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My 10 year old male cat was recently (about a month ago) diagnosed with diabetes. He was hospitalized for 3 days where they performed an ultrasound and was seen by a kitty cardiologist. Everything appeared in good condition (with the exception of the diabetes). So far, we have been able to regulate his glucose; however, our biggest problem is that he is not eating... ANYTHING. Currently, we are syringe feeding him but that is just a temporary fix (we've been doing it since he has been diagnosed). We have been prescribed appetite stimulants and antacids... and nothing is working. We had his kidneys tested and the levels were high for awhile, but we got them back down to the normal range. We have also tried about every food on the market including baby food.... any ideas would be extremely welcomed.
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Male Pet's Age: 10 Name of Cat: Frankie Already Tried: Antacids... appetite stimulants... all kinds of food... was hospitalized on an IV for awhile.
Hello,I would love to help I just have a few additional questions.Has Frankie been tested specifically for Pancreatitis?Has placement of a feeding tube been discussed?Just to clarify you have been force feeding for the last month correct?
Yes, we have been force feeding him for about a month now. I have been pureing w/d food; however, he tends to spit a lot back out, so I know he is definitely not getting proper nutrician. I have been requesting a feeding tube but my vet seems a bit reluctant. They want to exhaust all remedies first... but I feel like we are there...No, he has not been tested exclusively for Pancreatitis. He has had multiple blood tests done from a multitude of vets but I can't say for sure that he has been tested for that...
Thank you for the additional information .Pancreatitis is one of the most common reasons we see for a loss of appetite. Chronic pancreatitis is also very common in cats. I ask about this because often untreated pancreatitis can actually cause the endocrine portion of the pancreas( the portion that produces insulins) to become inactive resulting in diabetes. A specific test must be done for pancreatitis preferably a fPLIPlease read more about this herePlease read more about pancreatits in cats here Force feeding in cats should be done as a last resort and rarely would we allow it to go on for this long. The reason for this is that when force fed for any length of time cats will develop a food aversion and trying to get them to eat again is very very difficult. Click here for more on feeding tube placementAt this point I would really suggest a feeding tube and I would ask your vet if a test has been done for pancreatitis. If your vet does not feel placing a feeding tube is necessary after this length of time then I would highly recommend getting a second opinion in this case. If possible the absolute best thing to due would be to see an internal medicine specialist if you have not done so already. If he is spiting most of the food out then he is not likely getting the required nutrition and this in itself can lead to serious complication such as hepatic Lipidosis( fatty liver).I hope this helps, and please keep me posted on how things are going. Please reply back if you have additional questionsCandyCandyR41064.9327597222
Experience: Practicing Veterinary Technician for 23 years.Former Veterinary Practice Owner, Technician Trainer
Hi Renee,I'm just following up on our conversation about Frankie. How is everything going?CandyR
Per your advise, I had did have Frankie tested. I just got the results back today and it appears as though he does Pancreatitis...(something about his levels should be around a 5 and his were around 50... I'm not sure what all of that means exactly). My vet gave him a B12 shot, an anti-nausea injection, and metroclopromide when I took him in for the blood draw. I know there isn't a cure for Pancreatitis, but due you have any other recommendations?... anything that he should be taking or not taking?I have made a follow up appointment with an internal medicine specialist but it isn't for a couple of weeks. Frankie is still not eating properly; he is eating more treats than anything (which I just found out isn't good with Pancreatitis); however, we have discontinued the force feeding for now. Any follow up would be a great help and without a doubt I will accept your answer. Thank you.