2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital medical records (2006-2016) were retrospectively searched for cats that had been prescribed an oral potassium supplement for management of their CKD-associated hypokalemia. Data collected included signalment, bodyweight, age, supplement type, dose, directions, concurrent medications, diet, indication owner was unable to give the supplement, and serum chemistry and urinalysis values. For inclusion, laboratory work had to be available at the time of hypokalemia diagnosis, and at recheck within one to six weeks. Treatment response was defined in three ways: any increase in potassium, an increase in potassium to within the normal reference range, and an increase to greater than 4 mEq/L. Not all data was normally distributed thus Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to compare pre and post-supplementation values. Spearman Rank was used to assess correlation between dose and change in serum potassium and bicarbonate.