Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High potassium levels during anesthesia in a 5-year-old cat
By Kurniawan, T et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2025·Western Australian Veterinary Emergency and Specialty, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hyperkalaemia during a general anaesthetic in a 5-year-old domestic short-haired cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 5-year-old male neutered domestic short-haired cat developed dangerously high potassium levels (hyperkalaemia) during dental surgery under general anesthesia. This caused a slow heart rate and abnormal heart rhythms, prompting the vet to stop the procedure. Although initial treatment with atropine didn't fully help, the cat recovered well after the surgery, and the high potassium levels returned to normal. This case emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of potassium levels in cats during anesthesia to prevent similar issues in the future.
People also search for: cat dental surgery complications · high potassium levels in cats · cat anesthesia risks
Abstract
This case report details an incident of hyperkalaemia that developed under general anaesthesia in a domestic cat with no prior health concerns. A 5-year-old male neutered domestic short-haired cat presented for dental extractions and subsequently developed severe bradycardia and electrocardiographic abnormalities during the procedure. Initial treatment with atropine provided limited improvement, and further investigation revealed a serum potassium concentration of 7.7 mmol/L. Despite interventions, the anaesthetic procedure was aborted due to persistent hyperkalaemia. The cat recovered smoothly postoperatively with complete resolution of hyperkalaemia. This case highlights the importance of monitoring serum potassium levels and electrocardiographic changes in anaesthetised feline patients. Anaesthesia-associated hyperkalaemia in domestic cats is a condition that is under-recognised in Australia. Future studies should focus on the mechanisms behind this electrolyte disturbance, as well as establishing preventive measures and management protocols during general anaesthesia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39846358/