My cat is dying with ketoacidosis. Should I give insulin/fluids or let him pass?

I'm so sorry to hear that Dominic isn't doing well. Unfortunately, complications from uncontrolled diabetes can be very severe, and it sounds like Dominic is extremely sick. Sometimes cats in ketoacidosis can be stabilized and saved, but it requires intense hospitalization and care, and even then many cats cannot be saved. If Dominic is showing evidence of kidney failure, and your vet is recommending putting him to sleep, it sounds like his chances of improving to a good quality of life are not good. I have to defer to your vet's recommendations since they are familiar with the specifics of Dominic's case - but euthanasia is definitely something that I recommend in cases where the chances of improving are very small and the cat is suffering. It would not be wrong for you to choose this course of action given Dominic's poor prognosis. I'm so very sorry you are going through this. I hope this helps. All the best to you and Dominic.

Unfortunately this is a really tough disease to treat, even with veterinary care. Your cat would likely need to be on fluids and then start getting regulated on insulin to get his diabetes under control. Until his dehydration and blood sugar is under control he will probably still be lethargic and anorexic. I am sorry you're having to go through this with your cat. I wish there was more I could tell you. Best of luck.

Hi, I think you should check his blood glucose, which I think it’s going to be high. If you can’t because your vet is closed and you don’t have an emergency clinic nearby, I would give him half dose of insulin. Please get in touch if there is anything else we can do for you. Hope this helps.

I am sorry to hear about Cozy. Unfortunately diabetes is a disease that does require medical management. Your kitty is going to get progressively sicker and eventually will probably go into diabetic ketoacidosis, and make her very sick. It sounds like she is already declining, losing lots of weight and vomiting frequently. I would consider euthanasia as a humane option if you are unable to treat her, as she is likely to continue to go downhill. She may not be in pain, such as pain when you break a bone, but she likely does not feel well or herself.

Hello, sorry to hear about Finn. If you're measuring ketones in his urine that may be an early sign that his insulin needs to be increased. It doesn't necessarily mean that he is ketoacidotic. I would give him plenty of liquids for tonight you think he is otherwise doing ok and is not lethargic, vomiting, or acting sick. Hope this helps and best of luck

Yes unfortunatley in cases where a diabetic cat is not able to be medicated and maintain hydration, euthanasia is the best option. The fact she has other complicating factors reducing her mobility and causing her discomfort means this may be very soon to prevent suffering. See the following article for information on helping to decide when http://vet.osu.edu/assets/pdf/hospital/companionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

Diabetes is a serious disease in cats. Prednisone is not commonly prescribed in diabetic cats as it can cause issues with regulating their insulin needs. If Boo Boo is newly diagnosed with diabetes, then he may need further testing to see if he is also ketoacidotic (diagnosed with a urine or blood sample). If he is, he will require aggressive hospitalization to overcome this problem and to get him home so you can continue with insulin treatment for the diabetes. Fatty liver disease is a very serious issue in cats. Most cats diagnosed with this disease will require aggressive hospitalization and treatment, including IV fluids and feeding tubes. The only hope of getting over this particular disease is to start eating. Many time appetite stimulants can aid in getting the cat to eat. I recommend that Boo Boo be hospitalized, preferably at a care center that offers 24 hours service, as he will likely need 24-hour monitoring and adjustments to his medications. It sounds like he has a few serious hurdles to jump in the next few days, and hospitalization will give him the best odds of recovering and returning to health.