Why is my cat not responding to insulin shots?

Concurrent disease is the primary reason why some cats do not respond to “normal” doses of insulin. Infection and inflammation anywhere in the body leads to insulin resistance. Dental disease and undiagnosed urinary tract infections are common culprits.

What to do if a diabetic is unresponsive?

If you see someone with diabetes become unresponsive, call 911.

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.

How long can a diabetic cat go without an insulin shot?

It is safer to go without insulin, even for 36-48 hours, than to risk giving too much insulin and possibly causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar/glucose).

Can a diabetic stop responding to insulin?

Over time, cells stop responding to all that insulin—they’ve become insulin resistant. The pancreas keeps making more insulin to try to make cells respond. Eventually, the pancreas can’t keep up, and blood sugar keeps rising.

How do you treat a cat with insulin resistance?

Most feline diabetics are treated with protamine zinc insulin (PZI), insulin glargine (Lantus—Sanofi-aventis), or a pork Lente product (Vetsulin—Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health).

Is there an alternative to insulin injections for cats?

At this time, glipizide is the only oral medication that can be expected to replace insulin injections and it only works for 25-30% of cats.

Is my diabetic cat suffering?

The Bottom Line on Feline Diabetes If you suspect your cat is sick, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Excessive urination, thirst, heightened appetite, vomiting, lethargy, and inactivity are symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

Can I give my cat insulin if he hasn’t eaten?

Injecting insulin when they haven’t eaten can cause serious problems. The first thing to do is to wait a few minutes and see if your pet will eat. If that doesn’t work, then try a little “special” food. You can try canned food, broth, or even try warming the food up a little.

How long does it take for a diabetic cat to respond to insulin?

This is usually 5 – 8 hours after an insulin injection, but it should have been determined during the initial regulation process. Therefore, the proper procedure is as follows: Feed your cat its normal morning meal then bring it to hospital immediately.

What are the signs of a diabetic coma?

Symptoms

• Increased thirst.
• Frequent urination.
• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Stomach pain.
• Fruity breath odor.
• A very dry mouth.

What are 5 signs of a diabetic emergency?

What are the signs and symptoms of a diabetic emergency?

• hunger.
• clammy skin.
• profuse sweating.
• drowsiness or confusion.
• weakness or feeling faint.
• sudden loss of responsiveness.