Ketone measurements using dipstick methodology in cats with diabetes mellitus.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Zeugswetter
F
F
Clinical Department of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna.
Pagitz
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine; D002415:Cats; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine / Q000662:veterinary; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000652:urine / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006885:Hydroxybutyrates / Q000097:blood; D007657:Ketone Bodies / Q000097:blood* / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D006885:Hydroxybutyrates; D007657:Ketone Bodies