Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is there research available on methylcobalamin?
- Where can I purchase Methylcobalamin?
- Should I be testing my pet's blood sugar levels at home?
- Does my Vet know what they're talking about?
- How can I help other diabetic cats and dogs?
- Where can I find more information and support?
- Q. Is there research data available on Methylcobalamin?
- A. Yes
This is the article that started it all... for us, anyway. This article was originally posted at www.sugarcats.com, and the study it described inspired Laurie to get the methylcobalamin for Jasper. Of course, we're against animal testing, but at least this study, which had already been done, enabled us to help Jasper, and through our experience with the vitamin, to help thousands of other animals and friends. The animals that suffered so that doctors could assess the value of methylcobalamin deserve our gratitude although they didn't choose to "give" their lives), and in their honor, we pass along this information.
If you want additional information on this form of vitamin B12, see the article listings on our home page. Also, try a search for "methylcobalamin" at any regular web search site, such as www.google.com. You'll be surprised how much information is out there, and more becomes available every day. When we started this, you couldn't find much information outside the peer-reviewed medical journals. That information has now gotten out to the general public. Today, doctors are using the vitamin to treat a long list of neurological and neuromuscular conditions/diseases. Of course, there's just as much "band-wagon" info out there too.
If you're skeptical about Jasper's story and want to read about another cat (among thousands that I've seen cured of their neuropathy in the past few years), check out sugarpet.net— the entire site is helpful to diabetic cats and their owners, and their neuropathy content is also useful, especially for people in the UK, courtesy of Deborah Hamilton, and her cats, Paris & Tokyo. Here's the link:
- Q. Where can I purchase Methylcobalamin?
- A. Many vitamin retailers sell it.
You can buy Methylcobalamin from various online, mail, and phone sources.
REMEMBER: It's METHYLCOBALAMIN — not plain old B12 (Cyanocobalamin).
See our Methylcobalamin Resources page for more information.
We used Xobaline (in 3 MG tablets) from LifeLink, and found them to be great people to work with. You can even mention Jasper when you call.
- Q. Should I be testing my pet's blood sugar levels at home?
- A. Yes!
I recommend it because it saves your cat a lot of stress, saves you a lot of money and time, and gives you more control over your cat's condition. Click here to find out how home testing is done, the equipment you need, and why it's a great way to regulate your cat's blood sugar and keep it regulated. The Test Diagrams page will help you master the process quickly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Beware — greedy vets may try to talk you out of it because it erodes their authority and their profits. A good vet will be happy to hear you want to take more of a hand in the process of keeping your diabetic cat healthy. This, please know, is not meant to say anything against people who decide not to home test. It's a matter of choice.
- Q. Do my Vets know what they're talking about?
- A. Maybe, maybe not...
You may have heard a variation in this one: "What do they call the person who graduated last in their class from Med school? Doctor."
The same is true of Vets. Like any other profession, there are good practitioners and bad. Check our Stupid Vet Tricks page, and if your Vet is making any of the same noises FIND A NEW VET, ASAP!
We've gathered horror stories provided by contributors to the Feline Diabetes Message Board, each one an example of a vet's dangerous advice or painful treatment.
These vets either don't know how to properly treat feline diabetes and its related conditions, or they value control and/or profit over the life of an animal.
Fortunately, these vets are in the minority, but they are out there. If your vet has said or done anything that caused/risked pain, suffering, fear, and/or death to your pet, (A) We hope they are now your ex-vet, and (B) write to us and tell us the story. We can add it to the list (without any names, of course). By sharing your stories, you can help prevent someone else falling victim to the same bad advice or dangerous treatment.
- Q. How can I help other diabetic pets?
- A. Support IMOM
IMOM is a wonderful organization that helps people with limited funds get veterinary care for their animals. They need your help, and you need to do the right thing. Make a donation or find another way to help TODAY.
- Q. Where can I find more information and support?
- A. The Feline Diabetes Message Board
Here you'll find a helpful and compassionate group of people with diabetic cats ready to help you. Go there to get advice and support from people who are dealing with the same things you are.
You can also get lots of great information on feline diabetes from SugarCats.com.
You can also email us at laurie@freedomforanimals.org. We're happy to help!