Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using capillary blood ketone test to detect and treat diabetic
By Bresciani, Francesca et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary science·2014·Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Accuracy of capillary blood 3-β-hydroxybutyrate determination for the detection and treatment of canine diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition caused by high levels of ketones in the blood, was studied to see if a simple blood test could help diagnose and monitor their treatment. Researchers found that measuring capillary blood levels of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) using a handheld device was effective in both diagnosing DKA and tracking the dogs' recovery. The test showed good accuracy, with a specific cut-off level indicating DKA, and it correlated well with other important health markers during treatment. This means that using this quick blood test could be a helpful tool for veterinarians managing dogs with DKA.
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Abstract
In human medicine, diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is usually based on measurement of capillary 3-β-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB) with a hand held ketone sensor. This study was conducted to determine if measurement of capillary 3-HB could be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of canine DKA. Fifteen dogs with diabetic ketosis and 10 with DKA were evaluated. Paired measurements of 3-HB of capillary and venous blood samples were analysed by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Use of capillary 3-HB measurement during DKA management was then evaluated through simultaneous measurements of capillary 3-HB, urinary AcAc and venous blood gas analysis. Good agreement between capillary and venous 3-HB measurement was detected by the electrochemical sensor and reference method. Monitoring treatment of DKA revealed a significant correlation between capillary 3-HB and acidosis markers, while no significant correlation was observed between AcAc and acidosis markers. A cut-off value of capillary blood 3-HB > 3.8 mmol/L for diagnosis of DKA resulted in 70% and 92% sensitivity and specificity. The electrochemical sensor accurately measures 3-HB concentration in both capillary and venous blood samples, is accurate in diagnosing canine DKA, and appears to reflect the patient's metabolic status during DKA treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24675829/