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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Some quick thoughts about ketones, ketosis and ketoacidosis

Quick Thoughts About Ketones, Ketosis and Ketoacidosis In Goats
by Carrie Eastman

Ketosis is a normal biological process especially during pregnancy when the body burns fats for energy.  Ketones are produced when fats are burned. Where the goat (or any animal) gets into trouble is when the ketones are produced faster than they can be filtered by the kidneys and excreted.  The ketones in the bloodstream then overwhelm the body's blood pH buffering mechanism, which is mainly bicarbonates.  The blood then becomes too acid, which is called ketoacidosis.  Also there is a link between ketosis and insulin production, with the progesterone of pregnancy perhaps inhibiting insulin production.The standard remedies for ketosis and ketoacidosis are oral glucose and increasing the grain (carbohydrate) ration. Some additional thoughts to ponder:   if the problem is kidneys being overwhelmed, then supporting the kidneys with alkalizing minerals and/or herbs could be helpful.  Also, electrolytes to encourage water consumption might also be helpful.  Finally, minimizing kidney stress by reducing protein and nitrogen would make sense.  If the blood becomes acidic after the buffering bicarbonates are overwhelmed, then perhaps having adequate mineral reserves to support buffering would be a helpful preventative.  To balance the pH of the blood and body alkalizing herbs or minerals could be used.  If lack of insulin is part of the problem, then chromium and cinnamon to stabilize blood sugar could be useful.
Dynamite DynaSpark electrolyte encourages drinking and provides sugars.  DynaSpark is made with molasses, which is an excellent source of minerals and slowly-metabolized glucose
Dynamite Herbal Green is alkalizing and supports kidney function.
The basic Dynamite program of Izmine, 2-1, 1-1, salt and Browser/Grazer Mix insures a good mineral reserve.

Copyright ©2014 Carrie Eastman.
