Clive's Diabetic now because of the steroids...and kidney issue.

luckienyc · Nov 6, 2008

OH man

Now Clive is diabetic because of the prednisolone, but we can only ween him because of the possibility of cancer and it could be helping him. The biopsy could threaten his life so I opted to treat with steroid. He also has a mass near his left kidney and again not sure what is causing it...

Now we need to figure out a diet to compensate all three things. And continue to moniter his blood. I am so upset for him.

I go tomorrow with him for a consult and to start insulin.

thanks for any advice

mews2much · Nov 6, 2008

I was afraid that would happen to your cat.
You are stuck though.
I hope he feels better.

luckienyc · Nov 6, 2008

Is that common?
Yeah - stuck is right, I don't what the insulin will do. Am I making him sicker?? Is it downhill from here? I feel so confused.

aswient · Nov 6, 2008

I'm sorry I have no experience with this, someone will be along with advice. Many many Prayers and for Clive and you.

mews2much · Nov 6, 2008

This might help you not sure.
I was told Coco had diabetis when she was 9.5 because her glucose was 328. She also was very sick at the time and they said to have her pts but to get a 2nd opinion. I did and it was fia.
Depo Medrol is known to cause Diabetes and other problems.
Why dont you join the Diabetes group on yahoo.
I bet they can help you.
Your vet should have told you about the side effects.
I was told with Coco.
She just had a gluclose test and it was fine.
I know cats can live a long time on insulin.

luckienyc · Nov 6, 2008

I tried to research it, but it happened so fast and the ER place made me feel like I had to the the Pred if I didnt do a biopsy, so by the time I saw my vet, he said to continue with the pred, but to check blood to make sure that it was not harming him. So, he was concerned but maybe thought I was advised by the ER.
I have mixed feelings for the VERG, and for various reasons..that's another thread.

oh and the vet who suggested the insulin is a new vet my regular has on staff right now...i see my reg vet tomorrow - i will find out more about insulin but I feel hi body may react to that too. stands to reason. I am remaining optimistic and try to educate myself amap and of cousre making Clive comfortable...I am working from home and am here the majority of the time, thank God.

mews2much · Nov 6, 2008

See what your reg vet says.
My vet was stuck with Coco last month because she has been on urinary food but she has kidney problems.
He put her on kidney food now hoping her bladder problems do not come back.
What is your cats gluclose level right now?

optionken · Nov 6, 2008

Hi and welcome
Steroids are the number 2 cause of diabetes behind dry foods. It certainly is understandable in your case that you have been using them and you can work around them. The best thing to feed your diabetic is the same for all cats canned foods under 10% carbs and if you can afford it grain free canned would be best (besides a raw diet) With a kidney problem also, a raw diet may be the way to go if your cat will eat it
You do not need or want to feed the presciption food

This list gives the breakdown
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/CanFoodOld.html

I have worked with more then 100 diabetic cat owners on a one to one basis besides my own cats and besides seeing what happens with insulin treatments with over a thousand cats over a 5 year period. I am not a vet, the board here is not responsible for what I say. I am telling you this cause i would be happy to help you any way you need help. I have sent you a private message.
Best of luck

sharky · Nov 6, 2008

Originally Posted by optionken

Hi and welcome
Steroids are the number 2 cause of diabetes behind dry foods. It certainly is understandable in your case that you have been using them and you can work around them. The best thing to feed your diabetic is the same for all cats canned foods under 10% carbs and if you can afford it grain free canned would be best (besides a raw diet) With a kidney problem also, a raw diet may be the way to go if your cat will eat it
You do not need or want to feed the presciption food

This list gives the breakdown
http://www.geocities.com/jmpeerson/CanFoodOld.html

I have worked with more then 100 diabetic cat owners on a one to one basis besides my own cats and besides seeing what happens with insulin treatments with over a thousand cats over a 5 year period. I am not a vet, the board here is not responsible for what I say. I am telling you this cause i would be happy to help you any way you need help. I have sent you a private message.
Best of luck

I second that chart ... thou it is a bit out of date ... calling and getting updated info on the food you are feeding is desired...

I would advise consulting a holistic or holistic minded vet to ensure you get the MOST accurate and up to date info on both ailments ... treatment for diabetes only is much different than that adding in kidney issues .... Many on this board are very willing to help BUT I Advise discussing all with a Qualified professional ie vet

prior to changing treatment ..

luckienyc · Nov 6, 2008

I don't know what the level is the sub vet didn't say and I didn't want to discuss it with him because I am more confident with my regular vet. I don't want the combination of three medications to make him sicker.. I am beside myself.
He would need a very special diet if he needs kidney food, intestinal food and diabetic food.
He has an appt at 11:15 should I still bring him? Or talk to vet on phone?

mews2much · Nov 6, 2008

I would bring him in so your vet can check him.

sharky · Nov 6, 2008

take him in ...

luckienyc · Nov 6, 2008

thanks, that's what my instinct is and then discuss options... it's a complicated scenario.
i am trying to educate myself fast

luckienyc · Nov 7, 2008

His vet preceribed Humulin - or generic NPH 2 units 2x day. (U100 syringes)
He also felt his mass now upon palpatation. It has grown in 10 days since he saw him last. He will be on prednisolone 2.5 mg day. To help control the tumor.
I go back for a recheck in 1 -2 wks.

sharky · Nov 7, 2008

and prayers...

has an ultrasound been done??

luckienyc · Nov 7, 2008

yes - 3 weeks ago..at that time it showed thickening of the intestines and what could be a small mass. he doesnt want me to touch his belly - he i so lethargic -
thanks for the wishes

optionken · Nov 8, 2008

humilin N is a harsh acting insulin that usually hits very hard and does not usually have the duration to last 8 hours. So for the 12 hour period you usually get very big swings in the numbers and the up and down swings are not great for the cat, Risks of hypoglycemia are higher with N then with any other insulin prescribed on a daily basis. Make sure your cat eats 1/2 hour to 45 minutes before giving the shot. It does work for some cats but for the vast majority it does not and it is a very poor choice for cats. This is also a very tough insulin to work with for the reasons mentioned above. A better choice would be an insulin like lantus or pzi.
Are you testing for ketones? Ketones can become serious quickly and need vet attention. Please get some ketodiastic reagent strips to check the urine for ketones

Clive's Diabetic now because of the steroids...and kidney issue.

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