EP 414: Hyperkalemia in Dogs and Cats – Emergency Recognition & Treatment Strategies

In Episode 414 of the Pet Care Partners Podcast, we break down hyperkalemia—a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance with critical implications for cardiac and renal function. Designed for veterinary students and practitioners, this episode outlines: ⚠️ Etiologies: Urethral obstruction Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) Acute kidney injury Iatrogenic causes Hemolysis and sample handling errors 📊 Diagnostics: ECG changes (bradycardia, absent P waves, peaked T waves) Blood chemistry abnormalities Differentiating true hyperkalemia from pseudohyperkalemia 💉 Therapeutic Approach: Stabilization of myocardium (calcium gluconate) Intracellular shifting (dextrose, insulin, sodium bicarbonate) Potassium elimination (IV fluids, diuretics, dialysis in critical cases) This episode is essential listening for anyone preparing for the NAVLE, managing emergency patients, or deepening their understanding of electrolyte disturbances in veterinary medicine. #Hyperkalemia #ElectrolyteImbalance #EmergencyVet #VeterinaryMedicine #VetPodcast #PetCarePartners #DVMlife #VeterinaryStudents #VetTechLife #VetCaseStudies #VetEmergency #VetMedPodcast #VetCardiology #HyperkalemiaInPets #CanineMedicine #FelineMedicine #VetSchoolPrep #NAVLEPrep #VetElectrolytes #VetER #SmallAnimalInternalMedicine #VetClinPath #VetsOfYouTube #VetStudentSupport #PetER #VetTraining #VeterinaryEducation #CriticalCareVet #AddisonsDisease #UrethralObstruction