What's Wrong With My Cat's Legs?

Is your cat having trouble walking? Are his feet slipping out from under him? Is he walking on his hocks (the "elbows" on his back legs), or on his wrists in the front? Does he have to lie down after a short walk? These are the symptoms of feline neuropathy.



In some kitties, weak legs can be the first sign of feline diabetes. If you already know your kitty has diabetes, this condition indicates that his blood sugar is out of control. He needs an immediate trip to the vet to get to the bottom of the problem.



Feline diabetes is caused when your kitty's body can't regulate his blood sugar levels. This is because either he's not producing enough insulin (type 1), or his body isn't responding to insulin anymore (type 2). In either case, eye, nerve, and kidney cells are more vulnerable to damage from high sugar levels because, unlike other cells, they don't need insulin to absorb sugar from the blood. There's nothing to stop them from taking in too much sugar, which causes internal damage to these cells. This is why it's so important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar under control.



Damage to nerve cells is called neuropathy. You may be able to improve your kitty's leg function, but it does take time and patience.



Before you can do anything about your furry friend's leg weakness, you do need to be sure his diabetes is under control. Many kitties improve when their sugar levels are controlled. In these cases, the leg weakness may have been caused by an electrolyte imbalance. Often this is because your kitty has been urinating too much, which is his body's way of trying to get rid of excess sugar.



Uncontrolled feline diabetes can also cause muscle wasting, and your buddy's leg problems can be due to muscle weakness. Regular exercise can help rebuild muscle. Gently tug on his legs so that he has to use his muscles to pull away. You can try holding his favorite treat above him as he leans on a footstool so he has to reach up for it. "Baby-walking," where you hold up his front end and walk him between your feet, can be helpful. He's able to move around, but he's not stressing those weakened muscles by putting all his weight on his back legs.



You may be able to help your furry friend by giving him methylcobalamin, also known as methyl B-12. This form of vitamin B-12 is active in spinal fluid. It helps to heal damaged nerve cells and restore the pathways between your kitty's brain and his muscles. Be sure you get methyl B-12, not regular B-12. This supplement is available at health food stores.



Give your fur ball three to five milligrams of methyl B-12 each day. Many cats have shown improvement within a few days, but it may take months for your kitty to recover fully. This is a safe supplement, as it's water soluble. What this means is that any excess leaves your kitty's body in his urine instead of building up in his tissues. Studies have shown that there are no side effects, even at high doses.



Feline neuropathy can be an alarming problem. But with proper blood sugar control, exercise, and the use of methyl B-12, your kitty friend can regain most, if not all, of his leg function.

What's the Cause of Diabetes Type 2?

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with diabetes Type 2, you probably have many questions. First of all, what's the cause of diabetes Type 2?



Diabetes Type 2 is the insulin-dependent form of the disorder. It is also known as adult onset diabetes because it is most often newly diagnosed in people over the age of 40. The pancreas, like many other parts of the body, works less well as it gets older.



In this form of diabetes mellitus, the pancreas somehow does not produce enough insulin. This could be caused by an injury to the pancreas. It also be may the result of Cushing's syndrome or other hormonal disorders.



There is evidence that insulin-independent diabetes is genetic. If a family member is diabetic, there is a strong chance you will also develop the disorder as you age. This may be also be related to lifestyles. An overweight person will pass on his or her eating habits to other members of the household.



Most often, however, the cause of diabetes Type II is overweight. If you eat too much, your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to effectively handle the glucose you eat in your food.



Therefore, the best plan to treat your diabetes is to eat properly. Your doctor or dietician will recommend a diet to specifically meet your needs. In general, this diet will range from 800 to 1500 calories per day, depending on your weight and height.



In addition to following the diet, you should also eat small portions of carbohydrates at scheduled intervals each day. You should also avoid sweets and alcohol. Whole grain breads as well as vegetables are recommended.



Even though it may be a difficult adjustment, following your diet is essential. If you do not follow it, you may develop problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys and feet. Some people have had to get their toes, feet or legs amputated because of poor diabetic control. There is increased risk of heart attack or stroke.



Unlike insulin-dependent (or Type 1) diabetes, diabetes type 2 is relatively easy to control. Often the condition resolves itself once the patient loses enough weight.



No matter the cause of diabetes type II, you can lead a full and normal life if you take care to follow your treatment plan. With today's emphasis on healthy eating, this is easier than ever. Why not have your family follow your diet with you?