Four Dangerous Complications of Feline Diabetes Every Pet Owner Should Know
Does a diabetic cat live with you? If you do, you already know that it's necessary to pay a lot more attention to your kitty's health. Although cat diabetes doesn't cause circulatory problems or blindness like diabetes in people does, there are four dangerous complications of feline diabetes that you need to know about.
Feline Neuropathy
The cat owner will notice weakness in the pet's legs. A cat who walks on her "wrists" on her front legs, or on her "elbows" on the back legs, may have feline diabetes. The nerves are damaged by blood sugar levels that are too high. When cat diabetes is treated, sometimes this problem goes away.
Feline Ketoacidosis
This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic. Usually glucose is broken down by the cat's body for energy. But in cat diabetes, the body can't break down this glucose, so the body starts breaking down fat instead. This process produces ketones, which are a waste product. When ketones accumulate in the cat's body, it causes ketoacidosis, which is fatal without immediate veterinary care.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis in cats include:
- Breath either smells sweet, or like nail polish remover
- Dehydration
- Either excessive thirst, or not drinking any water at all
- Not eating for more than twelve hours
- Fast breathing
- Vomiting
- Weakness and lethargy
- Frequent urination
Feline Hypoglycemia
If a diabetic cat is given too much insulin, or doesn't eat on schedule, her blood sugar levels may drop to dangerously low levels. The pet may be dizzy and uncoordinated, or have seizures. A fatal coma may follow.
Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat's gums. Don't wait to take the cat to the vet, as this is an emergency.
Hepatic Lipidosis
Don't ignore an overweight cat who suddenly stops eating, this problem may result.Fat builds up in the cat's liver when her body attempts to break down fat for energy, in place of glucose. Symptoms are similar to ketoacidosis, and also include jaundice, or a yellowing of the cat's eyes and gums. Again, get Kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.
Avoid These Four Complications of Diabetes in Cats
Avoiding these complications of feline diabetes is possible by normalizing the kitty's blood sugar levels. Research shows that natural remedies for cats, which include the herbs astragalus, fenugreek, and goat's rue, along with chromium, are very effective for regulating blood sugar levels in kitties.
Don't wait for your feline diabetic to fall victim to these complications. Click on any link above to learn more.
Nov 24, 2009 | 0 | cat care tips
