How prevalent is feline diabetes
During the 5-year study period, resulting in a 5-year period prevalence of 7.4 per 1000 cats. Period prevalence was significantly higher in Burmese cats (22.4 cats per 1000) than domestic short and longhaired cats (7.6 cats per 1000) and the mean age at first diagnosis during the study period was significantly higher amongst Burmese cats (13.6 years) compared to domestic short and longhaired cats (10.9 years). Further investigations into the apparent predisposition of Burmese cats to diabetes mellitus are indicated.
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION Diabetes mellitus is a commonly diagnosed disorder in cats where the pancreas does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin or has inadequate cell response to insulin. Insulin is needed so that your cat can properly transform glucose into energy. When their body does not produce enough, it results in high blood sugar, increased urination, and increased water intake. Diabetes effects all the organs in your cat’s body, but is easily treated. Diabetes is particularly common in obese cats, and diabetic males outnumber females two to one. Neutered, overweight male cats over the age of 10 are particularly at risk for this condition. Burmese cats seem to have a genetic disposition.
There are three types of diabetes found in cats:
Weight management also plays a large role in the treatment of diabetes. Obese dogs have a hard time processing the insulin effectively and make diabetes difficult to control. In the case of an overweight diabetic dog, a special diet high in fiber and carbohydrates will likely be prescribed. Diabetic dogs will need separate feedings throughout the day to prevent getting all of their calories in one sitting. These feedings are usually associated with the insulin injection schedule which needs to be followed strictly.
Keeping your cat on a strict eating, insulin, and exercise routine daily will help them live a happy, healthy life despite their diabetes.
Proper handling of insulin
There are three types of diabetes found in cats:
- Type I - This form is when the cat’s pancreatic cells do not produce enough insulin so they are dependent on insulin and need daily injections.
- Type II - This form is associated with pancreatic cells that make enough insulin, but the cat’s body does not use it properly. Some will still require insulin, but there may be other treatment options available. This is the most common form of feline diabetes.
- Type III - This form is associated with type II cats that do not need lifetime treatment. The initial insulin injections and diet change help the cat’s body to use the insulin more efficiently, so they can go off of insulin after time.
- Increased urination and water intake
- Greatly increased appetite followed by a drastic drop in appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Labored breathing
- Comatose state
- Blood glucose curve - This test is used to monitor your cat’s response to insulin. A baseline blood sample will be taken beforehand and tested for it’s blood glucose level. Your pet will then be fed and given an injection of insulin. Subsequent blood samples will be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to monitor your pet’s response to the insulin over time. The amount and frequency of insulin injections can then be refined based on your pet’s individual need. This will require a day stay in the hospital for your cat.
- Urinalysis - This test involves collection of a urine sample. The urine will then be examined visually, chemically, and microscopically for abnormalities.Your veterinarian will look for red blood cells, crystal formation within the bladder, and abnormal pH or chemical values in the urine. In this case, your veterinarian will pay particular attention to the presence of glucose in the urine, which is an indication of diabetes mellitus.
Weight management also plays a large role in the treatment of diabetes. Obese dogs have a hard time processing the insulin effectively and make diabetes difficult to control. In the case of an overweight diabetic dog, a special diet high in fiber and carbohydrates will likely be prescribed. Diabetic dogs will need separate feedings throughout the day to prevent getting all of their calories in one sitting. These feedings are usually associated with the insulin injection schedule which needs to be followed strictly.
Keeping your cat on a strict eating, insulin, and exercise routine daily will help them live a happy, healthy life despite their diabetes.
Proper handling of insulin
- Be sure you have the appropriate size syringe for the concentration of insulin you are using. Variations include: U-40, U-100, and U-500 syringes which go to their corresponding 40, 100, and 500 units/ml insulin concentrations.
- Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator
- Pay careful attention to the expiration date on the insulin bottle
- To mix insulin, NEVER shake the bottle or agitate it too harshly; gently roll the bottle between your palms.
- Draw up the correct unit amount of insulin and double check the amount before giving the injection to your dog. Ensure that there are no bubbles in your syringe.
- If any amount of insulin leaks from the syringe or injection site, DO NOT repeat the injection. Wait until it is time to give the next scheduled dose. If you have any questions or concerns, call your veterinarian. Giving too much insulin at one time can make your pet sick. Signs of an insulin overdose include: confusion, disorientation, stumbling, shivering, or seizing.
- Make sure you follow your veterinarians protocol for feeding in association with the insulin intake
- Dispose of needles properly