Civvie has sweet chemically smelling breath - is tomorrow too late?

This morning, Willow's breath has a smell I would describe as sweet but chemically... maybe sickeningly sweet would be another way to describe it (like a fake sweet-flavored medicine or something). I think this must be what is normally described as a 'fruity acetone smell' (doesn't smell like acetone to me though) which I have read can be a sign of ketoacidosis. She is not diabetic, and I just tested her glucose (first time ever), and it is definitely not high at all. I will not be able to test for ketones until at least tonight, possibly tomorrow. Is that okay? I have no experience with this, so if it is more urgent than that, I do not want to risk causing an emergency. Also, could something else be causing the smell? Any experienced advice would be greatly appreciated!

Here is more info for anyone that cares to keep reading...
This has never happened. Her last full blood work was in June. She had a urinalysis and protein/creatinine ratio in September, and everything was normal. We did that test because back in June there had been an indication that she may have the earliest signs of DKA. The plan is to check the urine every three months, so we would be doing that again in December. Her eating, drinking, litter box use all seems normal. The ONLY thing that has been different with her at all is that she has been extra whiny the last few days. She is a very spoiled mama's girl who has become very vocal as she has gotten older. (She is 17 1/2 and is my 'heart' kitty.) I am used to her crying when it is about an hour before any meal time (even if there is food left in her bowl from the last mean) or time for her to get medicine (she also gets chicken as a treat) or when she wants me to love on her or just be with her (especially while I am trying to sleep at night). But, it has been worse the last few days. I think most of it is the time change - instead of starting the crying an hour before a food time, she starts an hour and a half or two hours before, so she spends a lot more time crying. Anyway, I just wanted to mention that - it may have nothing to do with anything, but it is the only difference in behavior I can think of.

I was going to attempt to test her with the Keto-Mojo blood ketone meter I have for Mia, but my strips have all just expired (Mia has been well regulated for so long and has never had ketone issues, so I extremely rarely test her). I would have liked to test with the expired strips since they JUST expired, and it would be better than nothing, but the meter will not do a test with expired strips. I can order more and have them by tomorrow. I thought of running to the drug store to get urine ketone strips, but I am not going to be able to watch her closely enough today to be able to test fresh pee, so that would be tonight or probably tomorrow, too.

 

It would be hard to say but check her teeth for any swelling or redness and or bleeding. She could be showing signs of periodontal disease or gingivitis.

 

She has very few teeth remaining, and she just had a check up with her dental specialist maybe 3 weeks ago and all looked good. It does not smell like 'bad' breath like you would expect with dental issues.

 

I'm bumping this.

Anyone know anything about this??

 

That's a head scratcher.

A fruity smell to the breathe can occur with liver problems such as portal hypertension or liver failure but if Willow has been healthy, is eating well and no other signs of illness, that seems to rule iout that possibility. The other thing that would cross my mind would be an infection of some sort. Is it possible the extra meowing is because she is coming down with a URI or something?
No chance she was chewing on something that gave a temporary scent to her breathe that you picked up?

 

I'm more concerned about diabetic ketoacidosis. The cat's breath smells more like acetone (nail polish remover). If this IS DKA, tomorrow may be a problem. There is a member on the Lantus board who's cat barely survived an episode of DKA and he is picking his kitty up tonight after a 10 day stay in intensive care. And he did everything right.

 

She is not diabetic though and her glucose is not the least bit elevated. It is so strange.

 

I suppose she could have an infection though I have not seen any other symptoms of one, yet. I am pretty sure it is not something she chewed on. It was really strong this morning. Now, it is not as strong. I still smell it, but it is not as 'knock me down' obvious as first thing this morning.

I thought about getting a urine sample (tonight or tomorrow) and taking it to the vet, but her last urine testing was late Sept, so I think they would think I was being crazy wanting more testing this soon. I have some of the litter that changes colors when there are issues with the urine, so I think I'm going to put that out and see what color it is when she goes. I also plan to pick up some urine ketone sticks. Tomorrow, I should be able to monitor her closely enough to do the pee testing (I will have to dip them in fresh urine because she would NOT allow me to stick something in her stream). Those are the only other 'diagnostic' tests I can think of doing at home.

Thanks to all who responded!

 

No indication of issues with Willow's urine in the PrettyLitter. Her breath does not have the smell today. I guess I will just keep an eye on her (as always).. and a nose. I am planning to have bloodwork done in December (will have been 6 months since last time) and a urinalysis with protein/creatinine ratio (will have been 3 months). So, if there are no additional concerns between now and then, I guess I will get a check on her overall 'systems' in December.

I just wanted to let you know the immediate outcome. Thanks again to those who responded.

 

Glad to hear the mysterious "sweetness" is gone. Hope it stays away and Willow has no other signs of problems!

 

I just wanted to say I'm glad Willow is okay! I saw your post last night and was concerned for you, but obviously had nothing to add since I'm so new to this all! But you've been so kind and helpful to me I just wanted to reach out and say I'm glad things are well