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Feline Diabetes

2008-01-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes mellitus ("sugar" diabetes) is a complex and common endocrine disorder in the cat. It is caused either by insufficient production of the hormone, insulin, by the pancreas (type 1 diabetes) or by inadequate response of the body's cells to insulin (type 2 diabetes).

Because diabetic cats are not able to utilize glucose properly, they ultimately develop hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and subsequent glucosuria (sugar in the urine).

The glucosuria leads to polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). In spite of maintaining a good appetite, diabetic cats lose weight because the body's tissues are unable to utilize glucose properly.

Progression of the disease ultimately leads to further metabolic disturbances and causes vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and dehydration.

Although affecting cats of any breed, sex, or age, diabetes mellitus most often occurs in older, obese individuals; males are more commonly afflicted than females.

The exact cause of the disease in cats is not known, although genetic predisposition, obesity, pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications have all been incriminated.

After a period of time, a small percentage of diabetic cats lose their requirement for specific therapy with either insulin or hypoglycemic medications.

Signs of Diabetes Mellitus

Polyuria, polydipsia, increased appetite, and weight loss are hallmark signs of diabetes mellitus in cats. In the earlier stages of the disease, cats remain active and alert with few other signs of disease. However as the disease progresses, poor skin and haircoat, liver disease, and secondary bacterial infections become more common.

An infrequent disorder called diabetic neuropathy may cause cats to become progressively weaker in the rear legs and assume a unique, plantigrade stance. A dangerous condition called ketoacidosis may develop in some cats. Signs of ketoacidosis include a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and breathing abnormalities.

Without proper and prompt treatment, this condition ultimately proves fatal.

Diagnosis

Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed based on the cat's clinical signs, physical examination findings, laboratory test results, and the persistent presence of abnormally high amounts of sugar in the blood and urine.

Treatment

Proper treatment of diabetes mellitus is based on the severity of the disorder. Cats with ketoacidosis require intensive care.

Treatment includes fluid therapy to correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities, and short acting insulin. Diabetic cats that are not ill usually require insulin injections to be given once or twice daily under the skin, and a carefully controlled diet. As an alternative to insulin, treatment with an oral hypoglycemic drug (see below) may be attempted.

Insulin

Adequate control of most diabetic cats requires long- acting insulin injections to be given once or twice daily.

Each cat responds differently to insulin, so the proper choice of insulin type, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be individually determined.

Selection of the appropriate insulin type, dose, and frequency of administration for an individual diabetic cat is ideally based on 18- to 24-hour blood glucose profiles.

In order to perform a glucose profile, the cat is hospitalized, and following insulin administration, frequent determinations of blood glucose values are made throughout the day. The proper dose of insulin may change with time and may need to be adjusted based on blood glucose profiles, intermittent blood and urine sugar measurements, and response to therapy.

Overdosage of insulin causes hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of this potentially dangerous complication include weakness, listlessness, incoordination, convulsions and coma.

Left untreated, death may result. If hypoglycemia develops, the cat should immediately be offered its normal food if it is able to eat. Alternatively, a tablespoon of Karo syrup should be rubbed on the gums or, if the cat can swallow, given slowly by syringe into the mouth.

Never force fingers, food, or fluids into the mouth of a convulsing or comatose cat. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your cat experiences an episode of hypoglycemia so that further treatment instructions can be given and a modification of insulin administration, if necessary, can be made.

Cats requiring excessively high insulin doses (greater than one to two units of insulin per pound per day) should be evaluated further. Other diseases may be underlying or complicating the diabetes mellitus and as a result, necessitate high insulin dosages.

Problems with insulin injection, poor absorption or too rapid metabolism of insulin, or even insulin overdose are potential causes of an apparently excessive insulin requirement.

