Potassium Disorders in Dogs: Hyperkalemia

Potassium is a primary electrolyte in dogs, which implies it performs various functions in their bodies. Potassium and salt function together to keep blood at equilibrium and avoid dehydration. These two components govern the blood’s pH and transfer water into and out of the cells.

Hyperkalemia happens when a dog’s blood sample has higher potassium levels than usual. This is a hazardous disease, and it’s crucial to get the proper diagnosis because it can cause heart failure or malfunction. The potassium levels in the bloodstream are sensitive to the heart, and excessive amounts will cause the heart to stop pumping.

But, elevated levels of potassium can be deceiving. False hyperkalemia occurs when a dog’s potassium levels are elevated for a short duration before returning to normal. Pseudohyperkalemia is a frequent condition that does not require treatment as blood levels will return to normal.

Hyperkalemia

Ask your vet for the most proper diagnosis and treatment if you observe any signs in your dog, particularly if it has urinary tract issues. Here’s everything you should know about hyperkalemia in dogs, including the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.

Symptoms

Cardiac arrhythmias and other heart problems, muscular weakness, and eventually the demise of the pet are just a few risks when there is too much potassium present in the blood of a dog. Instead of the muscles forming a hardened and causing flaccid paralysis, it occurs in which the dog becomes wholly limp and unable to move. Trouble peeing and gastrointestinal issues where the dog is forced to fight or has difficulty urinating are common.

The condition can also be caused by fluid tablets that typically cause dogs to vomit. A variety of antibiotics, glucose, and insulin are examples of medications that may lower potassium levels. Low potassium levels can be caused by malabsorption, a poor diet, and frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

Veterinarians utilize a series of blood tests that identify low potassium levels. They’ll give potassium-rich fluids to increase blood levels and prevent dehydration once a precise diagnosis has been obtained. Get high-quality veterinary services for any conditions your pet may have.

Causes

Inability to pee due to injury to or sickness of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra is usually the cause of highly high potassium levels in dogs. If the dog is hardly passing urine or isn’t passing any at all or not passing any at all, it may have an abnormally high amount of potassium in its blood.

Gastrointestinal disorders could play a role in this scenario. Potassium levels that are higher than average can also result from leukemia, acidosis, and kidney stones.

Diagnosis

The veterinarian needs to review the entire medical history of the dog, including any injuries, and not neglect even the most minor signs to identify a cause. The doctor will discover which organs are infected, which results in increased potassium levels. Then, they will tailor the treatment to heal the organs affected.

Urinalysis, as well as complete blood tests, is conducted. An ECG is performed to check the heart’s function, and the X-rays are obtained by using a radiopaque dye. Click here for additional information.

Treatment

The condition’s etiology determines treatment. The vet focuses on taking care of the organ that has failed. While the therapy is underway, the most efficient method to lower potassium levels is to inject a saline solution into the dog.

The doctor will have the time to conduct thorough tests and provide a reliable diagnosis once levels are reduced. Although it is only temporary, saline assists in eliminating the main issue, which allows the body to heal to some extent. Consult your veterinarian for a vet plan for dogs.