Symptoms of diabetes in cats

Symptoms of diabetes in cats

There are two types of diabetes

In type 1 diabetes no insulin is produced because the insulin-producing cells are destroyed in the pancreas. Cats, however, are more affected by type 2 diabetes.
In type 2 diabetes the insulin has lost its effectiveness because the cell does not react sensitively to the docking of insulin – you can also call it insulin resistance. In type 2 diabetes, the insulin production is often disturbed.

cata copyMain features of both forms of disease is the permanent increase in blood sugar levels. In the beginning of the disease the symptoms of diabetes are usually poorly developed and are therefore easily overlooked. The cats drink more (polydipsia) and also excrete more water (polyuria). They can act tired. Striking might be the cravings – especially when they lose weight even though they eat a lot. But obesity can occur together with diabetes mellitus. Especially in cats, this is, however, likely to be a cause rather than a consequence of the hormonal disorder.

Symptoms of diabetes in cats: Diabetes disrupts many body functions
In addition, cats with diabetes often have a dull coat. In individual cases, hindleg weakness and exaggerated “square” (ataxic) movements. Since diabetes mellitus messes with the balance of the energy levels of the whole organism, many organs and body functions are severely disrupted. For example, the wound healing becomes more difficult and it weakens the immune system. Persistent urinary tract infections can occur. Often diabetics also suffer Circulatory disorders. Pet owners fear the development of diabetic ketoacidosis: Animals with diabetic ketoacidosis show symptoms of dehydration, they vomit, consciousness is clouded, they are listless and may eventually fall into a coma. With these symptoms, the animal must immediately receive veterinary treatment. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is made by the veterinarian using various blood and urine tests.

Syringe twice a day
Primarily, it is all about lowering blood sugar levels to keep them constant and stabilize the energy levels. Most diabetic animals must be treated with insulin. Normally the hormone is injected twice a day under the skin. Usually, the administration of insulin is shortly before a meal. However, it can lead to hypoglycaemia in this method, if the cat refuses food. Therefore, it´s suggested to pet owners of poor eater sometimes to inject the cat after the meal. A dangerous hypoglycemia may also occur when the cat vomits or if she´s not very active.

In exceptional cases use pills instead of syringe
In a few cases of diabetes in cats they can take pills, so called oral agents. These drugs stimulate the pancreas to produce the body’s own insulin. But these drugs are effective only in the initial stage of the disease and may cause side effects.

Symptoms of diabetes in catsIt´s necessary to change the diet
Most diabetic cats require treatment with insulin. Another cornerstone of diabetes treatment is the diet. In principle, overweight animals should lose weight. Cats respond very well to a special diabetic diet that consists mainly of proteins and fat. When this protein-rich, starchy diet is strictly adhered to, the insulin can be reduced in many cases. It is important, furthermore, that the energy content of daily meals is always about the same, because the insulin dose is adjusted accordingly.

Natural diabetes treatment as a complement

To treat the causes rather than the symptoms it´s recommendable to apply complimentary methods to imcrease the cat´s life quality and help the body to heal itself. Cat reflexology can be a miracle worker for your pet if you are willing to treat your cat on a regular basis, just as you do with the insulin treatment.

Symptoms of diabetes in cats, as well as the causes can be treated using the yellow reflex therapy protocols.

Life is still long and well
Large fluctuations of the energy levels could lead to hyperglycaemia. In addition, several small meals are better for the diabetics on four paws than a sumptuous meal a day. A regular daily routine with fixed feeding times is essential to keep the dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar in check. The treatment of diabetes requires a lot of commitment, consistency and persistence, but those who master the challenges of everyday life with a diabetic pet will be rewarded with an animal that despite his illness has a relatively high life expectancy and can enjoy this life in the fullest.

Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses

Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses

When our horses, dogs or cats are chronically ill, we sometimes cannot avoid a treatment with painkillers or anti-inflammatories. The chemistry kitchens of pharmaceutical companies offer us the ‘Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs “(NSAIDs) or” NSAIDs “(NSAP) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc. These drugs relieve the symptoms of a disease (pain, inflammation), but they do not fight the causes. As a result, they become a permanent companion for some animals. With partly life-threatening consequences. Because NSAIDs or NSAP have partly considerable side effects. Horse, dog and cat owners who have been haunted by the suffering of their pets are therefore often looking desperately for a way out and then try out phytotherapy (herbal medicine). But are plants actually a drug to fight pain and inflammation?

natural painkillers for dogsRecently, I got an email from a dog owner. His favorite four-legged friend was suffering from various inflammatory and degenerative musculoskeletal disorders which were treated with painkillers for a long time, after which the animal had suffered a perforation. The man knew his dog´s illness very well and was super informed. He reported that his family had already tried everything and asked me now, if I had any idea of what to do.

This is no individual case. Far too often, I learn of horse, dog or cat owners, how much damage the NSAPs can wreak. Most of the stomach is affected: stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, gastritis or even perforation. How can this happen? Let´s take Aspirin as an example : The active ingredient of aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid = ASA. The acetyl group has the property to prevent blood clotting, which can then cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Even Ibuprofen and diclofenac go to the stomach. Paracetamol may be toxic to the liver. The choice between different anti-inflammatory drugs is therefore in terms of side effects, the choice between the plague and cholera.

So, back to nature regarding natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses?

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Although the excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of many plants have been proven by studies (mostly however only in humans), anyone who thinks that herbal painkillers had no side effects, unfortunately is mistaken. Even Paracelcus warned in terms of Phytotherapy “the dose makes the poison”. If plants were generally absolutely harmless, he would not have felt called upon to point out a responsible dosage. Therefore, many – but not all – natural substances are as irritant to the stomach as their synthetic counterpart – both for humans and for the horse, the dog and the cat. Incense, Yucca, Chilli, devil’s claw, ginger … all very potent plants … but just as strong in their side effects. For they also attack the stomach. That is why the above-mentioned plants are useful only as a short trigger but not in the long-term treatment.

However, there are also natural herbal painkillers for dogs, cats and horses without significant side effects!

Willow bark especially for dogs

The aforementioned dog owner was advised by his veterinarian to not use willow bark, on the ground, that this is the same as aspirin and would therefore also have the same side effects. Indeed, but this is not the case. For, although both have in common salicylic acid (salicin) as an active ingredient, they differ considerably in another point: willow bark does not have the additional occurring aspirin acetyl group and therefore not the devastating side effects. (And, yes, as already mentioned above, it is the acetyl group, which triggers microhaemorrhages, NOT the salicylic acid!) Recent studies even assume that the pain-relieving effect of willow bark is not only due to the salicin, but also to the other components of the willow bark such as tannins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. The only contraindication to the use of willow bark is a “Salicyl acid hypersensitivity” (0.2% of the human population suffer from it) and, unfortunately, the use in cats. Because cats can only degrade salicylic acid partly due to a glucuronidation weakness – it can therefore lead to poisoning.

However, humans are being recommended the use of willow bark in chronic diseases because, even though it builds its effect slower than aspirin, it can provide sustainable pain relief without side effects. Equally helpful I find willow bark for dogs. Horses, however metabolize the salicylic acid in one hour, which is not enough time to establish effective blood levels. Nevertheless, you can use willow bark in horses. The reason is that I have observed horses feasting on a willow tree in the cold season. Therefore the plant must bring them some kind of benefit.Even if it is only a short kick for the body. Nevertheless, every horse owner should be aware of the half-life of salicylic acid in the horse, because that separates the willow bark from a durable and constant pain treatment!

Natural painkillers for dogs, cats and horses … Here´s another advantage that plants have to drugs:

Plants intervene directly in the inflammatory process, rather than just to inhibit it

Nettle e.g.

natural painkillers for dogsThe NSAID or NSAP only fight the symptoms. They inhibit pain transmission and inflammation. According to studies, plants can do more than that. And so we’ll get to another herbal painkiller and anti-inflammatory that is often underestimated or not detected: the nettle. Several studies showed that the nettle does not only have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but also engages directly in the inflammatory process. How does it do it? It inhibits cytokines. These are the body’s own messengers that, in a complex sequence of events such as the attack of cartilage, lead to inflammation. Thus, there is direct intervention in the pathological event. Therefore, the nettle is not only a herbal painkiller and anti-inflammatories in the acute stage for horses, dogs and cats, but also a wonderful prophylaxis agents for example, Osteoarthritis predisposed animals in the early stages, etc.

