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PITFALLS IN INTERPRETATION - HYPOKALAEMIA IN CATS Note for Pet Owners:
This information is provided by
Provet for educational purposes only.
You should seek the advice of
your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise
on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for
your pet. |
Hypokalaemia
is a common laboratory finding in cats but interpretation can be difficult
Low blood potassium concentrations leads to muscular weakness and the classical
presenting sign of ventroflexion of the neck.
One of the most common causes of hypokalaemia is renal disease and excessive urinary losses, however there are a number of possible causes, including the following:
- Polyuric renal failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Insulin administration
- Chronic liver disaese
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Diuretic therapy
- Mineralocorticoid therapy
Last updated : January 2016