Difference between revisions of "Hypokalaemia"
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| − | + | ==Introduction== | |
| + | Hypokalaemia occurs most commonly in cats secondary to [[Chronic Renal Failure]] and is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in small animal practise. Potassium is important for nervous and muscle conduction, especially in cardiac muscle. It also has metabolic functions. The classic clinical sign is ventroflexion of the neck, with the cat unable to raise its head properly. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Aetiology== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Clinical Signs== | ||
| + | The severity of clinical signs is normally proportional to the severity of hypokalaemia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Ventroflexion of the neck | ||
| + | * Lethargy and fatigue | ||
| + | * Crouched gait and reluctance to walk | ||
| + | * Muscle pain | ||
| + | * Hindlimb stiffness progressing to weakness and ataxia | ||
| + | |||
| + | Onset of clinical signs may be acute or chronic, demonstrable when serum levels of potassium drop below 2.5-3.0 mmol/L. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Diagnosis== | ||
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| + | |||
| + | |||
* The hypokalaemia is associated with diarrhoea and dehydration in calves. | * The hypokalaemia is associated with diarrhoea and dehydration in calves. | ||
** Animals die from cardiac arrest following ventricular dissociation. | ** Animals die from cardiac arrest following ventricular dissociation. | ||
[[Category:Vascular Fluid]] | [[Category:Vascular Fluid]] | ||
| + | [[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]] | ||
Revision as of 10:00, 12 August 2011
Introduction
Hypokalaemia occurs most commonly in cats secondary to Chronic Renal Failure and is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in small animal practise. Potassium is important for nervous and muscle conduction, especially in cardiac muscle. It also has metabolic functions. The classic clinical sign is ventroflexion of the neck, with the cat unable to raise its head properly.
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
The severity of clinical signs is normally proportional to the severity of hypokalaemia.
- Ventroflexion of the neck
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Crouched gait and reluctance to walk
- Muscle pain
- Hindlimb stiffness progressing to weakness and ataxia
Onset of clinical signs may be acute or chronic, demonstrable when serum levels of potassium drop below 2.5-3.0 mmol/L.
Diagnosis
- The hypokalaemia is associated with diarrhoea and dehydration in calves.
- Animals die from cardiac arrest following ventricular dissociation.