What Would You Do - Diabetic Cat

[ruthandsam]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Animals-and-Nature/Pets/Question1274494.html

Further to my previous post, please would you let me know what you would do?

Our cat is 15.5 years old and has just been diagnosed with diabetes and a water infection. She will require 2 x insulin injections a day and antibiotics.

Because of her age, is it best to treat her or I hate to say it, let her go peacefully. I'm all for the injections, however, I know my husband will ask me the question when he gets home tonight.

Thanks..............x

[boxtops]

Do it, ruth - the cat gets used to it (and they never blink when my vet injects them). It's like giving them tablets, you have to be firm with the cat and make it clear that it's not optional, it WILL be done.

[ruthandsam]

Thanks Boxtops.

[boxtops]

...and I do speak from experience, not with diabetes but with kidney disease, Rover was on daily medication and I'd certainly do it again. The meds have improved his general health and made him a happy cat again. He's 14.

[stewey]

I can't really advise you, as it is up to you and your husband. I can tell you that we have had two cats in the past who lived for a few more happy years receiving insulin shots twice a day.

[DJHawkes]

I am of the other opinion, has the vet said there are any underlying conditions that may. have triggered the diabetes?

[interele]

Giving insulin injections is really easy. We had a cat that was diabetic and he was fine for ages. Just make sure he has food after the jab.

[Sqad]

What more are you expecting from your cat who has given you almost 16years of pleasure....another one year? 18 months? and during that time you will have to give him injections and watch her diet.
Complications of diabetes in cats.....too much insulin...too little....blindness....kidney disease?

let her go in peace.

[bednobs]

you will have to chose of course, but one of the considerations for me would be cost

[boxtops]

If you have pet insurance, then cost is much reduced. PetPlan have paid for all Rover's treatment and medication (less his excess) for the past four years.

[DJHawkes]

you don't know that there isn't a tumor there,I wouldn't put a cat through it or myself

[boxtops]

Dotty, ruth does, the vet has diagnosed diabetes. I'm not aware that there is any question of tumour?

[Prudie]

How is her daily quality of life? If it's good for her age then I might consider the injections. If the infection is just that and can be cleared up with a short course of antibiotics then I'd definitely go for that whatever you do next. I know it's difficult, thoughts with you.

[lankeela]

Your vet would not offer the treatment if he thought it was not in the cats best interests.

[interele]

Your vet will get the dose right for you. Our vet took our cat in for a few days to do that. You need to do blood test every now and then to check the dose is still right. The vet can do this or you can do it, we used to do it ourselves.
From our experience the only down side is you won't be able to board them at a cattery you will have to board them at a vet. We just lost a cat from cancer , if it had been just diabetes I would have seen that as a result. In some cats it is difficult to manage but in our case you wouldn't have ever known there was anything wrong with him. Having been there and got the tshirt I wouldn't think twice

[tiggerblue10]

Tigger had diabetes and I had to inject her twice a day for the first few months and then once for the rest of her life which she hated at first but then got used to. She was 12 when diagnosed and I wanted to give her a chance and was glad I did. I had insurance which covered most of the costs. She had other complications last year and sadly I had to have her put to sleep.

Blue has liver problems and I have to give her a tablet once a day. Although were both used to it now, I would rather inject a cat than shove a tablet down a cats throat.

[boxtops]

Tigs, we were so lucky with Rover, his tablets were palatable and he loved them, he'd just eat them with his dinner. No arm wrestling required!

[pixie373]

Ruth, why don't you start off with the injections and see how she goes? You can always change your mind at a future date, if you decide it's not in her best interests. I imagine it's worth a try.

[tiggerblue10]

I have to give Blue denamarin which the vet says has to be swallowed whole.

[Grandma_Yiddo]

My sister has an elderly diabetic cat and both she and the cat have learned to live with it. Give it a go and good luck to you both.