Potassium is a crucial electrolyte in dogs. This means it serves various functions in their bodies. Salt and potassium work in tandem to keep blood equilibrium and prevent dehydration. These two elements regulate the pH of the blood and transport water into and out of the cells.

Hyperkalemia occurs when a dog’s blood sample has higher potassium levels than usual. This is a hazardous disease, and it’s crucial to determine the correct diagnosis because it can cause heart failure or dysfunction. The bloodstream levels of potassium are sensitive to the heart, and excessive levels will cause the heart to cease pumping.

However, high potassium levels can be deceiving. False hyperkalemia occurs when a dog’s potassium levels increase for a brief duration before returning to normal. Pseudohyperkalemia is a common condition that does not require treatment as blood levels will return to normal levels on their own.

Hyperkalemia

Consult your veterinarian for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment if you notice any of the signs, particularly if your dog has urinary tract problems. Find out everything you need to know concerning hyperkalemia among dogs, including symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Symptoms

Cardiac arrhythmias and other heart issues, muscular weakness, and final loss of muscle strength in the dog pose all potential dangers when potassium levels are too high present in the blood of a dog. Instead of the muscles becoming hard, the muscles become flaccid, causing paralysis in which the dog becomes wholly limp and unable to move. Gastrointestinal issues and trouble peeing that cause the dog to struggle or have difficulty urinating are common.

The condition can also be caused by fluid tablets, which frequently cause dogs to vomit. A variety of antibiotics, glucose, and insulin are all examples of medications that reduce potassium levels. Low potassium levels can be caused by malabsorption, a poor diet, and frequent diarrhea and vomiting.

Veterinarians use a set of blood tests to identify low potassium levels. They’ll prescribe potassium-containing fluids to boost blood concentration and avoid dehydration after an exact diagnosis has been confirmed. Visit a full-service veterinary hospital for more information.

Causes

Inability to pee owing to injury to or sickness of the bladder, kidneys, or urethra is often the most common cause of high potassium levels in dogs. If your dog isn’t passing pee or not passing any at all or not passing any at all, it may have an abnormally high potassium level in its blood.

Gastrointestinal disorders could be a factor in this circumstance. Potassium levels greater than usual can be caused by leukemia, acidosis, and kidney stones.

Diagnosis

The veterinarian needs to review the entire medical history of the dog, including any injuries, and not overlook even the slightest signs to identify a cause. The vet will pinpoint the affected organs, which results in increased potassium levels. Then, they will tailor the medicine to treat the organs involved.

Urinalysis and complete blood testing are performed. An ECG is used to evaluate the heart’s function, and X-rays are acquired using a radiopaque dye. Visit a vet surgeon specialist for any surgeries your dog may need.

Treatment

The disease’s cause determines the type of treatment. The veterinarian focuses on treating the organ that has failed. As the therapy progresses, the most effective way to lower potassium levels is by injecting a saline solution into the dog.

The doctor will be able to run extensive tests and provide an accurate diagnosis once the levels have been diminished. While only temporary, it aids in the removal of the primary problem and allows the body to heal to some extent. Get in touch with your veterinarian to get details about veterinary wellness plans.