Hypokalemia syndrome in dairy cows: 10 cases (1992-1996)
Sielman, E.S.; Sweeney, R.W.; Whitlock, R.H.; Reams, R.Y.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(2): 240-243
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9018360 Document Number: 474179
For a retrospective study of 10 adult dairy cows with weakness or recumbency and hypokaliaemia, signalment, history, physical examination findings, results of diagnostic tests, and response to treatment were extracted from the medical record of each cow. Eight cows were recumbent on admission and 2 were profoundly weak. All cows had been given isoflupredone acetate as treatment for ketosis before admission. All were hypokaliaemic (serum potassium concentration, 1.4 to 2.3 mEq/litre) 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 slaughtered, 2 improved clinically and were discharged, one was discharged while still recumbent, and one was sent to slaughter before treatment. Histological examination of muscle tissue from 2 cows showed myonecrosis and vacuolation consistent with hypokaliaemia myopathy. Hypokaliaemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cows that are weak or recumbent, particularly after treatment for ketosis with isoflupredone acetate. Aggressive treatment with potassium salts administered orally is indicated.