08/06/2011
One common complication of uncontrolled feline diabetes is hind leg weakness. Rather than walking normally- on the toes- the cat may walk down on his hocks. This posture is referred to as “plantigrade stance” (see image below). The condition is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and is the result of peripheral nerve sheath damage caused by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). It is theorized that the hyperglycemia causes microvascular injuries in the small blood vessels that supply the nerves, resulting in an interruption in blood flow. The nerves in the cat’s hind legs are particularly vulnerable to this form of neuropathy.
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07/10/2011
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces more of its hormones than it should. It is most common in older cats. When this occurs, the cat's body runs much faster than it normally would. There are two hormones commonly related to hyperthyroidism. The first is thyroxin, known as T4, the second is triiodothyronine, known as T3.
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07/04/2011
A fructosamine test can help you and your vet determine your cat's average glucose level over about two weeks. The numbers don't correspond exactly to the glucose numbers you get from a glucometer, so you need a chart to convert the numbers to the equivalent numbers from the glucometer.
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