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Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Still Lead A Happy Life
By Marc de Jong, Fri Dec 9th
“Your cat has feline diabetes.” If this is your vet’s messageafter examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock.Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it! I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-oldneutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more thanusual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected witha previous medication. But after urine and blood tests theveterinarian was certain. “Your cat has feline diabetes.” Now what is diabetes?
Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level iscontrolled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by thepancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak ofdiabetes. Symptoms of feline differ. Duvelke started to pass moreurine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result ofthis. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreasedappetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition. Cats with untreated will become inactive, vomitregularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treatfeline correctly, your cat might still be able to leada long and happy life.
It does take effort and dedication,though. Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferablyshould stay indoors. And – this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulinshots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet willdetermine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is notscary! But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had foodbefore getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a‘hypo’) may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets toomuch insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not thereto help, your cat might die from a hypo. Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? Byputting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honeyon his tongue also worked well. Duvelke’s quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably thepast year. And he’s doing really fine. If you didn’t know abouthis disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat. So, with a proper treatment, diabetic cats can still lead ahappy life! About the author:Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong lives inBelgium. He is the owner and editor ofhttp://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com where you will find alonger, more detailed version of this article.
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