My cat had been sick with what I thought was a cat cold for a few months now. I took him to the vet and he gave him an antibiotic and some eyedrops. I thought it cleared up but then it appeared to come back again.
I took him to the vet today and the vet ran a ton of tests. He was super concerned because Nermal lost 4 pounds in the past three months. The vet just called me and it turns out he is a diabetic. The vet said his numbers were so high over 800 that had I not brought him in he may have passed away within a few weeks. I had no idea he was even that sick… He wasn’t acting sick at all - he was eating and drinking and playing like normal.
I’m taking him back to the vet tomorrow to find out what to do to get his numbers under control. This is overwhelming and terrifying! I currently have no income because I’m going to nursing school and I’m petrified of how much this is going to cost me. I also feel like I’m torturing my cat giving him shots twice a day.
I’m hoping anyone out there has advice on this. If you have dealt with it or have a friend that has dealt with it or have any advice at all. Right now I’m just petrified and I don’t know what all this is going to entail. I don’t wanna torture my cat to keep him alive for another year if he’s suffering.
If you know me at all you know I absolutely love my cats and they are my world!!!
Any help or experience is so welcome right now! Also, any prayers would be lovely because for some strange reason I am super scared and super sad!
Hugs!
Not that uncommon for cats. Son is veterinarian. His father-in-law had a diabetic cat. Just like with humans (you ARE in nursing school; gotta not be scared for your own, or your patients,) you do a little prick on the edge tip of their ear as often as the vet recommends. You'll get a sliding scale insulin chart from the vet. You'll draw up insulin from the vial, and give kitty it's insulin, usually in the fluffy extra skin area above it's lower neck. The needle is very thin, so it's not felt much. This is NOT a deep muscle shot like you'll do for humans with some vaccines...nor as thick of a needle. Kitty will feel much better every day.
ReplyDeleteYou could apply for school loans from your nursing school to exist and cover your living expenses, etc. If your school is totally paid for by you and family, then that may be more difficult to garner financial aid.
It will take some extra time on your part to care for such a kitty, with expenses for syringes, insulin. You'll have to decide if you'll want to participate in his care as the vet outlines, or opt for kitty hospice by way of euthanasia. If so, I'd discourage another pet, short of a goldfish, until you're out of nursing school. Prayers said to help with your understanding, collecting knowledge from the vet, and decisions.
Linda in Kansas, an RN
Thank you for the information Linda. I was super overwhelmed but this information above, along with a few friends, have made it seem super manageable. I don't think it is the idea of the needle stick for me (I give myself a shot every 4 months for psoriasis) so that is easy. I think it is the idea of my cat running and being afraid of me every time he sees me since I cant really explain that what I am doing is for his own good. You have all made me feel much better and I am walking into this vet appointment with a bright outlook to get my sweet Nermal healthy again asap. I pay for school with loans and have a small savings that I am living off of for the next year but I will make this work. I love my cats and I take full responsibility for their care as they truly are my children. Thank you so much for the prayers 0 they are so super appreciated and thank you for the helpful information too!! HUGS
DeleteCan't offer any experience or advice, but I WILL send prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kathy! It is just so scary when I had no idea what is to come but I have reached out on social media and found some friends that have dealt with it very successfully with their pets...I think it is just scary since they cant talk and you cant explain why you are doing what you are doing to them. :-( I appreciate your prayers soooo much more than you know Kathy!! HUGS!
DeleteMy friends and former neighbors had a diabetic cat. I watched them a couple of times and it was easy to give her the shots twice a day. She didn't mind (and got treats). After a little more than a year, she didn't need them anymore and has been fine these past two years. Maybe that doesn't happen all the time, but just like a human, cats can live well with diabetes. Explain the expense issue and maybe there is help available. I wish you and your sweetie good luck.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much Terri! It makes me feel better every time I hear someone's cat did really well after diagnosis. So after talking with a few people that have cared for pets with diabetes - they are saying that insulin for cats is way more reasonable than for humans and it is really just that and the expense of the special food. I think it will all be fine. I think I just had a momentary freak out thinking about long hours at clinical and a sick cat. People are saying cats seem to do really well on insulin and they adjust to the shots easily. Fingers crossed - I just got the news and I think it was so unexpected as I just thought he had a cat cold. He has not even been acting sick at all just goopy eyes so super unexpected news. Thanks for the kind words - they are so appreciated!!! HUGS to you Terri!
DeleteMy friend had a diabetic cat. She was careful to give insulin on a schedule, and the cat did well.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this information and feedback! I really appreciate the comment so much...many people have shared this kind of information and it all seems manageable now. so many hugs!
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