Cétose Acidotique Diabétique : Une Urgence Diabétique
La cétose acidotique diabétique est une complication mortelle du diabète. Apprenez à reconnaître les signes d'alerte et pourquoi les soins vétérinaires immédiats sont essentiels.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe, life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. It occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones that make the blood acidic. DKA causes vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and can lead to coma and death. It requires immediate emergency veterinary care. RVC provides 24/7 emergency treatment for DKA. Call +853 6677 6611.
Points Clés
- DKA is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization
- Caused by untreated or poorly controlled diabetes
- Signs include vomiting, lethargy, sweet/fruity breath, rapid breathing, and collapse
- Mortality rate is 10-30% even with aggressive treatment
- Treatment requires IV fluids, insulin, electrolyte monitoring, and intensive care
- Prevention involves consistent insulin administration and regular glucose monitoring
What is DKA?
In diabetes, cells can't use glucose for energy due to lack of insulin. The body breaks down fat instead, producing ketones as a byproduct. Normally, ketones are used as fuel. But in DKA, ketones accumulate faster than they can be used, making the blood acidic (ketoacidosis). This causes dehydration, electrolyte disturbances (potassium, sodium, phosphorus), and organ dysfunction. DKA can develop over days or hours.
Risk Factors
DKA most commonly occurs in newly diagnosed diabetic pets before treatment begins, or in pets with poorly controlled diabetes. Triggers include: missed insulin doses, infection (UTI, skin infection, dental disease), pancreatitis, steroid medication, heat cycle in unspayed females, heart disease, and stress. Cats can develop DKA even with mild diabetes because they are prone to stress-induced hyperglycemia.
Symptoms
Early signs: increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy. As DKA worsens: vomiting, dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums), sweet or fruity-smelling breath (ketones), rapid deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations — the body's attempt to correct acidity), weakness, confusion, and collapse. Some pets become hypothermic. The progression can be rapid — a pet that seemed stable in the morning may be critical by evening.
Treatment
DKA requires intensive hospitalization: IV fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, short-acting insulin (IV or IM) to lower blood glucose, potassium supplementation (insulin drives potassium into cells, causing dangerous hypokalemia), phosphorus monitoring and supplementation, bicarbonate therapy in severe acidosis, and antibiotics if infection is present. Frequent blood tests monitor glucose, electrolytes, and acid-base status. Hospitalization typically lasts 3-7 days.
Quand Aller chez le Vétérinaire
- Vomiting in a diabetic pet
- Sweet or fruity breath
- Rapid or deep breathing
- Lethargy or weakness in a known diabetic
- Collapse or inability to stand
- ANY diabetic pet that seems unwell — better safe than sorry
Comment le Centre Royal Peut Aider
DKA is a true emergency. RVC provides 24/7 critical care for diabetic emergencies. If your diabetic pet is vomiting, lethargic, or breathing rapidly, come immediately or call +853 6677 6611.
Cet article est à titre éducatif uniquement. Contactez le Centre Royal au +853 6677 6611.