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Question

Our 9 year old tonkinese was just recently diagnosed with diabetes. He had a three pound weight loss in one month and had a glucose level in the 400s. Our vet wanted to try Glargine, thinking it may possibly reverse the condition along with DM food. He had his first shot last Thusday, 2cc. His glucose dropped somewhat. On Sat. mornig he had another shot, 2cc. that night his levels came down to 59. We rushed him to an emergency clinic at 2am, he stayed overnight and was fine the next morning glucose in the 90s. Today he went and was in the mid 200s. They gave him 1cc by this afternoon it was 49. He does not have constant thirst or urination. we cannot figure this out. He does eat alot and is losing weight. we do not know what else to do. The insulin is working too well. Dangerously well.

Submitted: 209 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Cat
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 9; Male; Breed: tonkinese

Already Tried:
Dm food and Glargine insulin

Accepted Answer

Hi,

 

I know diabetes can be a very frustrating disease in cats. It sometimes takes a little while to get them on the correct dose of insulin to get their blood sugars to even out. We all start with a certain standard dose based on blood sugar and weight. Very rarely do you hit the right dose on the first try. As we are all different and respond to different meds differently, so do cats. The dose then gets lowered or raised based on what the blood sugar results turn out to be. It seems like a long and trying process, but it will work. Try to be patient, you will get there.

 

I realize hypoglycemia is an extremely scary thing to have happen. Did he have seizures from too low blood sugar, or was he just dazed? Did you try karo syrup on his gums to increase his blood sugar? You certainly did the right thing in getting him help immediately, but sometimes a little karo on the gums will give you a little time to have him seen.

 

Although some cats will need to be on insulin for the rest of their lives, it is sometimes possible to get them weaned off the insulin and on the diet alone after some time. Your vet can help guide you to this if that is the right course of action. You have a ways to go, and I wouldn't expect him to be able to be off the insulin anytime soon, but it may be something to look forward to in the future.

 

I hope I helped, and if you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reply and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Good luck and thanks,

 

Dr. CW

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Expert: Dr. CW
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 4/28/2009

Cat Veterinarian

9 & 1/2 years of clinical small animal medical and surgical experience.

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