Ketones and how do I test for them?

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meand4

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Hi there,

I have been hearing about testing for KETONES.

Once I have the sticks how do I go about testing? DOes it have to in a stream of urine or can it be just from urine in a clean box with no litter? or that rip off "Nosorb" stuff?

As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated!
 
Ketostix are available at the drugstore - the same kind human diabetics use. Here is some info on ketones: ketones You stick the ketostix into the urine stream. If he won't pee while you are watching (Oliver wouldn't) you can buy some aquarium gravel, put it in a littler box with him in a room and wait till he goes.
 
You can use lentils instead of litter too! If you happen to have a grocery store that has bulk bins you should be able to find lentils for super cheap. Oh, and split peas. I've tested them both in a little bowl with water to make sure the strips don't react (they don't).
 
There is another option to test for ketones but it is more expensive than the urine testing. Abbott labs makes a meter called the precisionXtra. It tests for BG levels and serum ketones. There are special strips to test for the ketones. The biggest limitation is the cost of the ketone strips. They are about five to seven dollars a piece. Despite the cost I have used them on my cat Nomad who is prone to getting ketones when his BG is high. One of the health care facilities I work at also uses this meter to test patients if we suspect they may be at risk of ketosis.

Unfortunately PrecisionXtra is the only serum ketone meter available for home use right now. Hopefully when another company manufactures their own version the price will come down.
 
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