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Overview:
Potassium is an essential electrolyte which performs several functions
including;
-
Assists in regulating nerve impulse
& muscle contractions
-
Helps maintain blood pressure
-
Maintains heart function
- Maintains the body's electrolyte
balance and acid/alkali levels in cells and tissues
- It also plays an important
role in heart, skeletal, and smooth muscle contraction, making it an
important nutrient for normal heart, digestive, and muscular function.
Cats obtain it through their diet. Most potassium is found within the
body's cells. Kidneys control levels of potassium by excreting
excess via the urine.
Hypokalemia results from depletion of
potassium from the body & is usually associated with kidney failure.
Other causes include decreased dietary intake, vomiting, diarrhea,
diabetes & liver disease.
What are the
symptoms of hypokalemia in cats?
Symptoms of hypokalemia include;
- Muscle weakness & pain
- Stiffened posture & gait
- Reluctance to move
- Inability to raise the head due to
muscle weakness (ventral neck flexion)
- Increased thirst & urination (due to
decreased kidney function)
- Weight loss
How is it diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will perform a
complete physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history.
Some tests he may wish to perform include;
-
Biochemical profile: Potassium is decreased & creatinine is
increased. Signs of kidney failure & diabetes may also be present.
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Urinalysis
- Electrocardiogram to measure the
electrical activity of the heart.
How is it
treated?
- Treating the underlying cause of
hypokalemia.
- Mild hypokalemia will be treated
with oral potassium supplements.
- Severe cases will require
intravenous potassium until the cat has become stabilised & potassium
levels return to normal, it then may be switched to oral potassium.
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