Any Experience with Precision Xtra Ketone Testing?

[Barn Cats R Us]

Does anyone have experience with the Precision Xtra BG and Ketone testing monitor? Marilyn's BG = 396, and Ketones = 0.0 mmol/L. The package insert reads as follows:

"IMPORTANT: if your blood Ketone result is 0.0 mmol/L, and your blood glucose result is 300mg/dl or higher, repeat both the ketone and glucose tests with new test strips."

I realize this "important" warning is intended for human testing. Does anyone think I should heed this warning for feline numbers also? Does it seem improbable to get a 0.0 reading when her BG numbers have been so high, for so long? I wanted to tap your knowledge before opening another $6.50 strip...but, I also need to get a better understanding of Ketone testing...it's not just the cost factor.

BTW, I appreciate all of the tips I've received on urine testing. They are not lost on me...I just haven't had time to make changes regarding her litter box situation. So, for now...it's blood testing.

Thanks All

 

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Luckily, some cats are not prone to ketones. When they are that high, I would test, but I wouldn't use two strips - as you stated, they are quite expensive (although cheaper than an ER visit for DKA). This thread has some good information;I've copied the portion from the person who used the Precision Xtra a lot): http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=31350#p325033

Re: Was frustrated, now is ketones have spiked! in over my h

Postby Sharyn & Fiona » Sat Dec 04, 2010 10:57 pm
Sharyn AKA as the Precision Xtra Queen on the old board. ;-)

In my experience of using Precision Xtra 3+ years, sometimes at 3-4 times a day, it is more accurate that urine strips. The first test I did on Fiona showed 7.6, urine strip showed none because she had been on IV fluids at ER. Blood is real time, urine is possible hours old. At 7.6 Fiona was walking, eating, etc... She wasn't that sick.

When she gets to 3.0, I start using R if needed and pump her full of fluids either via tuna juice. Continuing to eat is very important. Even if she doesn't seem dehydrated, fluids help flush the ketones out of her system. On Fiona, she doesn't show on ketone positive on urine test strips until she gets to 3.0 on PXtra.

Ketones would drop as soon as Fiona would go below 250. The lower and longer she stay below 250, the lower the ketones would get. I don't know what "from 380 to 105" that Caryl mentioned means so I can't explain it. Sometimes if she had an infection we had to go lower than 250 to see a ketone decrease.

If you look at our ss from Aug 2008 forward you can see ketone (BBK) readings in the Remarks section. On 8/29/08, she went from BBK 5.8 to .09 within hours. Since she kept eating we treated her at home.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AspCGYp5HCuNcFNjb2pMWnRva1E3dm9QSllsS2llQXc&hl=en

Normal for cats is 0.0-0.6. I collected data from PXtra users on the old board. Fiona's normal is 0.1. I don't believer that 1.5 would be Payne's baseline. That's a little high so something is going on. 1.0 has me testing at least once a day and keeping a close eye on the ketones.

I completely trust the PXtra and it gave me my life back because I could test anytime. Fiona was very ketone prone at the beginning. You'll see by our ss, that I was a testing fiend (primarily because I had no data). Hope this helps.

Don't forget Fiona has IAA, so when you see ridiculous amounts of R later in the year that because of her condition.
Sharyn & Fiona

PS - You can get the blood ketone strips for about $1.25/$1.50 if you check ebay.

 

[Barn Cats R Us]

Heather,

That's perrrfect! It's precisely the type of detailed user experience I was seeking. Thank you for digging that up...and for the eBay tip.

Deb

 

[Barn Cats R Us]

Heather,

I hope you're around to read this. Buying ketone strips from a local pharmacy...VERY Expensive. Tips from Heather...Priceless!

Thanks so much!

Deb