TREATING THE CRITICALLY ILL CAT WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS -THE DOs AND THE DON'Ts

摘要

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in the cat can present as an acute metabolic derangement that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The problem usually occurs in the middle aged to older pet animal, oftentimes after a variable period characterized withpolydipsia, polyuria and weight loss. This review will only cover the medical management of this interesting and challenging metabolic disorder. Hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis occur when there is an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. Consequently there is overproduction and underutilization of both glucose and ketoacids. Insulin deficiency results in decreased glucose use and increased release of glucose precursors and free fatty acids by peripheral tissues. Hepatic gluconeogenic pathways become activated, and the extraction of glucogenic substrates becomes more efficient.