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Posted by Martisimo on February 06, 2003 at 09:06:54:

In Reply to: Re: Smokey has diabeties posted by stormgirl_lp on February 05, 2003 at 15:05:42:

Okay, so it's possibly weight-induced diabetes. Get that weight off of him and there's a solid chance he will regulate himself again. I don't think it's a mistake, I'm saying he could be borderline and getting the weight off and getting him regulated quickly might push him back towards normal.

If he's still eating one cup of food a day that's about twice the amount he should be getting. Ask your vet about a high fiber food. It will help with his weight-loss and it's also the type they usually prescribe for diabetes to help regulate the glucose.

Is the ultrasound for the liver? I've never seen a cat take six months to get regulated. Ever. Maybe three months. And the dental/gum surgery has a lot to do with the diabetes, but any cat that's 10 and hasn't had its teeth cleaned is most likely going to need that.

I'm just saying to talk frankly with your vet, if he/she is a cat oriented vet. And I'm trying to give you a realistic idea of what you're facing so you can make your decision. I think weight loss would help a lot, but the downside is all on you because then that gives you time to get more attached to him. It sucks, I know.

:Smokey is 10

:I took him in from a family 3 weeks ago

:They fed him as much DeliCat as he wanted everyday for 6 years and never paid attention to his diet or litterbox habits. The vet said he suspects type 2 diabetes.

:No, Smokey has not been officially diagnosed. That's what will cost $500-1000 dollars. (Includes an ultrasound, more blood work and six months of periodic blood work/office visits to get him regulated.)

:I hear you about having money set aside. But really, I'm not rich and I just got him. I possibly could have handled this if it came up a year from now. In addition to all of this, he needs gum surgery too.

:I doubt anything will change. Smokey has all the signs. He weighs 17 pounds, eats one cup of food a day, drinks 16 ounces (2 cups) of water daily, and urinates MUCH more than normal. (He goes through 14 pounds of clumping litter in a week.) In addition, his liver enzymes are up as well as the glucose. So I wouldn't hold my breath that this is somehow a mistake.

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