Potassium is the primary electrolyte for dogs, which means it plays a role in various ways in their bodies. Potassium and salt function together to ensure that blood is in equilibrium and avoid dehydration. Both components regulate the pH of the blood and transfer water in and out of cells.

Hyperkalemia is when a dog’s blood sample has higher potassium levels than is usual. This is a hazardous disease, and it’s crucial to determine the correct diagnosis because it could lead to heart failure or malfunction. Potassium levels in the bloodstream are sensitive to the heart, and excessive amounts may cause your heart to stop pumping.

However, the high levels of potassium could be misleading. False hyperkalemia can occur when a dog’s potassium level is elevated for a short duration before returning to normal. Pseudohyperkalemia is a common condition that does not need treatment because blood levels will return to normal by themselves.

Hyperkalemia

Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment if you notice any signs, especially if your dog has urinary tract issues. Here’s everything you should know regarding dogs’ hyperkalemia, including symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.

Symptoms

Cardiac arrhythmias and other heart-related symptoms, muscle weakness, and finally, the decline of the animal are the central possible when potassium levels are too high present in the dog’s blood. Instead of muscles hardening, flaccid paralysis occurs, in which the dog becomes wholly limp and in a state of being unable to move. Trouble peeing and gastrointestinal issues where the dog struggles or cannot urinate are common.

The condition can also be caused by fluid tablets that typically cause dogs to vomit. The use of certain antibiotics, glucose, and insulin are some examples of drugs that can reduce potassium levels. Low potassium levels could be caused by malabsorption, an inadequate diet, and frequent vomiting and diarrhea.

Veterinarians perform a series of blood tests to determine low potassium levels. They’ll give potassium-rich fluids to increase blood levels and avoid dehydration after obtaining an exact diagnosis. Consult your vet for medical services for cats and dogs.

Causes

Inability to pee owing to injury to or sickness of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra is often the most common cause of 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 issues could also be a factor in this circumstance. Potassium levels higher than average are also caused by acidosis, leukemia, and kidney stones. Look up “Cat spay & neuter” for the best results about your pet cat spay and neuter.

Diagnosis

The veterinarian needs to review the dog’s entire medical history, including any injuries, and not neglect even the most minor symptoms to make a diagnosis. The vet will pinpoint which organs have been infected, resulting in elevated potassium levels. Then, they will tailor the medicine to treat the organs affected.

Urinalysis, as well as complete blood tests, are performed. An ECG is conducted to assess the heart function, and the X-rays are obtained with a radiopaque color.

Treatment

The cause of the disease determines the treatment. The vet focuses on treating the organ that has failed. When the therapy is being carried out, the fastest approach to reduce potassium levels is to inject a saline solution into the dog.

The doctor will have more time to conduct thorough tests and provide a precise diagnosis once reduced levels. While it’s only temporary, saline assists in the removal of the primary problem and allows the body to heal to a small degree. Click here to learn more information.