Suggestions on diet for potassium deficiency?

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Sylvia&Quark

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Quark was diagnosed diabetic back at the end of 2006 and has been diet managed since mid-January 2007. All quite well until late yesterday when he started limping (I assumed he'd had a fall or something) and got up this morning to find him limping/staggering so badly he couldn't stand up. Went to vet right away who did a full blood work and exam and said that while his kidney, liver etc. etc. are in excellent shape for a cat his age (15 1/2) his potassium was quite low (2.8 I believe, with normal being 3.5 or higher). Since his kidney numbers were good, she advised it is likely due a diet deficiency in part due the lack of variety and recommenced potassium supplements (which I will be providing) and to mix up the diet so he's not eating the same thing all the time. He's been on FF Turkey and Giblets almost exclusively since he's picky and that was pretty much the only low-carb food he'd eat and/or could keep down -- he's also a champion hairballer which I suspect isn't helping the potassium levels either.

Has anyone had a similar experience? I've a list of foods to try and will be doing so, but want to be very cautious with a diet switch given that he's been doing so well otherwise.

Thanks!
 
Hi there

I've never heard of a potassium deficiency due to a diet of FF....there are potasium supplements out there (which was recommended?) but I'd be concerned about the real cause. Perhaps someone else will have a better idea of what is going on...

Jen
 
Hi,
The vet has prescribed Tumil-K (potassium glucomate). She said the FF diet itself was okay -- it was the lack of variety that she thought might be contributing to the low levels if whatever amount is in that particular brand of FF is insufficient for his needs now. We're to watch and see how he does with the supplement; if no improvement in the next 24-48 hours to bring him back and they'll keep looking.

Sylvia&Quark
 
Tucker had an *episode* about a month ago. Not sure if it was a stroke or what but his potassium level was very very low. My vet said that insulin itself can draw potassium from the cells in the cats body.

I thought that was strange since Tucker has been insulin dependent almost entirely since the end of 2005 with a break in '06.

He did start prednisone because he has other symptoms including circling a lot.

But, regarding the potassium, he is taking a pill and a half BID of Tumil-K, the same potassium supplement ou got from the vet, I crush it, add a teaspoon of water and a tablespoon of canned A/D, microwave for 10 seconds and he loves it. It's like treat time twice a day for him.

Tucker's been eating FF for years, all of my cats do. His low potassium level, I really don't know the cause, but with the supplement he's doing great. My vet does know he eats only gluten free FF and she did not think food was the cause of his potassium problem.

I hope your kitty feels better quickly.
 
Hi,
Quark has not required insulin in a long time so we're fortunately not going to have this to worry about that on top of the potassium issue right now. He had some supper and made it up the stairs so I'm hopeful the supplement he had might be starting a turn around.
 
Sorry, wasn't saying insulin was the cause just saying that there can be issues. I would be doing some research to try and find a possible cause...
 
Sylvia, My Batley (non-diabetic) had a potassium deficiency in the 2's at one time. It took 3 days of giving 4 doses a day to get him to be able to raise his head and get his numbers back into the 3's. Just telling you this in case you see no difference in 2 days...you may need longer time and more potassium given.
 
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