Hypokalaemic episodic polymyopathy in cats fed a vegetarian diet

Abstract

A previously undocumented hypokalaemic condition with a cyclical nature, comprising acute bouts of polymyopathy followed by spontaneous recoveries, is described in the cat. Cats being fed a high protein vegetarian diet developed recurrent episodes of polymyopathy, characterised by ventroflexion of the head and neck, stiff forelimb gait, lateral head-resting and generalised muscle weakness. Plasma potassium concentrations (mean +/- standard deviation) were reduced from 3.28 +/- 0.33 mmol/l at the beginning of the experiment to 2.45 +/- 0.24 mmol/l during bouts of myopathy. This hypokalaemia was associated with increased creatine kinase activities indicative of muscle damage, and decreased urinary potassium concentrations, and was caused by insufficient dietary potassium. Cats that received the same diet supplemented with potassium did not develop hypokalaemic polymyopathy. Spontaneous recoveries of affected cats were not associated consistently with increases in plasma potassium concentrations. Plasma taurine concentrations decreased and glutamic acid increased markedly in all cats fed the experimental diet. There was no evidence of thiamin deficiency associated with the high glutamic acid intake. Veterinarians should be aware that hypokalaemic cats, and in particular those on potassium-deficient diets, may show cyclical disease with episodes of polymyopathy recurring after periods of spontaneous clinical recovery. This condition in cats may be a useful animal model for familial hypokalaemic periodic paralysis in humans.

Profound hypokalemia causing respiratory failure in a cat with hyperaldosteronism

“…Hypokalemia is associated with muscle weakness in all species. However, this effect is demonstrated most notably in the cat often manifesting as cervical ventroflexion, 4–7 although generalized weakness and hind limb paresis have also been reported 4,8,9 . Rhabdomyolysis and ileus may eventually result from continued hypokalemia 4–6 .…”

“…The presence of hypokalemia in an acidotic patient generally implies profound whole body potassium depletion 16 . Decreased potassium intake may occur with inappetance or consumption of potassium deficient diets 7,16 . In addition, although commercial diets contain adequate potassium for healthy cats, in cats with significant potassium loss, commercial diets may not contain sufficient potassium to maintain the body's stores 3,16 .…”

“…16 Decreased potassium intake may occur with inappetance or consumption of potassium deficient diets. 7,16 In addition, although commercial diets contain adequate potassium for healthy cats, in cats with significant potassium loss, commercial diets may not contain sufficient potassium to maintain the body's stores. 3,16 Potassium loss may occur via the gastrointestinal tract 10 or, more usually, via the kidneys.…”

Tetraparesis, Hemiparesis, and Ataxia

“…1003 Rapid correction of dehydration with fluids that are not supplemented with potassium may lead to exacerbation of hypokalemia. Clinical signs of myopathy associated with hypokalemia often resolve after potassium supplementation.…”

Der Klinische Fall: Verdacht auf Thiaminmangel-Enzephalopathie bei zwei Katzen bei Ernährung mit einem Alleinfuttermittel für Katzen

“…Diek linischen Symptomew aren Hämaturie (32%der Fälle), palpierbareMasse im Nierenbereich (20%), Polydipsieo der Polyurie (10%), Inappetenz (27%), Apathie (26%), Gewichtsverlust (20%), Erbrechen (13%), Schmerzhaftigkeit (7%), wobei diese Schmerzhaftigkeit besondersbei Sarkomen beobachtet wurde. DasDurchschnitts-alter bei Diagnose betrug 8,1 (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17) Jahre. Dieh ämatologischen Untersuchungsbefunde waren unspezifisch undu mfassten Leukozytose, vora llem Neutrophilie, Anämie, Thrombozytopenie undMonozytose, in drei Fällen Polyzythämie.…”