Do 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. If blood sugar levels remain too high over a period of time, the result is nerve damage. This condition is sometimes reversed when cat diabetes is treated.
Feline Ketoacidosis
This problem is often seen in an untreated feline diabetic. Normally a cat’s body breaks down glucose 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. A ketone build-up results in ketoacidosis, which requires immediate veterinary care to save the cat’s life.
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. Since this is an emergency, she needs to see the vet quickly.
Hepatic Lipidosis
If your kitty is overweight, and she suddenly stops eating, she may be at risk for this condition.Instead of using glucose for energy, the kitty’s body breaks down fat instead, which causes a build-up of fat 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.
Prevent 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.
Related posts:
- Have A Diabetic Cat? You Must Know These Four Dangerous Complications Of Feline Diabetes
- Complications of Diabetes In Cats Include Feline Hypoglycemia
- Feline Diabetes – First Symptom May Be Weakness in Legs
- Your Diabetic Cat — What You Need To Know About Feline Diabetes
- Feline Diabetes And The Three Things You Need To Know About Your Diabetic Cat
- Feline Diabetes And What You Must Know To Help Your Diabetic Cat
- Feline Diabetes: Three Ways To Prevent Diabetes In Cats
- Feline Diabetes – Don’t Fall For These Five Myths
- Feline Diabetes And The Three Things You Must Know To Care For Your Diabetic Cat
- Diabetes In Cats And Feline Hypoglycemia — What You Must Know
