if my cat has an abdominal ultrasound?

When your kitty has an abdominal ultrasound, he/she will most likely need to spend part of the morning with us. Your cat will need to be fasted, meaning no food for 8-12 hours prior to the exam. This is the hardest part for your kitty – no breakfast!

How often should I Check my Cat’s glucose level?

I check his glucose level twice a day. It can vary from as low as 57 to as high as 395 in a single day. He usually gets 2 things of insulin, but when it is really low I just skip it. The insulin he is on is Lantus.

What do you need to know about ultrasound in cats?

Ultrasound in Cats. Ultrasound is a test that can be done to help veterinarians diagnose certain conditions in cats. It uses a machine to send high-frequency sound waves through the cat’s body.

Can a diabetic cat not be tested for prognathism?

In a poorly regulated diabetic cat, lack of a typical acromegalic appearance (prognathism, enlarged feet) does not negate the importance of testing for this condition by measuring serum levels of IGF-1 and performing advanced imaging of the brain. 2

How to treat an uncontrolled diabetic cat?

An Uncontrolled Diabetic Cat 1 HISTORY. Sugar was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 2 years prior to presentation. 2 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. 3 LABORATORY ANALYSIS. 4 DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH1,2. 5 THIS CASE: DIAGNOSIS. 6 TREATMENT APPROACH. 7 THIS CASE: TREATMENT & FOLLOW-UP. 8 PROGNOSIS. 9 THIS CASE: OUTCOME.

Is it possible to treat diabetes in cats?

Several studies have shown that cats with diabetes are easier to manage, have lower insulin requirements and in some cases the diabetes actually resolves, simply by changing them to a diet that is very low in carbohydrates.

How does diabetes mellitus affect dogs and cats?

Obesity also predisposes to insulin resistance in both dogs and cats. Cats with diabetes mellitus usually have specific degenerative lesions localized selectively in the islets of Langerhans, whereas the remainder of the pancreas appears to be normal.

What kind of cat is most likely to have diabetes?

Diabetes is mainly a disease of middle-aged cats and older, and is more common in male cats than females.

What causes diabetic mellitus in a cat?

In summary, diabetes mellitus in cats is a heterogeneous disease caused by a large number of different factors; the exact etiopathogenic mechanisms are unknown at the moment.

Can a diabetic cat lead a normal life?

Proper diabetes care for a cat allows many patients to lead normal lives. There are certainly exceptions, and some diabetic cats have many problems — no 2 diabetics are the same. If we catch the illness early, a diabetic cat will stop drinking tons of water, have a normal amount of energy and lead a happy life. 8.

Can You regulate your diabetic cat-cat?

Your cat has been diagnosed with cat diabetes and is on insulin but the cat seems to be getting worse and the blood sugar levels cannot be controlled. Here is a plea for help from a very frustrated cat owner, whose cat Tom is having major problems getting regulated:-

Which is the best site for diabetic cats?

FelineDiabetes.com ® is a complete pet health guide to treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats. Diabetes Monitor has given us the highest rating possible for pet health sites. Feline Outreach has recognized us as superior in the field of Feline Diabetes education. Take a deep breath and relax; we’re here to help you.

Can a cat have diabetes if not treated?

If not treated accordingly, it can become a life-threatening condition. Obese, middle-aged indoor male cats are most likely to develop diabetes, but it can happen to any cat at almost any age. There is the possibility that your cat will not need life-long insulin therapy, especially if diagnosed early and the blood sugar is stabilized quickly.

Can a Burmese cat get diabetes in the UK?

Diabetes develops in about 1 in 100-200 cats 1. An increased incidence of diabetes mellitus has been noted in Burmese cats in Australia and the UK. Diabetes mellitus can occur due to a deficiency of insulin or because of an inability of the body to respond to insulin 2.

What causes Type 2 diabetes in older cats?

Diabetes in Older Cats. Incidence and causes of diabetes in cats Diabetes develops in about 1 in 100-200 cats 1. An increased incidence of diabetes mellitus has been noted in Burmese cats in Australia and the UK. Diabetes mellitus can occur due to a deficiency of insulin or because of an inability of the body to respond to insulin 2.

Is there a place for diabetic cats in need?

