Home blood ketone testing?

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Vader723

Vader723

Member Since 2017
Hello! I’m looking for advice/feedback on any ketone monitors out there. I know that I could test his urine, but I am away from home for 11 hours at a time some days, and I miss his box time. I’m also a little nervous about scaring him away from using the litter box. I’m thinking of purchasing a home monitor which tests his blood for ketones. I know they are a little spendy, it I am wondering how reliable they are. Vader has not required insulin in several days, thank goodness, it now I am starting to worry that it’s “too easy” and I’m missing something. His weight loss has stabilized and his appetite seems ok, but I really just want to peace of mind that being able to spot check his ketones would bring.
 
I got a home ketone monitor. Worth their weight in gold. Get both blood and ketone meters primed for action at testing time and you can test using both meters from the same blood droplet. As you correctly observe, the strips are indeed 'spendy' (great term!) but they're more than worth it for the peace of mind and stress reduction they give (to both cat and caregiver).


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
I got a home ketone monitor. Worth their weight in gold. Get both blood and ketone meters primed for action at testing time and you can test using both meters from the same blood droplet. As you correctly observe, the strips are indeed 'spendy' (great term!) but they're more than worth it for the peace of mind and stress reduction they give (to both cat and caregiver).


Mogs
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Would you please advise what is the name of the monitor and where you obtained it? Am considering this myself as Goma has a history.
 
Critter Mom said:
I got a home ketone monitor. Worth their weight in gold. Get both blood and ketone meters primed for action at testing time and you can test using both meters from the same blood droplet. As you correctly observe, the strips are indeed 'spendy' (great term!) but they're more than worth it for the peace of mind and stress reduction they give (to both cat and caregiver).


Mogs
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I am interested too. Thanks!
 
I got this one:

Freestyle Optium Neo

iu



Mogs
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Here's a link to more information on ketones, ketoacidosis, and blood ketone meters:
Ketones, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), and Blood Ketone Meters

Please note (this is important):
When do ketones show up on a blood ketone meter such as the Nova Max Plus or Precision Xtra Blood & Ketone meters?

The latest published research/studies in cats indicate ketones will begin to show up at readings of 2.4 and 2.55 on a blood ketone meter:

Measurement of ketones - Weingart_J VET Diagn Invest-2012(1).pdf
Measuring ketones - JSAP_Zeugswetter - 2012.pdf
 
I think, after reading through that but not understanding much of it, that the ability to detect ketones at 2.4-2.55 is good? Can you confirm, based on your knowledge and experience?
 
Vader723 said:
I think, after reading through that but not understanding much of it, that the ability to detect ketones at 2.4-2.55 is good? Can you confirm, based on your knowledge and experience?
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Readings of 2.4 - 2.55 or higher is when to become concerned especially if kitty seems "off" in any way (sick), is not eating, or is not receiving enough insulin.
 
Rupert_09 said:
Which one is better? Urine or blood? How do u obtain the urine for the strips?
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If you want too test urine for ketones here are some ways to do it:
  • put the end of the test strip right in his urine stream as he's peeing
  • slip a shallow, long handled spoon under his backside to catch a little pee - you don't need much
  • put a double layer of plastic wrap over his favourite part of the litter box and poke some depressions in it too catch pee.
Most test strips have to be dipped and allowed to develop for 15 seconds before viewing the colour change in very good light.
 
Have a look at the leaflet that comes in the box as it has some reference range info (mine is still packed away somewhere - just moved house recently). Also if you look at the DKA sticky in the main FAQ section some of the linked articles there have info on mapping the meter readings to clinical significance of test results (IIRC). I'd suggest also asking your vet for appropriate reference range(s) and how to respond (call vet or get cat to hospital?) based on the range into which the reading falls.


Mogs
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PussCatPrince said:
As it is a human meter , what are the ranges for ketones please.
i.e what is considered OK and normal. What is considered a trace to be a bit concerned.
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Don't pay any attention to the human ranges listed on the leaflet that comes in the box. Those ranges are for humans.

Published research/studies in cats indicate ketones will begin to show up at readings of 2.4 and 2.55 on a human blood ketone meter:
Measurement of ketones - Weingart_J VET Diagn Invest-2012(1).pdf
Measuring ketones - JSAP_Zeugswetter - 2012.pdf

I wouldn't be concerned with readings less 2.4 - 2.55, but would call my vet with anything higher.

Hope that helps...
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
Don't pay any attention to the human ranges listed on the leaflet that comes in the box. Those ranges are for humans.

Published research/studies in cats indicate ketones will begin to show up at readings of 2.4 and 2.55 on a human blood ketone meter:
Measurement of ketones - Weingart_J VET Diagn Invest-2012(1).pdf
Measuring ketones - JSAP_Zeugswetter - 2012.pdf

I wouldn't be concerned with readings less 2.4 - 2.55, but would call my vet with anything higher.

Hope that helps...
Click to expand...

Does sorta.
I tested using a ketone test strip. It shows .2 on the meter itself.

Ah! *lightbulb moment* I think this means that unless the reading on the meter shows more than 2.4 do not be concerned. :)

Thanks
 
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