www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes
Diabetes in Cats
63098/July14/NB/5k
OWNER MANUAL
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DIABETE S IN
N C
CA
A TTSS
What is Diabetes?
Diagnosis
Glucose (blood sugar) is derived from the food your cat eats and provides
The signs listed above suggest that diabetes could be present, but they can
the energy body cells need to function. Cells however can only absorb
also be caused by a number of other diseases. Therefore, your vet will have
glucose if insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) is present.
diagnosed your pet with diabetes through running a combination of blood
Sometimes, the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin or alternatively
and urine tests.
the cells in the body become less responsive to insulin. If either of these
occur, your cat’s blood sugar levels will get too high and diabetes mellitus
(shortened to just diabetes) will result.
Whilst diabetes can occur in any cat, it is more commonly seen in older cats,
neutered male cats and in the Burmese breed.
Can diabetes be cured?
Usually the underlying cause of the diabetes cannot be ‘cured’, but with the
establishment of a regular routine and the use of Caninsulin, your cat can
lead a normal, happy life. ­
What are the signs of diabetes?
Diabetic cats may show a range of clinical signs due to their illness. In
particular, diabetic cats will often drink and urinate excessively. They will
also tend to lose weight despite having an increased appetite. General signs
such as lethargy and poor hair coat condition are often seen.
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Treatment
Starting Treatment
The main aim of treatment is to restore a good quality of life, not just
As every cat’s insulin requirement is different, your veterinary surgeon will
for your cat but for you as well. We can do this by stopping the signs of
need to tailor the dose of insulin to your pet’s needs. It may take several
diabetes. Treatment also helps reduce the risk of diabetic complications.
months to achieve full stabilisation, although you should see improvements
Whilst cats tend to escape some of the more serious complications seen in
in your cat within a few weeks of commencing treatment.
diabetic people, they will have a higher incidence of problems such as hind
limb weakness.
Your cat will typically be started on a conservative dose of insulin based on
their bodyweight and blood glucose levels. You will also be shown how to
Just as in people, diabetes can be effectively controlled by the injection
administer Caninsulin correctly under your cat’s skin (see illustrations on
of insulin (such as Caninsulin from MSD Animal Health). In cats, insulin is
pages 6 and 7) using either special syringes or VetPen. If using VetPen, only
generally given in the morning and evening, usually 12 hours apart.
use Caninsulin cartridges and VetPen needles. If using syringes, only use
40IU syringes designed for use with Caninsulin. It is surprising how easy this
Routine is the key to successfully treating diabetes and revolves around
all becomes with a little practice.
insulin injections, exercise, weight control and diet. Veterinary nurses are
often a great source of advice on these matters.
You will need to keep in close contact with your veterinary practice initially
however the frequency of visits should reduce once the appropriate
stabilisation dose of insulin has been determined. You should never change
Caninsulin VetPen
the dose of insulin you give to your pet without first consulting your vet.
You may be asked to test urine samples on a regular basis to check for
glucose and ketones, using special test sticks supplied by your vet. These
give an extra indication of how your pet is getting on. Always consult your
vet if you are unsure what to do.
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VERY IMPORTANT
Low Blood Glucose (‘HYPOGLYCAEMIA’)
One potentially dangerous complication that you should be prepared
for is ‘hypoglycaemia’; this is when the blood sugar level falls too low.
This may happen if too much insulin is given or if your cat refuses to
eat after insulin administration or your cat goes into remission for their
diabetes. In this situation the brain, which is very dependent on a supply
of glucose, cannot get enough energy.
The early signs include unrest or lethargy, weakness and shivering/muscle
twitching, progressing to fits and unconsciousness. The condition is
potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Diabetic remission can
occur in up to 50%
What to do if you see signs of hypoglycaemia:
• 1.
• 2.
Give food immediately.
If your cat doesn’t eat straight away, syringe a glucose solution into the mouth and/or rub glucose powder on the gums and under the tongue (see below). Take care not to get bitten.
• 3.
Call your veterinary surgeon for advice.
of cats treated with
Glucose powder and solution are available from your local
Caninsulin. It is therefore
pharmacist. Make sure you have some available at all times in
vital to monitor your
case of emergency. When treating hypoglycaemia aim to give
cat for any signs of
1 gram of glucose per kilogram bodyweight. For example, a
hypoglycaemia as this
may indicate remission.
4 kilogram cat would require approximately 1 level teaspoon of
glucose/sugar.
