Testing for Ketosis in Felines

Ketone production relates to fat metabolism. If the cat's body can't use glucose, his liver will produce ketones by breaking down fat into fatty acids. After accumulating in the blood, ketones pass in the cat's urine. Testing for ketones in felines consists of a urinalysis, with the presence of large numbers of ketones often indicative of a serious veterinary condition. Ketosis is usually a sign of diabetes mellitus in the cat.

  1. Ketones and Ketosis

    • When bodies known as ketones accumulate in the blood, the result is ketosis, the body metabolizing fat stores inproperly. Ketosis alone is not necessarily dangerous for the cat, but it can cause dehydration and vomiting. Acidosis means increased blood acidity. When both ketosis and acidosis occur in the bloodstream, this results in ketoacidosis, which can prove fatal if untreated.

    Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes in the Cat

    • Signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus in the cat include sudden weight loss, increased thirst, constant hunger and excessive urination. The cat may also become prone to infections. If your cat exhibits any of these signs or symptoms, take him to your veterinarian for an examination and testing. The more quickly your cat is properly diagnosed, the less likely he will develop diabetic ketoacidosis. This situation generally develops when the cat remains undiagnosed and untreated for diabetes, resulting in a veterinary emergency requiring hospitalization. Signs that the cat is experiencing ketoacidosis include vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite.

    Ketacidosis

    • If your cat develops ketoacidosis, veterinary staff will begin treatment with intravenous fluids along with insulin shots. During this time, the cat's blood, urine and vital signs are constantly monitored -- the animal is in the veterinary equivalent of intensive care. Once the cat stops vomiting and can once again hold down food, he will begin receiving regular insulin injections in treatment similar to uncomplicated diabetes.

    Urine Tests

    • Urine and blood tests detect ketones. In the former, after the vet collects a urine sample, a specially treated strip is dipped into the sample. Resulting color changes in the strip indicate ketone presence and the relative amount -- trace, large or small or no evidence of ketones. The vet may use strips that also detect glucose levels. If the cat is given certain kinds of medication, false positives may result. Be sure to tell your vet about any over-the-counter medications or vitamins the cat receives.

    Blood Tests

    • Inexpensive blood-testing meters you can use at home are available if you want to regularly test your diabetic cat for the presence of ketones. Blood samples are generally taken from the ear. One method used to easily get a blood sample from kitty is to put several tablespoons of oats or rice in a sock, knot it and place it in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds. Make sure it is warm, not hot, and place it on the cat's ear for a minute. At that point, the warmed ear should be simple to prick with a needle in a syringe. You only need a small amount of blood to use on the test strip, which is similar to a glucose strip. To make the cat more cooperative, bribe with treats after taking the blood sample. Put some antibiotic cream on the pricked area.