Cat Diabetes Cataract
Diabetes in Cats: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder in cats, characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization.
Risk Factors: Obesity, age (typically middle-aged to older cats), genetic predisposition, and other health conditions can increase a cat's risk of developing diabetes.
Symptoms: Symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy, and sometimes changes in appetite.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis involves blood and urine tests to measure blood glucose levels, assess kidney function, and detect the presence of glucose or ketones in the urine.
Treatment: Treatment usually involves insulin injections, dietary management, weight management, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Complications: Untreated or poorly managed diabetes in cats can lead to complications such as diabetic neuropathy, ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, and cataracts.
Cataracts: Cataracts are a common complication of diabetes in cats. They result from the accumulation of excess glucose in the lens of the eye, leading to cloudiness and impaired vision.
Symptoms of Cataracts: Symptoms of cataracts in cats include cloudy or opaque eyes, difficulty seeing in low light, increased clumsiness or hesitancy, and changes in behavior or activity level.
Management: Management of cataracts in diabetic cats may involve controlling blood sugar levels, surgical removal of the cataracts (if appropriate), and regular veterinary monitoring.
Prevention: Preventing and managing diabetes through proper diet, weight management, regular exercise, and veterinary care can help reduce the risk of complications like cataracts in cats. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and management of any emerging health issues.
Learn more about feeding diabetic cats.
Image via Larry George (Unsplash)
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