Mellow is a 16 year-old yellow tabby cat. He came in to Aztec Animal Clinic in April for weight loss. He was diagnosed with diabetes after a thorough exam and screening bloodwork. Two weeks later, Mellow came back to see us because he was very ill. When he came in, Mellow was not moving much, was hypothermic (low body temperature) and very dehydrated. We determined that Mellow was in a diabetic crisis called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This results from insufficient amounts of insulin and high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time.
Initially, Mellow did not respond to standard treatments for DKA (IV fluids and insulin injections). We then started Mellow on a continuous rate infusion of insulin. By the end of the first day, his glucose levels finally started to come down and he started to look brighter. However the next day, Mellow was still considered in critical condition. His temperature was still low, but his glucose levels were stabilizing on the insulin infusion. Mellow was placed in our incubator to help increase his body temperature. By the end of the second day, Mellow's temperature was increasing and he was feeling a bit better. On the third day, Mellow was sitting up and talking to us! He had a normal body temperature and his glucose levels were normal. We were able to discontinue the insulin infusion and start injections as well as take him out of the incubator. By the end of that day, Mellow was eating consistently for us, was bright and affectionate and had stable glucose levels. Mellow was able to go home with his mom on the fourth day on insulin.
Since Mellow was discharged, he has been doing great! He has insulin injections daily, is feeling well and eating well. Mellow has already gained a pound and is back to his feisty self!
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Albuquerque, NM 87108Phone: 505-265-4939
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