When Solomon, her handsome big ginger moggy, stopped eating, started being sick and generally looking sorry for himself, his owner Cassie was concerned. She’d noted that Solomon had been a bit funny about his food lately, spending more time at his water bowl or sleeping. But he’d always been a lazy cat and she hadn’t known whether to book a vet appointment for him or not. He probably needed to lose a few pounds anyway!
But when he collapsed at home late that night, Cassie knew she had to rush him into the emergency vets.
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The vet on duty examined Solomon, and recommended running blood and urine tests. The results were back quickly. Solomon was likely a diabetic, and had gone into a diabetic crisis, or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). He was very unwell and needed hospitalising immediately. DKA can be a life-threatening condition, and Solomon needed intravenous fluids, electrolyte stabilisation and insulin to control his blood sugar levels, as well as antibiotics to treat a suspected urinary infection.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes in cats is a disease which affects blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin. Cats usually get type-II diabetes, where abnormal cells in the pancreas produce less insulin hormone, and this is coupled with a poor response of the body to insulin (insulin resistance). Insulin is highly necessary in the body to control blood sugar levels. If glucose levels rise too high, the body cannot process the sugar effectively.
What cats are at risk?
Diabetic cats tend to be older, with males more commonly affected. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity are both risk factors, as they can lead to insulin resistance. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more, weight loss and a decreased appetite (although some cats will actually show an increased appetite). A less common sign is diabetic neuropathy, where the hindlegs appear weak.
So what is “DKA”?
Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a new energy demand (such as an infection) places such a strain on the body that it starts breaking down fat. This process produces ketones, which the body can use for energy, but have adverse effects such as disruption to the blood acidity level, electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. DKA is a severe condition that needs urgent veterinary attention.
Solomon’s diagnosis came as a shock to Cassie
She felt immediately guilty that she hadn’t picked up on his symptoms, and overwhelmed about his condition, how poorly he was and all the treatment he’d need. The vet explained that firstly, Solomon needed to be stabilised and brought back from his current critical situation. That would likely require a hospital stay for a few days, as his blood acidity, electrolytes and glucose levels required special care and constant monitoring.
After that, he’d need long-term treatment for his diabetes. The vet discussed special diets and insulin injections, the thought of which filled Cassie with horror. Could she really stab Solomon with a needle herself?
The estimate for Solomon’s hospital stay was expensive
He’d need a lot of care, tests and monitoring, and special insulin which acted quickly to correct his current critically high blood sugar levels. Cassie was anxious about paying such a large bill, when she knew that Solomon would need ongoing care. The vet asked if Solomon was insured, and Cassie was relieved to remember that he was. She wasn’t quite sure where she’d put the paperwork, but she knew he had some form of cover.
With the reassuring thought of insurance, Cassie agreed to Solomon staying at the vets for his life-saving treatment. Cassie went home, and made sure her phone was set to its loudest setting so that she didn’t miss any updates. She found the insurance paperwork – Solomon had a lifetime policy in place, with a reassuringly large amount of funds available.
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A few weeks later, and Solomon was home and on his way to becoming a stable diabetic. He’d had more trips to the vets than Cassie could count, what with all the blood tests, urine tests, glucose monitoring and weight checks that he’d had. He was on a prescription diet specifically tailored for diabetic cats. And Cassie was almost used to the daily routine of injecting his insulin.
Managing diabetic cats
There are two main parts of diabetic management in cats.
- Diet – the aims of dietary management in these cases is both to provide a low-carbohydrate diet suitable to prevent glucose spikes, and to correct obesity, which can cause insulin resistance.
- Insulin – most diabetic cats will need insulin injections once or twice daily, usually at mealtimes, to mimic their bodies’ natural response to food intake.
Diabetic cats will need regular monitoring. Insulin requirements can change, and care must be taken to avoid hypoglycaemia, or a recurrence of the diabetes.
Being responsible for a diabetic cat is a lot to deal with
It can take some time to find the right balance of insulin, and their requirements can change, needing constant monitoring. Prescription diets and medications can be expensive, as well as regular veterinary visits which incur more bills. Treating a diabetic cat requires an investment of time and patience, as well as a financial responsibility. It can be a lot to take on, and the condition is often life-long.
However, once stable, diabetic cats can have a great quality of life, and an excellent prognosis for longevity. With insurance there to shoulder the financial burden, Cassie found the process much less overwhelming and could concentrate on lavishing care on Solomon, who certainly enjoyed all the extra attention. Although he wasn’t so keen on his strict new diet!
Solomon’s lifetime cover meant that his diabetic bills were covered until the end of his life. Unlike an annual policy which would have ended while he still required ongoing medication and monitoring. His costly bill was settled, with Cassie only having to pay the excess. Cassie soon got into the habit of putting in an ongoing claim every few months for Solomon’s insulin, prescription diet and regular blood or urine tests, and could focus on his recovery and ongoing care with perfect peace of mind. Solomon is now quite a favourite at the vet clinic, although his new slimline look makes him almost unrecognisable!
Details have been changed to protect the privacy of Solomon’s owners.
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