Surfacing for Cat News

[mmerriam]

The Reverend Selena will not be having surgery today to remove the abscessed tooth. They did her blood work, and her blood sugar was twice what it should be. The Reverend is apparently diabetic, and they will need to start her on insulin and stabilize her blood sugar before they can operate on her tooth. She will be staying overnight at Hopkins Pet Hospital for observation.

Comments

[j-cheney.livejournal.com]

Wow. I hope she's doing better in a few days....

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[cadithial.livejournal.com]

The one good thing about cat diabetes is that it can go away in cats. My parents cat had diabetes. They put her on a diet and gave her insulin. As soon as her weight went down some, her diabetes went away.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

She's been losing weight, so we might have to get her back up a couple of pounds. Tomorrow we will pick her up and learn about her changing diet needs and giving her insulin shots.

[boy-pastiche.livejournal.com]

Comfort and blessings to you three.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[boy-pastiche.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

Sending good thoughts for the Reverend Selena.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[damncutekitty.livejournal.com]

Get better soon Reverend!

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the well wishes!

[materia-indigo.livejournal.com]

My cat Simon was diabetic. Fortunately insulin for cats is not expensive, and the shots are easy to administer.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

That's good to hear!

[careswen.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! How often did you have to test his glucose level?

[materia-indigo.livejournal.com]

We only had it tested whenever he went to the vet. It fluctuated so rapidly, that it was not practical to test it very often. We kept him on a regular insulin schedule of two shots a day, and he became so used to the routine that he would even jump up on the table and wait for his shot. Mostly we watched how much water he drank, and used that as our gauge. I seem to remember that when he drank more than usual, the vet had us increase his dose a little. But you'll want to ask your vet about that, of course.

[materia-indigo.livejournal.com]

If she's losing weight, she may also be dehydrated. Ask your vet if you need to start giving her subcutanal fluids.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Good point!

[mrissa.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry this is an issue, but I'm glad they have it well in hand.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

I am too. As I told Sherry over the phone: Like everything else (such as blindness and grad school), we will get through this together.

[dsgood.livejournal.com]

Sending good thoughts.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[pameladean]

Oh, poor Reverend. I hope they get her feeling better soon.

I once saw a veterinary assistant demonstrating giving insulin to a cat. The syringe is TINY. It looked less hard on both cat and human than subcutaneous hydration. I also know of diabetic cats who come up and demand their insulin if their person forgets or is late getting home. So maybe, if she has to have it, it won't be too traumatic.

P.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Last night when giving her antibiotics and pain meds, she did not fuss at all, nor did she this morning. I am hopeful we can reach a routine and accord.

[materia-indigo.livejournal.com]

I also know of diabetic cats who come up and demand their insulin if their person forgets or is late getting home.

That exactly describes our cat Simon. He would actually go up to us and meow and remind us to give him his shot if we forgot or were late. Then he would jump up on his little table and wait cooperatively for the shot.

[pameladean]

I think the jumping up on the table makes your cat exceptional. 8-)

P.

[pezwitch.livejournal.com]

Oh, man! Poor Selena. :( I will keep her in happy warm healthy kitten thoughts.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[raecarson.livejournal.com]

Eeek! Love and snuggles to Her Holiness. She's going to feel so much better when this is over and she's back home.

[mmerriam.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Rae. We should know more today.

[akillianna.livejournal.com]

aww, poor Reverend S. I hope she is well, and I am sending love and fuzzy snuggles to you both, no claws included!