ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment response and outcome in 15 cats with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) initially stabilized with glargine administered intramuscularly (IM) with or without subcutaneous (SC) glargine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen cats diagnosed with DKA were initially administered IM glargine (1-2 U) and in most cats (12/15 cats) this was combined with SC glargine (1-3 U). This was followed by intermittent IM glargine as required at intervals of 2 or more hours (range 2-22 h) and SC glargine (1-2 U) every 12 hours. KEY FINDINGS: All 15 cats survived and were discharged from hospital (median 4 d; range 2-5 d) and one-third (5/15) of cats subsequently achieved remission (median time 20 d; range 15-29 d). Complications included hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia, which were likely the result of DKA therapy rather than glargine treatment specifically. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that glargine administered IM is an effective treatment for DKA in cats, and may provide an alternative to regular insulin. The same vial used for initial treatment of DKA can then be used for subsequent management with SC glargine injections. Future prospective randomized controlled trials evaluating clinical outcomes in cats with DKA using different types and routes of administration of insulin are warranted. A prospective randomized controlled trial is required to compare outcomes for IM and IV administration of glargine and regular insulin in DKA cats with or without SC glargine.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Diabetic Ketoacidosis/veterinary , Insulin, Long-Acting/therapeutic use , Animals , Cats , Diabetic Ketoacidosis/drug therapy , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , Injections, Intramuscular , Injections, Subcutaneous , Insulin Glargine , Insulin, Long-Acting/administration & dosage , Male , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
The pharmacological effects of glargine administered once or twice daily were compared in six healthy cats. A two-way crossover study was performed with insulin and glucose concentrations measured following subcutaneous administration of glargine once daily (0.5 U/kg) or twice daily (0.25 U/kg, repeated after 12h). Nadir glucose concentration and mean daily glucose concentration did not differ significantly following insulin administration once daily or twice daily in divided doses. Time to reach last glucose nadir differed, with longer intervals occurring following twice daily dosing. Blood glucose failed to return to baseline concentration by 24h in three of six cats in each treatment group. Insulin variables were not significantly different following once or twice daily dosing. This study in healthy cats demonstrates that glargine has a long duration of action with carry-over effects to the next day likely, regardless of dosing regimen. A study in diabetic cats is required to determine the best dosing regimen.
Subject(s)
Blood Glucose/drug effects , Cats/blood , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Insulin/analogs & derivatives , Animals , Area Under Curve , Blood Glucose/metabolism , Cats/metabolism , Cross-Over Studies , Drug Administration Schedule/veterinary , Female , Injections, Subcutaneous/veterinary , Insulin/administration & dosage , Insulin Glargine , Insulin, Long-Acting , Male , Random Allocation , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, painful condition that is now recognised as affecting a large proportion of cats. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven efficacy in dogs and humans but there are limited published data on the use of NSAIDs in the long-term management of this condition in cats. This prospective study aimed to assess the long-term safety and palatability of oral meloxicam and its efficacy in treating osteoarthritic pain in cats when given at a dose of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg once daily. Forty cats diagnosed with osteoarthritis completed the trial with a mean treatment duration of 5.8 months. Gastrointestinal upset in 2/46 (4%) cats was the only adverse effect noted. No deleterious effect on renal function was detected in cats studied. Owners subjectively assessed treatment efficacy as good or excellent in 34/40 (85%) of cases. The results of this study showed oral meloxicam to be safe and palatable long-term treatment for osteoarthritis in cats when given with food at a dose of 0.01-0.03 mg/kg.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Osteoarthritis/veterinary , Thiazines/administration & dosage , Thiazoles/administration & dosage , Animals , Cats , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Male , Meloxicam , Osteoarthritis/drug therapy , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Feline diabetes is a multifactorial disease with genetic and environmental factors, including diet, excess body weight, and physical inactivity, involved in its pathogenesis. Although type 2 diabetes is most common in cats, most cats are insulin-dependent at the time of diagnosis. If good glycemic control can be achieved early after diagnosis, a substantial proportion of diabetic cats go into clinical remission. Diabetic remission may be facilitated by using a low-carbohydrate-high-protein diet combined with a long-acting insulin, such as glargine, administered twice daily. Rather than just controlling clinical signs, these new treatment modalities make curing feline diabetes a realistic goal for practitioners.
