Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Cat

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe form of diabetes that is potentially life-threatening. According to the Dr. Debra Primovic of the Pet Place website, diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the liver produces too many ketoacids. Cats that are suspected of having diabetic ketoacidosis should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

  1. Facts

    • Diabetic ketoacidosis is a result of an excessive amount of ketoacids in a diabetic cat's body. Ketoacids, also called ketones, are the waste products of fatty acids in the body. The body typically tries to remove the ketones as quickly as possible when they are in the blood stream by filtering them in the kidneys and excreting them through the urine, according to the Feline Diabetes website. When there are too many ketones in the body, changes in the blood occur, which can cause serious illness.

    Causes

    • Cats that have diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis. Infection, heat cycles, stress, surgery and lethargy are also causes for diabetic ketoacidosis, according to the Feline Diabetes website.

    Symptoms

    • Cats with diabetic ketoacidosis can display a variety of symptoms, Primovic said. Cats with this serious condition may drink water excessively or refuse to drink, lose weight despite eating, become suddenly blind or urinate frequently. In addition, affected cats may also become weak, lethargic and suddenly blind. They can also vomit and have breath that smells like fruit or nail polish remover.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian likely will perform blood tests that check the cat's blood sugar, ketone levels and electrolyte concentration to determine if the cat is suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis. A veterinarian also may perform tests on the cat's urine to check the amount of ketone excretion, and may take radiographs or use an ultrasound to monitor the size of the cat's organs, suggests Primovic.

    Treatment

    • Cats that are not greatly affected by the diabetic ketoacidosis are often given insulin, water and food, and they are closely monitored. Cats that are experiencing more severe symptoms due to the illness will likely require hospitalization, according to the Feline Diabetes website. The feline probably will receive fluids through an intravenous catheter and given short-acting insulin around the clock. A veterinarian also will monitor the blood sugar levels frequently.