Comparative study on 3 oral potassium formulations for treatment of hypokalemia in dairy cows

Abstract

Background Hypokalemia is of clinical relevance in cattle. Different mostly empirical treatment options are suggested. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate if oral administration of potassium influences the plasma concentration, the intracellular concentration in erythrocytes and in muscle, renal excretion of potassium, and to assess if there are differences in the efficacy of the potassium formulations. Animals Thirty cows with hypokalemia (plasma concentration <3.5 mmol/L) were systematically allocated to 3 treatment groups (10 cows/group). Methods The cows received 52 g of potassium in different formulations: group B—potassium chloride bolus (release over 12 hours); group G—potassium propionate gel (release over 2 hours); and group S—potassium chloride solution (immediately available). Potassium concentrations were repeatedly measured in plasma, erythrocytes, muscle, and urine using ICP‐OES. Results Plasma potassium concentrations for all preparations increased within 30 minutes and the increase lasted for 12 hours. The concentrations of potassium in the erythrocytes and in the muscle, renal potassium excretion, and total urine volume were not affected by administration of any product. There were no differences between the treatments groups. The feed intake increased in 50% of cows within 2 hours after potassium application, which may contribute to the increase of plasma potassium concentration. Conclusions and Clinical Importance All the studied potassium formulations are equally effective to treat hypokalemia in dairy cows for over 12 hours but do not influence intracellular concentration or renal excretion of potassium. The plasma potassium concentration should be reevaluated after 12 hours.

Intravenous and Oral Fluid Therapy in Neonatal Calves With Diarrhea or Sepsis and in Adult Cattle

“…An alternative formulation contains 4 g of NaCl, 1 g of KCl, 2 g of CaCl 2 , and 0.5 g of MgCl 2 per L of water ( 141 ), providing an OES containing 120 mmol/L of Na, 13.4 mmol/L of K, 36 mmol/L of Ca, 11 mmol/L of Mg, and 128 mmol/L of Cl, with a calculated osmolarity of 257 mOsm/L. It should be noted that both formulations contain much less KCl than that recommended (up to 0.4 g of KCl/kg BW for the first 24 h) for treating hypokalemia in adult cattle ( 142 , 143 ).…”

Evaluation of a novel dipotassium phosphate bolus for treatment of metabolic disorders in dairy cattle

“…Cows receive a potassium-rich diet and readily excrete excessive potassium through the kidney (9). The normal physiological blood plasma potassium levels of a cow ranges between 3.9 and 5.8 mmol/L, however the ratio of the intracellular to the extra cellular potassium contents are more relevant (9)(10)(11)(12). A sudden decrease in food intake can result in hypokalemia, as the kidneys may not be able to respond to the decrease in dietary potassium (10)(11)(12).…”

“…The normal physiological blood plasma potassium levels of a cow ranges between 3.9 and 5.8 mmol/L, however the ratio of the intracellular to the extra cellular potassium contents are more relevant (9)(10)(11)(12). A sudden decrease in food intake can result in hypokalemia, as the kidneys may not be able to respond to the decrease in dietary potassium (10)(11)(12). Hypokalemia is also associated with retained placenta, clinical mastitis and abomasal displacement (10)(11)(12).…”

“…A sudden decrease in food intake can result in hypokalemia, as the kidneys may not be able to respond to the decrease in dietary potassium (10)(11)(12). Hypokalemia is also associated with retained placenta, clinical mastitis and abomasal displacement (10)(11)(12). The clinical signs of hypokalemia are muscle weakness and recumbency (1,(10)(11)(12).…”

“…Hypokalemia is also associated with retained placenta, clinical mastitis and abomasal displacement (10)(11)(12). The clinical signs of hypokalemia are muscle weakness and recumbency (1,(10)(11)(12). Hypokalemia has been treated with oral drenching of potassium chloride (KCl) since intravenous therapy carries a risk of cardiac arrest (11).…”