Hypokalemic (low potassium) Polymyopathy in Cats!

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Cats can have a form of the same 'Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis' (an ion channelopathy caused by genetic mutation) that hubby has!!! This article and study is specific to Burmese breeds but I'll bet dollars to donuts it exists in other breeds also. I've felt like it was, I just couldn't find anything about it. PLEASE take time to read this alho' it is a bit 'dry' but not long. Some of the cats diagnosed with 'seizures' may very well be this instead. In humans, the attacks have been misdiagnosed as seizures thousands and thousands of times.


http://www.thecatclinic.com.au/info-for-vets/burmese-hypokalaemic-polymyopathy

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[LizzieInTexas]

What is cervical ventroflexion? Gizmo's potassium has been low forever. He will not eat any food that I add potassium to. The Renal K gel has sugar and of course he will eat that I am not sure how to get it into him but have tried for over a year. I am going to experiment again when I am on vacation.

ETA-here is another article I found when looking up cervical vent.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9700861

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

What is cervical ventroflexion

Since you googled it, I bet you know now but for others, it's the position of the head/face being pointed toward the floor due to the weak muscles not being able to hold the head upright.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Since you googled it, I bet you know now

No - there really wasn't a good answer or description - so thank you

 

[Kathy and TiTi]

What is cervical ventroflexion? Gizmo's potassium has been low forever. He will not eat any food that I add potassium to. The Renal K gel has sugar and of course he will eat that I am not sure how to get it into him but have tried for over a year. I am going to experiment again when I am on vacation.

ETA-here is another article I found when looking up cervical vent.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9700861

When I had cats with low potassium, and I had 4 - all with progressive kidney disease - none would eat potassium in their food. Finally I made a liquid of it and used a syringe to get it down them. Unfortunately, I no longer have the formula for the amt of water t0 supplement. Anyway, I recommend the syringe feeding.

 

[Alicia & Maggie (GA)]

Gizmo's potassium has been low forever. He will not eat any food that I add potassium to. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9700861

Lizzie, I add Potassa-Chews to all of Maggie's food. Don't know if you've tried those, so thought I'd mention them. Here's where I got mine: http://www.calvetsupply.com/product/Potassa_Chew_120_Tablets/Veterinary-Vitamins-and-Supplements

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Lizzie, I add Potassa-Chews to all of Maggie's food. Don't know if you've tried those, so thought I'd mention them. Here's where I got mine: http://www.calvetsupply.com/product/Potassa_Chew_120_Tablets/Veterinary-Vitamins-and-Supplements

Wonderful! I will try that.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

You can buy liquid potassium from a human pharmacy - some places it is even OTC. BUT when supplementing potassium, be sure to keep a watch on the blood potassium levels. Too high potassium can do a lot of damage to the body, cause huge heart issues and can kill quickly.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

You can buy liquid potassium from a human pharmacy - some places it is even OTC. BUT when supplementing potassium, be sure to keep a watch on the blood potassium levels. Too high potassium can do a lot of damage to the body, cause huge heart issues and can kill quickly.

I will. Thanks. I won't start until after bw but he has been consistently low for over a year. I ordered the tabs today and plan to take them with me to the vet to run them by her before I start (well, I may try 1 to see if he will eat it otherwise the issue is mute).