Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sudden muscle weakness and low potassium in hyperthyroid cats
By Nemzek, J A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Acute onset of hypokalemia and muscular weakness in four hyperthyroid cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Four hyperthyroid cats suddenly developed weakness and a drooping neck, which was linked to low potassium levels in their blood. The exact cause of the low potassium wasn't clear, but it could be due to a lack of potassium in their bodies or a shift of potassium into their cells. All four cats improved after receiving potassium supplements. This situation highlights that cats with hyperthyroidism may experience issues with potassium balance, so it's important for veterinarians to monitor these levels during treatment.
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Abstract
Sudden onset of muscular weakness and ventroflexion of the neck were identified in 4 hyperthyroid cats. In each cat, the onset of clinical signs was associated with an acute decrease in serum potassium concentration. The cause for hypokalemia was undetermined, but could have resulted from deficits in total body potassium content or shifts of potassium from the extracellular space into the intracellular space. The 4 cats responded to administration of potassium. Hyperthyroid cats may be prone to disturbances in potassium homeostasis. Clinicians should be aware of potential changes in potassium homeostasis during the treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7928551/