Treatment FAQ

what are the symptoms and treatment for diabetic coma in a cat

by Mina Schultz Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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If feline diabetes is left untreated, you’ll start seeing more symptoms, including impaired movement of back legs, vomiting, and breath that smells fruity or like nail polish remover. Without treatment, a cat will fall into a diabetic coma, and soon die. How do cats get diabetes?

Full Answer

How to keep a cat in diabetic remission?

Your veterinarian can recommend choices specifically for your cat, but these basic tips can help:

  • Choose cat foods with quality sources of protein, and low carbohydrates.
  • Ideally, your cat should be offered meals at the same time each day.
  • If your cat prefers to eat small amounts through the day, talk to your veterinarian how to manage this.

Can cats go into diabetic shock?

Diabetic Shock In A Cat. Feline diabetes affects one in 400 cats, according to the Pawprints And Purrs Inc. website. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) occurs when a diabetic cat’s insulin level needs to be changed or if the cat gets too much insulin. The insulin triggers the cat’s body to continue producing glucose.

Can Cats detect diabetes?

Perhaps that’s why cats are so adept at noticing the subtle changes that occur when we begin to get sick. Although scientific studies on the subject are scarce, anecdotal evidence shows that cats have been known to sense diabetes, migraines, depression, and even cancer.

What causes a person to go into a diabetic coma?

  • Insulin delivery problems. If you're on an insulin pump, you have to check your blood sugar frequently. ...
  • An illness, trauma or surgery. When you're sick or injured, blood sugar levels tend to rise, sometimes dramatically. ...
  • Poorly managed diabetes. ...
  • Deliberately skipping meals or insulin. ...
  • Drinking alcohol. ...
  • Illegal drug use. ...

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How do you know if your cat is in a diabetic coma?

Symptoms of Diabetes with Coma in CatsIncreased thirst.Increased urine volume (either more frequent trips to litter box or larger clumps of urine in the litter)Urinating in inappropriate locations.Increased appetite.Weight loss.Odd gait or plantigrade stance (walking or resting on rear legs instead of paws only)More items...•

What is the main treatment for diabetic coma?

High blood sugar Intravenous fluids to restore water to your tissues. Potassium, sodium or phosphate supplements to help your cells function correctly. Insulin to help your tissues absorb the glucose in your blood.

What are the final stages of diabetes in cats?

In the final stages, the cat starts wasting, with the body breaking down its own fat and muscle to survive. Lethargy/limpness and acetone-smelling breath are acute symptoms of ketoacidosis and/or dehydration and constitute a medical emergency. Untreated, diabetes leads to coma and then death.

What are the stages of a diabetic coma?

The three types of diabetic coma include diabetic ketoacidosis coma, hyperosmolar coma and hypoglycaemic coma. Diabetic coma is a medical emergency and needs prompt medical treatment. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels may lead to hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia.

Is death by diabetic coma painful?

Hospitalization becomes essential for survival. Symptoms include sunken eyes, rapid breathing, headache, muscle aches, severe dehydration, weak peripheral pulses, nausea, stomach pain and cramping, vomiting, semi or unconsciousness, cerebral edema, coma and death. DKA is a horrendously painful way to die.

Can diabetic coma cause death?

Diabetic coma is a dangerous condition that can lead to unconsciousness and even death. Diabetic coma may affect 2% to 15% of all diabetics at least once in their lifetime and the condition that most commonly causes the coma is severe hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar.

When should a diabetic cat be euthanized?

They are usually euthanized because they are so ill that the prognosis is poor due to ketoacidosis and/or other diseases like renal failure and neoplasia. Others in this group are euthanized because owners are not financially capable of caring for a diabetic cat or have no desire to do so.

Are diabetic cats in pain?

Affected cats usually develop an odd, crouching gait and have difficulty jumping up but they can have milder nerve pain that doesn't cause clinical lameness. (Human diabetics can suffer from this as well and report pain and tingling in their feet.)

Is my diabetic cat suffering?

The four main symptoms of diabetes mellitus are increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, and increased appetite. Because of the nature of cats, these signs may go unnoticed, especially in the early stages of disease or if a cat spends a lot of time outdoors.

What happens after a diabetic coma?

