Exciting New Oral Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Diabetes in Cats

— By Dr. Juliana E. Lee, D.V.M —

Diabetes is a serious problem in our pet kitties, causing increased water drinking and urination that progresses to weight loss and severe illness, and eventually death from constant high blood sugar resulting in a syndrome called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It occurs most commonly in cats fed exclusively dry cat food that are also usually overweight.

Diabetes can be easily diagnosed with routine annual bloodwork and urine testing, and prompt treatment is necessary to manage a cat’s blood sugar and prevent the serious effects of the disease.

The old ways of treating cat diabetes

Previously treatment has centered around twice daily injections of insulin to control blood sugar with frequent blood glucose checks for monitoring, and many cats are difficult to fully regulate. They can experience episodes of very low or high blood sugar swings that cause serious problems such as weakness, low appetite, collapse, and seizures that require expensive hospitalization and IV fluid/insulin treatment. Prescription low carbohydrate foods, especially canned foods which naturally have lower carbohydrate content, are also an important mainstay of helping to keep blood sugar under control.

Treating cat diabetes with improved medicine

Recently a new option has become available for cats that has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and lowers the need and costs for frequent blood glucose testing. Senvelgo® (Velagliflozin) is an oral liquid medication that increases the kidney’s ability to remove extra blood glucose from the bloodstream, which helps keep blood sugar stable and alleviates symptoms of diabetes. Owners monitor urine output of glucose at home using test strips looking for a substance called ketones (a sign of poor diabetes control and need for insulin treatment).

Only occasional spot blood glucose or fructosamine testing is needed during the initial few weeks and then just every 3-4 months after regulation has occurred. The liquid has a good flavor for most cats and the small amount is generally easy to administer with a syringe. With the liquid, there is no need for insulin injections or home blood sugar testing, which can be very difficult for some owners.

 

Consult your veterinarian about Senvelgo®

Thanks to recent advancements in veterinary medicine, Senvelgo® has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against this debilitating condition. At this time, this treatment is only an option for newly diagnosed diabetic cats since cats that have previously been on insulin don’t respond to the medication in the same way.

If you suspect that your beloved cat may be suffering from diabetes, please contact us today or book an appointment with your cat’s veterinarian to explore the best treatment options available. Your cat deserves all the comfort they can get!