My cat, Cuddles, is almost 18 years old. He's lived a very active life as an expert hunter, fearsome guard kitty, and wonderful friend.
About 3 years ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes. He responded extremely well to his protein-based insulin, and lived very much like a normal cat (excepting his insulin shots twice a day). About a month ago, we had to switch insulin brands because his was discontinued. His new insulin is synthetic.
On Wednesday of last week, I noticed he seemed to be walking a little funny - much the same way he walked right before he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was still very much himself, though, just walking strange. I took him to the vet on Thursday. On Friday, we got the diagnosis: Cuddles has kidney disease. The vet said he also has a UTI. Right now, he's on 4cc's of insulin, twice a day + the antibiotic for the UTI. She said that he's too old to respond well to fluid treatment for kidney disease as an IV might kill him. She said he might have a few months left.
Since Friday (LESS THAN A WEEK AGO), he has gone rapidly downhill. He no longer meows, he can barely walk, he's lost all muscle mass, and he's reluctant to eat or drink. I knew he would decline, but is it normal for the decline to happen so quickly?
He's no longer the same cat - his personality is gone. His will is still there, though. I can tell that he wants to go to the litter box or the water bowl, but his limbs just won't listen. I'm beside myself with what to do. We're going to the vet tomorrow, but I'm still so nervous. Could something else be causing this? Maybe the change in insulin or the antibiotic?
Thank you so much for your help!
About 3 years ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes. He responded extremely well to his protein-based insulin, and lived very much like a normal cat (excepting his insulin shots twice a day). About a month ago, we had to switch insulin brands because his was discontinued. His new insulin is synthetic.
On Wednesday of last week, I noticed he seemed to be walking a little funny - much the same way he walked right before he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was still very much himself, though, just walking strange. I took him to the vet on Thursday. On Friday, we got the diagnosis: Cuddles has kidney disease. The vet said he also has a UTI. Right now, he's on 4cc's of insulin, twice a day + the antibiotic for the UTI. She said that he's too old to respond well to fluid treatment for kidney disease as an IV might kill him. She said he might have a few months left.
Since Friday (LESS THAN A WEEK AGO), he has gone rapidly downhill. He no longer meows, he can barely walk, he's lost all muscle mass, and he's reluctant to eat or drink. I knew he would decline, but is it normal for the decline to happen so quickly?
He's no longer the same cat - his personality is gone. His will is still there, though. I can tell that he wants to go to the litter box or the water bowl, but his limbs just won't listen. I'm beside myself with what to do. We're going to the vet tomorrow, but I'm still so nervous. Could something else be causing this? Maybe the change in insulin or the antibiotic?
Thank you so much for your help!