Hi Stella
@Stella and Ciara ,
Is it today that you're taking Ciara to the vet? Hopefully the vet may find out what is causing her health issues. (Fingers crossed).
As Sharon suggested above it would be a good idea to test Ciara's pee for
ketones.
It's an easy test, just a matter of dipping the end of a ketone test strip into a drop of cat pee. Crumpling clingfilm over a litter tray is usually a pretty good way to catch a sample, and you only need a tiny weeny amount.
You can get the test strips, 'Ketostix' or 'Keto-diastix' from most pharmacies.
Ketostix test only for ketones. Keto-diastix test for both ketones
and urine glucose. The latter may be useful at the moment as you are not yet able to test Ciara's blood glucose (much more accurate and useful than testing urine glucose). Keto-diastix cost around a tenner for a box of strips.
Anything above a 'trace' ketone test result means you need to contact your vet, ASAP.
Be aware too that not all ketones can be detected by the strips, so also keep an eye (or rather a nose!) on how Ciara's breath smells. It should smell like typical kitty breath. If you detect a smell like 'pear drops' or acetone that could also indicate ketones.
Most of us here test our cats' blood glucose. Some UK vets still find that idea a bit odd, but it really does help with managing diabetes. It may sound a bit daunting at first, but it is not difficult to learn, and shouldn't hurt the kitty at all. If you'd like to learn we can certainly help you.
Please do let us know how you get on at the vets.
Good luck!
Eliz
