correct insulin dose for diabetic cat

[camillesmom]

Hi I have a 14 1/2 y/o cat that was just diagnosed with diabetes.  In addition to that, she has an adnocarcinoma tumor on her lip that has gone into her lymph node.  She's been on insulin for about a month now, and I do not feel like she is doing so good on this insulin.  I 1st gave her 1 unit 2/day, and after a curve in Drs office, she decreased it to .5 unit 2/day.  She's loosing body mass as I can feel her bones.  I don't think she is eating as much as she should.  Does her insulin need to be adjusted, or do you think she even needs it?  I also switched her to canned food only.  Thanks

[zodiacqueen]

Wow, that really does sound like a rough choice to make.  You do have me curious about removing some of it.  Did you ask the vet about it?  I'm not sure if that would be doable or not, but it's worth asking about.

About the chicken broth, get the low sodium stuff in the soup aisle.  You just pour it in a bowl and let her lap it up.  The "meat" baby foods are loved by cats, and it's something that every cat owner should keep on hand just in case.  They especially love the chicken and the ham flavor.  That's a favorite of cats that I've had in the past.

Take care, and keep letting me know how both of you are doing!

[camillesmom]

ha! the vet told me there is no right or wrong answer... the diabetes complicates a possible surgery.  The cancer is also in her lymph node.  The tumor is getting bigger, and it bleeds a little.  They also don't know how much they would have to take, and she will be left with a huge hole on the side of her mouth that would interfere w/eating/grooming.  Wish they could just remove some, to relieve it some, but that is far fetched.  I think I just need to let it be, but I will always wonder.  Please tell me more about chix broth etc... just buy meat flavored baby food?  She does not do well w/fish, so I never give it, even in cat food...

[zodiacqueen]

It's really great to hear that she's eating better.  I also think you made a good decision to stick w/ soft foods.  

As for whether you should've removed the ulcer or not, that's a tough call.  Could she withstand the surgery?  Would her quality of life be better if that ulcer were removed?  I would talk to the vet some more about this to get a better idea of what to do.

[camillesmom]

Thank you so much!!  Shes eating much better now --I thin she was having a bad day.  The ulcer on her lip is getting bigger, I think she is having a hard time eating.  I am so upset about this, wondering if choosing not to remove was the right thing.....

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, I would most definitely call your vet about adjusting the insulin dosage.  If she's not eating, I'm sure she won't need as much.  I would definitely do everything I could to keep her eating-chicken broth, baby food w/ meat in it, and human tuna.  Whatever you can do to get her to eat.  

Good luck hon.  I've been through what you have and know how tough and stressful this is.  =(

We're here for you, whenever you need us!

[camillesmom]

shes not on steroids --we are not treating the tumor for a variety of reasons --age, position of tumor, and the fact its in the lymph nodes.  I don't thin she eats 12oz/day, b/c I giver her 2 cans of fancyfeast and she doesnt finish (but then again she never did) --the food is always gone after a while, but i also have another cat.  She seems better, I am just so worried and spend anytime I can laying on the floor watching her!

[zodiacqueen]

Hi, this may or may not be true w/ your cat, but we had a cat that became a diabetic because of the steroid drug she was put on for some colon issues.  I know that sometimes vets will use this drug to treat cancer in our cats, too.  So, if your cat has been given a steroid drug, either by injection or pill, then this could very well be the cause of her diabetes.  And, as soon as this drug is stopped, so will the diabetes.

Best wishes to you.  I know first hand how tough your situation is.  Hang in there!!!!

[opus88]

hi and welcome, wish it was under better circumstances that brought you to our site.
we are not Vets here just cat parents like yourself, therefore can only reply with our own experiences or suggest other links.
I will give you 2 very good sites to read on for diabetes, however I urge you to always follow your own Vets instructions...this is for info only.

http://catinfo.org/?link=felinediabetes

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/feline_diabetes_center.html

Are you treating the tumor at all? an adult cat needs in the neighborhood of 12oz per day of canned food of a very good quality CANNED or homemade diet with high protein..not meat by-products.
I hope this is of some help to you, best of luck with all your efforts to help this poor little girl♥