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.
