Newly diagnosed. Choosing diet change path.

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by YogiX, Sep 8, 2018.

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  1. YogiX

    YogiX New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2018
    Hi All

    Our big ginger boy of 15 years Samson has suspected diabetes. We noticed he started to look thinner and felt lighter to pick up. He wasn't eating as much of his food as he usually does and he really loves food! He was drinking a lot more than usual and we were filling his water fountain more often. We weighed him and he was 5 kilos when he usually is 6.5. So we took him to the vets last week and they took blood for a test.

    The test came back a couple of days later and his sugar levels are around 22 when they should be 8. The vet told my wife that we would need to give him 2 injections a day. If we didn't treat him then the other option would be to put him to sleep.

    Samson has a heart murmur which was detected at the end of 2010. He had to stay overnight at a specialist hospital to have tests and the treatment was to prescribe him a Nelio 2.5mg heart tablet every day. He was also overweight and the vet told us to change his wet food to dry. He has been on Hills Science Plan Vet Essentials ever since, having 90 grams per day spread over three meals, dispensed from an automatic feeder.

    The vet said at the time of the murmur diagnosis that most wet food is bad for cats. Since the diagnosis I have been doing a bit of research and found on this site and several others that cats shouldn't be eating dry food. I wish I had known sooner!

    We have put all his dry food away and have been given him Sainsbury's delicious cat food range listed as low carb on UK FOOD LIST . Since the diet change has his appetite back and is also drinking considerably less water. We weighed him again today and although its only been about five days he hasn't lost any weight. May have gained 0.1 of a kilo.

    We want to go down the diet only route and so far he appears to have improved. Does anyone have experience of this?
     
  2. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2017
    Welcome! Sometimes, diet alone can get them regulated, but sometimes not. I would suggest that you get a glucose meter and start testing him at home. This will allow you to monitor his glucose levels and to know for sure whether the diet is enough or if he needs insulin as well.
     
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  3. YogiX

    YogiX New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2018
    Thanks. I will have to start researching glucose kits! :cat:
     
  4. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Welcome! Let us know where you are in the world, and we can make some recommendations for a glucose meter and strips. Or, at least point you in the right direction. :)
     
  5. YogiX

    YogiX New Member

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    Sep 5, 2018
    Hi. I am in the UK. I have been looking today for glucometers but not sure what to get.
     
  6. Idjit's mom

    Idjit's mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2018
    Yogi (you or kitty?) this link might help: UK INFO FOR DIABETIC CATS: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/uk-info-for-diabetic-cats-food-insulin-and-other-supplies.137376/
    Please set up your signature so other members know the pertinent information on your cat, and where you are. Sometimes knowing the time zone that a person is in is very helpful in situations. Here is the link on how to set up your : SIGNATURE
    Now, I don't want to overwhelm you and send you running away :))) but there is another tool that you will want to use when you start testing. We have a spreadsheet that you can record all the BG (blood glucose) tests on, and it is attached to the signature. That way, when you have a question about any BG levels, or to determine if or when it's time for insulin, the experienced members can just look at the spreadsheet and give an opinion. I will provide you that link now, but if you have trouble setting that up, just holler and there are members who are terrific at this skill. SPREADSHEET
    Please start posting your concerns and/or questions on the Main Forum, this forum is primarily just to introduce yourself and a starting point. MAIN FORUM. Members can then assist with your wish to change the diet to hopefully eliminate the need for insulin support, give food recommendations and offer help with testing.
    We are here to help
     
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  7. YogiX

    YogiX New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2018
    Thanks for the info. Have updated my signature and will take a look at the spreadsheet.
     
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