A normal glucose level for cats is around 80. Charlie's was almost 400!!!! I never even suspected he was sick because all the symptoms of diabetes and glaucoma were traits he has had all his life. In glaucoma, the symptoms are an enlarged eye and cloudy cornea. Hard to detect in Charlie because he has always had an enlarged right eye, both eyes are covered with blue film and he is partially blind due to a virus he suffered from as a kitten.
The symptoms of diabetes include: increased consumption of water, increased urination and, urinating outside the litter box. Again, all traits that Charlie has had ALL his life. He has always loved his water bowl. We nicknamed him "king of the water bowl" because he will lay there for what seems like hours while the other cats line up, waiting for him to move so they can get a drink. He is the leader of the pack and they would never make him move! As for the increased urination, I thought it was due to his love of the water bowl. Now the urinating outside of the litter box has always been frustrating to me. Charlie missed the litter box more often than he made it into the box but, I chalked this up to his blindness. I just thought his aim was off!
Charlie now has to get 2 shots of insulin per day to regulate his sugar and, take an oral medication and topical ointment for the glaucoma. Not fun for me or charlie! He has made me happy for 16 years. So now it is my turn. I will do what is necessary to keep him happy and healthy for his remaining time with me. May that be a long, long time......
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12 comments:
Hello my fellow blog-hopping bibliophile. Nice to meet you.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.
http://australianinathens.blogspot.com
I am so sorry about your cat!. omg., seems as tho he was born this way?
Poor Charlie. Hope the treatments help and he's feeling better soon. - G
Awww poor kitty:( Hope both him and you feel better!
BTW, how often do you take him to see a vet?
That must be so hard to find out. I have some friends whose dog came down with diabetes at 7 years old and they just gave her the shots, and after awhile it wasn't a big deal for any of them.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all of your support. Yes, Charlie was born with a load of problems but they were treated. He has been fine. I very rarely take him to the vet because like I said, he did not display ANY symptoms (or so I thought). His behavior was the same (odd as usual), he eats like a cow and he did not show any signs of being in any pain or discomfort. I gave him his first shot this morning and I think we both did ok. I'll keep you posted.
I know what you mean about your cat, I do all I can whenever my dogs get sick.
I was so sure I had already signed up to follow your blog and thought you just hadn't been posting, but obviously not. I am following now for sure.
So sorry to hear of Charlie's illnesses. He is a lucky kitty to have you as his Mom. I know you will take very good care of him and he will be your companion for many years to come.
today my 11 year old dog did something totally off for his usual self: he peed all over the house! his eyes are always like you said (cloudy and enlarged) so your post made me wonder about his health. I am taking him to the vet to be sure! Good luck to Charlie and your new routine.
That sucks. Poor kitty. And poor you as well. Hope everything turns out alright.
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God Bless your heart! I'm sorry to hear about Charlie but so happy you're in a position to take care of him. Charlie's lucky to have you. I hope his treatments make his life easier - he looks like a sweet cat.
Haupi
My cat Madison had diabetes. I felt overwhelmed when I got the diagnosis and yet I knew I had to do whatever it took too keep him alive. He lived for 6 years with the diabetes. He was 20 lbs when he was diagnosed and 6 lbs when I made the decision that it was his time. I gave him shots twice a day which ended up no big deal. For the last 6 months of his life I have him fluids under the skin via intravenous needles every evening. I loved that cat. I had him cremated and he now sits on my dresser in a little box. I miss him. If you need any advice or help with Charlie please just ask!
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