Question 4 : Ketones and testing

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kallima_butterfly

kallima_butterfly

Member Since 2015
Just as I get my head wrapped around this testing stuff another thing hits me in the head. Testing for Ketones! Is it something everyone does? My vet never made mention? I have a multi cat family so I think the blood testing would be my route. Does anyone know of a glucose monitor that does accurate ketone blood test as well.

How often will I have to test for Ketones.

Side note: Right now my cat seems to sleep more (but I could be just helicoptering). He definitely pees tons and every once and a while his breath stinks but not like nail polish or sweet...Id say more propane smell ( he doesn't go outside right now as its winter and he hates winter so I know he's not huffing anyone's gas). He's loss a lot of weight since the summer (close to 4lbs) Should I suspect? He seems depressed (but again this could be me super imposing my thoughts on this thing) And his purr sounds rattled (like an air bubble stuck in his nose) Does this mean I should be worried about him or is it because we are at beginner stage here and I should manage the glucose first and level him out then worry?
 
Ketone testing - there are meters that test ketones using blood but most of us use urine ketone dip sticks available at about any pharmacy that carries diabetic supplies. Technically it's just a strip of plastic with a little litmus paper on the end. Catch a bit of fresh urine and dip the stick in it, wait 15 seconds and compare it to the colors on the label. Ketone testing should be done daily if the kitty seems to be feeling 'off'.
 
See my signature link Secondary Monitoring Tools for some urine testing tips as well as other assessments you may find helpful to make.
 
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Here's a useful page of info about ketone testing using ketodiastix strips.
http://www.sugarpet.net/urine.html

Anything beyond a trace reading is considered a reason for a vet visit ASAP.

The strips are very good, but it is also important to remain aware - as you already have been - of how the kitty's breath smells. Sweet/fruity/peardrops/acetone type smells can be indicative of ketones.

Not all cats are prone to them, but, especially in the early days, it can be really useful to monitor.
The 'recipe' for ketones is usually insufficient insulin plus another factor such as infection and/or lack of appetite.

Eliz
 
I was talking to the Wal-Mart Pharmacist and mentioned to her about the Precision monitor that does both blood test for ketones and Glucose. She said she could get it in but a set of 10 Ketone strips would be $20.00. I'm thinking I'm going the Ketostix way. Going to try setting up tents of aluminum in the corners of the kitty pan for catching. Hopefully that way there will be no splashing from holding a spoon because when he has to go he has to go! Now to brush up on my Origami skills!

Does it matter what time of the day I test? Can it always be morning? He's got a routine of drink , eat, shot up, drink pee in the morning so Im pretty well guaranteed to catch him and not accidently get another one of my kitties goldens
 
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