Ketosis

See also:

Ketosis of cattle Pregnancy toxaemia

Description

Ketosis occurs in starvation and also in diabetes mellitus. Basically, no carbohydrates are metabolised, in starvation none are available and in diabetes mellitus because there is no insulin present to allow glucose transport into cells. When carbohydrates are not available the body produces energy via the metabolism of fat. An accumulation of ketone bodies (B-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid and acetone) in the blood and other tissues. Two of the ketone bodies are acids resulting in a metabolic acidosis hence the name ketoacidosis.

Diagnosis

The acetone that is formed during ketosis is a volatile agent which can be blown off and this accounts for the 'pear drop' like smell on affected animals breath.

References

• due to an excessive drain on carbohydrate stores because pregnant and lactating animals have a continuous demand for glucose
• ketosis results when fat metabolism which occurs in response to the increased energy demand is excessive
• ketone bodies accumulate in the blood and there is marked fatty change in the liver
• can occur in starvation but commonly seen in two conditions in livestock:

Ketosis of Cattle

Pregnancy Toxaemia