Oral Hypoglycemic Medications

Healthy diabetic cats can sometimes be successfully treated with a hypoglycemic medication, glipizide. Glipizide acts by lowering blood glucose, but unlike insulin, it is given orally. Adverse side effects are not common but include vomiting, loss of appetite, and liver damage. If hyperglycemia persists after one or two months of therapy, or if the cat becomes ill or ketoacidotic, glipizide therapy should be discontinued and insulin therapy instituted.

Diet

Obese diabetic cats should lose weight gradually, with no more than 3 percent of their body weight lost per week. Your veterinarian will help in tailoring a safe weight-loss program for your cat. High fiber, high complex carbohydrate diets are useful, not only by assisting in weight loss, but by helping to control blood glucose levels after eating.

Underweight diabetic cats should be fed a high fiber diet only after reaching their ideal body weight after being fed a high calorie diet.

Cats receiving insulin once daily should be fed half the daily food requirement at the time of the injection and the remaining half at the time of peak insulin activity (as determined by a blood glucose profile).

If receiving twice daily insulin injections, cats should be fed half the daily ration at each administration. Cats receiving oral hypoglycemic medication should be fed a high fiber diet, but ideally as multiple small meals consumed throughout the day.

Home Care

Topics to be thoroughly discussed with your veterinarian include:

Insulin storage and handling Insulin administration Signs and treatment of hypoglycemia Diet Monitoring at home Prognosis

Managing a diabetic cat requires good communication between you and your veterinarian. A diabetic cat may live many healthy years with owners who are willing to put forth the effort of monitoring the cat's condition daily.

Cats tend to be difficult to maintain on the same regimen for long periods of time, and increases or decreases may need to be made in drug dosages.

Prepared by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401.

The ultimate purpose of the Feline Health Center is to improve the health of cats by developing methods to prevent or cure feline diseases and by providing continuing education to veterinarians and cat owners. Much of that work is made possible by the financial support of friends. ©1996 by Cornell University. All rights reserved. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

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Feline Behavior- The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2007-07-15T22:25:00.000-07:00

Feline behavior can be very interesting and fun to study. From learning what normal cat behavior is, to trying to figure out the cause of abnormal feline behavior, it is hard to stop learning from your cat.

The two most common feline behavior problems are feline aggression and failure to use the litter box. Feline aggression could range from simply nipping at your toes to having a very aggressive attitude towards the owner or house visitor. There can be many causes of these aggressive attitudes, from how they were raised as a kitten to how you interact with your cat today.

As far as litter box problems go, medical problems can also be a cause of these as well. The two most common medical causes being feline lower urinary tract syndrome and lower urinary tract infections. If you suspect either of these you should seek veterinarian help.

Some non-medical causes of not using the litter box could be stress. This stress could be from a new baby, a new visitor, or a change in the house hold routine. Another cause of not using the litter box could be simply someone closed the door to the room where the litter box was so the cat couldnt use it.

In order to know what abnormal feline behavior is, you should remind yourself what normal feline behavior is. Cats like to take lots of naps during the day and night, so it is not uncommon for a cat to be active at night when you are trying to sleep.

Cats also like to eat small meals through the day, about 10-20 grams per feeding, which is about the same size of a mouse. By taking the time to learn about feline behavior you can have a greater appreciation for your feline friend.

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How to Keep Dogs and Cats Alive & Healthy

2007-07-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

We humans are the caretakers of our pets. It is our responsibility, our duty to not march blindly to the veterinarian for yet another rabies vaccination without questioning whether it is in the best interests of the animal, or the doctors livelihood. Here are some facts you may not be aware of, and how you can play an active role in your pets welfare.

Many of our pets are acquiring autoimmune diseases, behavioral problems like phobias and aggressive behavior, and some are dyingall from vaccinossis, being over-vaccinated by the very veterinarians we count on to keep them alive and disease-free. Often these diseases dont show up for years, and we wonder how and why.

Tumors can become a problem in the areas where most shots are given. Be safe. Feel around those areas frequently or when grooming, to be sure there are no lumps developing. If there are, have them examined.

