I asked my vet's office to test my cat for diabetes. They said they'd have to do a whole panel of

[raccoon]

tests, to the tune of $100.

Are they just trying to get more money out of me? I would've thought they could just do the diabetes test.

[hlthe2b]

1. There are several reasons that blood glucose could be elevated besides diabetes.

as well as for glucose to show up in urine, so yes, that is appropriate.

[Warren Stupidity]

2. They actually do have to do the tests.

We had a diabetic cat. He lived to 20. It is quite manageable.

[ProfessorGAC]

3. We Had Two Of Them Warren

Litter mates. One got it a couple years sooner than the other. We had a tough time managing the insulin in the beginning. But, after a while we figured out (vet and us) that they both did way better if we did really low dose injections twice a day instead of one a day.

Neither of our kitties made it to 20, but both in the the late teens.

[Corgigal]

4. and then

after they figure out the dosage, you get to spend around 92 dollars a month for the insulin, plus 30 dollars for the syringes. Not to mention around 32 dollars for the RX dry cat food diet.

My cat Cleo is still with us, and I give her a shot everyday. However it's a very costly disease. It can be managed, if your budget allows.

[irisblue]

5. There is a discussion in the Pet forum about diabetic cats now.

I have to take Majik Cat to the vet tomorrow for a thyroid test, his thyroid problem presented as his consuming lots of water, something that diabetic cats do too. My dog has mast cell cancer, one cat is on thyroid meds, one is diabetic, I am at the vets once a month. They treat my animals & me very well.

[shenmue]

6. Hugs

[TuxedoKat]

7. Blood Tests

I've had several blood tests for my cats over the years. $100 is about the going rate. It is good to have these tests because any other anomalies that are there should show up in the blood tests as well such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, anemia, etc. Hope your kitty is okay.

[Skittles]

9. agreed

I had a full panel done for my cat when he was 15 because I wanted his teeth cleaned, and the tests were assurance of how well he would tolerate the anesthesia, as well as a great indicator of his health in general (my vet said the results were excellent)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. diabetes can also effect kidney functioning etc

so it makes sense to have the whole panel

[AngryOldDem]

10. That is not a bad price, actually.

We've had vet bills about double that.

The peace of mind it brings, or knowing exactly what you're dealing with, is worth it.

[raccoon]

11. Update: Animal companion doesn't have diabetes. Her test results were good.

Kidney test at high end of normal, which isn't unusual for old elderly mature cats.

Thanks for your support!

[irisblue]

12. thanks for the update, Good News. n/t