DKA Watch

[Laudie]

Hi all,

I was on here about a year ago when my cat had a bout of DKA and we were able to successfully get him through it. Anyways, today he didn't really eat breakfast but we had broken our routine the last 2 days since we were out and about and couldn't find someone to come and feed him. Tonight he's hardly touched his food. I just took his BG and it was at 138. I'm concerned he's going to get DKA again.

Does anyone know how I should keep monitoring this? I'm assuming I should keep taking BG and try and get some ketone samples. Any other advice?

TIA

 

[MrWorfMen's Mom]

I'm a bit confused. Is your cat getting insulin? If so, has your cat been without insulin and food while you were away?

That isn't a bad BG at all and makes it seem less likely he's in any danger of DKA although the possibility is always there even in low BG range. What meter are you using?

I would suggest you get to a pharmacy or Walmart and get some Ketostix to test Bandit's urine for ketones. Any ketone reading above a trace means a vet consult is needed.

If insulin was given today, then you need to get Bandit to eat and if he is being fussy about the FF, try any other food that is kitty friendly.

Even a non-diabetic cat cannot go without food for more than 24 to 48 hours before their liver starts being affected and they can develop hepatic lipidosis which is another serious condition, difficult and expensive to treat and sometimes fatal. If your cat has been without food for more than a day, I suggest you take Bandit to the vet. Better to be safe than sorry.