Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Beta hydroxybutyrate levels in cats with kidney, thyroid, or liver
By Gorman, L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2016·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Serum Beta Hydroxybutyrate Concentrations in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease, Hyperthyroidism, or Hepatic Lipidosis.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism (HT), or hepatic lipidosis (HL) had their blood tested for a substance called beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which can indicate energy imbalance. The results showed that about 21% of cats with CKD and 20% with HT had elevated BHB levels, while a significant 73% of cats with HL had high levels. These findings suggest that BHB could be a useful marker for understanding how these conditions affect energy use in cats. If your cat has one of these diseases, discussing BHB testing with your veterinarian might be beneficial.
People also search for: cat chronic kidney disease symptoms · cat hyperthyroidism treatment · cat hepatic lipidosis management
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ketones, including beta hydroxybutyrate (BHB), are produced in conditions of negative energy balance and decreased glucose utilization. Serum BHB concentrations in cats are poorly characterized in diseases other than diabetes mellitus. HYPOTHESIS: Serum BHB concentrations will be increased in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperthyroidism (HT), or hepatic lipidosis (HL). ANIMALS: Twenty-eight client-owned cats with CKD, 34 cats with HT, and 15 cats with HL; 43 healthy cats. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Serum BHB concentrations were measured at admission in cats with CKD, HT, and HL, for comparison with a reference interval established using healthy cats. Results of dipstick urine ketone measurement, when available, were compared to BHB measurement. RESULTS: Beta hydroxybutyrate was above the reference interval (<0.11 mmol/L) in 6/28 cats (21%) with CKD, 7/34 cats (20%) with HT, and 11/15 cats (73%) with HL, significantly exceeding the expected 2.5% above the reference interval for healthy cats (P < .001 for all groups). Elevations were mild in CKD and HT groups (median BHB 0.1 mmol/L for both groups, 80th percentile 0.12 and 0.11 mmol/L, respectively), but more marked in HL cats (median BHB 0.2 mmol/L, 80th percentile 0.84 mmol/L). None of 11 cats with increased serum BHB concentration having urine dipstick analysis performed within 24 h of sampling for BHB were ketonuric. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Increases in serum BHB concentrations occur in cats with CKD, HT, and HL, and might provide an useful index of catabolism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26773702/