Testing confusion

[KitKat's mom]

My glucose monitor is on it's way. However, should I be monitoring his ketones also? If his glucose is good, doesn't that mean his ketones are also? Is monitoring ketones via blood or urine best? Disclaimer: I'm new to all this, have a new mom brain and am overwhelmed so please explain like I'm not to bright because honestly this is a lot to take in! Also, our regular vet is not super knowledgeable on diabetes so I'm moving him to an internal medicine doctor but can't even make an appointment until tomorrow. Because of all the ER (so thousand different views), regular vet's lack of skill set in this area and my brain burps, feeling very unsteady. Again, please explain with all this factors in mind.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Yes, most definitely. I'm assuming that is why KitKat spent the weekend in the ER. And if you can, I'm sure you don't want another visit.

You can buy them at any drugstore.

My computer is acting up, so I'll give you some links about testing for ketones and about DKA in general.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1quta5WLEjdO0Y_t2dAYSwN84h-LNZWxOdtVsJDKZ16A/pub

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

It is fantastic that you will be home testing. That is how you keep your cat safe.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Since he's recently been through a DKA, it's important to continue testing for ketones for awhile.....even cats with normal blood glucose numbers can develop ketones

Most of us use urine ketone strips (available at any pharmacy with diabetic supplies) because the blood ketone strips are hard to find and very expensive....but blood ketone testers are the "gold standard" because they indicate the presence of ketones much sooner than the urine ones. Here are some Urine Testing Tips

It's important that he eat, so if he likes the Tiki Cat, that's fine!! Most of them are low carb so there's no reason he can't have them and at this point, he can eat all he wants. He needs the extra calories and food.

I'm moving him to an internal medicine doctor

I certainly hope you find one that knows what they're doing.....unfortunately, even going to a "specialist" doesn't guarantee that they'll know much about feline diabetes. Unlike human specialists, there are no "feline diabetes" specialists. The people here have more experience dealing with this diagnoses than the vast majority of vets do.

 

[JeffJ]

If you go to the subforums about insulin - like Lantus or Levemir, the stickies at the top have a lot of info that are educational.

Like Red said, home testing is the best way to go...so you don't accidentally overdose. Kudos to you for taking care of your kitteh.

 

[vbc2000]

You're on your way to better understanding by being here. Home testing will give you a great and complete indication about what's going on with your baby. You will get more comfortable making decisions the more you participate here and be sure to read, read, read these forums. Good luck with the internal doc!

 

[JanetNJ]

My glucose monitor is on it's way. However, should I be monitoring his ketones also? If his glucose is good, doesn't that mean his ketones are also? Is monitoring ketones via blood or urine best? Disclaimer: I'm new to all this, have a new mom brain and am overwhelmed so please explain like I'm not to bright because honestly this is a lot to take in! Also, our regular vet is not super knowledgeable on diabetes so I'm moving him to an internal medicine doctor but can't even make an appointment until tomorrow. Because of all the ER (so thousand different views), regular vet's lack of skill set in this area and my brain burps, feeling very unsteady. Again, please explain with all this factors in mind.

It certainly can't hurt. Cats that have had ketones in the past are prone to getting them. You can get ketone strips at any pharmacy and it goes in fresh urine. The lower the bg the less likely they are to develop. So glad you ordered the monitor.... That will give you better piece of mind.