Cat with low potassium

[JCS]

So my cat is having trouble walking. Her front legs are very weak and sometimes she actually falls down. She has a funny waddling gait behind and can’t jump up on chairs. This is a recent development in the past 2-3 weeks. (She’s about 9 years old, FYI.)

Of course, I took her to the vet and they ran a full blood panel. They found low potassium and are saying that is the cause of the muscle weakness. She’s been on a potassium supplement for about a week and is showing no improvement. I would even say she’s somewhat worse. Is it just too soon to see results? The vet will re-check her potassium 2 weeks out.

What could be causing this? Vet said low potassium can be caused by kidney disease, but her kidney values look normal. She also mentioned diabetes, but her glucose levels are only slightly elevated. Cushing’s disease was also mentioned.

Anyone have experience with this? I feel bad for my poor kitty.

[Horsegal984]

I would ask for a referral to an internal medicine specialist. Hypokalemia is most often seen with kidney disease of some sort, but 75% of the kidney function has to be lost before the renal values go up on bloodwork. However and IM specialist can do an ultrasound to visually see the kidneys and get a Bette idea of what is going on. And if it’s not kidney related they are more likely to figure out the root cause and course of treatment as well.

This is one of those times when you hear hoof beats and general practitioner vets see horses while a specialist can spot the zebra hiding in the herd.

[horsenut_8700]

Agree with the above. I would be pursuing a second opinion ASAP. Just because the kidney values are “normal” does not mean this cat’s kidneys are ok. And normal potassium levels are critical to many body functions. I will tell you I have a hyperthyroid cat who, at one time, was hypokalemic just because he was being bullied away from the food by his fat littermate and my mom’s crazy Siamese. Now he’s crated during mealtime and his levels are back to normal. This also helps us feed him more and the fat girls less.