Tag Archives: Diabetes in cats

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. 

 

Vetsulin Pet Insulin Availability

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Vetsulin is Back In Stock at VetRxDirect!

Vetsulin, the popular pet insulin, is once again available at VetRxDirect, a veterinarian trusted online pet meds pharmacy.

vetsulinVetsulin (Porcine Insulin Zinc Suspension) is a hormone prescribed by your pet’s veterinarian to help your pet’s body turn food into energy. Insulin is prescribed when a pet has diabetes.

Ask your pet’s veterinarian if it is best to switch from your pet’s current insulin to Vetsulin. There are a few insulin suspensions available and your veterinarian is the best source of advice on which diabetes medication to give to your pet.

Remember, Vetsulin is a temperature sensitive pet medication and special precautions should be taken when ordering this product if you live in extreme hot or cold. Insulin is always shipped next-day with a cold pack from VetRxDirect. Extra shipping and handling charges apply.

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and check our blog regularly to receive updates on the availability of hard to find pet drugs and pet supplies.

Pets Get Diabetes Too

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Among the many diseases that we humans share with our pets one of the most common is diabetes mellitus, or just diabetes. Sadly, as with people, diabetes is in the rise in our pets too.

As you probably know, diabetes is a disorder in the way the body uses food for energy due to a lack of insulin, which is a hormone that helps your body break down glucose found in food. If your pet lacks enough insulin, produced by the pancreas, glucose can accumulate in the bloodstream and that results in diabetes.

What are the risk factors for diabetes in pets?

Just as some humans are more prone to diabetes, so are some pets.  But you can manage some of the risk factors, like obesity, for your pet. Other risk factors are simply genetic.

Risk factors for canine diabetes:

  •  Obesity
  •  Age – Older dogs are more likely to have canine diabetes
  •  Breed type – Some breeds are prone to the disease including: cocker spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, dobermann pinschers, schnauzers, golden retrievers, and terriers.

Risk factors for feline diabetes:

  •  Obesity
  •  Age – Older cats are more likely to have feline diabetes
  •  Genetics
  •  Other health conditions including hyperthyriodism and chronic pancreatitis

How do I know if my pet has diabetes?

Since your dog or cat can’t tell you how he or she is feeling and blood tests aren’t part of a pet owner’s normal routine, watch for these common symptoms of diabetes:

  •  Extreme thirst
  •  Increased urination
  •  Change in appetite
  •  Lack of energy or lethargy
  •  Thinning or dull fur

If your pet exhibits some or all of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian right away to get an exam for your dog or cat evaluated. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in avoiding complications related to diabetes.

If my pet has diabetes, are there treatments that help?

The good news is that with the right treatment and care, many diabetic dogs and cats enjoy long lives and good quality of life too. If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan that may include:

  •  Dietary changes to manage weight and energy needs
  •  Daily insulin injections to manage insulin levels
  •  Regular exercise

ProZinc for Diabetic Cats

ProZinc is Available for Purchase at VetRxDirect

At VetRxDirect we stock a full range of medications and products for diabetic cats and dogs and we’re happy to work closely with you and your veterinarian to help you manage your pet’s disease.

Does your dog or cat have diabetes? Is there a particular medicine or product that  worked well for your diabetic pet? Please share your experience with us – we value your input.

In good health,

Wes