Hypokalemia in cats is a little-known disease, but it is dangerous due to its low potassium character, a mineral present in a good part of the cells of the body of felines - and also of humans. The greatest source of potassium comes through food, however, there are several causes behind this disorder, which can even be genetic in the case of some breeds. Hypokalemia also promotes a low potassium content.The following article unfolds about everything related to low potassium in cats for you to know more details and understand better about hypokalemia.

Hypokalemia in cats is a disorder of low potassium in the blood

To understand what hypokalemia is, it is first important to understand what potassium is and how it acts in the body's cells. This mineral is present in several organs and, just to give you an idea, 70% of its concentration is in muscle tissue. The nervous system is also composed of potassium (among other agents), as well as the cardiovascular system, where it is one of those responsible forIn addition, potassium also helps against diseases that affect the cat's bones and prevents muscle problems.

Generally, potassium is related to other agents and can be affected by the level of insulin, for example. In other words, it is very important to maintain the balance of the amount of this mineral in the cells to maintain the proper functioning of the feline organism. Therefore, when there are low levels of potassium, called hypokalemia, all health is at risk.

The biggest causes of potassium deficiency are linked to urine

There are several reasons for this pathology and most are linked to urine, as potassium is usually lost through it, but a hormone called aldosterone replenishes it back. Any change in it, such as Aldosteronism (excessive production of the hormone), triggers this disorder. Another way to replenish potassium is through diet. So, a cat with anorexia, can also have hypokalemia, becausethere is a deficiency of several nutrients, including potassium.

It also presents in cases of feline hyperthyroidism, Conn's syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) and during renal failure, which also leads to a large loss of potassium in the urine. It is even speculated that at least 20% and 30% of cats with renal disease suffer some episode of hypokalemia. Severe or recurrent vomiting or cats with diarrhea are other reasons.

Cat with low potassium suffers from poor appetite and other symptoms

In hypopotassemia, symptoms vary according to the degree of the disorder in the body's functioning. These are some of the classic symptoms of hypokalemia:

• Lack of appetite
• Inability to stand up
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Muscle pain
• Lethargy (apathy)
• Arrhythmias
• Difficulties breathing
• Mental confusion
• Cat walking in circles
• Seizures
• Difficulties in supporting the head normally (ventroflexion of the neck)
• In puppies, there is a delay in development

Diagnosis of hypokalemia (or hypopotassemia) involves several tests

Hypokalemia is easy to diagnose and it is essential to perform blood tests in cats (because platelets release potassium during the clot formation process) and especially urine tests. In the face of any symptoms, professionals usually order these tests. After confirmation of hypokalemia, ultrasound and X-ray tests are ordered to analyze bone and muscle impact.

Burmese cat is one of the breeds prone to hereditary hypokalemia

The Burmese cat and other closely related breeds, such as the Thai, Himalayan and Siamese, are some prone to this disease. There is still no exact explanation for it, but it is certain that it is inherited in a hereditary way (simple autosomal recessive). However, it is more common for them to develop a periodic hypokalemia, i.e. intermittent with several episodes throughout their lives. Other cat breedsdistant from Burmese may also have hypokalemia, these are:

• Burmilla Cat
• Singapura Cat
• Tonkinese
• Mumbai
• Sphynx
• Devon Rex

Because it is a hereditary cat disease, symptoms appear from the second to sixth month of the kitten's life. Generally, signs alternate between moderate to severe and the major indication is delayed development as well as kittens with walking difficulties and muscle weakness.

Low potassium has dangerous effects on the feline body

Lack of appetite is already dangerous in itself and when the cause is anorexia, the underlying disease can be worsened. Muscle weakness directly affects the animal's well-being and quality of life, even resulting in depression in the cat and when the underlying disease is a renal cat, the functioning of the kidneys is further affected. Unfortunately, when there is no early diagnosis and treatment in the case ofchicks, they tend to have a shorter life expectancy due to the possibility of respiratory paralysis. Low potassium can kill.

Hypokalemia in cats is treated with potassium supplementation

First, the treatment looks for the root of the problem and acts according to what triggered the hypokalemia, added to oral potassium supplementation (when mild) and in more severe cases this supplementation is intravenous (parenteral or enteral), being exchanged for oral after hospital discharge. Treatment is usually long-term.

In the treatment of hypokalemic polymathy, the same disorder, but with an increase or limitation of potassium released in the urine, supplementation needs to be continuous to avoid crises and new episodes. After an improvement, it is possible that the treatment is interrupted, but blood and urine tests are periodic to control the disease.

A good diet helps prevent feline hypokalemia

It is essential that every feline follows a diet with premium cat food and according to its stage of life (kitten, adult, senior and neutered), preferably indicated by a veterinary nutritionist, to avoid any disease, including hypokalemia. In predisposed breeds, a genetic study is carried out to avoid reproducing a litter with the disease. Control cases of severe diarrhea and ocat vomiting, in addition to treating the disease bases, are other forms of prevention.