The Rosehip

Another great herbal painkiller is rosehip (as dried whole fruit and powdered). This is due to its high content of naturally occurring vitamin C, which in ancient times has proven itself as particularly successful in the fight against inflammation, swelling and pain.

Pain-relieving plants for external use

Although they internally may need up to 3 weeks to reach their full analgesic potential, plants act immediately when applied externally. There is a wealth of opportunities – whereby not every plant is also equally skin-friendly. Anyone who wants to treat his horse or his dog longer with external applications, should take on the skin compatibility consideration. Because once the skin is damaged, another treatment won´t be possible for a long time.

Here´s a small collection without claim of completeness: Arnica (kind to the skin, except for Arnica allergy), comfrey (quite strong), nettle, fenugreek, calendula / calendula, cayenne pepper (strong irritant), St. John’s Wort (as oil), mint (as Oil)

And what about cats?

natural painkillers for dogs and catsYes, the poor cats are somewhat at a disadvantage as opposed to horses and dogs in terms of herbal painkillers. Because of their glucuronidation weakness they tolerate neither salicylic acid (such as mentioned above) nor essential oils. The selection is quite narrow. Luckily they seem, at least according to my present knowledge, to tolerate both nettle and rose hips! This way you can also provide cats with herbal anti-inflammatories. However, outwardly should only be contemplated, which may also be used internally in cats. Because as we know the little tigers lick really EVERYTHING from their coat that doesn´t belong there. Therefore nettle (as outer and inner treatment), or healing earth are recommendable in their case. Any other liniments based on alcohol, essential oils etc should not be used for the sake of the cat.

 

Animal reflexology

Animal reflexology

For all the internal organs of our body there are areas of skin that are connected to the organs by their own neural pathways, so-called reflex zones. With the help of animal reflexology we can achieve a positive effect on diseased organs and other affected parts of the body, massaging specific areas.
This does not always have to be painful and can take place with little pressure, gentle brushing and pressing with the fingertips. With the help of acupuncture massage using a stick like the Thermie Roll the effect of animal reflexology may be intensified.

Since the naturopathy in the animal field works just like for humans – the contrary, because the animals do not work with their “mind” against it – the effects are seen often quickly and clearly. Even restless animals go to sleep, yawn, stretch and deepen their breathing in a very short time.

Diseases, pain and blocked energy in physical and mental areas can be identified and the healing is stimulated.

Animal reflexologyIn horses, dogs and cats the most effective reflexology areas are on the head, paws and ears. Only these parts of the body have nerve endings which are sufficiently pronounced. The brain and spinal cord (= energy source) are the main switching areas for energy changes. Here all of the organ zones are displayed and can be treated with the reflexology. Each disease is an energy flow disturbance. With animal reflexology the energy flow is stimulated and thus activates the self-healing power.

If you´d like to learn to treat pets with animal reflexology click the image below to read about our Pet Health Course.

animal reflexology course

Cat cold treatment home

Cat cold treatment at home

Cat flu is a viral disease that occurs pretty frequently. It is mainly seen in cats with a low natural resistance to this infection. If you want the disease to clear up in your cat, it is not enough just to fight the infection. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of this disease. Since your cat has a reduced resistance, the cat cold often comes back fast (shortly after the antibiotic has impacted). Antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately, both good and bad. The animal’s immune system is altered by antibiotic treatment forever.

That’s why it is very important to combat not only the cat flu but the natural resistance (the immune system) should also be strengthened. Animals with a strong natural resistance are less susceptible to this virus. This is also seen in humans: when the natural resistance is low, they get a cold or flu easier. But most vets only fight the virus and do not follow the natural resistance.

