You are getting the BG (blood glucose) levels better controlled also. That is the best way to get neuropathy better, and you have been working hard to do that for Mimi. Good job!
No scientific studies to show methyl-B12 works or not in cats. All the evidence is anecdotal. Since so many cats get their BG levels regulated in the first 6 months, how do we know which treatment made the real difference? Still used it for my diabetic cat, since any excess would be excreted in the urine. I didn't care if there was no scientific based evidence. I wanted to try it if it would possibly help. Won't hurt. "Faster resolution" Relatively safe to use" How fast could I get some was my question to the shelter vet.
Your Mimi has been through so much, with first Vetsulin, then DKA and hospitalized, switch to Lantus insulin, pet meter/human meter used. Food switch. You've been a good momma to Mimi, doing what you can for her.
Give it time. I know it's so hard to see your cat struggling to walk. Ask your vet if gabapentin would be right for Mimi. Neuropathy or any type of nerve damage is painful. The gabapentin could make her more comfortable but sleepy.
Even this one article from
University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital says it can take 6-12 months to resolve. My diabetic cat's neuropathy did resolve. Completely and his case was severe.
"Regulation alone is the
treatment of choice to reverse
neuropathy in cats. However, some anecdotal evidence suggests that a specific form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, may help these patients recover more quickly. Methylcobalamin is thought to promote nerve regrowth and can be absorbed in the spinal fluid."
"Diabetic neuropathy
The most common complication in cats that are chronically hyperglycemic is diabetic neuropathy—about 10 percent of cats are affected. The progression to this condition may take several months, and, if properly treated, it can resolve within six to 12 months. The femoral nerve is most commonly affected.
An affected femoral nerve can lead to a plantigrade gait, which is walking on the whole sole of the foot (
e.g., like rabbits, bears, and people). In cats, this gait takes the shape of walking on hocks (heels), and the tarsal joints and nerves of the hind legs are progressively damaged, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness or paralysis. The first sign of neuropathy in cats is often weak hind legs. As the condition progresses, the cat won't be able to stand on its toes. Jumping will become increasingly difficult until it's impossible. Eventually, the cat's legs will seem to slip out from under it, and the cat will be unable to walk. These are signs of motor and sensory nerve damage.
Fortunately, in the early stages, this damage is reversible by regulating blood glucose concentrations. Regulation alone is the treatment of choice to reverse neuropathy in cats. However, some anecdotal evidence suggests that a specific form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, may help these patients recover more quickly. Methylcobalamin is thought to promote nerve regrowth and can be absorbed in the spinal fluid. It is not the same as the injectable B12 given to cats that have a true deficiency due to gastrointestinal disease, and it is typically referred to as
methyl-B12. A veterinarian should be consulted before using this product.
Again, the primary treatment is regulating blood glucose concentrations. There is no research to support the use of methylcobalamin for treating peripheral neuritis in cats, but it may result in faster resolution and is relatively safe to use. The neuropathy generally resolves once good glycemic control is achieved"
From this website.
My diabetic cat had exactly the same neuropathy symptoms you describe for Mimi. Take heart, it can get better.
