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Your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes
mellitus.
Usually this means that not
enough insulin is being produced to let glucose (‘blood
sugar’) into cells around the body for energy.
Without
providing insulin, the glucose is left in the
bloodstream, where it builds up to very high levels. If this
remains untreated, a diabetic cat will lose weight and
eventually starve to death even if eating more than
usual.
Some of this excess glucose is extracted from the blood by
the kidneys and excreted in the urine. This excess glucose
in the urine draws lots of water with it, which will cause
increased urination. To compensate for this loss, the
uncontrolled diabetic must drink more water.
You will need to give insulin injections to your cat
twice a day. Many people initially feel uneasy about
needles but ALL of our clients with diabetic cats agree
that giving injections is easier than giving tablets!
To
regulate
the insulin and blood sugar levels, insulin and food
must be provided at strict intervals and in strict
amounts.
After an initial day or several
days in hospital, your cat will be initially stabilised. A
routine will be established for the medication and feeding.
You will choose times that
you will be able to consistently medicate and feed your cat.
For example, 7AM and 7PM or 6:30AM and 6:30PM.
It’s
important to re-assess cats after 3 days, a further week after
that, then a month later then three monthly. The rechecks are
important since insulin requirements can vary. Sometimes extra
rechecks are indicated.
REMEMBER:
* Keep the insulin in the fridge
* Shake the bottle gently before
use
* Inject
just under a pinch of skin (ie subcutaneously)
IMPORTANT:
If you are unsure whether you gave the insulin injection
correctly
DO NOT
RE-ADMINISTER IT.
Don’t worry, just feed your cat as normal.
If you forget to give the insulin
injection, don’t worry. Just miss that injection and re-administer
as usual 12 hours later.
Call us
immediately if your cat shows any of the following signs:
weakness, depression, seizures, stops eating, or increases
drinking and urination. This may mean that your cat’s blood sugar
may be too low or too high.
Of course, call us about any other concerns you may have.
Please note, used needles
should be returned to Paddington Cat Hospital for appropriate
disposal.
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