Diabetic Snowshoe brothers Duffy and Maguffin

They will be 11 years old on March 1. Maguffin has had severe health issues in the past--he has significant asthma (requiring daily Flovent steroid inhaler administration), idiopathic cystitis, and was diagnosed with Diabetes a few months ago. Maguffin is quite fat but has settled nicely on a dosage of 6 units of Prozinc. Duffy has been absolutely healthy until he exhibited the dreaded urine/litter cement between his toes, about four months ago. Duffy is currently in the hospital (cat clinic) with diabetic ketoacidosis. His usual dosage is 4 units of Prozinc every 12 hours. The last week or so he started jerking violently when I tried to give him insulin, leaving a wet patch and therefore no way for me to know how much insulin was going in. His eating, drinking, and behavior was normal until yesterday when he seemed abnormally tired. He ate last night but sat for a long time in front of his bowls. We had an appointment already set this morning to address his pulling his fur out, but by the time we got to the clinic he was clearly in trouble. He almost fell when the doctor put him on the scale. The doctor called me tonight saying that he was more alert and had walked a little bit after getting gradual but persistent hydration. I don't have copies of their labs, but will ask for them to be emailed to me.

 

Glad Duffy is doing a bit better! Prayers for a quick recovery. The important things in DKA treatment and recovery are fluid to flush the ketones, food and insulin. I’ll tag @Kris & Teasel who has been through DKA and can give you more info. Keep us posted.

 

DKA is a beast! The best place for him is at your vet clinic. They generally monitor electrolytes, BG, food intake, hydration and give electrolytes, fast acting insulin and IV fluids for several days. Once he's home the goals are to keep him eating well, keep his hydration level up and give a high enough insulin dose to keep ketones at bay. They can regress a bit once they come home so it's good to have antinausea meds, appetite stimulant meds and be able to give subQ fluids if needed. You might have to feed higher carb food to allow a high enough insulin dose to be given. It can take weeks for a kitty to get back to normal.

Good luck! I hope Duffy recovers well.

 

You mentioned pulling out fur as one of the symptoms. Does his fur seem dull and thin over all? Not as shiny as his brother’s? Does he have a pot belly and thin shoulders and legs? Are his sugars generally well controlled or do they run high despite the insulin? Does he have a ravenous appetite?

 

Thank you Sharon. I will call in the morning to get a progress report. My vet has knowledge and experience (maybe 40 years?) but she isn't great at communication. She has also not been hard-line about no dry food, or home testing. I have a 17-year-old black cat, who still thinks the "kittens" are his to bathe and boss around. Huckle simply refuses to eat anything but dry food and treats. He's very thin and needs every ounce. He doesn't want anyone to catch him eating, so I can't imagine picking up his food. Until a couple of years ago Huckle could be fed on the counter because he could jump up there. No more. Huckle, Duffy, and Maguffin have a very special bond. Huckle would have to be permanently separated from them to another room with his dry food. What quality of life would that be for any of the three? I don't know how to help one without hurting the others.

 

Thank you Kris. I have watched my best friend (since we were 14) deal with Type I Diabetes, including DKA. Duffy was acting normal Wednesday and almost comatose Friday morning. The week prior he had been jerking as the needle went in, making it impossible to know how much if any insulin was going in. He may not allow me to inject insulin, let alone adding an ear poke. The vet shaved rectangular areas about a third of the way down and an inch from the spine. She said it would help with absorption.

 

You do have to find a balance where all your cats have the best quality of life possible, so if Huckle wants dry, then maybe see if he likes Dr Elseys Clean Protein, or Young Again Zero Mature. Both are low carb and fine for the others to eat.
https://www.chewy.com/dr-elseys-cle...um=cpc&utm_content=Dr. Elsey's&utm_campaign=f

https://www.youngagainpetfood.com/zero-mature-health.html