Yesterday and today, I did a curve for my vet. If you look at his spreadsheet, you will see 2 sets of numbers for yesterday and today. The second set was taken on the AlphaTrak. My vet asked me to use the AlphaTrak for the curve since she is more familiar with those readings. Anyway, yesterday was a really bad day. I have no idea what happened, but he was very high all day. Today looks more normal. Has anyone seen this type of curve before or this type of extreme variation in a curve?
Also, I have been worried about ketones since his readings are so high. I bought a NovaMax meter, but I have been afraid to use it. I was afraid - if it was high - that I wouldn't know what to do. Anyway, I took it to the vet's office today and took a reading there. It was 0.7. (My vet is also testing for ketones via a urine sample.) Can anyone tell me exactly what a 0.7 means? I know that I don't have to worry if the reading is below 2.5, but what does 0.7 mean? Does it means that he does have some ketones but they are not at a dangerous level? Is this normal for a diabetic cat - or should I have been looking for 0.0?
Hi there,
about ketone's reading - 0.7 on Nova Max=negative.
With such high numbers it's worth keep checking for ketones daily.
I know of a cat who, being very well regulated, all of a sudden produced ketones whilst being in good Blue numbers.
You 'll never know where it hits with ketones. Testing at home is the best way to stay ahead.
If the Nova blood ketone tester - BTW, a really good tool to keep on eye on things ( I wish I can afford one for my cat!) - is too intimidating do try very simple ketone test strips for urine (human pharma) - you either catch a sample of urine by placing a ladle or a spoon under the stream and then dip the testing strip into it, or you place the testing strip itself under the stream of urine whilst cat is at it but many cats are too private for this method. I think it is easier for us, the caregivers to use strips but medically speaking - the blood test is more accurate/ current on the Nova tester then on any strips available OtC.
I bought a NovaMax meter, but I have been afraid to use it. I was afraid - if it was high - that I wouldn't know what to do.
I can totally relate to your concerns.
But
...If you caught the ketones raising in their early stages - then it is better chance for your cat to recover.
Going acidic is tough on them, and many vets will kill - , oops, sorry, Moderator, I meant "euthanize" - rather then burden you with really sickly cat to care at home. It's hard and hurts but really - it is better for the cat if you to know the bitter truth and act ASAP then rest in wishful thinking that the ketones will dilute or dissolve themselves and not to test because it is hard on you.
If you caught ketones in their lowest level at home - then some action like SQfluids+extra insulin+extra food can help it.
Otherwise - thousands $$$ for hospitalization that DOES NOT guarantee a recovery.
It was 0.7. (My vet is also testing for ketones via a urine sample.) Can anyone tell me exactly what a 0.7 means? I know that I don't have to worry if the reading is below 2.5, but what does 0.7 mean?
0.7 in my understanding is Negative, and all it means, IMHO, is that you have to stay vigilant with ketone testing - daily until BG# improves, and then weekly, and also that you have to assume that your kitty is forever ketones prone and you are to get more aggressive approach in dosing and to establish ketone testing as your regular, your daily routine. Does it make sense?
Wishing you both the very best!
PS. It does look to ME ONLY like an increase in insulin is due but you 'll know better.
