US government approves use of world's first diabetic pill for cats

The world's first diabetic pill for cats has been approved for use by the US government, easing treatment in newly diagnosed animals, without the shots.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved, Bexacat, a drug made by Elanco Animal Health Inc., an American pharmaceutical company, to help in treating feline diabetes.

“Some people are afraid of giving insulin injections. Some people don’t have the time to dedicate to the care of their cats,” said Dr. Catharine Scott-Moncrieff, a Purdue University veterinarian who consulted with the makers of Bexacat on the product testing.

Bexacat is a non-insulin, needle-free, once-daily oral medication specifically designed for treatment of cats with diabetes mellitus.

“It will be life-changing for some cats and some owners, but it’s not for every cat,” Scott-Moncrieff said.

The pill, which is expected to be available in the U.S. in the next several weeks, aims to treat cats by lowering their blood sugar, causing it to be excreted in urine.

Though similar drugs have been approved for humans for about a decade, this is the first drug of its type to be approved for animals.

Diabetes in cats is caused when too much glucose, or sugar builds up in the bloodstream because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or use it properly.

Its symptoms in cats include increased thirst and urination, increased appetite and weight loss.

About a quarter of U.S. households include one or more cats, totaling more than 58 million felines. Between 1 in 100 and 1 in 500 cats in the U.S. are diagnosed with diabetes, which is rising as obesity rates in the species approach 50%, said Dr. Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center at Cornell University.

Comments

The Real Risks: Weighing Vaccine Side Effects vs. Deadly Diseases

Some dog owners express concern about vaccine risks. Meanwhile, preventable diseases continue to pose a documented threat. For example, a two-year pause in dog rabies vaccination campaigns in Haiti resulted in a five to eightfold increase in animal rabies cases within a single year, creating a public health crisis that required an emergency response. This event illustrates a central fact: the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases are quantifiably greater than the known risks associated with vaccination. This article will address concerns about vaccine safety by examining the precise nature of both vaccine risks and disease threats, using verifiable data to support informed decision-making for your dog's health. The Biological Impossibility of Canine Autism The claim that vaccines cause autism in dogs is not supported by veterinary science due to fundamental biological reasons. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a human neurodevelopmental condition. Its diagnosis depends on asses...

5 Must-Ask Questions Before You Leave Your Dog at the Groomer

A 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior noted that over 50% of dogs show signs of stress during grooming. While severe physical injuries are less common, a single preventable incident is one too many. Cases like those in Louisiana, where dogs received ocular chemical burns from misused shampoo at a licensed facility, demonstrate that a groomer’s marketing claims are not a guarantee of safety. Your dog’s well-being depends on the protocols you cannot see. The only way to evaluate them is to ask direct, specific questions. The goal is not to create conflict, but to identify competence and build trust based on transparent practices. 1. “What is your exact step-by-step protocol for protecting my dog’s eyes during the bath?” The difference between a safe groom and a dangerous one lies in the specifics of execution. Indicator of a Professional “Before the bath, we apply a sterile, vet-approved ophthalmic ointment to lubricate the eyes and create a barrier against shampoo. We av...

The Practical Path to a Pet-Friendly Rental: A Data-Backed Guide

“I would have lived in a tent before I surrendered my dog ,” says Valerie Ducharme, a renter who faced the Yukon's housing crisis with her Australian shepherd. Her sentiment is common. According to a 2023 Canadian Rental Housing Index report , nearly 40% of rental households include pets, yet a systematic analysis of listings in major Canadian markets shows that less than 30% explicitly welcome them. This gap creates a logistical and emotional crisis for responsible pet owners . This guide provides a concrete strategy based on documented landlord concerns and successful tenant approaches. It replaces hope with a structured plan. 1. Reframe the Conversation from Problem to Solution Landlords decline pets based on rational risk assessment. The documented primary concerns are: Property damage (chewed moldings, stained carpets) Noise disturbances leading to tenant turnover Liability issues (dog bites) Residual allergens affecting future tenants Your application must address these poin...

Trojanpost