DKA with acceptable blood glucose numbers?

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grapey

grapey

Member Since 2012
I could type out the whole saga, and I probably will eventually, but right now I want to ask: Has anyone had a cat who's gone through ketoacidosis while maintaining a BG that's not that bad?

Specifically, my cat's numbers have been in the 200s (low to high), and though that's not great, it's not hugely bad. But now she's in the hospital with bad DKA.

My vet--internal medicine specialist--said this happens sometimes. She said that in these circumstances, some vets might reduce the cat's insulin dosage, but they actually *shouldn't* bc it might lead to DKA. Has it happened to anyone here?

She also has pancreatitis right now, and the doc said it's interrelated with all this.

Thanks, everyone.
 
grapey said:
I could type out the whole saga, and I probably will eventually, but right now I want to ask: Has anyone had a cat who's gone through ketoacidosis while maintaining a BG that's not that bad?
Click to expand...
yes, we see this happen often. high numbers scream "check for ketones!", but ketones can develop at much lower numbers... even in the 100s. ketones are not so much about high numbers, but rather about the presence of a combination of these factors:

an inadequate supply of insulin + inappetance + infection OR certain other systemic stresses(pancreatitis is just one kind of systemic stress).

when these factors occur at the same time they create the perfect storm for developing ketones. ketones can then rapidly turn into a dangerous and potentially fatal condition known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis).

  • when kitty is prone to developing ketones and more importantly when kitty is actively throwing ketones... one must get more insulin into the cat without allowing the cat to bottom out. in other words, get the insulin into the cat even if one finds it necessary to feed high carb foods to prevent kitty from dropping too low.
  • getting plenty of food and water into kitty becomes very important. if kitty won't eat talk to your vet about what you can give kitty to stimulate their appetite and/or assist-feeding or a feeding tube if necessary.
  • discuss and address any infection or other problems kitty is having with your vet.
  • if necessary, talk to your vet about administering sub-q fluids at home after kitty is released.

right now being hospitalized is the very best place for your kitty. they'll be able to administer the IV fluids she needs, give her short acting insulin to pull her numbers down, address infection or any other problems, and make sure she eats. many of our kitties survive if treated promptly.

i'm sorry i have to run, but i hope this helps a little. i'm sure others will come along soon if you have any questions.
wishing you and your kitty the best...
 
Also, ketones are formed as a by-product of fat breakdown for calories. You can smell 2 of the 3 types of ketones as either a fruity or a nail polish remover smell. When the cat isn't eating enough for whatever reason or isn't getting enough insulin to use what they eat, the body starts breaking down fat. Because of ketones, you want intended weight loss to be slow in order to avoid ketoacidosis.

Another condition, hepatic lipidosis, may occur from the fat breakdown, too. The fat goes to the liver to be processed. This swells the liver and blocks the flow of bile into the digestive system. This, too, may make a cat severely ill or cause death.
 
Thank you both. I'm worried--she's been in the hospital for about 30 hours, and though her BG is going down and I think her ketones, she's still lethargic and basically sleeps all the time. I would appreciate prayers for my Lily.
 
I will say prayers for Lily.
My cat is a DKA survivor.
Keep thinking positive.
 
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