If the symptoms occurred for a while before treatment or if you were in a diabetic coma for several hours or longer, you could experience some brain damage. An untreated diabetic coma may also result in death. People who receive emergency treatment for a diabetic coma usually recover fully.

What does diabetic shock look like?

People experiencing hypoglycemia often experience headaches, dizziness, sweating, shaking, and a feeling of anxiety. When a person experiences diabetic shock, or severe hypoglycemia, they may lose consciousness, have trouble speaking, and experience double vision.

What are the symptoms of diabetic shock?

Mild symptoms include:Dizziness.Irritability.Moodiness or sudden changes in behavior.Hunger.Shakiness.Sweating.Rapid heart beat.

How do I know if my cat is in a coma?

A cat in a coma will not respond to a strong stimulus like name calling, touching, or loud noises. They may have shallow breathing or may be breath...

How do you know if your diabetic cat is dying?

A cat in a coma is in a deteriorated state, and if medical care is not started soon, your cat could die. Other signs that your pet is near death in...

Can a cat recover from a diabetic coma?

With immediate and very aggressive care in a hospital, cats can recover from a diabetic coma. The prognosis is better if therapy is started early a...

How to treat diabetic cats?

Most diabetic cats require daily insulin injections to manage the illness, which your vet can train you to provide at home. Schedule regular checkups to monitor your cat's blood sugar and her response to the treatment. If obesity is a factor, you'll also need to make changes to your cat's meals.

What Is Cat Diabetes?

Like humans, cats can develop diabetes mellitus, also known as sugar diabetes, a disease that occurs when the body can no longer produce or use insulin properly , says Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, controls the flow of blood sugar, called glucose, to the body's cells to provide energy. Without sufficient levels of insulin, glucose doesn't reach the cells like it should, so instead the body starts breaking down fat and protein cells to use for energy, while unused glucose builds up to excessive amounts in the bloodstream.

What are the signs that diabetic cats are thirsty?

Excessive thirst. Increased urination. Excessive thirst and frequent urination are the signs most likely to be noticed first by cat owners. Often, because they need to go so frequently, diabetic cats will start relieving themselves outside the litter box.

What causes a diabetic cat to lose leg strength?

Other diabetes-related health complications may include liver disease, bacterial infection, unhealthy skin and coat, and neuropathy, which can cause loss of strength and mobility in the hind legs. Another complication can arise from treatment of diabetes — hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur when too much insulin is given, resulting in weakness, listlessness and lack of coordination, and in some cases it can cause convulsions and even coma. If your diabetic kitty displays signs of low blood sugar, try to get her to eat something. If she won't or can't eat, Cornell recommends rubbing syrup on her gums and calling your veterinarian right away.

Why does my cat lose weight?

Because diabetes causes the body's cells to process energy from fat and protein instead of glucose, cats with diabetes will typically lose weight in spite of displaying a healthy appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to a number of health complications, the most dangerous of which is a condition known as ketoacidosis. This occurs when the breakdown of fat and protein cells becomes so great that your cat's body is effectively starving even though she's eating regularly. Signs of this condition include appetite loss, weakness or lethargy, abnormal breathing, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhea, and without immediate intensive care to provide fluids and insulin, it could be fatal.

Can diabetic cats eat low carb diet?

If obesity is a factor, you'll also need to make changes to your cat's meals. Two different types of meal plans have been shown to help control both weight and blood sugar in diabetic cats. One is a meal plan that's high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. The other is a low-carbohydrate, high-protein plan. Your vet might place your kitty on a prescription food for diabetes, but determining which one is right for your cat might require some experimentation.

Can diabetes cause diabetes in cats?

While the exact cause of cat diabetes is unknown, obese cats are the most predisposed to developing this disease. Other risk factors include chronic pancreatitis and hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism and Cushing's disease. Certain medications, including corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) have also been linked to diabetes.

How do you know if your cat has diabetes?

One of the major early signs of feline diabetes is drinking excessive amounts of water. Because it can no longer process glucose, your cat’s body just expels it, along with water – which leads to another sign of feline diabetes: excessive urination.

Can cats be diabetic?

