If you are like me, your pets are part of the family and we love them with all our hearts. We no doubt want them to be happy and healthy for a very long time. How heartbreaking it can be to find out anything is just not quite right! However, not all these are impossible with proper care and treatment, which is totally in our hands.
If you just found out that your loving feline has diabetes, please know that it is a very treatable condition, and your pet can live a very normal, long and happy life. The first thing you will want to do is educate yourself on diabetes, the different aspects and treatments. Talk to your vet and be sure he is very knowledgeable about the diabetic treatments. Ask as many questions as you can as you will want to know all there is to know about this illness, and any and all possible treatment options. Just as all treatments are not the same for all humans; it is the same for our pets. You love that family member with all your heart; don’t settle for anything less than the best you can.
The initial costs, regulating and diagnosis can be quite costly so discuss it with your vet. Most do have payment plans and will work with you. If not, I would search for other vets before you make any final decision. You would shop around for the best price and deal on a car . . . your pet is quite a priority, so shop around for treatment plans by various vets, their costs and their payment options.
Part of the course of the treatment many involve shots, pills, change in diet–a lot of changes that may be stressful on you, your pet and the family. It is a whole new routine that must be shared by all. You may experience a lot of bad feelings at first (especially), but don’t bottle those feelings. Get support from each other in the family and also with outside family members and friends. Animals do have a tendency to feel our emotions and stresses; don’t lose sight of that, and remember all the unconditional love your pet has and always brings to you and the family that loves it.
It may be difficult to travel much with a diabetic pet. Dogs usually have no difficulty in car rides as cats may have. It is easy enough to bring with you all you need to keep your dog healthy. Cats, on the other hand, will need someone very close to the family and responsible enough to give the necessary meds, foods and monitor the cat as instructed by your vet.
It is no doubt a big undertaking but one that can be rewarding by giving your pet the healthy option of a rather productive life. I can speak from the human aspect of this illness, having a cousin hit hard by diabetes at a very young age; she is now almost my age (and that is pretty old!), and still doing well.
My best advice to you is getting all the education possible on this subject. Talk to as many vets as possible and get a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Check out the articles online as well, Diabetes in Cats For Beginners. The very best of luck to you . . . and your loving Pet.
