Hypokalemia in the cat

Hypokalemia is a common serum electrolyte disorder in the cat. It can occur from a combination of factors that have commonplace occurrence in clinical practice. Hypokalemia can adversely effect the function of skeletal and sm ooth muscle, kidneys, and the heart. Muscle weakness is the primary clinica l finding in the cat. Treatment emphasizes reversing the underlying cause(s ) and the administration of potassium chloride salts. Cats that are severely symptomatic and those with serum levels measuring <2 .5 mEq/L should receive parenteral treatment.