Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, so it’s best to be prepared and know what to do if an emergency occurs. Talking with your veterinarian before something goes wrong is a crucial part of being informed and prepared to handle emergencies involving diabetic pets.

Low blood sugar

The most common side effect experienced with Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) therapy is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia can be caused by:

  • Giving too much insulin
  • Missing or delaying food
  • Change in food, diet, or amount fed
  • Change in the body's need for insulin

Signs of hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include:

  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Behavioral changes
  • Muscle twitching
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

What to do

If your cat is conscious, rub a teaspoon of corn syrup or honey on your cat's gums. When it is able to swallow, feed its usual meal and contact your veterinarian.

If your cat is unconscious or having a seizure, this is a medical emergency. CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN. In the meantime, you should immediately treat your cat by pouring a small amount of a sugar solution (eg, honey or corn syrup) onto your finger and then rubbing the sugar solution into your cat's gums. The sugar is absorbed very quickly and your cat should respond in 1 to 2 minutes.

Never pour the sugar solution directly into your cat's mouth—your pet could inhale the solution into its lungs. As soon as your cat responds to the sugar administration and is sitting up, it can be fed a small, high-protein meal. After the cat has stabilized, transport it to your veterinarian for evaluation.

Other side effects

Other possible side effects include loss of effectiveness of the insulin and local or systemic allergic reactions. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:

  • Excessive water consumption for more than 3 days.
  • Excessive urination or urinating outside the litter box.
  • Reduced or complete loss of appetite.
  • Weakness, seizures, or severe mental depression.
  • Behavioral change, muscle twitching, or anxiety.
  • Constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Signs of a bladder infection (small, frequent urinations, straining, blood in the urine).
  • Swelling of the head or neck.

Keeping your pet’s blood sugar stable

  • Your cat's diet should be consistent and appropriate.
  • Either two high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals a day or a high-quality, free-choice diet throughout the day is best for cats.
  • Canned food is generally lower in carbohydrates and a better choice for cats than dry food.
  • Avoid treats and changes in diet unless recommended by your veterinarian.
  • Your veterinarian will advise you on how much and when to feed your cat based on the response to Vetsulin.
  • Keep your pet’s exercise level consistent.
  • Consult with your veterinarian if you expect a major change in activity.
  • Develop a schedule with your veterinarian for regular evaluations of your cat's diabetes.

Overdosage or missing an injection of Vetsulin

If your cat receives too much Vetsulin, life-threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, seek other veterinary advice at once. Your pet may need to be hospitalized for observation or treatment.

If your cat receives less than the prescribed insulin dose or if you miss an injection, this may cause a temporary recurrence of diabetes signs such as excessive thirst and urination, but is not life-threatening. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice on your cat's next dose. If you cannot reach your veterinarian and your cat is eating and acting normally, give your cat the usual dose at the next regularly scheduled injection time.