Veterinary - D-3 Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut)

Randox Ranbut is a highly sensitive assay for the detection of elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood; ketones are produced when fatty acids in the liver are metabolised for energy (the breakdown of fat stores in the liver occurs if energy demands exceed carbohydrate intake). Elevated ketone levels are referred to as ketosis. Ketosis can be toxic and damaging to the kidneys and liver; it occurs during times of high energy demand, when synthesis exceeds breakdown.

D-3 Hydroxybutyrate is the most sensitive marker of ketosis as it is the most abundant ketone. Ketosis has been associated with pregnancy complications such as twin lamb disease, decreased milk production and hypoglycaemia; therefore monitoring ketone levels is very important in veterinary, particularly in animals during milk production, pregnancy and immediately after birth (times of high energy demand).