Like their human owners, cats can be diabetic. Luckily, just as humans are able to medically control their diabetes, it can be controlled in our pets, too. Amazingly, in some cases, after a while, a cat’s pancreas may even heal or regenerate and start producing insulin again. The vital thing is to get your cat to the vet the minute you notice any potential symptoms. Feline diabetes can be treated, but if your cat doesn’t get care quickly, the disease will kill him.

If Cats Blood Sugar Is 1.1 And Is In A Diabetic Coma And Limbs

If cat's blood sugar is 1.1 and is in a diabetic coma and limbs and neck rigid, what can you do and what is the prognosis? Hello, welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian, and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can.

Diabetes With Coma In Cats

Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperosmolar Coma in Cats The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, near the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas makes insulin, a polypeptide hormone that helps to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body.

4 Signs Of An Impending Diabetic Pet Emergency

Caring for a diabetic pet can be challenging, but there are certain precautions pet owners can take to prevent a diabetic emergency like hypoglycemia. Preventing a health crisis in a dog or cat with diabetes involves employing a consistent daily routine involving diet, exercise, insulin therapy, and supplementation.

Treating Cat Diabetes In Austin, Tx

Diabetes is growing problem not only in the human population, but also in the feline population. Veterinary experts say that up to 2 percent of cats may have diabetes, and the problem is often undiagnosed.

Diabetic Coma Cat - Medhelp

Common Questions and Answers about Diabetic coma cat I am so sorry. My Mom also went into diabetic coma and was blind for a time but she get better. Blessings to your Mom and to all of you. which can cause liver damage and if your cat is diabetic it will cause ketoacidosis that goes from vomiting to coma an death.

Feline Diabetes

Help and Hope Starts With Getting Informed Learning a cat has diabetes is stressful for any pet owner. But with the right knowledge, veterinary care and home treatment, pet owners can help their cats live long, happy lives. We’ll help you along the way. Let’s start with the information below.

Is Your Cat In A Diabetic Coma?

Cats with diabetes need continuous care. Unlike diabetic humans who can check their own blood sugar levels, cats rely on their owners to properly monitor what's happening in their pancreas. That twice-daily dosage of insulin given under his skin may require adjustment, depending on a variety of factors.

How do you know if your cat has diabetes?

So it’s important for you to know the symptoms of diabetes in cats, and to contact your veterinarian right away if you believe that your cat may be experiencing any of them. Increased thirst. Increase in frequency and volume of urination. Urinating outside the litter box.

How Do Vets Diagnose Feline Diabetes?

Diabetes is diagnosed by the presence of the typical clinical signs in the face of persistent fasting hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose), and glucosuria (glucose in the urine).

How does insulin affect cats?

In cats with diabetes mellitus, the transport of glucose from the blood to the tissues is disrupted, resulting in hyperglycemia (elevated blood glucose) and a state of relative starvation.

What is the name of the disease that results from an insulin deficiency?

Diabetes mellitus (commonly referred to as diabetes) is a disease of the endocrine system that results from an insulin deficiency. Either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin that’s produced.

What is the term for a metabolic disorder in which the cells cannot access glucose?

Other metabolic disturbances. These symptoms may be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a form of diabetes in which the cells (which cannot access glucose) use free fatty acids as an energy source. These free fatty acids are broken down into molecules called ketoacids.

What is Type 2 diabetes in cats called?

Type II diabetes mellitus is also called insulin-resistant or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. This is the most common form of diabetes mellitus in cats.

Why is nutrition important for cats?

Nutrition is a very important part of managing diabetes in cats.

How long does it take for a cat to go back to normal after diabetic?

Your cat should be back to normal within the next few days. If you have any concerns about the health of your cat, you should contact an emergency vet immediately.

How to keep a cat hydrated?

As your pet begins to regain conscious control of their body, you should mix a spoonful of sugar with a cup of warm water , then slowly drip this solution into their mouth. The sugar/water solution will help to keep your cat hydrated while also boosting their blood sugar levels.

How to get a cat to fit?

If you cat has begun to fit, you should gently pull back the lips and then rub some icing sugar around its teeth and gums. Sugar from the icing will be absorbed through the membrane of the gums and will enter the bloodstream, quickly raising your cat's blood sugar levels.

Can you stroke a cat in distress?

