Your veterinarian may recommend additional diagnostic testing depending on how your cat has been responding to the insulin injections. There are several different tests that may be recommended for various reasons:
Urinalysis with Urine Culture
This test is done to determine if your cat has any bacteria building up in their bladder. Bacteria love sugar, and all diabetics, human and animal, will have some sugar spill over into their bladder at some time or another, which can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Signs of a Potential UTI:
- Inappropriate urinations (going outside the box)
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Straining/difficulty urinating (this could be a sign of a more serious problem requiring immediate veterinary attention)
- Frequent trips to the litter box
- Blood seen in the urine
Often it is hard to determine if your cat has a UTI, so periodic urinalysis and culturing are recommended to ensure something isn’t missed. Generally, your veterinary team will obtain a sterile urine sample from your cat during a clinic visit, and the sample will be sent to an external lab for testing. Results usually take about a week.
If your cat has a UTI, it can interfere with their glucose levels and insulin absorption. If a UTI is found, your cat will likely need antibiotics to fight off the infection, and managing glucose levels during this time may be challenging.
Fructosamine Levels
Your veterinarian may suggest checking fructosamine levels at specific intervals. This test monitors glucose control over a period of 1–2 weeks and is helpful when a glucose curve is not possible (due to the owner’s schedule or the cat’s temperament). The fructosamine test provides an overall average of glucose control for your cat.
Periodic blood panel testing and routine urine tests will also be recommended as part of your diabetic cat’s health checkups. Most diabetic cats should visit their veterinarian at least every six months once regulated, but if you notice signs of illness or have concerns, you should schedule an appointment sooner.
Ultrasound
Ultrasonography allows your veterinarian to view your cat’s internal organs without surgery. It is used to assess organs like the pancreas for signs of pancreatitis or cancer, as well as check other abdominal organs for any underlying causes of diabetes or poor insulin control.
The Two Main Reasons for Ultrasound Recommendations:
- Check for tumors and assess if surgical removal is possible.
- Evaluate internal abdominal organs to assess prognosis, especially if surgery is not an option.
Most ultrasounds are performed while your pet is awake. Pets generally tolerate the procedure well, although they need to remain still on their back for a period of time. Sometimes your veterinarian can provide a diagnosis based on the ultrasound, while other times, the images may need to be sent to a specialist for interpretation.
Dentistry
Dental evaluations and cleanings (dental prophies) are highly recommended for every diabetic patient. Dental disease or infection is common in cats over 1 year of age and can spread to the heart, lungs, and other organs, causing widespread issues. Dental infections could also lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can cause insulin resistance.
Your veterinarian will likely recommend a dental exam at your cat’s yearly checkup, but diabetic cats may require dental cleaning more frequently than non-diabetic cats.
A dental prophy for your cat is similar to a human dental cleaning. Your cat will require general anesthesia for this procedure, which involves bloodwork and intravenous (IV) fluids. The prophy includes a full mouth examination to check for disease, infection, or dental issues like tumors, misaligned teeth, or fractures.
Author: Kathy Raepple