? Keytones?

[Bronx's dad (GA)]

Hello all. Bronx has yet to get BS #s below 350 (usually 450-500) and was eating and drinking like mad at first to compensate but now has become more lethargic and eating/drinking less every day. I am worried about keytones and will get the strips but if he is not drinking or peeing so much, I don't know how to get a test done. His gums are not dry and skin does bounce back but he has developed a twitching in his front arms lately. Maybe I should bring him in?

 

[Fluffy Face]

My kitty became lethargic and was not eating/drinking and had to be kept for 2 nights at the vet. I would take him in ASAP.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

With the consistency higher numbers Bronx is having if you are unable to test at home, it might be worth while to have him tested at the vets.

If you have the ketodiastix or ketostix you do not need much urine to do the test. A very small amount is all that is needed. If you can catch him in the litter box you can hold the strip under the flow and test that way. Some people will use a cover of plastic wrap on top of the litter to get their sample. As I said it really doesn't take much to do the home test.

 

[Critter Mom]

he has developed a twitching in his front arms lately. Maybe I should bring him in?

I think it would be very wise to get Bronx seen by your vet ASAP, especially as he seems to be going off his food, plus the lethargy needs investigation. If you don't have test strips for ketones try to bring a urine sample with you so the vet can test for them during the consult.

Re the twitching, possible things to check for might be:

- diabetic neuropathy (improves with better regulation and B12 methylcobalamin supplementation).

- potassium imbalance (needs regular blood tests and supplementation under close veterinary supervision if deficiency is present - if K level is too high or too low it is dangerous so not something one can do without monitoring).

- kidney issues.

For info, hypoglycaemia can be another cause of twitching but you're doing a great job with the home testing now so at least you know that for the last number of cycles BG wasn't low.

I suggest you perhaps ask your vet to do a full blood work-up plus B12/folate. (Even if everything comes back OK it is highly valuable to have a baseline.)

Be sure to let us know how things go and be sure to post again for any help you need.




Mogs
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[Critter Mom]

Forgot to post this link last night:

Involuntary Muscle Movements in Cats


Mogs
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[Meya14]

I agree with the others, if he's seemingly unwell and not eating or drinking, take him in. The earlier you catch some things, the easier and cheaper they are to treat. I did want to mention in addition to what Critter Mom posted regarding twitching - lantus can REALLY increase twitching in some cats as it can be irritating to the skin in some cats.