https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1r6ktdF7AMJCYHgPkVQWFUFy5Ag6OnbmfNfQqL3zX_88
Additional Tools For Monitoring Feline Diabetes
Note: These techniques are used as supplemental monitoring tools and are helpful if you are having difficulty getting blood glucose tests. They are not as accurate as blood tests and in many cases reflect what was happening several hours previously.
Urine Testing
A urine ketone test will identify if there are ketones accumulating since the last time the cat urinated. High levels of ketones are a medical emergency as they may be from diabetic ketoacidosis.
A urine glucose is inexact and shows if glucose was spilling into the urine since the last time the cat urinated. It does this when the blood glucose is over about 240. This shows you don't have control of the diabetes.
Obtain Keto Diastix or similar product from pharmacy.
You will be looking for glucose and/or ketones in the urine.
Use a long handled spoon to obtain fresh urine sample while the cat urinates, or hold a test strip under the cat (tongs may be helpful).
OR - place some strong plastic wrap over a section of the box frequently anointed and
dip into a fresh puddle less than 30 minutes after deposit.
OR - Pick up some aquarium gravel (or dry lentils) and put it in a clean litter box.
Wait for the cat to use it.
In under 30 minutes, push the gravel aside, tip the pan, and dip the strip.
Compare test strip to color chart (this is an imprecise measure)
Note: if cost is a problem, it is possible to remove solid debris from the gravel, and "wash" the gravel, dry it and re-use it. It is, however, very time-consuming and you'll need a large tub and a strainer over the drain to prevent it from going down and clogging the pipes.
Purina Glucotest
http://www.purinaveterinarydiets.com/pr ... otest.aspx
These can provide an approximate level of glucose in the urine. Evidence of any glucose in the urine means the renal threshold has been exceeded. and damage may be happening to internal organs due to high blood glucose levels. They do NOT indicate the level of blood glucose very well, as urine accumulates over several hours.
Water Consumption
Measure the amount of water you put down each day.
Measure how much is left at the same time the next day.
The difference is water drunk and some evaporation.
This will gradually decrease as you get better control.
Food Consumption
Measure the amount of food you put down each meal.
Measure how much food is left at the next meal.
The difference is food eaten and some evaporation of moisture from the food.
This will gradually decrease as you get better control.
Urine output
Roughly measure the amount of wet litter produce each day and it’s characteristics
- have you got oceans, lakes, ponds, or cups?
oceans = uncontrolled or possible some other problem such as renal disease or hyperthyroidism
cups = better controlled or lack of water intake
The 5 Ps
Purring - is the cat exhibiting customary signs of contentment or happiness?
Playing - will the cat play and interact with others?
Preening - is the cat maintaining its fur and cleanliness?
Peeing - occurs, and is a normal volume?
Poohing - fecal material is formed and passable?
Constipation may happen with a food change; adding a tablespoon or so of water may help, plus ensures the cat is hydrated properly.
Weight
Obtain a reliable, digital baby scale (Craigslist is one resource to check)
Weigh weekly, at about the same time and before a meal.
Pre-shot might work well as the time to do this.
Unplanned changes of more than 0.25 pounds (3-4 ounces) should be noted
Unplanned changes of 0.5 pounds may indicate something is happening.
A consistent, unplanned trend over time may suggest a problem; see the vet.
