Male cats are more susceptible to diabetes and so are obese cats of either gender. Genetic predisposition is usually suspected to be behind this condition, but steroids and other clinical conditions like a pancreatic disease are also known to cause diabetes. An increased incidence has also been observed in neutered cats above six years old.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease where insufficient insulin production causes the blood sugar levels to rise. As the disease develops within the cat’s body, sugar is revealed in the urine as well. It is a complex disease and symptoms of diabetes in cats can remain concealed for a long time. Many times, the disease is discovered when the cat’s blood is checked for another evident disease.
The pancreas in the cat’s body, situated close to the stomach, has two primary functions - releasing insulin and emitting enzymes meant for digestion. Due to certain reasons, not yet firmly known to veterinarian science, the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin necessary for the storage of glucose in the liver and the oxidation of sugar in cells. In some cases, tissues develop resistance to insulin and cannot make good use of the glucose, which is necessary for building energy. Both the conditions lead to high sugar levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia persists even on fasting and is a common characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Even if your cat has high blood sugar, it is incorrect to presume that it is suffering from diabetes. In certain cases, stress and medication can cause a temporary condition of transient hyperglycemia.
The prognosis of diabetes is fair to good provided it is detected early. Knowledge of symptoms of diabetes in cats can enable owners to assess them and seek early medical aid.
Primary Symptoms
* Polyuria: This is a primary symptom associated with diabetes in cats. It is a renal disorder characterized by large volumes of pale dilute urine.
* Polydipsia: It is the excessive thirst caused by diabetes or a kidney dysfunction. There is an apparent obsession with water, and you may see your cat hanging around taps and faucets.
* Excessive weight loss
* Changes in appetite: The cat may start eating three times its normal diet or refuse to eat.
As the disease progresses, it can lead to poor hair coat, liver disease and frequent secondary bacterial infections.
Diabetes is a highly progressive disease and severe conditions may lead to diabetic neuropathy. It is caused by glucose toxicity and cell starvation, which damages the myelin sheath of the peripheral nerves. The hind legs of the cat become weaker and the cat abandons its normal stance of standing on its toes. Instead the cat assumes a plantigrade stance, which is walking on the whole sole of feet like humans. In quadrupeds, this translates into walking on hocks. The cat may also have difficulty in walking and jumping and may need to sit down after a few steps. Weak legs can be caused by other conditions as well. Before assuming neuropathy, it is advisable to consult a specialist first.
Diabetes is also associated with acidosis, abnormally high acidity of the blood and other body tissues leading to accumulation of ketone bodies. This may lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. Such a condition may cause refusal of food, vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory problems. Ketoacidosis is extremely dangerous and should be attended to immediately. If left untreated, it ultimately leads to death of the animal.
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