Diabetic Cats in Need is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance for caretakers of diabetic cats. Diabetes in cats really isn’t scary.

What should I expect when my cat goes into diabetes?

And I can offer some pointers to help keep the kitty in remission. Cats are usually type 2 diabetics, meaning they may yet produce insulin but don’t react to it as well as they should. This is called insulin resistance.

Can a diabetic cat go into remission?

Some cats may later become type 1 (insulin dependent diabetics), but initially we have a chance of turning their diabetes around. Dogs, unfortunately, are most often type 1 diabetics. It would be quite rare for a diabetic dog to go into remission.

Why is my diabetic cat not eating anymore?

The fact that your kitty’s blood glucose got too low means either he got too much insulin and became hypoglycemic or he has lost his insulin requirements and is no longer diabetic (yes, this happens.)

How old do cats have to be to have diabetes?

Diabetes in Older Cats. Obesity is a predisposing factor for all cats, and Burmese cats may have a genetic predisposition. Male cats have twice the risk of females. At greatest risk are neutered male cats over 10 years of age and over 15 pounds in weight.

What happens if a cat has uncontrolled diabetes?

So it’s important for you to know the symptoms of diabetes in cats, and to contact your veterinarian right away if you believe that your cat may be experiencing any of them. In cases of uncontrolled diabetes, cats may develop damage to the nerves in their hind limbs, which causes a plantigrade stance.

Can a diabetic cat still be a Happy Cat?

If the cat is still happy, eating, and his glucose hasn’t gotten too high or the diabetes hasn’t been going on for a long time, this cat is what we call a “happy diabetic.”

Can a diabetic cat take injectable insulin?

But then, that’s probably only because diabetes in cats almost inevitably means insulin. Injectable insulin. Twice a day insulin. There’s no doubt about it: Managing a diabetic cat is not easy.

Can a veterinarian euthanize a diabetic cat?

But that doesn’t mean that veterinarians shouldn’t try to evangelize on the merits of diabetic cat management.

What kind of insulin can you give a cat for diabetes?

Unlike humans with Type II diabetes, oral medications to reduce blood sugar such as glipizide have not shown to be consistently effective in cats. There are multiple types of insulin preparations that can be used for cats in the treatment of diabetes, such as lente insulin (Vetsulin), ProZinc or glargine insulin.

What kind of diabetes does a cat have?

When a cat is diabetic, it means he has too much circulating glucose (sugar) in his bloodstream because his body is unable to make insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or his cells do not respond to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form in cats.

What happens if a diabetic cat does not eat?

If a diabetic cat is not eating well, this complicates his treatment, because if he receives too much insulin relative to the calories he is taking in, his blood sugar can fall dangerously low (hypoglycemia).

How can I check my cat’s blood glucose level?

You may work with your vet to do this at home with a handheld glucose meter, or you may rely on the vet to do the testing with a glucose curve. A glucose curve helps the vet to ensure your cat is receiving the correct insulin dose by tracking how her blood glucose level responds through the day.

What happens if your cat’s blood sugar is high?

GLUCOSE is a blood sugar. Elevated levels can indicate diabetes mellitus, but in cats, mildly elevated levels can also just indicate stress. Low levels can happen with insulin shock or malabsorption syndromes and can cause weakness, seizures, or death.

What kind of insulin does a diabetic cat take?

Initially, her diabetes was moderately controlled on 5 to 6 units of recombinant human protamine zinc insulin (PZI) (40 U/mL; ProZinc, bi-vetmedica.com), but over the year prior to presentation the insulin dose had been progressively increased with no improvement in glycemic control.

What is the prognosis for diabetes mellitus in cats?

Prognosis: generally good if uncomplicated by concurrent condition. Print off the owner factsheets on Diabetes mellitus Diabetes mellitus and Monitoring diabetes in cats Monitoring diabetes in cats to give to your client. Type 1: inadequate secretion of insulin (immune-mediated, destruction of islet cells).

How are blood glucose levels measured in cats?

When insulin therapy is first started, monitoring your cat’s response to therapy by periodic blood glucose determinations is important. Ideally, this involves serial blood or serum glucose measurements in the form of a glucose curve.

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