Ketone levels in urine are an indicator of the progression of diabetes in cats. Ketones are just one of the many new words that you will have to add your vocabulary. Understanding how ketones work is essential because, in all likelihood, you are going to monitor your cat's diabetes by tracking his urine ketone levels. I put this post together to explain ketones, ketone strips ('ketostix') and ketone-related illnesses.
Ketones (pronounced 'kee tones') are by-products of fat metabolism. When the body can not use glucose for energy, the liver breaks down fat into fatty acids and produces ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and passed in the urine. Large amounts of ketones in the urine indicate a serious condition.
Ketosis is the name given to the build up of ketones and, in a general sense, ketosis indicate simply that the boody is using fat stores for energy. Ketosis is not dangerous but it may lead to stomach pains, vomiting and dehydration.
When the blood becomes acidic due to ketones building up, the condition is called ketoacidosis (or diabetic ketoacidosis). It is a severe condition which can lead to comma or be fatal.
Ketone strips, also known as Ketostix or ketone sticks, are used to measure the levels of ketone in urine. The strips are made of plastic and one end is coated in chemicals which react with the urine to change colors from pink to purple usually. By comparing the resulting color to a scale on the box (see picture below), you determine the amount of ketones in urine.
We buy Ketostix strips in bulk for Fluffy because we easily go through about 400 to 500 of them in the year (depending on Fluffy's well being at the time!)
If your cat has diabetes, it is likely that you will check his ketones to monitor his need for insulin and the progression of diabetes. Make sure to record the results in your cat's diary. You can find more tips about taking care of your cat at home in Dr. Andrew Jones's guide.
Ketones (pronounced 'kee tones') are by-products of fat metabolism. When the body can not use glucose for energy, the liver breaks down fat into fatty acids and produces ketones. These ketones accumulate in the blood and passed in the urine. Large amounts of ketones in the urine indicate a serious condition.
Ketosis is the name given to the build up of ketones and, in a general sense, ketosis indicate simply that the boody is using fat stores for energy. Ketosis is not dangerous but it may lead to stomach pains, vomiting and dehydration.
When the blood becomes acidic due to ketones building up, the condition is called ketoacidosis (or diabetic ketoacidosis). It is a severe condition which can lead to comma or be fatal.
Ketone strips, also known as Ketostix or ketone sticks, are used to measure the levels of ketone in urine. The strips are made of plastic and one end is coated in chemicals which react with the urine to change colors from pink to purple usually. By comparing the resulting color to a scale on the box (see picture below), you determine the amount of ketones in urine.
We buy Ketostix strips in bulk for Fluffy because we easily go through about 400 to 500 of them in the year (depending on Fluffy's well being at the time!)
If your cat has diabetes, it is likely that you will check his ketones to monitor his need for insulin and the progression of diabetes. Make sure to record the results in your cat's diary. You can find more tips about taking care of your cat at home in Dr. Andrew Jones's guide.
3 comments:
Okay I will try this again. My cat Dude 9 yrs diagnose type 2 Diabetes back in Dec 11, 2012. I been to 4 vets VCA Hospital, Animal Hospital and to vet clinics. One we don't even call a vet. My point is No one has said anything to me about Ketones or strips just Glucose testing and bring your cat in and we test all day that doesn't work with my cat he freaks out and is to skitish and doesn't like certain people.He is not even a lap cat and at times he could give me his middle paw claw nail telling me where to go. His Glucose has been HIGH in the 400's like 475 493 and 408 415 365 with in these 2 months. Dude has started out with insulin twice a day every 12 hours. The U-40 Insulin Pro-Zinc 3-units. Next day 4-units,week later 5-units and end of January 6-units. Different vet and Animal Hospital and they were astound he was up in insulin. So for the past 10 days he is on 2-units in morning and 12 hours later on 1-unit of insulin in the evening. His wt has drop from 13 lbs.9oz to 12 lbs.3.5oz Dude is sort of a big cat but not like Maincoon Cat. Big wide head/neck/feet. I'm a senior citizen (retired)with a sick cat name Dude. pk
Hope this finds you and Dude well. My 16 year old "Mouse" was diagnosed a couple weeks ago. Spent 4 days trying to regulate his Vetsulin. They started at 1/2, then 1, 2, and up to 3. His levels were testing off the charts as they put it...over 500 at one time. I took him home and he had diarhha for 3 days and then normal. He gets 2units morning and night. After about two weeks he seems to be gaining some weight back as he got down to 6lbs 8oz and s/b about 9lbs. The VCA Black Mountain Hosp. in Henderson, NV are his Vets...they are all very nice and caring.
My cat was dianosed with diabetes in June 2010. Weve been through a lot - neuropathy, weight loss and vomiting.
Please visit a web site called felinediabetes.com The information is more than you may want to know but very helpful.
Liz K. - its normal to try many different amount to get your cat regulated but it has to take more time than it seems your vet is allowing your cat to adjust. Please question this.
Ketone strips are helpful but you can easily montior your cats glucose levels at home. You need to do a blood curve for 12 hours. Monitors can be purchased at any pharmacy. You prick the cats ear (there are how to videos on youtube)and test every two hours. Youll get a better reading since the cat wont be stressed from being at the vet.
Having a diabetic cat is a lot of work, not cheap but very rewarding when you see your cat feeling well. Dont give up. Your pet would do the same for you!
Good luck.
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