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Hypokalemia can also cause marked depression and lack of appetite. Some cats with hypokalemia may become constipated. In many cases, the cat will have a poor-quality coat. What causes hypokalemia? The most common cause of hypokalemia is chronic kidney failure, a condition common in older cats.
Gastrointestinal loss of potassium from vomiting or diarrhea is a very important cause of hypokalemia in cats. Urinary loss of potassium is another important cause of hypokalemia. Chronic renal disease was the most common associated disorder observed in a survey of cats with hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia can occur when there is inadequate potassium in a cat's diet or when a cat receives a large amount of intravenous fluids. Severely low blood levels of potassium result in muscle weakness, an inability to raise the head, and arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) – this is probably the single most common cause of significant hypokalaemia in cats. For unknown reasons, some cats with CKD can lose excessive amounts of potassium in their urine and suffer hypokalaemia as a result
The prolonged administration of fluids with inadequate potassium supplementation is a common cause of hypokalemia; clinicians should routinely add potassium to crystalloids to prevent progressive depletion in anorexic patients.
What are the causes of hypokalemia in cats? Hypokalemia in cats can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some specific causes to be aware of: Chronic kidney disease: Kidney disease in cats is the number one cause of hypokalemia or low potassium levels in cats. Cats with chronic kidney disease often lose potassium through their urine ...
What can cause hypokalemia in cats? The most common cause is ongoing disease, in particular chronic renal failure, although there are other possible underlying causes. What are the symptoms of hypokalemia in cats?
Causes of Low Blood Potassium in Cats Loss of blood potassium most commonly occurs from one of three presentations. Either the cat has increased excretion of potassium, suffers from inadequate intake, or potassium is being redistributed within their body.
Cat digestive system issues: Cats may have considerable potassium losses due to vomiting or diarrhea, which can result in hypokalemia. Kidney disease: The kidneys are essential for controlling the body's potassium levels.
Hypokalemia is a symptom and many diseases can result in low potassium levels. The most common cause is chronic kidney failure but diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism , hyperaldosteronism and hyperthyroidism can also result in low blood potassium.