He's taken steroid (depo) shots every three to four months for the past five years for a skin condition. Oozing, open sores develop down his spine without the shots. Unfortunately, these shots can cause diabetes.
I took him to the vet on Thursday. He had to stay there all day for various testings. When I picked him up, he was wide-eyed scared. He is a shy kitty. He doesn't like leaving the house, actually. Sugar level in animals are gauged the same way as in humans. His level should be 120. It was 430! Treatment is much as it is for humans, as well. I have to give him glipizide 5mg twice daily. Fortunately, I can crush the pill and put it in one tablespoon of vanilla yogurt to get it down him. Otherwise, he would not get his medication. He was feral and still has a little of the "wild" in him. He doesn't like to be held or have a pill shoved down his throat. :-) I also had to get him a prescription dry food. He loves it ... which is another plus.
So, each morning, I give him his medicated yogurt. After about 30 minutes, I separate the two cats. I give Miss Cleo her food and give Mister his prescription food. Miss Cleo is the dominant cat. She wants to eat whatever Mister has so that is why I separate them. I have to do this twice a day. It's not quite so time-consuming in the evening as in the morning. I have a Quaker parrot and a dog to feed and water in addition to the two cats. Then I have to feed myself as well. ha I usually get my first cup of coffee about an hour after I been up.
Because the diabetes is suspected to be caused by the depo shots, the vet thinks I'll only have to treat Mister for this disease for two to three months. That's about how long it will take for the depo to completely leave his body. I pray that is the case. There's no way I can afford the medication for more than two to three months. The specialty food is more than I can handle! But I love my little feline companion and will do what I can for him.
Medications are sooo high priced, not only for us, but for our pets when they get sick. We had a rottweiler 10 years ago that had diabetes and we had to give him two insulin shots a day. It's a lot of money and very time consuming too... but we wouldn't have it any other way and I know you feel the same way about your kitty. Good luck with this!
ReplyDeleteHi there! It was great hearing from you! I do hope your Tabby Mister is feeling well again soon. My gracious, vet bills can be horrendous. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHey girl! Portaluca is a succulent & easy to care for &roots easily...for making more of them. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!