Senvelgo for Cats with Diabetes - 30ml
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Senvelgo for Cats - The New Treatment for Diabetes in Cats
30ml Senvelgo for Cats is a prescription-only veterinary medicine (POM-V) that may be prescribed for cats with diabetes. Senvelgo is an oral liquid that is given once daily using a dosing syringe, with the dose and treatment plan set by your Vet. Senvelgo is intended to support long-term control of blood glucose and reduce the clinical signs of diabetes when it is appropriate for your cat.
Diabetes in Cats is a condition where blood glucose (blood sugar) stays too high because the body cannot produce enough insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or both. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose move from the blood into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In cats, diabetes is often linked to insulin resistance, where insulin is present but does not work as well as it should. Over time, the pancreas may also become less able to produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.
How Senvelgo Works
Senvelgo works in a different way from insulin injections. It acts primarily at the kidneys. When blood passes through the kidneys, glucose is filtered into the urine-forming fluid and is normally reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. Senvelgo reduces this reabsorption by blocking a transporter that moves glucose back into the body. As a result, more glucose leaves the body in the urine, which can lower blood glucose levels. This insulin-independent approach is one reason oral treatment may be considered for some cats, under veterinary guidance.
Because Senvelgo increases the amount of glucose passed in urine, it can also increase the amount of water passed in urine. Increased urination and increased thirst can occur during treatment. Fresh water should always be available. A sudden reduction in drinking, repeated vomiting, significant lethargy, or signs of dehydration need veterinary advice promptly, because dehydration can worsen quickly in diabetic cats.
Suitability for Senvelgo depends on your cat’s overall health and the type and stability of their diabetes. A vet will assess clinical signs, weight and body condition, and test results before recommending a treatment. Oral diabetes medicines are generally considered for cats that are stable and do not have evidence of diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious emergency where ketones build up in the body and cause dangerous dehydration and acidity. It can occur alongside vomiting, refusal to eat, profound lethargy, weakness, and abnormal or rapid breathing. A vet may recommend a different approach, including insulin and supportive care, if there are ketones present, if the cat is unwell, or if there are other complicating conditions.
Senvelgo is given by mouth. Many owners find it easiest to dose at the same time each day to support a consistent routine. The dosing syringe is usually placed into the side of the mouth, aimed towards the cheek pouch, and the liquid is given slowly to allow swallowing. Your veterinary practice will advise what to do if a dose is missed. A double dose should not be given unless a vet has specifically instructed it. If a cat spits out a dose or vomits soon after dosing, a vet should advise whether any action is needed, because repeating a dose without guidance can increase risk.
Product Features
- Pack Size: - 30ml
- Target Animal: - Cat (Feline)
- Related Condition: - Diabetes in Cats
- Pet Prescription Required?: - Yes
- Active Ingredient: - velagliflozin
- Product Name: - Senvelgo for Cats
More Information
Description
Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition in cats, results from the inability of the body to regulate blood glucose levels. In cats, this is often due to the body’s inadequate production or ineffective use of insulin, a hormone that enables cells to absorb glucose. Without effective insulin function, blood glucose levels rise, causing various symptoms and potentially serious health complications.
Typical symptoms of diabetes in cats include increased thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), and unexplained weight loss. Diabetic cats may also appear lethargic, show reduced activity, and may develop a poor coat quality. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to life-threatening complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a condition where the body begins to break down fats for energy, leading to a dangerous accumulation of ketones in the bloodstream.
Feline diabetes management primarily revolves around regulating blood glucose levels to minimise these symptoms. Traditional management often includes daily insulin injections, regular blood glucose monitoring, and dietary adjustments. However, this routine can be challenging for pet owners due to the precise timing and potential stress associated with insulin injections and glucose testing.
Key Benefits of Senvelgo for Feline Diabetes
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Precise Glycaemic Control: Senvelgo’s formulation allows for accurate control over blood glucose levels in cats, reducing persistent hyperglycaemia.
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Simple Administration: Designed for once-daily dosing, Senvelgo can be administered directly into the mouth or with a small amount of wet food, making it convenient for most cats and pet owners.
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Minimal Monitoring Needs: Stabilised cats using Senvelgo require less frequent blood glucose monitoring, simplifying long-term diabetes management.
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Weight-based Dosing: The included dosing syringe offers a weight-adjusted scale to ensure the correct dose is given, promoting effective and safe treatment.
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No Refrigeration: Senvelgo does not require refrigeration, either before or after opening, allowing for easy storage.
It is important to note that Senvelgo is not suitable for all cats with diabetes. This solution is indicated only for cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, meaning it should not be used in cats already receiving insulin or those with insulin-dependent diabetes. Administering Senvelgo in these cases could lead to severe complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be fatal.
Cats receiving Senvelgo may have an increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis if they display sudden signs of anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, or weight loss. If any of these symptoms occur, the treatment should be discontinued, and the cat should be assessed for ketoacidosis by a veterinarian. Senvelgo is also not recommended for cats with ketonuria, ketonemia, pancreatitis, or lethargy at the time of diabetes diagnosis, as these conditions may indicate an elevated risk for complications.
Day-to-day care supports medical treatment. A vet may recommend measured meals, a planned dietary approach, and weight management if a cat is overweight. Sudden changes in treats or feeding can destabilise control, so changes are best made gradually and with veterinary guidance. Regular weigh-ins and simple notes on appetite, drinking, urination and energy can be useful at review appointments. Home monitoring may be discussed, which can include urine ketone checks and, in some cases, home blood glucose monitoring, depending on what is appropriate and practical.
How does Senvelgo work compared with insulin injections for diabetic cats?
Insulin injections replace or supplement the cat’s insulin to help move glucose from the blood into body cells. Senvelgo works differently by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, so more glucose leaves the body in urine. Your vet chooses the most appropriate approach based on your cat’s condition.
Which cats are suitable for Senvelgo?
Senvelgo may be considered for cats with diabetes that are otherwise stable and can be safely managed with an oral option. It may not be appropriate if a cat is unwell, dehydrated, not eating, vomiting repeatedly, or has evidence of ketones/diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Your vet will confirm suitability with clinical checks and tests.
How quickly does Senvelgo start lowering blood glucose in cats?
Many cats show changes in blood glucose and urine glucose soon after starting treatment, but the time to stable control varies. Improvement in thirst, urination, appetite, energy, and weight trends may take days to weeks. Your vet will advise how and when to monitor progress.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Senvelgo, or if my cat vomits after taking it?
Do not give a double dose unless your vet has specifically instructed it. If you miss a dose, give the next dose at the usual time unless your vet advises differently. If your cat vomits soon after dosing, contact your vet for advice, particularly if vomiting repeats or your cat will not eat.
What should a diabetic cat eat, and should diet be changed when starting Senvelgo?
Diet is an important part of diabetes management, and your vet may recommend a measured feeding plan and weight control if needed. Changes to diet should be planned and gradual, because sudden changes in food or treats can destabilise diabetes control. Always follow veterinary guidance for feeding and treats.
