Cat - Hypokalaemia

What is hypokalaemia?

Hypokalaemia is a term that refers to low blood concentrations of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte (chemical) within the body and is very important for the normal function of muscles and nerves. In some situations, the normal control of body potassium concentration is lost and can result in depletion of potassium, and low blood concentrations (hypokalaemia).

What are the clinical signs associated with hypokalaemia?

Mild to moderate hypokalaemia is seen relatively frequently in sick cats, but does not usually cause marked clinical signs. However, if severe hypokalaemia develops this can result in profound clinical signs. The main effect of severe hypokalaemia is generalised muscle weakness. Affected cats usually show difficulty in getting up and walking, and may appear almost 'drunk' because of their weakness. A common and characteristic sign of the muscle weakness is also an inability to raise the head into a normal position, so that it is constantly hanging down. Hypokalaemia can also have a number of other effects including marked depression and inappetance.

What causes hypokalaemia?

Hypokalaemia is a common cause of generalised muscle weakness in cats. One of the most common causes of the hypokalaemia is underlying kidney failure (chronic renal failure), which is particularly common in older cats. A variety of other diseases can also cause or contribute to hypokalaemia, but these are less common.

How is hypokalaemia treated?

The hypokalaemia and associated clinical signs may be quickly corrected by potassium supplementation. In severe cases, potassium may be given through an intravenous (into the vein) drip. This rapidly corrects the hypokalaemia, and reverses the muscle weakness. In less severe cases, and for long-term maintenance of blood potassium, dietary supplementation is usually necessary. A variety of oral preparations are available, but these may cause stomach irritation and vomiting. However, potassium gluconate is well tolerated by most cats, and is available as a palatable (tasty) supplement to add to the diet, or as tablets or liquid. Depending on the cause, it may be necessary to continue supplementing potassium permanently, and intermittent monitoring of response to treatment is usually necessary through analysis of blood samples, to ensure the supplementation is adequate but not excessive.