What
happened next?
Jellicoe, looking down from on high
At the beginning of March 2022, I found Jellicoe straining to
urinate in unusual places, like the coal scuttle. This had happened once before
three years previously, so we knew he had a urinary tract infection. It cleared
up with treatment but at the end of the month he had a urine test and was discovered
to have diabetes. This required him to have twice daily insulin injections and
regular checks of his glucose levels.
Lord of all he surveys
All proceeded smoothly for a few months until July, when
Jellicoe started vomiting and lost interest in food. It transpired that he was
severely dehydrated and constipated and had developed diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA) DKA is a very serious condition and occurs when the body lacks enough
insulin to release sugar into the cells for energy. In that case, the liver
breaks down fat for fuel, producing acids called ketones in the process. Jellicoe
was put on a drip and hospitalised for six days and his insulin dosage was adjusted.
He came home, but after four days he had to go back to hospital for three days.
The assistant
At the end of July he was referred to a specialist practice, where he stayed
for six days. His insulin was changed and all proceeded smoothly until the
middle of October, when he stopped eating.
People?
Again, Jellicoe was very dehydrated and had to be put on a
drip. He stayed in hospital for six days. His insulin was changed for the third
time and we agreed a new regime with the vets. Feline diabetes can be very
challenging to treat and we were told that Jellicoe’s case was particularly
difficult. We have learnt a lot and I think the vets may have added to their knowledge,
as well. In addition to insulin injections twice daily, he is fed four times a
day. He has now been home with us for a month and every day is a bonus, because
we thought he was a goner so many times.
Clearly, he is feeling very much better, because he is batting
his brother (who is one third bigger and heavier than him) and charging round
the house every evening, like a soul possessed.
Our vets have given him a 'Braveheart Award' - I think he's earned it!
Then what happened?