Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low chloride levels in cats and related diseases
By Zeugswetter, Florian K et al.·Published in Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere·2016·University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypochloremia in cats - prevalence and associated diseases.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats was found to have low chloride levels (hypochloremia) in their blood, which can indicate underlying health issues. About 27% of the cats tested showed this condition, often linked to vomiting, gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Treatment for these cats varied, but those receiving fluid therapy had lower rates of hypochloremia. It's important for pet owners to know that if their cat has low chloride levels, it may be a sign of serious conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, and further testing is recommended.
People also search for: cat low chloride levels · cat vomiting causes · diabetes in cats treatment · cat kidney disease symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and possible causes of hypochloremia in the local hospital cat population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study consisting of two parts. Data were collected from the local electronic medical records database using the search terms "chloride" and "cats" (part A), and "blood gas analysis" and "cats" (part B). The medical records of the hypochloremic cats were then reviewed to determine prior treatment or infusions and to identify major underlying disease processes. Part A included an age and gender matched non-hypochloremic control group, whereas in part B acid-base status was assessed. RESULTS: Hypochloremia was detected in 367 (27%) of 1363 blood samples. The application of a correction formula to adjust for free water changes decreased the number of hypochloremic cats to 253 (19%). Only a minority had received glucocorticoids or loop diuretics and the prevalence of vomiting was 44%. Common associated disorders were gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, as well as azotemia and diabetes mellitus. Polyuria/polydipsia, dehydration, prednisolone or furosemide pretreatment, azotemia and diabetes mellitus increased, whereas fluid therapy and the diagnosis of neoplasia decreased the prevalence of hypochloremia. An inverse correlation was found between corrected chloride and standardized base excess (rs = -0.597, p = 0.001) as well as anion gap (rs = -0.4, p = 0.026). 99% of the hypochloremic cats had derangements of acid-base balance. CONCLUSION: Hypochloremia is a common electrolyte disorder in the local cat population. The correction formula is necessary to adjust for changes in plasma osmolality. Although associated with metabolic alkalosis, most of the hypochloremic cats have a normal or decreased pH. The inverse correlation of chloride and anion gap als well as the high proportion of azotemic or diabetic animals support the concept of compensatory acidosis induced hypochloremia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hypochloremia should prompt the clinician to performe blood-gas analysis. Diabetes mellitus (especially ketoacidosis) and renal disease should be included in current algorithms for the evaluation of hypochloremic patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27074163/