Hi Deb.
Thanks for the feedback. It really helps! I have strongly suspected that the leg weakness was due to the diabetes. However, Romeo is not on insulin. A new pill medication came on the market this Spring and the vet suggested trying it before the insulin shots. But I don't think it is working. The vet is concerned about putting Romeo on insulin because he is not a very good patient. He gets very aggressive in the clinic and the vet and technicians have a hard time handling him. The vet feels that this will make it difficult to get accurate and regular glucose levels. But ultimately it is my decision and I can't stand to see Romeo suffer--even if his legs don't hurt, it must be tramatic for him to have this loss of strength. Thanks again for your reply. It has given me renewed hope. Has your cat responded well to receiving the shots? Did you notice a decrease in appetite? Thanks again!

Originally posted by Deb:
Hi Chris,

I remember 'chatting' with you about Romeo back in July . . . I mentioned in my post that my cat was diagnosed with diabetes about a year and a half ago. The main symptom was weakness in his hind legs. He was having difficulty climbing stairs and, eventually, even walking was difficult. Like your cat, he did not seem to be in pain -- just weak.

Our vet said that this is quite common with feline diabetes. He said that certain muscles become atrophied because the diabetes essentially 'starves' the muscle tissue and it begins to degenerate. He also said that the insulin injections should at least stop his muscles from any further weakening, and that there was a good chance they could improve.

Well, over a year later, he has totally bounced back and has no muscle problems whatsoever. So, there is definitely hope for Romeo!

BTW, I don't mean to be presumptuous, but have you considered checking out another vet?

Good luck.