Mission
Animal Hospital and Potassium Deficiency in the Cat
Affordable Animal CLinic Granada HIlls INC
Located in the San Fernando Valley, 16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills Ca, 818-363-8143
Our Veterinarians are waiting to help you
POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY IN THE CAT
CAUSE.
The most common cause of hypokalemia (low potassium) is chronic kidney
disease. Cats fed certain diets or
given a supplement to acidify the urine may be more likely to suffer from
potassium loss.
SIGNS.
In the beginning stages of potassium deficiency, signs are very subtle,
and often attributed to “old age” or other diseases.
Cats may exhibit weight loss, muscle weakness, stiff gait, poor hair
coat, poor appetite, and listlessness. These
signs may NOT be evident until the condition becomes acute and possibly life
threatening.
DIAGNOSIS.
Diagnosis is confirmed by the determination of low levels of blood
potassium through blood testing. Laboratory
results must be interpreted in relation to clinical signs and history since cats
may have a normal blood potassium level and still have serious total body
potassium depletion.
TREATMENT.
Although severe potassium deficiencies may require hospitalization and
intensive care, the treatment for chronic but not life-threatening hypokalemia
is easily corrected by adding potassium glucomate to the diet.
Tumil-Kä is a source of potassium glucomate that is
available in a powder, tablet, and paste.
RESPONSE
TO TREATMENT.
Visible response to supplementation can take 4-8 weeks.
Recheck blood testing to monitor potassium levels on a regular basis to
ensure the appropriate dosage is achieved and maintained is essential.
Lifelong therapy is usually required once hypokalemia has been diagnosed.
16907 San Fernando Mission Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344 818-363-8143
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