Hyperkalemia in Cats

A cat relaxes in the sun.

Hyperkalemia is a medical term meaning an elevated level of potassium in your cat's bloodstream. Potassium, while necessary for life functions, can cause problems when the body contains too much of it.

Identification

Hyperkalemia is diagnosed by a veterinarian using a blood sample. In certain cases, hyperkalemia can be diagnosed early by the examination of the output of an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.

Effects

When potassium is elevated, it interferes with the normal rhythms of your cat's heart, leading to a condition called cardiac arrhythmia and eventually cardiac arrest, or a heart attack.

Causes

Hyperkalemia originates when a cat is unable to rid the body of biologic and nutritional potassium. This happens most often in cats whose kidneys or bladder are not functioning properly.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperkalemia includes the administration of fluids and electrolytes. In cases where this is not adequate, a veterinarian will administer insulin and dextrose, a form of sugar, to lower potassium levels. Calcium gluconate is sometimes given to counteract the cardiac effects of hyperkalemia.

Warning

Cats with hyperkalemia need constant monitoring to ensure that the condition does not worsen and that treatment is effective.

References

• "Clinical Textbook For Veterinary Technicians;" Joanna Bassert, Dennis McCurnin; 2009.
• "Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Dogs and Cats"; Etienne Cote DVM; 2006
• "Applied Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians;" Boyce Wanamaker; 2009