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Tips on looking after your insulin
• Do not use a cartridge/vial of Caninsulin for longer than 28 days
Insulin is a very fragile substance. Incorrect storage and handling of
insulin may mean that it doesn’t have the proper effect when you give it
Additional Owner Support Materials
to your cat. Follow these rules with Caninsulin:
• MSD Animal Health produces a variety of pet-owner support
• Always keep unopened Caninsulin cartridges/vials in the fridge. Once
broached, whilst it is ideal to keep Caninsulin in the fridge, it is stable
provided it is kept under 25 degrees Celsius
•
Do not allow Caninsulin to freeze - freezing destroys the insulin.
materials, available from your veterinary practice on request
• Visit our website www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes for
detailed information on managing your diabetic pet
Summary
Remember that items kept at the back of the fridge may freeze if
When you find out that your cat is a diabetic it can be a daunting
they come into contact with the cooling plate
experience - there is a lot to learn in the first few weeks. However, in
time, many owners establish a routine that becomes second nature to
•
Always store unbroached Caninsulin in an upright position - insulin
both them and their cats.
can be affected by substances in the rubber cap at the top of the
Looking after a diabetic
cartridge/vial
cat is a challenging, yet
rewarding undertaking. It
•
Before first use, agitate the cartridge/vial until a uniform milky
must be accepted that regular
suspension is obtained. Foam on the surface of the suspension
injections, a fixed routine and
formed during shaking should be allowed to disperse before the
frequent visits to the vet will
Caninsulin is used. Before each injection, the Caninsulin should be
become a way of life. However,
gently mixed to maintain a uniform milky suspension. Agglomerates
with the right care, cats can
can form in insulin suspensions: do not use the product if visible
enjoy a full and happy life after
agglomerates persist after shaking thoroughly
the diagnosis of diabetes.
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METHOD OF INJECTION
VETPEN
Your vet or veterinary nurse will show
IMPORTANT: ONLY USE WITH CANINSULIN
CARTRIDGES AND VETPEN NEEDLES
you how to inject your cat with VetPen.
1
Ensure the arrow on the VetPen
body points to the start line on
the dose selector. Then dial up the
number of units of insulin required
as per your veterinary surgeon’s
direction. If you over-dial, never wind
back the dose selector. Expel the
insulin and draw up the correct dose.
2
Pull the skin of the scruff of
the neck/back upwards and
form a depression with your
forefinger.
3
Insert the needle of VetPen at
right angles gently through
the skin in the depression
you have formed. Then push
the release button toward
the pen needle and hold it
in place until the start line on
the dose selector returns to the arrow on the
pen body. Count to a minimum of 5 seconds
before removing the needle from the skin.
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METHOD OF INJECTION
SYRINGES
Your vet or veterinary nurse will show you
IMPORTANT: ONLY USE 40IU SYRINGES
DESIGNED FOR USE WITH CANINSULIN
how to inject your cat with a syringe.
1
Draw up into the syringe slightly
more insulin than needed. Expel any
air bubbles by tapping the upright
syringe with your finger and then
gently press the plunger until the
correct dose remains.
2
Pull the skin of the scruff of
the neck/back upwards and
form a depression with your
forefinger.
3
Insert the injection needle at
right angles gently through
the skin in the depression you
have formed. Gently draw
back the syringe plunger and
if blood appears remove the
needle from the skin and start
again with a fresh syringe (this will very rarely
happen). Release your hold on the skin.
Slowly depress the plunger.
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USING
VETPEN
How long will my
®
2.7ml cartridge last?
IU per
injection
IU per day
based on twice
daily dosing
No. of days
cartridge will
last
IU per
injection
IU per day
based on twice
daily dosing
No. of days
cartridge will
last
0.5
1
108*
6.5
13
8
1
2
54*
7
14
7
1.5
3
36
7.5
15
7
2
4
27
8
16
6
2.5
5
21
9
18
6
3
6
18
10
20
5
3.5
7
15
11
22
4
4
8
13
12
24
4
4.5
9
12
13
26
4
5
10
10
14
28
3
5.5
11
9
15
30
3
6
12
9
16
32
3
*
* Cartridge should be discarded after 28 days and replaced with a new one.
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www.mypetonline.co.uk/petdiabetes
Caninsulin VetPen® is a winner of the
ICC (International Cat Care) Easy to Give Award
- Recognises commitment in making dosing medicines
easier, making life less stressful to vets, owners and
feline patients alike
63098/July14/NB/5k
Caninsulin VetPen
Use medicines responsibly.
For more information visit www.noah.co.uk/responsible
Caninsulin is for animal treatment only and must be prescribed by your
veterinary surgeon whose advice should be sought. Caninsulin is indicated
for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats and dogs.
Caninsulin is an intermediate acting insulin product containing porcine
insulin, which is structurally identical to canine insulin.
Legal category POM-V
Caninsulin is the property of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated
companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and
other intellectual property laws.
Copyright © 2014 Intervet International B.V. All rights reserved.
MSD Animal Health, Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ
Item Code: SA-045845
03/09/2014 17:02