Emergencies

Emergency situations that may arise if you own a diabetic cat are:

  1. Hypoglycaemia - unduly low blood sugar
  2. Diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycaemic hyperosmotic non-ketotic (HHNK) syndrome - caused by extremely high blood sugar

As the owner of a diabetic cat, it is important to be prepared for the above situations.

IF YOUR DIABETIC CAT HAS ANY OF THESE SIGNS:

  • Excessive drinking for more than 3 days
  • Excessive urination or inappropriate urination in the house for more than 3 days
  • Reduction in or loss of appetite
  • Weakness, seizures or severe depression
  • Behavioural change, muscle twitching or anxiety
  • Constipation, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Signs of a bladder infection (passing frequent small amounts of urine, straining to urinate, blood in the urine)
  • Swelling of the head or neck

Contact your veterinary surgeon immediately for possible adjustment of the insulin dose or treatment of additional medical problems.