Feline diabetes that is left unregulated or not managed properly can lead to a number of complications for your cat and some could ultimately lead to the death of your cat. Know what complications might arise and how they can be prevented.
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Types
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Common complications from feline diabetes are nephropathy, neuropathy, hypoglycemia, retinopathy, digestive disorders and atherosclerosis. According to the Natural Pet Health website, the most common complication is neuropathy (see Reference 3).
Effects
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Neuropathy will affect the femoral nerve and can lead to your cat walking on his hocks; retinopathy can lead to complete blindness; digestive disorders can include ulcers, colon inflammation and abdominal pain; nephropathy can result in total shutdown of the kidneys; and atherosclerosis will cause the blood vessels to narrow.
Warning
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One of the most feared diabetic complications is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when excessive insulin causes your cat̵7;s blood sugar level to become abnormally low. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures and instant death.
Prevention
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Glucose levels that fluctuate might contribute to long-term complications. Strict control of blood sugar levels will reduce the risk of long-term diabetic complications.
Considerations
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Oral medications used to regulate diabetes can cause side effects that are also detrimental to your cat. Glucotrol, the most common medication, might cause liver toxicity, and other oral medications can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, most oral medications do not provide the necessary blood sugar level control for many cats.
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