Tag Archives: cat diabetes

Bexacat and Senvelgo: The New Treatments for Cat Diabetes

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New Diabetes Medications for Cats

The FDA has approved two new drugs, Bexacat and Senvelgo, to treat diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar) in cats. Unlike traditional insulin shots, these medications are given by mouth, making treatment easier for diabetic cat owners. Bexacat and Senvelgo are a new class of diabetes medication called SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors are not insulin, they lower blood glucose by excreting glucose through the kidneys. These medications are prescribed to treat cats that do not require insulin, and they have certain requirements to ensure their safe use.  Learn more about the FDA Approval and safety of Bexacat and Senvelgo.

What is Diabetes Mellitus in Cats?

Diabetes mellitus in cats occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas that converts dietary sugar (glucose) to energy for cells in the body. When glucose can’t be used for energy, extra sugar builds up in the blood. High concentrations of sugar in the bloodstream lead to health problems. Certain cats are more prone to diabetes: age, obesity, genetics, certain medications,  and other health conditions are common risks factors. Learn more about Cat Diabetes.

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Cats

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Urinary tract infections

Your veterinarian can test and diagnose your cat for diabetes. This may include a general physical exam, blood testing, and urine testing.

Diabetes Treatment Options for Cats

Diabetes is a treatable disease in cats, and symptoms can be managed successfully with regular monitoring. So far, insulin has been the main treatment for diabetes in cats until the recent development and approval of these two new drugs. If your cat has diabetes, it’s important to schedule and keep regular vet check-ups to help spot changes in their condition. Left untreated, this disease leads to serious complications and is fatal.

  • Insulin Injections
  • Medications Bexacat or Senvelgo
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Regular check-ups
  • Dietary changes to manage weight and energy needs. This may include therapeutic foods.

Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding your cat’s medical history and will provide the best treatment choice for your diabetic cat.

Bexacat

  • Bexacat is a flavored tablet containing the active ingredient Bexagliflozin. It is given once daily, with or without food, at the same time to optimize glucose control in cats.
  • It causes sugar to be passed out in the urine by preventing the kidneys from pulling sugar back into the blood.
  • Bexacat is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.

Senvelgo

  • Senvelgo is a flavored oral solution containing the active ingredient Velagliflozin. It is given once daily by mouth or onto wet food at the same time for optimal glucose control.
  • Senvelgo indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.
  • This liquid medication does not require refrigeration.

What are SGLT2 Inhibitor Medications for Cats? 

  • The kidneys are your cat’s filtration system for the body. Within the kidneys is a transporter tasked with reabsorbing glucose called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). These medications work in the kidneys and prevent the transporter from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood, causing the body to dispose of the glucose in the urine. This process lowers blood glucose levels.
  • Bexacat (bexagliflozin) inhibits SGLT2, a membrane protein found in the kidney that is responsible for reabsorbing most of the glucose from the blood.
  • Senvelgo (velagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that reduces blood glucose by preventing the reabsorption of glucose via the SGLT2 cotransporter in the kidney.

Bexacat and Senvelgo Side Effects & Precautions

  • Some cats can’t take Bexacat or Senvelgo. These medications are not meant for cats who have been previously treated with insulin or who are currently on insulin due to the increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe, life-threatening diagnosis. These medications can be effective in treating diabetes mellitus but are not right for every diabetic cat, especially those with other health problems.

Regular veterinary checkups and careful monitoring are required while your cat is taking Bexacat or Senvelgo. Serious side effects, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and pancreatitis, can happen even in monitored cats with stable blood glucose levels while taking these drugs. For this reason, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice on how to use your cat’s medication and monitor your cat at home. 

  • Common side effects seen with Bexacat and Senvelgo include: vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, not eating as much or no interest in food, dehydration, lack of energy, continued weight loss, dehydration, increased drinking, increased urination. Report side effects to your veterinarian.

About the Guest Author

This article was contributed and co-authored by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Gabrielle. “My cat’s name is Cecil, and he enjoys playing fetch with his stuffed star! This photo is Cecil dressed up in costume.” –Gabrielle, PharmD Candidate 2024, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

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November marks National Pet Diabetes Month. This pet health awareness event is designed to spread the word and encourage dog and cat owners to learn more about diabetes. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, stops making insulin, or is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas that converts dietary sugar (glucose) to energy for cells in the body. When glucose can’t be converted into energy, extra sugar can build up in the blood. High concentrations of sugar in the bloodstream lead to health problems. This blog is all about cats, but don’t worry dog owners! We have a whole other post Diabetes in Dogs.

Know the Risks

Just like humans, certain cats are more prone to diabetes. Diabetes can be diagnosed in cats of all ages and breeds. Some risk factors can be managed, while others are due to aging or genetics.

  • Obesity
  • Age – Older cats are more prone
  • Neutered males
  • Physical inactivity
  • Genetics
  • Other health conditions, including pancreas and hormone disorders

Detection is Key

There are common warning signs associated with diabetes. If detected, visit your veterinarian soon to have your cat examined. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and other serious health conditions.

