Hypokalemia is a serum potassium concentration below the reference interval. In cats it is a common cause of generalized muscle weakness and neck ventroflexion, usually from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or another condition that causes potassium loss. Replacing it safely is a favourite exam topic because the infusion rate matters.
Key facts
Hypokalemia at a glance- Species and system: cat; electrolyte, neuromuscular, renal.
- Main cause: most cats with hypokalemic polymyopathy have it secondary to CKD with urinary potassium loss (MSD).
- Other causes: hyperaldosteronism, hyperthyroidism, dietary deficiency, excessive fluids, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, potassium-wasting diuretics, dorzolamide or brinzolamide eye drops.
- Classic presentation: acute generalized weakness and ventroflexion of the neck.
- Treatment: oral potassium; IV only up to 0.5 mEq/kg/h in profound cases; treat the cause.
- Zoonotic: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Putting it together in practice
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 5 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.