Costs to care for diabetic cat in Ontario, Canada?

[PlanB]

Just wondering if anyone can give me an estimate of costs to care for a diabetic cat in Ontario, Canada.

I have an appointment tomorrow for my elderly (approximately 17 years old) cat because he has been losing weight over the last couple of months. On the phone the tech said diabetes is common and they will do blood work and urinalysis to see what is going on with him. The cost for tomorrow’s tests is estimated at $500.00.

I need to be prepared for what the ongoing costs might be, so that I can decide if we are able to treat him (if diabetes is the problem).

Also, if anyone can tell me about the day to day treatment and how hard/easy it is, that would be appreciated. If I am looking at a 2x/day struggle to do injections and he is just going to be miserable and hate me, I need to take that into consideration.

[Marshfield]

If you can google what a bottle of lantus costs at walmart in your area, that will give you an idea. A bottle of lantus will last the average cat about a year. If you can do home glucose monitoring, one of those is usually about $20 and testing at home will a) be more accurate than testing at the vet due to stress hyperglycemia and b)save you a ton

[PlanB]

@Marshfield

If you can google what a bottle of lantus costs at walmart in your area, that will give you an idea. A bottle of lantus will last the average cat about a year. If you can do home glucose monitoring, one of those is usually about $20 and testing at home will a) be more accurate than testing at the vet due to stress hyperglycemia and b)save you a ton

Thank you. I wasn’t able to find the information online, but when I dropped off kitty this morning I spoke with a different tech, who said it sounded more like a kidney problem. Not sure if that’s better or worse but I should know more by the end of the day.

[FourFaults]

Hi PlanB,

Our Bert was diagnosed with diabetes back in September. If, by the end of the day, you get a diabetes diagnosis, I can definitely give you a breakdown of the costs you are probably looking at in detail. We are in SW Ontario so it should be pretty helpful. Good luck, and hugs.

(I’m posting another thread about him today - don’t be discouraged about the topic as each cat is different and Bert has a LOT going on other than diabetes).

Jenn

[PlanB]

Update: He’s gone. Vet did an xray and said his chest cavity was filled with fluid, and while they could try to take some out to do further diagnostics, he was not well enough to sedate and they would have to put a needle into his chest to draw out fluid without sedating him. Also the fluid would probably come back. She said maybe cancer or ?? I decided to let him go.

I honestly had no idea he was THAT unwell. He was doing his usual “routines”, talking to me, etc., just had been losing weight and sometimes off his food. I feel horrible.

[Marshfield]

I am sorry for your loss

[PlanB]

Thank you.

[JenJ]

sorry for your loss but also relieved that you were strong enough to let him go rather than subjecting him to treatment that would only prolong death, as opposed to offering an extra year of good quality life.

the hardest decision.

[rubles]

You gave that cat a long and happy life that too many never have the chance to experience. I’m sorry for your loss so celebrate the life that was and try not to be hard on yourself.

[Haven_tJumpedInALongTime]

So sorry for your loss! I had one that had diabetes. I had just changed his food to a more diabetes-friendly one. He wasn’t acting right, and ended up with the exact same situation you did, and did the same thing you did. Hugs!

[FourFaults]

OMG PlanB, I’m so sorry to hear this! Do not feel horrible. I know how easy it is to blame ourselves when things like this happen to our furry friends, but they are masters at hiding illnesses and such. You did good by him. Take solace in that and over time, when you think of him, the memories will make you smile. BIG HUGS.

[PlanB]

Thank you, everyone. It’s been really hard. I’m still expecting him to greet me at the top of the stairs, still waiting to hear him jump onto the bed, still trying to avoid stepping on him in the dark, then I remember he’s not here. How long until I stop seeing him out of the corner of my eye in the laundry basket or on the shelf snuggled in the clean towels??

[FourFaults]

@PlanB

Thank you, everyone. It’s been really hard. I’m still expecting him to greet me at the top of the stairs, still waiting to hear him jump onto the bed, still trying to avoid stepping on him in the dark, then I remember he’s not here. How long until I stop seeing him out of the corner of my eye in the laundry basket or on the shelf snuggled in the clean towels??

I absolutely know how you feel right now. From past experience and from having to let my Bert go yesterday. I’ve found it takes awhile for the hurt to stop. All the memories, hurt, hurt, hurt and then somewhere in all that, finally one day comes when you smile at the memory instead of welling up or outright crying. It’s a process. I’m going to have to remember that myself when I go home tonight and don’t see Bert in any of his spots.

I think it can also depend on how much of a mark they made on you or the circumstances that led to having to let them go. I’ve loved all my cats for each of their own quirks and personalities, but to this day, I still say Lexie’s name sometimes when I’m talking to one of the other cats. Or random memories of her pop up. We lost her unexpectedly last August. Bert could be different b/c we knew it was coming and could say goodbye and there is a lot of relief that he’s no longer in such discomfort.

Saying a lot of words but I’m not sure I’m actually saying anything that will help. But, yes, there will be a time when the hurt and yucky feelings are replaced by smiles and happiness that you had them in your life. I wish I could say what day that will be…I’d like to know myself now.

Hang in there and if you ever need to chat while you are going through this, I’m here for you. HUGS.