Information provided about specific medical procedures or conditions is for educational purposes to allow for educated, on-going discussion with your vet and is not intended to replace veterinary advice.
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Diabetic Cat Care
Links to Miscellaneous Emergency & Medical How To's |
What to do if you think your cat has been poisoned
How to check Feline Vital Signs
The Heimlich Maneuver for Cats
Why the Vet pokes and prods your Cat
Annual Wellness Exams are IMPORTANT
Feline Medical Conditions Library
Pilling your cat Dr. Lisa Pierson
Litter Box Info – a cat’s perspective by Dr. Lisa Pierson
Disaster Preparedness for Pets
Veterinary Prescription Medication Errors (from the FDA)
How to save money on Vet bills
How to read Blood Tests:
A CBC (complete blood count) is a very important tool used to determine overall health - typically comprised of biochemistry and hematology results. Most vets will require fasting from food for at least 12 hours before drawing blood for a CBC (Dr. H says that's too long, 6-8 hours should be enough since cats process their food much faster than humans do). Make sure to advise your vet of all medications and supplements your cat is taking as some will affect lab results. It's always a good idea to take a meal for your cat with you to the vet's so they can be fed right after blood is drawn (ask for that to be done first). A fed cat is typically more co-operative about being prodded.
Typically Senior/Geriatric blood panels will include a T4 to test for Hyperthyroidism (HT). It's a good idea to have your vet ask the lab to hold onto the blood sample in the event further testing is needed; for example a Free T4 if the T4 comes back high. If that happens, there is an additional test required to confirm or deny HT, the T3 Suppression Test. Many cats on forum have had high T4 and Free T4 values as a result of other medical issues (such as pancreatitis). Before putting your cat on HT medications which are extremely hard on the system, it is highly recommended to follow through with the T3 Suppression test first.
In the event it's possible your cat has Pancreatitis, it's highly recommended to have the Spec fPL1 test done at the same time as the CBC to help reduce costs - yes, the vet WILL charge for another blood draw and likely even another consult if you ask for it to be done later. Your vet may suggest the Snap version of this test but push for the Spec fPL1 if possible as the Snap version only confirms pancreatitis is in play where the Spec fPL1 will give the actual status of the disease. This is very useful information to have when it comes to attempting to resolve it through the use of supplements.
If you'd like to have experienced members take a look at your cat's labs, they must first be posted to one of the photo-sharing sites like Photo Bucket. Make sure to hide your personal information! To make it clear - we're not vets - we have become quite familiar with the trends in labs when it comes to diabetic cats and sometimes we see things that might be considered normal on the lab report but could indicate there's a problem brewing.
Understanding Diagnostic Blood Work - Idexx
Blood Chemistry Panel Explained
Blood Chemistry Panel Explained -The Senior/Geriatric Profile
Blood Test Values and What They Mean
How to give Sub-Q Fluids:
On occasion it may be necessary to administer subcutaneous fluids (aka SubQ) to your cat. SubQ fluids are usually in the form of Lactated Ringers (a 9% saline solution), and typically contain electrolytes. When SubQ are given to FD cats, it is important they do not contain glucose or dextrose as this will cause blood sugar levels to rise. While it seems very intimidating to have to give SubQ fluids, the truth is, if you can give an insulin shot, you can give fluids. It may take asking someone to help you at first, but many are able to give SubQ fluids by themselves.
Vet Instructing on how to give Sub Q Fluids - Video
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