A common disease of older cats is sugar diabetes, correctly called diabetes mellitus. It is caused by a lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas. This causes the blood sugar to go abnormally high, starving the cells of their primary source of energy. The end result comprises a multitude of problems.
Two of the more common symptoms of diabetes mellitus are excess drinking and urinating. These are also the symptoms of other diseases of the older cat, including kidney disease, liver disease and hyperthyroidism. In the initial stages, these symptoms can be missed, which is unfortunate since early treatment and diagnosis are much more effective at an early stage. As diabetes mellitus progresses, you will notice weight loss and a poor appetite.
Diabetes mellitus is treated with insulin injections, as it is in humans. However, unlike with people, a proper blood-sugar level is hard to maintain. This necessitates a commitment on the part of an owner to proper and long-term care. In addition to insulin, a diet that is higher in protein and sometimes fiber can be beneficial.
A veterinarian demonstrates how to gently handle an insulin bottle for proper administration. Photos courtesy of Long Beach Animal Hospital.
The best way to prevent this disease in your cat is to maintain a proper body weight, since obesity is one of the main predisposing causes. Yearly exams along with blood and urine samples in cats eight years of age or older will catch this disease early. An early diagnosis is always advantageous.
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