Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The Uncertain Road Ahead

Yesterday afternoon, I spoke with the veterinary about the disappointing results of Neville’s insulin use over the last two weeks. The doctor, too, was disappointed. He feels that Neville has become largely resistant to insulin. There are several possible causes and several possible courses of action.


In terms of reasons for this remarkable and unsatisfactory state, the doctor first suggested Cushing’s disease, which is, as he stated, very rare in cats. Nev does not have most of its symptoms, anyway. There is the possibility of cancer, though it has not been accompanied by weight-loss. I have had several of my cats die of cancer, and each has suffered a great and relatively sudden reduction in poundage. However, the doctor told me that there are some forms of cancer that are not characterised by weight-loss. And, of course, there is the possibility that Neville simply hasn’t begun that phase of his illness. A third suggestion was a kind of infection that is countering the insulin’s effects.


The chance of infection is the one that is most easily tested and cured. Neville will be receiving some anti-biotics, starting today. If there is cancer, there are treatments, of course, depending on the kind and extent of the disease - surgery, chemo-therapy - but none that would not bring still more distress to this sensitive fellow’s life.


The alternative of trying another kind of insulin was discussed. The doctor felt, however, that if the glargine and the ProZinc did not make an appreciable effect on the blood’s glucose-numbers, another kind was as unlikely to do so. I will, though, switch to another variety of insulin once this supply of ProZinc is finished; the opportunity will be present, and I can’t see the harm in trying.


While I remain hopeful for the Nevsky’s immediate future, his prospects are not promising at this point. He remains his usual self, nonetheless: content, if not happy; pleased to eat the limited types of food he enjoys, and satisfied for recreation in looking out the window at the wide world, and receiving chin-rubs. As long as my friend takes his minor delights in such a fashion, I will be happy to assist them.


19 comments:

  1. Purring for Nevsky, and his chin scritches.

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  2. Poor Neville had obviously been through a lot before he was rescued. However many years he has left, I hope they can stay contented ones.

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  3. Let's hope the road ahead turns out to be
    a certain one for the little fella...
    God bless ya little man..God bless ya..! X

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  4. Dear Neville, keep enjoying life at the Cosy Apartment as you are. Purrs and prayers for answers to better relief for you and Dr. Bellen. I imagine he is very concerned.

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  5. dood…we iz sorree de nooze frum de vet waz knot sew good and we hope dad can ree search sum other thingz two help ewe out. we all sew hope everee onez been grate az can bee 🐟‼️❤️

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  6. This makes me sad. I am glad however, that of curse, he will continue to get his chin rubs that make him happy, and that he can enjoy looking out at others and be glad he is comfortable, warm and contented. God bless you Neville.

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  7. I will keep Neville in my thoughts and prayers, for his Highest Good, John. I hope that "Highest Good" means you're able to find a good, workable solution and give him a happy life for a long time yet. But I understand that we want and what is for a Being's Highest Good are not necessarily in accord. Still, I'm hopeful all will be well for him. ♥

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  8. We wish Mr Neville all the best, please give him pats from us and tell him he is the bestest boy.

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  9. I am sorry the insulin is failing to work for him. I hope a solution can be found. He knows he is getting the best care from you.

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  10. Sending Nev and all his caretakers purrayers and Power of the Paw !

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  11. I am so sorry to hear this news. Hopefully things will turn around for Neville. But the important thing is that he has a home where he is loved and will get the best care possible.

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  12. Hoping for a definitive answer for Nev and also one that will have a good outcome for him and for you as well.

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  13. That is disappointing, but I know you'll love on that handsome dude and do whatever he needs.

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  14. We're so disappointed that the insulin isn't working for Nev. We are purring and praying for something to work. We know that no matter what, you will always have his best in mind.

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  15. I was so sad to read this. Hopefully something will be found that works but if not, he has you and the cozy apt. Please give the Nev a scratch from me.

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  16. So sorry to hear that his glucose numbers are not responding. There is much research being done with diabetes in cats now regarding nutrition. Maybe look into that as an alternative? Eating a grain-free diet so as not to add sugar to the diet and less stress on the system in order to heal. Something to think about, research on. xo Wishing the best for healing.

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  17. Here is a publication from PubMed if you are interested in reading further on how diet affects cats and diabetes. Verbrugghe A, Hesta M. Cats and Carbohydrates: The Carnivore Fantasy? Vet Sci. 2017 Nov 15;4(4):55. doi: 10.3390/vetsci4040055. PMID: 29140289; PMCID: PMC5753635.

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  18. Darn, I hoped there would be an easy solution to Nev's issues. Fingers crossed, it is simply an infection and the antibiotics do their work on it.
    I know, no matter what, Nev will be content and cared for.

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