Newbie hoping for input on Precision Xtra blood ketone Meter

[Tigger's Friend]

Hi,

Tigger is off his glipizide today & his reading is 273 - which he's been running pretty regularly. We're due to start insulin Saturday, but until then we're diet only.

I see ketone testing is really important, but I can't catch Tigger peeing.

I read that the Precision Xtra blood meter will give ketone readings. Has anyone had any experience with this? Really need advice!

Also, I can do sub-cutaneous fluids - would giving fluids help when his readings are in the upper 200's +, and / or if Tigger develops ketones? Not sure what I should do!

So far he's eating well & seems pretty normal, but we're only 2.5 hours in...........

Thanks!

 

[BJM]

Re: Newbie hoping for input on Precision Xtra blood ketone M

This should tell you all about Precision Xtra.

My signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools has some suggestions for urine testing.

 

[Tigger's Friend]

Re: Newbie hoping for input on Precision Xtra blood ketone M

Thanks, BJM,

I read your testing tips page but I don't know if it'll work for my situaiton. I'd rather do a urine catch, but have only seen Tigger peeing once in over 2 weeks. He's private that way. I don't think he'd do the aquarium gravel - have tried it with other cats before with no success.

I have tested the litterbox pees (that have soaked into the litter & made 'patties' by pulling them apart & testing - I can get glucose, but am not sure about ketones. They show up with no color, so I guess that's good. I just hope its accurate.

Have you heard about the NovaMax Plus? I am reading about that now.

Thanks for any additional input

 

[LynnLee + Mousie]

Re: Newbie hoping for input on Precision Xtra blood ketone M

i addressed the fluids question in your post specifically about those so will answer your question about the Xtra and NovaMax

both are great meters for monitoring ketones. and for kitties who hold their pee hostage, they are great. i don't have first hand experience with the NovaMax but i know others here use it. With the Xtra, what it is is there are two different types of test strips you can buy for it. one measures glucose only and are relatively inexpensive. and of course you use blood for that testing. the other set of strips it uses tests for ketones, also using blood. so you can prick their ear just like you do for regular glucose testing, get the blood, and using the ketone test strip, get a ketone reading from the blood sample instead of having to stalk the litterbox or chase down a fresh urine sample. just so you know, these test strips that test for ketones are a bit pricier but many people have found it is worth it rather than trying to get the urine sample. also, they are much handier for people who's kitty has a history of ketones

 

[Tigger's Friend]

Re: Newbie hoping for input on Precision Xtra blood ketone M

Thanks again, for posting in both areas - it really helped.

No one locally carries either monitor, I thought WM would but they said NO.

So, I ordered the Nova Max Plus (strictly because of $$$), tho' from what I read, your Precision Xtra sounds better. Hopefully will be here Saturday.