Expert: Silva Mirovics - 1/8/2009

Question
Dear Dr.:

this is the same cat i was asking eye questions about the other day.

my ~15 y o, ~6 lbs tuxedo cat has been cri(crf) and hyperT for a couple years now. she has responded reasonably well to all the various supplements, TCM, OTC, Rx, and sub-Q's i have been treating her with.

lately, she has been exhibiting signs of potassium deficiency which are numerous and mostly weakness, lethargy, and difficulty controlling her hind quarters. there is surely osteo arthritis involved, but i am sure she is at least low on K if not seriously deficient due to a combination of not eating enough coupled with the sub-S's of LRS which is high in Na but low in K.

i got some K supplements (which can be seen here: http://www.vitacost.com/Twinlab-Potassium-Caps) and have begun to give her 1/2 cap (~50mg elemental K) twice a day. i want to get her to a place where continued supplementation is keeping her at the right levels despite her often lack of appetite and her sub-q's flushing electrolytes out.

how much is too much how fast?

thanks in advance.

-A. J., Queen Penelope, and Jester-in-Training LittleOne


Answer
Hi again A.J.
I really can't answer your question as I am not knowledgeable enough in this field.  As I mentioned I am not a vet.
I feel that your best bet is to contact a Naturopath.  Even though they may not work with animals, they will be able to guide you in these recommendations far better than I can.  They may have a stronger knowledge of the medications and how this will interact with the potassium supplements.
Otherwise you can also contact Dr Michael Bascombe.  He is a natural therapies vet.  Although he is in Australia he does many phone and email consultations.  I would make an appointment with him.  He does not need to see your cat - he is able to ascertain problems and make recommendations via distance consultations.

He is contactable on:  www.michaelbascombe.com

Thanks again,
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au