Electrocardiographic changes associated with hyperkalaemia in domestic cats

Abstract

Hyperkalaemia is a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance because it affects cardiac conduction and can lead to fatal arrhythmias if left untreated. The present study describes the occurrence of hyperkalaemia in cats and the electrocardiographic changes associated with this electrolyte imbalance. Hyperkalaemia was identified in 83.33 per cent of the study group subjects. Acute kidney injury and obstructive uropathy were the main clinical conditions associated with it. Electrocardiographic findings in hyperkalaemia in different cats under study included peaked T waves in lead II and the precordial lead CV6LL, atrial standstill and sino-ventricular rhythm, normal sinus rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, first-degree atrio-ventricular block, bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, and atrio-ventricular dissociation. Electrocardiography should always be performed in cases suspected of electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalaemia, so as to identify any fatal arrhythmias and initiate treatment at the earliest.