ABSTRACT
Objective
To review case examples that demonstrate the clinical applicability of urine potassium concentration analysis for the evaluation of dyskalemia in cats and dogs.
Data Sources
Original research articles and textbooks.
Data Synthesis
An approach to clinical interpretation of urine potassium concentration is presented. Five clinical cases with dyskalemia are outlined in which the analysis of urine potassium concentration provided useful information that led to the refinement of the differential diagnosis list.
Conclusions
Urine potassium concentration analysis can aid in the investigation and management of cats and dogs with dyskalemia. This review explores the roles of spot urine potassium concentration measurement, the transtubular potassium gradient, and the urine potassium: urine creatinine concentration ratio. When used appropriately and with knowledge of the limitations, urine potassium concentration analysis can provide valuable insight into the underlying pathophysiology of dyskalemia and help guide treatment decisions. Further studies are needed to understand more fully the scope and limitations of various methods of urine potassium concentration analysis in dogs and cats.
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, EarlyView.Wiley: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care: Table of Contents