my 12 yr old cat has pancreatits and diabetes plz help..

bugs1966

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two weeks ago my 12 year old cat Bugs was diagnosed with having pancreatits and diabetes. His vet did all the blood work and put him on some antibiotics for the pancreas I just took him back to vet yesterday and he gave him some pills for his diabetes called Glipizide he has also put him on a special food called I/d. I do not kno how he got this but can anyone please tell me what other things I can do to help get him right again? someone told me to cook chicken and rice for his diet too....?
 

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Diabetes is caused by obesity/too many carbs in the diet, among other things.
It can be managed with Insulin, just like with a human, but it can also be managed with a change in diet.
Instead of writing an essay here, I will give you a link to a wonderful website. It is managed by a DVM who specializes in feline nutrition. All the information you need will be there.
www.catinfo.org

Good luck! :vibes:
 
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bugs1966

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I do kno this already (the hard way) but he also has pancreatitis ..he is on a diet of I/D and an oral med for diabetes I was jus wondering if any one else out there has this same prob that may be able to advise. Bugs goes back to vet in 2 weeks for more blood work......this is not at all cheap so far over 900.00 and going, but He is not giving up and neither will I.....anyone who has been thru this I would love to talk...
 
 
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bugs1966

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Minka, My cat was never obese he was at vet in March of 2012 weight was 13 lbs... perfect...got his check up no prob...than a month ago he started drinking tons of water losing weight took him to vet he checked hi urine sugar to high(diabetes) well he told us it could be something else causing this so we did blood panel, turned out his pancreas level was way to low...hence pacreatitis so he put him on antibiotics for the inflamation...and a diet of I/D.. went bac to vet 2 weeks later (thurs) urine is still high in sugar he is now on diabetes meds but I was told that pacreatitis can never be cured....controlled maybe? who really knows.. I just am really scared for my baby of 12 years.. I kno my vet knows what he is doing but sometimes I'd like to hear from people who are going thru that same as I am.....We have along way to go with Bugs....
 

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he gave him some pills for his diabetes called Glipizide he has also put him on a special food called I/d. 
The best diet for pancreatitis also tends to be the ideal one for diabetes: low carb wet food. Is he on canned or dry I/D? What about pain meds?

http://www.idexx.com/pubwebresource...ng-pancreatitis-and-concurrent-conditions.pdf 

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Pancreatitis

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page

http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Oral_medication
 
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Anne

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Looked up this thread because of your Facebook post on our wall with the picture of sweet Bugsy. What an adorable tabby boy you have!

Have you tried searching the forums for more threads about diabetes and pancreatitis?
 

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Disclaimer: Caring for ones companion animals is a very serious responsibility, and often, in light of that concern, members will create threads seeking information from other members. While we allow and encourage expression of opinions and the recounting of personal experiences, it is the forum's official position that no online advice can ever supercede or replace the care and advice of trained medical professionals who have first hand knowledge of the individual animal's condition. We strongly urge members to refrain from advocating the practice of ignoring medical advice.
 

sugarcatmom

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It is quite unfortunate, though, that Bugs' vet has wasted so much time already using a medication known not to be very effective for cats (and based on the OP's FB post, Bugs is no exception). The earlier a diabetic cat can get on insulin injections to give the pancreas a break, the better the chance for diabetic remission. Glipizide stresses the pancreas more, decreasing the chance of that ever happening (and also increasing the possibility of liver damage). Rather than "ignore medical advice", I highly recommend bugs1966 do her own research and bring these topics up with her vet, who may simply be out-of-date on current feline diabetes treatment protocols.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106586

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9074678

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_glipizide.html
One of the most important cautions with the use of this medication is that by increasing the release of insulin, glipizide also increases the secretion of other proteins in the pancreas. It is generally abnormal protein deposition in the pancreas that caused the diabetes mellitus in the first place, thus the use glipizide may lead to progression of pancreatic destruction. For this reason, we recommend glipizide as a last resort when insulin administration cannot be given or for a select few cats who are sensitive to insulin secretion.
From the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, dated 2010: http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/AAHADiabetesGuidelines.pdf
Oral hypoglycemic drugs, combined with diet change, are only indicated if owner refuses insulin therapy or is considering euthanasia. These agents are not considered appropriate for long-term use.
 
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bugs1966

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Sorry, Friends...  Internet has been sketchy.  Here is what you all have helped me to do: 

     You were right, Doc Reily was not a good vet for a diabetic cat.  he kept increasing his oral meds (Glipizeid, which isn't even for cats!), and wouldn't test his blood (though he charged us for that procedure), and wouldn't give him insulin.  So we changed veterinarians, and after all the tests were run, Bugs is now prescribed twice daily insulin injections, which Dr. Winterowd was kind enough to instruct me with and make it more convenient for us.  After three days, Bugs seems to be doing better, and we hope for a weight increase, and for him to return to the 'good ol' Bugs' i have grown to love.

     Thank you so much for your help with info, and support so far.  i'm certain we'll continue to have questions, and perhaps answers for others soon!   Much love to all of you Cat Lovers!
 

