A condition characterized by the enhanced production of ketone bodies, as in diabetes mellitus or starvation. [ketone + -osis, condition]
- bovine k. a common metabolic disease of cows which appears as a rule within a few weeks after parturition; characterized by hypoglycemia, ketonuria, loss of appetite, lethargy, loss of milk production, and rapid emaciation.
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1) an abnormal increase of ketone bodies in the body in conditions of reduced or disturbed carbohydrate metabolism (as in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) compare ACIDOSIS, ALKALOSIS
2) a nutritional disease of cattle and sometimes sheep, goats, or swine that is marked by reduction of blood sugar and the presence of ketone bodies in the blood, tissues, milk, and urine and is associated with digestive and nervous disturbances
ke·tot·ic -'tät-ik adj
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n.
raised levels of ketone bodies in the body tissues. Ketone bodies are normal products of fat metabolism and can be oxidized to produce energy. Elevated levels arise when there is an imbalance in fat metabolism, such as occurs in diabetes mellitus or starvation. Ketosis may result in severe acidosis. See also ketonuria.
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ke·to·sis (ke-toґsis) abnormally elevated concentration of ketone bodies in the body tissues and fluids when fatty acids are incompletely metabolized, a complication of diabetes mellitus, starvation, and alcoholism. See also ketoacidosis.Medical dictionary. 2011.