Bear 2/24 AMPS High, ketones .7, what should I do?

Meredith Bear’s Mom

Meredith Bear’s Mom

Member Since 2022
Hi everyone,

Bear is still testing high after his recent increase in dose. He’s been acting a little sluggish and i tested ketones and they’re at .7. What should I do for this? Going to do some reading on the site but wanted to post first. Thank you in advance.
 
So brought him in, the vet said that he actually didn't have any ketones in the urine. Since he is eating great and looks good otherwise he said he is fine to go home. Thinks he's probably feeling a little lethargic because of his inconsistent regulation. He did say it was probably unlikely that he would go into remission, however, which bummed me out. He also said that TR was really only effective for cats that are likely to go into remission. I'm still going to follow TR/my regular vet's advice.
 
A quote from the paper than Diane linked:

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

Bear is still a very recently diagnosed diabetic cat. The sooner you can get him regulated however, the better the chances for remission. I'm glad you are going to keep on top of the increases as needed.
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Sadly many vets do not know a lot about feline diabetes and do not get much training at university about it.
They have so many animals and their diseases to learn.
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Yes, especially in emergency settings. But even then, the internal medicine specialist I saw who specialized in diabetes recommended feeding dry food. I was like.... I'm pretty sure that's not an option with diabetic cats? Of course I couldn't say that though, but I was shocked considering the information I've learned from you all and this site.
 
Meredith Bear’s Mom said:
Yes, especially in emergency settings. But even then, the internal medicine specialist I saw who specialized in diabetes recommended feeding dry food. I was like.... I'm pretty sure that's not an option with diabetic cats? Of course I couldn't say that though, but I was shocked considering the information I've learned from you all and this site.
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I am sorry to hear that. You are right. the dry food they recommend is high carb. They get their nutritional education from the big cat food manufacturers who of course peddle their own food. Its really terrible
 
A furshot restarts the cycle count, you want at least six cycles because you did see yellow on this dose. Tonight is cycle 5.
 
Just offering some moral support with the ketone readings. Minnie has a history of ketones and when they're high, I can smell it round her head a little like nail polish remover. March 2021 you can see our DKA fun - I have a ketone column way over on the right of my s/s.

I keep a stash of the Walmart urine strips (cheap!) along with the Novamax strips (not at all cheap). I found the blood strips would show an increase long before the urine strips showed anything. At the start of one of the DKAs, the blood meter read 5.9, urine strip showed trace and the vet serum reading showed moderate! Minnie's normal blood ketone nowadays is 0.3 - I think the lowest I've ever tested her at is 0.2. Of course ECID :cat:

Best tip I had was from (I think) Bron to feed plenty and add plenty of water to the food as soon as you see ketones on the rise. Then keep checking.

Best of luck - it's early days for Bear and you've already seen blues and greens on a relatively small dose! (speaking as someone with 6.5u Levemir) :) Hang in there!
 
Liz & Minnie said:
Just offering some moral support with the ketone readings. Minnie has a history of ketones and when they're high, I can smell it round her head a little like nail polish remover. March 2021 you can see our DKA fun - I have a ketone column way over on the right of my s/s.

I keep a stash of the Walmart urine strips (cheap!) along with the Novamax strips (not at all cheap). I found the blood strips would show an increase long before the urine strips showed anything. At the start of one of the DKAs, the blood meter read 5.9, urine strip showed trace and the vet serum reading showed moderate! Minnie's normal blood ketone nowadays is 0.3 - I think the lowest I've ever tested her at is 0.2. Of course ECID :cat:

Best tip I had was from (I think) Bron to feed plenty and add plenty of water to the food as soon as you see ketones on the rise. Then keep checking.

Best of luck - it's early days for Bear and you've already seen blues and greens on a relatively small dose! (speaking as someone with 6.5u Levemir) :) Hang in there!
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Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for your advice and kind words! We are hoping for more greens and blues soon :)
 
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