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Every cat is different, and that includes diabetic cats. There is no "one size fits all" way to treat the disease. Fortunately, cats are type II diabetics and therefore easier to treat than dogs (which are type I)

My elderly diabetic Mist was on glipizide and it was very successful for her. Easy to hide her tiny pill in a smidge of her (wet) food, she'd nom it down and I'd give her the rest of her meal. At first the vet had me come in fairly frequently and have her glucose checked "in house". As she stabilized the visits were decreased.

With the help the glipizide gave her pancreas, a modest weight loss, and switch from wet & dry to wet only diet Mist has recovered sufficiently that she needs no medication.

Not bad for a 16 year old lady.
 
 
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bugs1966

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YES, you are right on "every" cat is different..  First of all u have not heard 'our' story. We took Bugs to a vet WE thought may help us for 2 1/5 months has done NOTHING but charge us more and more money. He put him on Glipizide which had done Nothing for him...Bugs got worse and worse.. I asked that vet to put him on insulin. Bugs went into some kinda fit where he was drunk could not walk. Called my vet on a Sunday to ask what to do... I thought Bugs was dying.......Do YOU  know what he said to ME???  He told me it was not worth his time, and he did not make enough money to make it worth his time to use insulin.... REALLY??? HE had charged us over $600.00 For nothing!!!!!..........I called another VET Who did everything the other vet did not....Like, blood work, he checked his Ketones EVERYTHING!... Bugs is now on  Insulin 2x a day for 3 days now......We will see how he does.... GET A SECOND OPINION!!!!!!..................I am glad ur cat made it on Glipizide mine did not... he needs more!
 

catapault

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It's clear that your first vet was a jerk. And of course you are upset that your beloved cat was not getting the help he needed. I'm glad you found a vet that's responsive and did help him

But there's no need to scream at me. I was not saying that glipizid would work for all cats or that your first vet was right. 

I was responding to your "(Glipizeid, which isn't even for cats!)" giving my positive experience with the medication so anyone reading this thread would find another viewpoint.
 
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bugs1966

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I know, I'm sorry. I am still upset with that vet. But, Bugs now has a vet that cares and will get better thanks to him. No.. Glipizide did not work for him at all really our new vet had told us that that drug has never been tested on cats and could not understand him giving it to bugs. Now he is getting so much better after 4 days on the shots. I am happy your kitty is doing good on glipizide believe me, it is so much cheaper.
 
 

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From a 2002 article by a Virginia veterinarian posted on the Feline Diabetes web site that same year:

For a newly diagnosed feline DM patient I choose between insulin and an oral hypoglycemic agent. An oral hypoglycemic agent is more likely to work in an obese cat. [Mist weighed 11 pounds at that point. She's now a svelte 9+ pounds.]

and

If I decide to use an oral hypoglycemic agent, I usually use glipizide (dose 2.5 to 5 mg PO BID), but other choices are glimiperide (1-2 mg PO SID) and a carbose (12.5 mg PO BID). Glipizide and glimiperide work by promoting insulin release and increasing insulin receptor sensitivity. The side effects are not that common but include anorexia, vomiting and liver disease. Giving the drug with food helps to reduce side effects.

Aren't we - and our cats - fortunate that there are multiple choices for managing this disease.

Glad to hear  you fur friend is doing so much better in just 4 days.
 
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bugs1966

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I am so sorry, I wish I could delete my nasty post. You are one of the lucky ones with Glipizide, although I will say this, it did kinda keep Bugs sugar level down. When I first took him to this vet his level was off the charts. I do not know why he would not help us with insulin he just refused to. When I took him to the new vet his level was 488 still to high but manageable. He is now on 2 units x a day and doing great.  Bugs goes back to new vet next Monday for more blood work and maybe he will be on 1 unit 2x a day..;-)  @ Catapault thank you for putting me in my plce.....for those who are lucky enough for Glipized to work with ur pets, Thank ur lucky stars... Regardless, I will do anything for my best friend at any cost.
 

catapault

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Not to worry. Not a nasty post. You were frantic with worry about your fur kid, upset that th first vet was jerking you around and not helping. Sounds like he doesn't like cats


My only point was to show that for some cats glipizide will work and also that glipizide is not some radical just-out-yesterday brand new treatment.

It's easy to think everything is known. There's always more to learn.

Glad that your sweet boy is doing better, and that you are feeling calmer too.
 
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bugs1966

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Bugs is doing great. Went to vet on thursday Nov 1st for second appt... Vet upped his dose of 2 units to 3 he is still peeing a river. the out look is good though. He is feeling much better and is even starting to play a bit.... Anyone out there with a kitty with diabetes, don't give up. It is not a death sentence, it does take patiance and dedication on the owners part. They (cats) will do great with the help of their people and diet. Don't give up!!!
 
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bugs1966

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Bugs is doing awesome. We took him to different vet who put him on insulin , it is now up to 3 unit x a day and a diet of D/M. He has gained some weight back and is starting to be more playful... my suggestion to people who have diabetic cats is to not give up. This is not a death sentence find a vet who will help......Thank God for Bugs's new vet!!!
 
 
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bugs1966

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Thank you. Bugsy is my best friend. He is doing GREAT now that we found another vet that helps us. He is now on insulin and doing awesome. Thank you so much for your concern.

Jenn and bugs...
 
 
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