Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Determination of red blood cell potassium content in horses with diarrhoea: a practical approach for therapy.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1984
- Authors:
- Muylle, E et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving 15 horses suffering from severe diarrhea, researchers found that the amount of potassium in their red blood cells was lower than what is typically seen in healthy horses. This low potassium level helped determine how much potassium the horses needed to recover. The horses were given potassium supplements by mouth based on these measurements, and those that improved showed a return to normal potassium levels in their blood cells. The treatment led to better overall health without any side effects, highlighting the usefulness of monitoring potassium levels for both diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract
The concentration of potassium in the red blood cells in 15 horses with severe diarrhoea was determined. The red blood cell potassium content (RBCK+) was low compared with levels obtained in normal horses. The decrease in the RBCK+ was used to evaluate the total body potassium deficit. This calculated amount was administered orally, following each RBCK+ determination. In those horses which recovered, RBCK+ content returned to normal levels. During treatment, refilling of the red blood cells with potassium occurred only gradually as long as the diarrhoea persisted. In each case, oral loading with the calculated dose resulted in an improvement of the general condition and no side effects were observed. The importance of using RBCK+ levels as a diagnostic and therapeutic parameter is discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6386455/