Diabetic neuropathy in cats is a rare condition that occurs when high glucose levels cause nerve damage in diabetic cats. Only when a cat suffers from diabetes mellitus can it develop the condition. This is because the cat’s body is unable to produce enough insulin, which is meant to regulate the blood sugar levels, thus leaving the cat’s blood with high sugar levels. This may even lead to liver disease and even ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition, if unchecked.
Onset
Some of the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in cats include an abnormal increase in thirst, weight loss, increased appetite and increase in urination. When it comes to diabetic neuropathy in cats, you may notice that your cat has weakness in the hindquarters that result from the nerve degradation. Muscular weakness and deterioration of muscle tissue will follow, and a distinct gait will be observed.
Symptoms
In addition, where a cat usually stands on their toes, you will notice that your cat is standing on their hocks. You should also check and see whether the back legs are lying on the ground when your cat is standing. In some cases, you may notice your cat develop weakness in the back legs to the extent that they drag a leg or paw as they walk. Their feet may also uncharacteristically slip out from under them as they walk, or have difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position. Lying down more frequently is also indicative of diabetic neuropathy in cats, especially when this happens after very short walks.
Advanced stages
As diabetic neuropathy in cats continues to progress, the cat will begin to walk in a crouch. In the most advanced cases, all four legs will be affected, and the cat may also lose control of the bladder and bowel. It is therefore important that you pay close attention to your cat before the condition progresses. Although treatment is available for diabetic neuropathy in cats, it is more easily treated in the early stages. As it progresses, treatment will take longer and may not completely reverse the effects of neuropathy.
Medical consultation
When you suspect that your cat has diabetic neuropathy, it is advisable to consult your vet. Most times, cat owners will only discover that their cats have diabetes as a result of developing diabetic neuropathy. If you do not know whether your cat has diabetes or not, a blood work will be helpful to determine this. If your cat does not have diabetes, it is unlikely that they have neuropathy, but your vet should confirm this for you. Your cat may just be overweight and in need of a healthier diet.
Treatment
When diabetic neuropathy in cats has been confirmed, treatment will be for the diabetes. Depending on the extent of the condition, your vet may opt for insulin shots to administer insulin directly into your cats system, especially in cases where the condition has advanced. Alternatively, you may also get supplemental vitamin combined with other oral medication that should be accompanied by a healthy diet plan.