One of the problems is of course that although humans can report signs and symptoms of neuropathy, cats are reliant upon humans for detection and treatment of their ailments, and the first you will know that a cat has developed neuropathy is that he will not be as agile as he usually is. He can't let you know that he has tingling or numbness, or even pain, but you will notice that he isn't so inclined to jump up on the chair or the garden fence.
You'll also notice the curious gait particular to feline diabetic neuropathy, in that rather than walking on tiptoe as all cats do he will be using the whole of the length of the lower two joints of the back legs in a crouching or a half-sitting position. When he does try and walk any distance you may notice that his back legs slide away from him and he won't be able to walk for any distance.
In more advanced cases the neuropathy can extend to include the front legs, and treatment may take longer to have any effect or may only result in a partial recovery.
The condition usually resolves with the introduction or adjustment of insulin therapy, as recovery is reliant upon insulin therapy being prescribed to treat the underlying diabetes, and it is thought by some that a form of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) is useful in the repair and treatment of nerve damage.
Feline diabetes often causes weakness in the hind legs of cats. Rather than walking normaly, the cat will walk on his hocks (see image below). This condition, neuropathy, is nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). If your cat has weak hind legs, you should see a vet to discuss treatment options.
Nerves, cells in the eye, and kidney cells are particularly sensitive to damage since these cells do not require insulin in order to take up glucose from the blood. Where blood glucose is very high in poorly regulated diabetics these cells take up lots of glucose which causes internal damage. Keeping blood glucose levels as near normal as possible and avoiding large fluctuations in the levels helps to prevent this type of cellular damage in diabetics
In the case of leg problems, many cats will improve tremendously when their blood sugars come under control. In these cases, the hind leg weakness may be caused by electrolyte imbalances (e.g. low potassium levels) related to excessive urination. There is some evidence that methyl-B12, a vitamin, also known as methylcobalamin, may be a beneficial supplement. Also, diabetes that is not under control causes muscle wasting (diabetes is a CATABOLIC or "breaking down" disease) and your cat's back leg problems may be due to extreme muscle weakness.
This is a common problem and a heartbreaking one. If the problem seems to come on rapidly, check your cat's blood glucose level (or several levels) to make sure her blood sugar is under control. An alternative is to have your vet draw blood for a fructosamine test to check for longer term control. Your vet can do an examination and check a potassium level, also.
And make your cat exercise! Physical therapy can do wonders for improvement.
More on Methyl-B12:
Methyl-B12, also known as methylcobalamin, has worked wonders on many cats with neuropathy. It is important that you use METHYL-B12. Other forms of vitamin B-12 will not work. You may obtain this supplement at many health food stores. Most FelineDiabetes.com users will give their cat 3-5 mg per day to treat neuropathy.
