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Diagnosing & Treating Feline Diabetes
Believed to effect 1 in 400 cats, feline
diabetes often presents itself with symptoms that are very similar to
those found in humans. The good news is that feline diabetes is
treatable and does not necessarily mean a shorter life span or lesser
quality of life for cats. In many cases, early and effective treatment
of feline diabetes may even lead to a complete remission, which means
that a cat will not continue to need insulin injections.
Early detection of feline diabetes is critical to a cat’s health. If
left untreated, this illness can lead to weakness in the legs,
malnutrition, dehydration and possibly even death. The symptoms of
feline diabetes are gradual and may manifest themselves over a period
of several weeks. Typically, feline diabetes if not found in cats that
are under 7 years of age. The first signs are likely to be a sudden
weight loss or gain. In addition, excessive drinking and urination may
be accompanied by an sudden increase in, or loss of, appetite. The next
symptom of feline diabetes may be the back legs growing increasingly
weak.
Once any of the aforementioned signs begin to surface, it’s time to
take your pet to the veterinarian for the appropriate tests. If feline
diabetes is confirmed, one of the most important treatment methods will
be that of a well-balanced diet. Based upon your cat’s needs, the
veterinarian will recommend a diet and nutrition plan, which can be
utilized in addition to regular insulin injections. Oral medications
are also often prescribed in place of injections, but pills are often
thought to cause liver damage or possibly even a remission reversal in
cats. Therefore, most pet owners opt for insulin injections for the
most effective treatment of feline diabetes.
While in treatment, it is important that cats be taken to the
veterinarian for regular checkups and to monitor their health and
dietary habits. If this illness is not treated properly or if their
diet is not closely monitored, your pet may end up hospitalized. When
dealing with feline diabetes, there is no room for error and pets must
be closely supervised to make sure that they are eating right and
gradually beginning to regain their strength.
The information in this article is intended for informational
purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of,
medical advice or professional recommendations for the diagnosis or
treatment of feline diabetes. If necessary, individuals should take
their pet to a licensed veterinarian for further information regarding
feline diabetes, including a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tags: Cat Health and Care Feline Health Diagnosing & Treating Feline Diabetes medications feline diabetes symptoms |
