Mr Smudgins back on tip top form

A big shout out to gorgeous Mr Smudgins who is looking very content in this pic! The 12 year old came in for a check up with us earlier in the year as he hadn’t been feeling himself, had a dull coat and had developed a limp. Tests showed that he was suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes is more common in aging pets. Typical signs include excessive drinking, an increase in urination with potential puddles indoors, weight loss despite an increase in appetite and becoming lethargic and easily tired. Interestingly, cats can also develop a symptom called diabetic neuropathy, where their hind legs can appear weak when walking – one of Mr Smudgin’s symptoms. A lacklustre coat can also be an indicator of diabetes as a result of nutritional deficiencies caused by the disease and increased urination.

Mr Smudgins was given a new medication which is an alternative to insulin injections – a liquid medication that can be added to food and works by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the bloodstream, lowering blood sugar levels. Excess sugar is instead passed out of the body through the patient’s urine.

After initially working to establish the right treatment dose in response to his physical symptoms, four months down the line Mr Smudgins is doing brilliantly well. He’s eating and drinking normally, has great mobility and is a happy chap! And looks like a model!