Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical findings in cows with recumbency associated with hypokalemia. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 10 adult dairy cows with weakness or recumbency and hypokalemia. PROCEDURE: Signalment, history, physical examination findings, results of diagnostic tests, and response to treatment were extracted from the medical record of each cow. RESULTS: 8 cows were recumbent on admission and 2 were profoundly weak. All cows had been given isoflupredone acetate as treatment for ketosis prior to admission. All were hypokalemic (serum potassium concentration, 1.4 to 2.3 mEq/L) with no other apparent cause for recumbency. Despite treatment with potassium, plasma potassium concentrations within the reference range were achieved in only 6 of the 9 cows treated. Two cows responded to treatment. Three cows died, 3 were euthanatized, 2 improved clinically and were discharged, 1 was discharged while still recumbent, and 1 was sent to slaughter prior to treatment. Histologic examination of muscle tissue from 2 cows revealed myonecrosis and vacuolation consistent with hypokalemic myopathy. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
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Authors | E S Sielman, R W Sweeney, R H Whitlock, R Y Reams |
Journal | Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
(J Am Vet Med Assoc)
Vol. 210
Issue 2
Pg. 240-3
(Jan 15 1997)
ISSN: 0003-1488 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9018360
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Capsules
- Potassium Chloride
- Potassium
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Capsules
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases
(blood, diagnosis, therapy)
- Female
- Hypokalemia
(diagnosis, therapy, veterinary)
- Infusions, Intravenous
(veterinary)
- Potassium
(blood, urine)
- Potassium Chloride
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Retrospective Studies
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