Veterinarians will argue the laws of their state require repeated annual rabies and other six-month vaccines. Rabies laws differ among the states, but any vet worth his license will tell you annual rabies shots are not necessary, and can be deadly. Every pet owner has a right to request a waiver of these shots. Some states will authorize it, others will not.

Advances In Medicine/Challenging Annual Rabies Shots
Doctors of Veterinary Medicine rely heavily on the income they receive from repeated animal visits for vaccinations; many still give multiple vaccines to every dog and cat that comes in the door. Thanks to organizations like The American Association of Feline Practitioners, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and extensive research by people like Dr. Ronald Schultz of the University of Wisconsin, a different rabies vaccine policy is emerging within the veterinary community to modify treatment by giving the least vaccines possible to maintain a healthy Garfield and Fido.

Heres some encouraging news on changing vaccine protocols from Dr. Ronald Schultz, head of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin:

I would like to make you aware that all 27 veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats. Some of this information will present an ethical & economic challenge to vets, and there will be skeptics. Some organizations have come up with a political compromise suggesting vaccinations every three years to appease those who fear loss of income versus those concerned about potential side effects. Politics, traditions, or the doctor's economic well-being should not be a factor in medical decisions.

In his clinical studies, Dr. W. Jean Dodds, DVM (938 Stanford Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403, (310) 828-4804; FAX (310) 828-8251) writes:

"Puppies and kittens receive antibodies through their mothers milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies & kittens should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks.

My own breeder waited 12 weeks. Does this make you think about whether pet stores and puppy mills consider this important protocol?

CautionThe Better Part of Valor
I do not write this to put fear in the hearts of pet owners. Fear causes us to make wrong decisions in a state of panic. But we should not trust someone simply because he/she has an MD or DVM next to their name. My personal experience is an example of what a rabies vaccine can do to a healthy dog or cat, when the shot is given too frequently. Keep in mind there are those who advocate not giving it at all after the initial puppy/kitty shots.

Too Close For Comfort
Two weeks ago my healthy, energetic, playful, bright-eyed little dog almost died after moving from one state, where the three-year rabies requirement prevails, to another state that requires annual rabies vaccination, regardless of the vaccine used (there are different manufacturers).

Within four hours of receiving her second annual shot plus six-month boosters of other required shots, my dog would not eat or drink water; she could not walk. When we tried standing her up she stood like a glassy-eyed statue; she could not relieve herself; she was paralyzed.

My vet admitted hed seen this reaction before in various dog breeds (dachshunds, golden retrievers) and cats; that it depends not on size, breed, or species, but on how the manufacturers vaccine is tolerated by the animal. He then cavalierly gave her a cortisone shot and said she should be fine in a couple of days. Shots, Shots, Shots! Next time well add some Benedryl beforehand, he added.

It took four days for her to recover from a zombie to a normal dog. Others have not been that lucky, and have died days after receiving annual rabies vaccines. If your state will allow it, your vet can write a waiver of the annual shot.

In our society children and animals have no rights. And like toddlers, house pets depend on us for everything from health care to daily needs. Dogs and cats possess acute senses we do not. As a result, they have saved our lives and loved us unconditionally. In fact, in the case of the dog, migratory humans would never have made it through ice age and millennia without the adaptable dog. We owe canine and feline to not put them at risk, to never consciously fail themto always question.

+Read: Catherine O'Driscoll's Shock to the System and What Vets Don't Tell You about Vaccines."

As a freelance writer/editor I have the freedom to establish a friendly one-on-one relationship with each client. I focus on one manuscript or one new release or the text of one book jacket at a time, and I see them through to completion. Not only is this method cost effective, the client receives my full attention until completion of the project. Check out my website for further informatiion about how I can help you with your work. Beginner or seasoned writer, the process is the same. Signed copies of my novel The Sword & The Chrysanthemum, Journey of the Heart are available in paperback directly from me at reduced rates. Or, you can get unsigned copies at standard rates from Amazon.com and bn.com. The ebook is also available. http://www.susanscharfman.com

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