While it can be scary to see your cat in distress, it is important that you remember to offer them plenty of strokes and affection during the recovery period. You cat is likely to be a little shook up by the experience and stroking and petting them will help to calm you both down.

Can cats be diabetic?

If your cat has been diagnosed with diabetes, you will understand how important it is to keep an eye on its blood sugar levels. If your cat's blood sugar becomes too low, they may fall into a diabetic coma. If your cat enters a diabetic coma and is unresponsive and fitting, its life may be at risk so you should take the following steps.

How do you know if your cat is in a coma?

If your cat is in a coma, he will be completely unconscious and unresponsive to sounds or touch. In a stupor, your cat may be slightly responsive to sound or touch, however, the stimulus must be strong, such as a hard pinch. Stupors are temporary, so your cat may snap out of it after a short period of time, while comas are long-lasting. Besides loss of consciousness, some other symptoms you may observe include:

How to tell if a cat is losing consciousness?

You should bring your cat to a veterinarian the moment you begin to notice him losing consciousness. Tell your vet when the cat began to lose consciousness, and any other symptoms you may have observed. If your cat is fading in and out of consciousness in a stupor, try to estimate how long each incident lasts and how many times he has been unconscious. If your cat has recently started taking any new medications or using new products, mention this to the doctor so he knows whether it could be a reaction to something the cat has been exposed to. It’s also important to tell the doctor if it’s possible your cat has consumed something toxic—for example, if he had access to an open bottle of household cleaner.

What is Stupor and Coma?

There’s a big difference between a deep sleep and a complete loss of consciousness. If you notice your cat losing consciousness, take him to a veterinarian right away, even if he recovers after a few minutes. The underlying health condition could be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek immediate medical attention to protect your cat.

What is the difference between a coma and a stupor?

A stupor is characterized by a temporary loss of consciousness that can be disrupted when the cat is exposed to strong stimuli, while a coma is a more long-term form of unconsciousness in which the cat does not respond to any type of stimuli. Both of these conditions indicate there is an underlying health condition that needs immediate treatment.

What does it mean when a cat is depressed?

Normal means the cat is not experiencing any issues, while depressed means the cat prefers to sleep, but is still responsive. A disoriented state is characterized by excessive sleeping with abnormal responses to stimuli. Cats in a stupor only respond to strong stimuli, while cats in a coma do not respond to any form of stimuli.

How long does it take for a cat to recover from a stupor?

The time it takes for your cat to recover will depend on the cause of the stupor or coma. The vet will most likely ask that you leave the cat with them so they can continue to monitor his vital signs and help him regain consciousness. While under the vet’s care, the cat will be hooked up to ventilators, IVs, and feeding tubes if required, to ensure he is properly taken care of. The cat may regain consciousness while under the vet’s care, but that doesn’t mean he will be released to you right away. Vets will usually continue to monitor the cat’s vital signs until they are confident the cat has fully recovered.

How to stabilize a cat in a stupor?

Short-term treatment to stabilize the cat’s consciousness may include inserting an IV with fluids, monitoring the cat’s heart rate closely, and supporting the cat with a ventilator that provides a constant stream of oxygen.

What happens if a cat has diabetes?

Interaction with other medications. Increase in activity. Remission of diabetes. A cat with diabetes may experience hypoglycemia without showing any obvious signs.

How long does it take for corn syrup to work on cats gums?

If unknown, rub a small amount of corn syrup on your cat's gums. (Pouring it risks it getting in the lungs.) Corn syrup is absorbed very quickly (1–2 minutes), and your cat should be responsive.

What are the signs of a dog's bladder infection?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows signs of the following: Excess urination, including urination that is abnormal for your pet (nighttime for example) or inappropriate (like urinating in the house) Signs of a bladder infection (small, frequent urinations, straining, blood in the urine)

What to do if your veterinarian is unavailable?

Contact your veterinarian immediately, this is a medical emergency! If your veterinarian is unavailable contact your local emergency clinic.

Can Vetsulin cause low blood sugar?

Reasons for Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) The most common side effect experienced with Vetsulin ® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) therapy, or other insulin preparations, is low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia. If not treated, hypoglycemia can be fatal to your cat.

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