Home blood ketone testing?

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Vader723, Dec 19, 2017.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. Vader723

    Vader723 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2017
    Hello! I’m looking for advice/feedback on any ketone monitors out there. I know that I could test his urine, but I am away from home for 11 hours at a time some days, and I miss his box time. I’m also a little nervous about scaring him away from using the litter box. I’m thinking of purchasing a home monitor which tests his blood for ketones. I know they are a little spendy, it I am wondering how reliable they are. Vader has not required insulin in several days, thank goodness, it now I am starting to worry that it’s “too easy” and I’m missing something. His weight loss has stabilized and his appetite seems ok, but I really just want to peace of mind that being able to spot check his ketones would bring.
     
    G & I likes this.
  2. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    I got a home ketone monitor. Worth their weight in gold. Get both blood and ketone meters primed for action at testing time and you can test using both meters from the same blood droplet. As you correctly observe, the strips are indeed 'spendy' (great term!) but they're more than worth it for the peace of mind and stress reduction they give (to both cat and caregiver).


    Mogs
    .
     
    SnowKat, Vader723 and G & I like this.
  3. G & I

    G & I Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2017
    Would you please advise what is the name of the monitor and where you obtained it? Am considering this myself as Goma has a history.
     
  4. nmveasey

    nmveasey Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2017
    I am interested too. Thanks!
     
    Vader723 likes this.
  5. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    nmveasey likes this.
  6. Vader723

    Vader723 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2017
  7. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Here's a link to more information on ketones, ketoacidosis, and blood ketone meters:
    Ketones, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), and Blood Ketone Meters

    Please note (this is important):
    When do ketones show up on a blood ketone meter such as the Nova Max Plus or Precision Xtra Blood & Ketone meters?

    The latest published research/studies in cats indicate ketones will begin to show up at readings of 2.4 and 2.55 on a blood ketone meter:

    Measurement of ketones - Weingart_J VET Diagn Invest-2012(1).pdf
    Measuring ketones - JSAP_Zeugswetter - 2012.pdf
     
  8. Vader723

    Vader723 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2017
    I think, after reading through that but not understanding much of it, that the ability to detect ketones at 2.4-2.55 is good? Can you confirm, based on your knowledge and experience?
     
  9. Kenai_21

    Kenai_21 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2017
    Which one is better? Urine or blood? How do u obtain the urine for the strips?
     
  10. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Readings of 2.4 - 2.55 or higher is when to become concerned especially if kitty seems "off" in any way (sick), is not eating, or is not receiving enough insulin.
     
  11. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    If you want too test urine for ketones here are some ways to do it:
    • put the end of the test strip right in his urine stream as he's peeing
    • slip a shallow, long handled spoon under his backside to catch a little pee - you don't need much
    • put a double layer of plastic wrap over his favourite part of the litter box and poke some depressions in it too catch pee.
    Most test strips have to be dipped and allowed to develop for 15 seconds before viewing the colour change in very good light.
     
  12. Chris & China (GA)

    Chris & China (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 10, 2013
    The benefit of blood ketone meters is they will catch the development of ketones before it shows up in the urine
     
    SnowKat, Vader723 and Critter Mom like this.
  13. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017

    I have this one too.
    As it is a human meter , what are the ranges for ketones please.
    i.e what is considered OK and normal. What is considered a trace to be a bit concerned.
    Thanks
     
  14. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Have a look at the leaflet that comes in the box as it has some reference range info (mine is still packed away somewhere - just moved house recently). Also if you look at the DKA sticky in the main FAQ section some of the linked articles there have info on mapping the meter readings to clinical significance of test results (IIRC). I'd suggest also asking your vet for appropriate reference range(s) and how to respond (call vet or get cat to hospital?) based on the range into which the reading falls.


    Mogs
    .
     
  15. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Don't pay any attention to the human ranges listed on the leaflet that comes in the box. Those ranges are for humans.

    Published research/studies in cats indicate ketones will begin to show up at readings of 2.4 and 2.55 on a human blood ketone meter:
    Measurement of ketones - Weingart_J VET Diagn Invest-2012(1).pdf
    Measuring ketones - JSAP_Zeugswetter - 2012.pdf

    I wouldn't be concerned with readings less 2.4 - 2.55, but would call my vet with anything higher.

    Hope that helps...
     
  16. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    Does sorta.
    I tested using a ketone test strip. It shows .2 on the meter itself.

    Ah! *lightbulb moment* I think this means that unless the reading on the meter shows more than 2.4 do not be concerned. :)

    Thanks
     
  17. Phoebes (GA)

    Phoebes (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
    Correct .2 is great :) 2.5 not great :)
     
  18. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Much more desirable than a *senior moment*. ;)


    Mogs
    .
     
    Phoebes (GA) likes this.
  19. Phoebes (GA)

    Phoebes (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
    :arghh: where's my coffee?
     
    Critter Mom likes this.
  20. PussCatPrince - GA

    PussCatPrince - GA Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2017
    Erm...
    Husband sorted this after I forgot the dose - twice. ( Himself is dyslexic)


    [​IMG]
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page