DKA Signs UPDATE, PLS READ

I bought urine strips, but have not been able to test Max yet. I will keep trying--hopefully I'll be able to get a sample tonight.

Max has been acting his "normal" self (as normal as he's been since diagnosis), maybe even a bit brighter. He has a normal appetite, has been drinking and peeing less (I'm pretty sure) and is still up and moving throughout the day despite having neuropathy.

Should I be stressing about not being able to get a sample? The only way I can do it is to take the lid off the litterbox and catch a sample mid-stream. So much easier said than done. ;----;

 

If it's too difficult you can do what I did and get a blood ketone meter.

 

I looked for one but they're not sold in any pharmacies around here...I'd need to order it online. Currently am broke. :'(

 

Put a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil inside the box to catch a bit? You really only need a few drops to get a test.

 

If pressed, you can test the litter, if it's still freshly wet, but it's less than ideal and a bit messy. All other options are better than this one!

 

I took the lid off and have some plastic wrap in there. Let's hope for the best! I'm worried he's gonna hate the plastic and dig it out.

 

I use a ladle and catch a spoonful mid-stream

 

I do what Bronx's dad does. Maury has his a designated ladle that stays by the litter box . Works like a charm; the look you get might not be so charming

 

Currently waiting for Max to decide he needs to PEE so I can get to bed!

 

I tried plastic wrap AND a ladle! No luck! I immediately pressed a test strip to the wet litter spot though and this is what I got.

 

Looks negative! I use a long-handled spoon, and like Yong said, Felix gives me quite the look when I slip it under him.

 

Negative ketones - hurray! I also have a long handled kitchen spoon (Teasel's own) that stays near the litter box.

 

When I hear Buddy going to the litter box I take off running, by the time I get there and get a test strip, he is almost done so the only thing I can do is stick the test strip and my hand in the stream to get the last few drops.

 

I was waiting up, watching the box, was waiting when he went in there, jumped up....and still didn't succeed.

 

Rhubarb started waiting until the furnace kicked in, or I was in bathroom- neither instance I could hear her scratch in box lol