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.
• 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.