Neurological problems caused by diabetes

[lindapalm]

Our cat was diagnosed with diabetes Sunday, with a count of 450.  We came home from vacation and found her unable to walk.  She is 13, and is being treated for high blood pressure also.  She has been at the vets since then, and they are trying to get her count stabilized, not much luck yet.  Her walking is still very bad. I'm not sure how long to give her hoping for an improvement neurologically, and I'm wondering if anyone else has a cat with this problem, and did it improve.  I told the vet we have to give her at least a week, and she agreed, but there hasn't been any improvement yet and I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing.

[lindapalm]

Thank you all for you words of support.about  Ruby. She  had such an odd meow, and it seems like I've been hearing it all day.

Piparskeggr, that had to be so hard to have your girl go into remission, and then to find out the horrible reason for it. I'm sorry.

Unfortunately I have all old cats, except for one, and my dog is 16.  I pray that they go in their sleep, without getting sick,  but sadly that seldom happens.  Thank you again.

[Jade59]

I am so sorry, Linda.  As heartbreaking as it was, you made the only decision you could.  I agree with leaving her there for the final injection rather than bringing her home and possibly creating more upset for her.  I would of done the same thing under the circumstances.  

Ruby became a MH kitty the minute you began posting about her.  She was welcomed with open paws at the Rainbow Bridge from all the MH kitties who have passed, as well as any kitties you've had that have passed before her.  

RIP beautiful Ruby.  You were loved and will be greatly missed.  

Healing Hugs to you at this very sad time~

[Piparskeggr]

We had to make that decision last June for our dear little Hildiekatt.  She was diabetic, which was controlled and even went into remission.  Unfortunately, it looks like the cause of remission was the intestinal lymphoma that gave is reason to let the vet give her the Final Kindness.

Godspeed Ruby to where good cats go after this phase of the adventure is over.  I hope the memories you have of her will bring some relief from sorrow.

[AppleBr]

Rip,dear Ruby.
Linda,Im sending lots of hugs,ok?

[opus88]

Linda, I am so sad to read this news.....I am sorry for your loss but you did make the right call for Ruby's sake, she wasn't improving and therefore suffering and you as a parent needed to help her the best way you could.

RIP little Ruby, you were loved and will always be remembered in mommy's heart♥

[zodiacqueen]

I am so sorry for your loss.  I believe you made the best decisions possible for your kitty.

Sending you healing hugs and positive vibes your way.

ZQ

[lindapalm]

Thank you all for your thoughts and support, unfortunately we put Ruby to sleep this afternoon.  The vet called and said both vets there have been trying to get Ruby's glucose level stabilized, and had no luck.  They would get it down to 200, and the next reading it would be 625.  He even started a new vial of insulin thinking maybe the one he was using was old.  Both vets were stumped as to why she wasn't responding to treatment, and since she wasn't, her neurological problems didn't get better, and she continued to be dehydrated.  He said his only guess as to what would cause her not to respond would be that she had been on steroids, which she wasn't, or possibly pancreatic cancer.  We were given the option of taking her home to die, but felt she might suffer more that way.  People always commented on what a beautiful cat she was, and she was such a quiet and sweet little girl, she will be terribly missed.

[opus88]

sending my prayers for dear kitty...I certainly hope she can rally back and stabilize by Friday. If you are able to visit today and tell her how much we are all sending our love.

We as pet parents at times are faced with this very difficult decision...how to know when its time and when we have put them through enough to try and keep them with us. Its never easy, and the timing is different in every situation. Do have a frank discussion with your Vet as mentioned, that will help make this decision easier

our love and ((hugs)) are with you both during this difficult time♥

[Jade59]

Honey, if it's too hard on you then don't go.  And you're right, Ruby will feel your pain and heartache.  Please don't feel pressured by us, you are under enough stress as it is.  Okay?  Big Hug~♥  

[lindapalm]

I admit I haven't visited her, I can't stand to see her that way and I know I will be a basket case in front of her which will only make it worse. I'll  try tomorrow.

[Jade59]

Yes, deciding what to do is agonizing.  Vets always leave it in our hands, but often if you ask directly, they will give their honest opinion.  

I couldn't agree more with CML about visiting.  

Please do keep us posted.  We are here for you.  

[zodiacqueen]

I agree with CML about visiting her at the vet every day.  That will make a big difference in her healing.  And, it will help if you bring something from home to put in her cage.  That will comfort her and reassure her so much.

You're in our thoughts.

[CML2014]

Hi Linda,

Here for support when you need it. Know very little about diabetes, but a lot about my cat being sick and staying at the vets. Do make sure you visit her at least once a day---she needs to hear your voice and feel your presence. Pet and stroke her as much as you can---Love is a great healer.
She MUST know you are still there.

Good Luck and please keep us posted, K?

CML

[lindapalm]

Jade59, thank you for your kind post and support.  I see you went through this recently, and know how heartbreaking it is to decide what to do.  We have six other cats and a dog, but that doesn't make it any easier because each one is unique and you have special memories from each.

I left her at the vet until Friday, so they can maybe  stabilize her because it would be too hard on her to keep bringing her back.  I don't know if after that she would improve faster by being home, or not at all.  I'm definitely going to have the vet give her opinion instead of just asking me what I want to do, and I guess take it from there.  Thank you again.

[Jade59]

Hi Linda.  I just reviewed your past posts and see this is Ruby.  Poor baby has been having a time since last Dec, hasn't she.  I don't have any experience with any of her issues, I just wanted to give you some support.   Things could turn around tomorrow you never know.  Her inability to walk sounds like possible kidney failure due to the Diabetes, but I could be wrong.  Once her insulin gets under control things could turn around.  If they don't by the end of the week...if there is no improvement...then it might be time.  Only YOU will know, as you know your girl best.  

I had to make the dreaded decision for Jade just 6mos ago.  Let me share a link with you. It's a euthanasia site (the home service we used), but don't let that upset you, just read the Dr's article on "Quality of Life".  It was immensely helpful to me.  Just know if you do have to make the decision, you are doing it because you love Ruby so much.  Meanwhile, I will pray for for improvement.

I hope this will be helpful.  Hugs to you.  

http://www.homepeteuthanasia.com/end-of-life-care/quality-of-life