Do You know That Feline Diabetes Has Four Dangerous Complications?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009Do you have a diabetic cat? 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. If you see your cat walking on her “wrists” on her front legs, or on her “elbows” in the back, it’s a symptom of 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. The kitty’s body usually breaks down glucose for energy for bodily processes. 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. Ketoacidosis results from the build-up of ketones; this is a fatal condition unless the kitty is taken to the vet right away.
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. You may see the cat staggering around in an uncoordinated fashion, and the pet may also have seizures. A fatal coma may follow.
Treat feline hypoglycemia by rubbing a little corn syrup or honey on the cat’s gums. It’s necessary to get your kitty to the vet right away, as this is an emergency.
Hepatic Lipidosis
An overweight cat who suddenly stops eating is at risk for this condition. The cat’s body tries to use fat for energy instead of glucose, leading to a fat build-up in the liver. 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.
The Best Way to Prevent These Four Complications of Diabetes in Cats
Preventing the complications of feline diabetes is often dependent on keeping the cat’s blood sugar at normal 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.
