Patient Details
Potassium Supplementation
⚠️ Important: The dosing protocol for DKA potassium supplementation is the same for both cats and dogs. Supplementation is calculated based on body weight regardless of species.
Contraindications
Hyperkalaemia, acute or obstructive renal failure, untreated Addison's disease, acute dehydration and diseases with impaired or obstructed GI motility. Use with caution in any patient with renal failure as 80–90% of excretion is renal. Use with caution in digitalized patients.
Adverse Reactions
Primarily development of hyperkalaemia when administered too rapidly or to patients with impaired renal function. Varied clinical signs include muscle weakness, GI disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Concentrations >60 mmol/l can cause pain and peripheral vein sclerosis, and increase the risk of overdose.
Drug Interactions
Potassium retention leading to severe hyperkalaemia may develop when used with ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril, enalapril) or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone). Potassium chloride is not compatible with many drugs, especially those in sodium salt form.
This calculator is designed to assist clinicians. The responsibility for prescribing and administration remains with the veterinary surgeon.