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Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes
mellitus ("sugar" diabetes) is a complex
and common endocrine disorder in the
cat. It is caused either by insufficient
production of the hormone, insulin, by
the pancreas (type 1 diabetes) or by
inadequate response of the body's cells
to insulin (type 2 diabetes). Because
diabetic cats are not able to utilize
glucose properly, they ultimately
develop hyperglycemia (high blood sugar
levels) and subsequent glucosuria (sugar
in the urine). The glucosuria leads to
polyuria (excessive |
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Prognosis
A few unfortunate cats who have suffered from lower urinary tract disease will experience
frequent recurrences of bladder inflammation, re-obstruction, or formation of uroliths.
Fortunately, most others rarely experience the problem again or will have only occasional
recurrences.
Home Care
Home care of cats who have suffered from lower urinary tract disease is determined by the
cause, and varies depending on the cat's condition and history. Usually dietary
recommendations will be made, especially if struvite formation is of concern. Current
feeding recommendations for the prevention of struvite urolith formation are as follows:
- Feed diets that promote the formation of urine
that is acidic. Most commercial diets currently available meet this criteria. Avoid
supplementing such diets with additional urinary acidifiers, because over-acidification
can cause metabolic acidosis, impaired kidney function, and mineral imbalance.
- Restrict dietary magnesium intake to 40
milligrams per 100 kilocalories if acidic urine (pH of 6.4 or less) is maintained. Again,
most commercial diets meet this criteria.
- Feed small meals on a frequent basis or feed
free-choice dry foods.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
- Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually
one more than the number of cats in the household), and keep them clean.
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