  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination—may include accidents outside the litterbox
  • Change in appetite
  • Lack of energy or lethargy
  • Doesn’t groom (cats)
  • Dull or thinning haircoat

Diabetes Diagnosing and Testing for Cats

There are a variety of ways that your veterinarian can test and diagnose your cat for diabetes. These may include:

  • General physical exam
  • Urine testing for ketones or glucose
  • Blood testing to determine glucose levels
  • A1C Testing with A1Care

The A1Care A1C test is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 70 days in dogs. It’s used for diagnosis and early screening of diabetes. Because this test provides long-term monitoring, it shows how well your pet’s treatment plan is working. The A1Care test is also available for dogs.

 Diabetes Treatment Options for Cats

Currently, there is no cure for diabetes in cats. Fortunately, with proper treatment methods, this disease and its symptoms can be managed successfully. Regular vet check-ups help spot changes in your cat’s condition.

  • Regular check-ups
  • Insulin Injections
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Dietary changes to manage weight and energy needs. This may include therapeutic foods.
How is Insulin Given to a Cat?
Insulin is injected subcutaneously, just under the top layer of the skin.

  • Traditional injections are a common method of choice. The correct dose of insulin is drawn out of a vial using a needle and syringe and then administered to your cat.
  • Insulin pens are a device that holds multiple doses of insulin inside a chamber and can be reused. Pen needles attach and detach from the top of the pen for each injection.

While the thought of giving injections and managing diabetes may seem overwhelming, most cats continue to live a long, happy, and good quality of life when their health is maintained. At VetRxDirect we provide a full selection of medications and products for diabetic dogs and cats. We will work closely with you and your veterinarian to help you manage your pet’s health.

Does your cat have diabetes? Is there a particular medicine or product that worked well? Please share your experience with us, and don’t forget to support #petdiabetesmonth

Pet Diabetes Month

This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health. 

 

Choosing the Best Pet Insulin Syringes

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Diabetes can be a challenging disease to manage in animals. Dogs and cats can both develop diabetes and currently, there is no cure for it. Often, it requires a treatment plan designed by a veterinarian that involves checking blood sugar and giving insulin shots. If you have to give your pet regular insulin shots, you may already know the challenges involved, but having the right equipment to get the job done can make it easier. Or, if your pet has recently been diagnosed, you may wonder what kind of syringes you need. Pet insulin syringes are made in various types and sizes, so it can be tricky to know the difference.

U-100 vs U-40 Pet Insulin Syringes

U-40 Pet Insulin Syringes Available at VetRxDirect

U-40 Pet Insulin Syringes. Half Unit Measurements Now Available.

Unlike other medications, insulin is measured in units. “Units” is short for international units (IU), which is a form of measurement used for describing volume. Insulin for animals usually comes in two different concentrations: 40 units/mL and 100 units/mL. Depending on the brand of insulin, the concentration may be written on the bottle as 100 units/mL, U-100, 100 IU, or 40 units/mL, U-40, 40 IU. When selecting syringes to use with your pet’s insulin, you want to make sure they match the concentration, otherwise your pet will receive the wrong dose. This is because the syringes have different dosage markings. For example: if you have Lantus 100 units/mL, you would use U-100 syringes, or Vetsulin 40 units/mL would use U-40 syringes. If you are unsure of the concentration of your pet’s insulin, talk to your veterinarian.

Pet Insulin Syringes Needle Gauge & Length

 

U-100 Pet Insulin Syringes. Half Unit Measurements Now Available

Insulin syringes have an attached needle, and the size of a needle is usually measured by gauge and length. The gauge number describes how thick a needle is, and the higher the number, the thinner the needle. For example, a 32g needle is thinner than a 28g needle. Thinner is usually more comfortable for injection, and thicker is more durable. The length of the needle is measured in inches and is usually based on personal preference and skin thickness. Needles typically come in 28g, 29g, 31g, and 1/2 in or 5/16 in, depending on the manufacturer.

Pet Insulin Syringes Size

The total capacity of the syringes is measured by cc or mL which are actually equal to each other. The size of the syringe will depend on how much insulin is needed for the dose. They are also labeled with dosage markings, either in full or half unit increments. Syringes typically come in 3/10 cc, 1/2 cc , and 1cc sizes. Talk with your veterinarian about which needle and syringe type will work best for you and your pet.

At VetRxDirect, you can find a wide selection of insulin syringes. The UltiCare Syringes have a large combination of needle and syringe sizes in both U-40 and U-100. They also come in a Safe Pack, which includes syringes and a sharps container all-in-one for storage and disposal, and is available in all standard sizes. UltiCare needles feature a triple beveled tip, polished barrel, and silicone lubrication for optimal injection comfort. Dosage markings are clear and easy to read, making sure your pet gets the right dose.