Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How to test ketones in diabetic cats using dipsticks
By Zeugswetter, F & Pagitz, M·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2009·Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of diabetic cats was tested for ketones in their urine and blood to see if they were experiencing a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. Out of 54 cats, 11 were found to have ketoacidosis, which can happen when diabetes is not well managed. The study found that while both urine and blood tests can detect ketones, the blood test was more accurate, especially for identifying serious cases. The blood test showed a perfect sensitivity rate, meaning it correctly identified all cats with ketoacidosis, while the urine test was less reliable.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of urine and plasma ketone dip test in a group of diabetic cats with possible ketosis or ketoacidosis, using laboratory plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements as the gold standard. METHODS: According to clinical examinations, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements and venous blood gas analysis, 54 cats with diabetes mellitus were classified as non-ketotic (n=3), ketotic (n=40) or ketoacidotic (n=11). Plasma and urine acetoacetate concentrations were determined using urine reagent strips. RESULTS: Although there was a significant positive correlation between blood and urine ketone measurements (r=0.695, P<0.001), the results differed significantly (Z=-3.494, P<0.001). Using the differential positive rates, the best cut-off value to detect cats with ketoacidosis was 1.5 mmol/l for urine and 4 mmol/l for plasma. The sensitivity/specificity was 82/95 per cent for urine and 100/88 per cent for plasma, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The urine and plasma ketone dip tests have a different diagnostic accuracy, and results have to be interpreted differently. Because of its high sensitivity, the plasma ketone dip test performs better than the urine ketone dip test to identify cats with impending or established ketoacidosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19037889/