ARE YOU TESTING YOUR CAT FOR KETONES? IF NOT - DO IT!!!

[Joanna & Bix (GA)]

Just a friendly reminder that EVERYONE should be testing periodically! Even if you have no idea what a ketone is and your cat has never had them, they are something you should be aware of and be testing for.

Testing basics from the Pet Diabetes Wiki: http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Urine_testing_stix
Ketones basics from the Wiki: http://petdiabetes.wikia.com/wiki/Ketones. Excerpt:

Diabetics of all species therefore need to be checked for ketones with urine testing stix, available at any pharmacy, whenever insulin level may be too low, and any of the following signs or triggers are present:

Ketone Monitoring Needed:
Little or no insulin in last 12 hours
High blood sugar - over 16 mmol/L or 300 mg/dL (though with low insulin, lower as well...)
Dehydration - (skin doesn't jump back after pulling a bit gums are tacky or dry)
Not eating for over 12 hours due to Inappetance or Fasting
Vomiting
Lethargy
Infection or illness
High stress levels
Breath smells like acetone (nail-polish remover) or fruit.

In a diabetic, any urinary ketones above trace, or any increase in urinary ketone level, or trace urinary ketones plus some of the symptoms above, are cause to call an emergency vet immediately, at any hour of the day.

 

[Rachel]

Bump indeed!