Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat developed low potassium and kidney acid problems from eye drop
By Thiessen, Charlotte E et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary emergency and critical care (San Antonio, Tex. : 2001)·2016·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hypokalemia and suspected renal tubular acidosis associated with topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor therapy in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 2-year-old male cat developed severe weakness and loss of appetite six weeks after starting treatment with a topical eye medication for high eye pressure. Tests showed he had low potassium levels and metabolic acidosis, which indicated a possible kidney issue. After stopping the eye medication and providing supportive care along with potassium supplements, the cat's health improved, and he returned to normal.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the occurrence of hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis, and suspected renal tubular acidosis associated with the administration of topical ophthalmic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) in a cat. CASE SUMMARY: A 2-year-old, 5.3 kg, male, castrated, domestic short-haired cat developed hyporexia 6 weeks after starting topical ophthalmic dorzolamide 2% therapy for treatment of ocular hypertension. Two weeks later, the cat was evaluated for severe weakness, cervical ventroflexion, and anorexia. Plasma electrolyte and acid-base measurement revealed hypokalemia (K= 2.9 mmol/L; reference interval 3.8-5.4 mmol/L) and metabolic acidosis (plasma HCO= 9.8 mmol/L; reference interval 15-23 mmol/L) in the presence of a urine pH of 7.5 (reference interval 6.5-7.5). The pH abnormalities were consistent with a renal tubular acidosis. Clinical and biochemical abnormalities resolved with short-term supportive care, potassium supplementation, and discontinuation of dorzolamide therapy. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED: This is the first report of hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis associated with topical CAI therapy in a cat.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26595765/