SENVELGO is changing the way we treat feline diabetes

Diabetes in cats often presents subtly. Signs and symptoms can include increased thirst (polydipsia), urination (polyuria), appetite (polyphagia) and unexplained weight loss. Sometimes, they can be dismissed as normal signs of ageing. You may not even notice your cat has symptoms until they are already quite unwell.

Some diabetic cats have concurrent conditions like pancreatitis, kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, which affect how the diabetes presents and how well it responds to treatment. That’s why screening for these conditions is a critical part of confirming a diagnosis and planning effective care.

“Cats will potentially come in and out of being diabetic,” says Dr Rachel Korman, highlighting the variable nature of the disease. Although not all cats follow a straightforward path, early diagnosis is still important. It gives vets the chance to stabilise the condition early and keep a close eye on how it progresses.

While SENVELGO is only just making its entrance in Australia, it has been available in the United States and the United Kingdom for some time. “It’s the first drug of its class… We have the benefit of gaining from the experience of the use of the drug elsewhere,” explains Dr Korman, noting that this gives Australian vets the advantage of learning from both the successes and challenges already seen.

SENVELGO is an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood glucose by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing it, so the excess is passed out in the urine. This reduces blood sugar without relying on insulin injections. It’s specifically registered for use in cats with non-insulin-dependent diabetes.

The liquid medication is given once daily in food, with no need for needles or strict timing. “Being able to treat a disease like diabetes without injections… will make life so much easier for many cat owners and their cats… Cats love simplicity, and so do I,” says Dr Rachel.

Glucose levels are effectively reduced, but SENVELGO doesn’t help the body use that glucose. That’s why it’s only effective in cats with residual insulin production, as it can’t be used in cases of complete insulin deficiency. “The diabetic cats need to have their own source of insulin for their body to use. And not all diabetic cats will have that,” explains Dr Rachel. Suitability is confirmed through clinical examination and ketone screening before starting the medication.

“It’s not going to be the perfect drug for every cat… there’s still going to be cats that need insulin,” Dr Korman reminds us. As mentioned earlier, cats that can’t produce their own insulin aren’t suitable for SENVELGO. These cats are at risk of developing eDKA, a serious complication that can occur even when blood glucose appears normal. That’s why regular ketone monitoring is essential.

SENVELGO is also not recommended for cats that are clinically unwell at the start of treatment. Signs such as lethargy, inappetence, vomiting or severe dehydration may point to underlying complications that need to be resolved first. The ideal candidate is stable, eating normally and otherwise well.

If SENVELGO is not appropriate for your cat, insulin therapy is a well-established and effective treatment. Some cats may start on SENVELGO and later need to transition back to insulin if glycaemic control isn’t adequate. This isn’t a failure of the treatment, but part of managing a disease that can vary significantly between patients, and even within the same patient over time.

SENVELGO is a promising new option for treating feline diabetes in cats who meet the criteria. For some, it can take the stress out of daily injections and make ongoing care more manageable. It’s worth screening to see if it’s the right fit for your cat. While there are potential risks, careful monitoring allows any issues to be picked up and addressed early.

Has your cat been diagnosed with diabetes, or are they showing symptoms? Speak with a friendly member of our team at Cat Specialist Services to learn more about SENVELGO. Vets can refer patients for treatment here.

For veterinarians wanting to know more, join Boehringer Ingelheim for ‘Evolving Endocrinology – The Roadshow’. Enjoy an evening of exciting endocrinology topics presented by leading experts in the field, including game-changing innovations in diabetes management such as SENVELGO. Contact us to learn more.

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

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