Stress and reduced resistance

Cats are very sensitive to stress. If they are under stress, this has often a negative impact on the resistance. Stress occurs for example through a move, holidays, visit the vet, change of family situation (birth of a baby!) or different food.

Cat cold treatment at home: How I eliminated my cat Coco´s cat cold within 5 days.

cat cold treatment home CocoMy cat Coco, 11 months old, was recently sterilized. She was very nervous when we went to the vet and with tears in my eyes I left her shivering with the lady who was going to perform the operation. Three hours later I was able to pick her up and the operation had been a success.
The next day Coco started sneezing, probably due to the stress she had been under or maybe she had caught a virus at the vet, we can´t know, however, a cat cold was definitely happening in her little body.
The vet had given me antibiotics explaining that I ought to give her 2 a day for the next 8 days. I asked whether this was absolutely necessary and she said that this is just to avoid a possible infection after the operation. I decided against the antibiotic treatment as I know that her immune system would suffer and she´d be more prone to viruses and diseases.

When Coco was just a couple of months old she had been sneezing and I gave her a cat cold treatment at home using reflexology. So I applied the same 2min. reflexology sequence this time and after 5 days the sneezing stopped. She is back to her old self, playing loads, running, bullying our 2 other cats.

cat cold treatment at home

If you´d like to know how to perform a cat cold treatment at home using reflexology sign up for our Newsletter and we´ll send you the link to download the treatment plan which is easy to follow and implement and that will help your cat, dog or horse to overcome their cold within just a few days.

Canine Reflexology and other types of massage for dogs (and cats)

Canine reflexology, reflexology for dogs

Canine Reflexology and other types of massage for dogs (and cats)

A massage helps to activate the self-healing powers, whereby the regeneration is promoted. Depending on the application various forms of massage are used. Below you can read al about canine reflexology and other helpful massage techniques that, in most cases, can also be applied on cats.

Manual massage

The manual massage is the oldest form of treatment. The massage can soothe and relax. The the other hand it can also stimulate and dynamize.

With the hands, special techniques are carried out, stroking, kneading, vibrating, knocking.

Through the massage the blood circulation is promoted, it improves tissue oxygenation, also loosenes or tones the muscles. Pain is being relieved adhesions are being released. Through direct contact, the dog or the cat relaxes mentally. In the process the life functions such as breathing, the cardiovascular system and digestive processes normalize.

Manual techniques are used when stronger structural blockages occur, such as in articulated traction to loosen the bonded joint capsules or the gentle loosening of vertebral blockages or blockages of the hip joint, iliosacral joint.

Passive mobilization

In rehabilitation, the massage takes place after surgery, joint pain, lameness, injuries, muscle tension and scarring e.g after knee surgery.

The passive exercise therapy is the movement of the diseased joints without the animal’s active participation and serves as a preparation for further therapeutic measires. During a passive motion therapy hardened, scar tissues around joints are gently being stretched and mobilized through save range of motion, after they were heated with therapeutic ultrasound.

Active mobilization

The active mobilization calls for a strong collaborations of the animal. In an exercise parcour the animals learn specific movements and coordination. The joints are actively flexed and extended; the proprioception and balance are trained.

The biggest challenge to the entire body is the underwater treadmill. During this process a variety of desired therapeutic goals are achieved at the same time .

canine reflexology for dogsTrigger point massage

The trigger point massage is a special massage for tension and pain. It´s performed on known pain points in the musculature or near the joint.

Lymphatic Drainage

A massage can be applied specifically as a lymphatic drainage also in animals, where congestion edemas are being removed and subsequently the oxygenation of tissues is promoted. It is carried out along the lymph vessels and associated tissue.

Canine Reflexology

In neurological diseases special massage techniques are used, which stimulate reflexology points. The stimulation of the meridians is a form of neuro-massage which can be applied using small objects such as balls or brass pin.

Externally, reflex points of nerve nuclei in the spinal cord are stimulated manually; e.g. animals with complete paralysis of the hind limbs after disc surgery.

Relaxation massage

For working dogs, sporting dogs and older dogs a targeted relaxing massage promotes wellbeing and increases the quality of life. In this case we use a manual therapy and trigger point massage.