By Susan Ho

Together with a husband and pet-cats, the author lives in Central Canada.

LONDON, Ontario, Canada -- Little Browny, a cat who endured a medical marathon (Determined and Adored, Cat Survives Medical Marathon), has battled valiantly against yet another health problem.

His transient diabetes from a few years ago returned with a vengeance. This time, it’s here to stay. He and I must work together as I give him insulin shots and a special diet.

Before the diagnosis, I’d noticed Browny’s appetite burgeoning. He’d request treats every half-hour. Yet he lost weight and seemed lethargic. Then the next thing I knew, he appeared to lose his appetite for everything.

After some tests, a veterinarian told me the bad news that Browny was a true diabetic patient – with a fructosamine level so high, the doctor didn’t know if he’d survive.

On medical advice, I began to give Browny the special food and insulin each day. If he didn’t improve, the insulin dosage would need adjusting.

At first, Browny still wanted his favorite treats. But gradually as I regularly force-fed him and left him with the special dry food, he began to dislike all other foods.

For a few months, Browny worsened despite increases to the insulin. He developed peripheral neuropathy in his pelvic area and couldn’t walk properly. His hind legs lost strength. Soon, he walked almost like a seal. Eventually, he didn’t want to get up at all.

Seeing him then filled me with sadness, and I didn’t know how to help except to pick him up and carry him to where I thought he wanted to go. The idea came to me about little wheelchairs for handicapped pets. Then I wondered about ending his suffering.

By then, the veterinarian felt more optimistic than I did. He advised patience because Browny had battled back against all past ailments. Encouraged, I continued with the insulin and force-feeding. Browny grumbled about the force-feeding (each session lasting up to 30 minutes), but tolerated the needles well.

Ten months have passed since the disease returned, and finally, Browny shows progress. He has regained some weight and his hind legs are stronger too. Now he walks a little better. Lately, he even comes to the bedroom and wants to sleep with me.

So far, I’ve sacrificed trips to Hong Kong and the Bahamas with my husband and to Texas with my mom and sister, all to care for Browny. Some of my friends think that’s devoting too much to a cat. But to me, travel can wait.

Despite Browny’s many ailments since kitten-hood, he’s reached 12 years old. With luck, he’ll enjoy life for a lot longer.

Medically, he’s overcome so much: an extreme allergic reaction to vaccines; a fractured hind leg; a rare gum disease that led to removing all his teeth; and the transient diabetes due to his long use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Just as I thought he’d finally become healthy, the diabetes hit hard again. Then just as I thought he couldn’t survive this time, he mounted yet another recovery. In a sense, he’s been incredibly strong and lucky.

Above all, he remains a happy cat! Witnessing his strong spirit, I’m glad to assist him each day.

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