"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!
I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. "Your cat has feline diabetes."
Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.
Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.
Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.
Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.
And ? this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!
But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a 'hypo') may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.
Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.
Duvelke's quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he's doing really fine. If you didn't know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.
So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead a happy life!
? 2004, Marc de Jong. Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives in Belgium. He is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Western Springs limo rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More
Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
A new puppy is a joyous addition to any home.... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Do you own a horse? If so, then you have... Read More
Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More
Benton Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Tips to getting the right GoldfishGoldfish are a temperate breed... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
I'm a dog lover who believes that every dog owners... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More
Peeing on the carpet, knocking you down, or stealing dinner... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More
Because it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More
Your dog's health is a very important part of overall... Read More
Pet |