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09-06-2011, 06:30 PM | #1 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| Elevated potassium So we just got back Sparky's blood panel report for his Firday neuter. Everything was perfect except for his potassium levels. The vet said that it is not too elevated that it should concern me but he would like to redo just the potassium the morning of the neuter. He said that it could be a symptom for some heart problem and he does not want to take a risk with anesthesia if it stays elevated. He seem to think that it would be ok and not to worry. But of course I am. What do you guys think?
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
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09-06-2011, 06:37 PM | #2 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Was the bloodwork done in house, or was it sent out to the lab? I recently learned here that blood tests done in house are not always accurate. I'm the overly cautious type and would want a repeat test sent to Antech labs to be sure before going ahead with surgery.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
09-06-2011, 06:38 PM | #3 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| Actually it was done outside lab and to double check they will do an in house on Friday.
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
09-06-2011, 06:46 PM | #4 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Since your vet said that he would not want to risk anesthesia if it is still elevated, I would want to be cautious and insist that the test is repeated and once again sent to an outside lab to make sure it is accurate. That is my opinion. High potassium can be a symptom of a number of things in addition to cardiac problems. I would want that cleared up before proceeding with neutering. What food does your dog eat?
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
09-06-2011, 06:52 PM | #5 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| The reason I asked about food is that there was a recent problem with Blue Buffalo causing hyperkalemia, high potassium.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
09-06-2011, 07:41 PM | #6 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| Right now it's TOTW Pacific.
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
09-06-2011, 07:42 PM | #7 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| Thanks for the infos and insight by the way. I will ask about the lab.
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
09-07-2011, 08:10 AM | #8 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| Ok so I called this morning to get the exact results. His potassium level is 5.8. The Vet tech told me that the normal range is between 4 and 5.6. I am almost scared to google what this means so I want to ask you guys first. Opinions? Thoughts?
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
09-07-2011, 08:28 AM | #9 | |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Quote:
From what I found searching on the web, there are so many things that can cause elevated potassium. The blood sample could have been contaminated, it can be kidney related, it can be a kidney infection, whipworm infection, cardiac,....and so on: High potassium Did your pup have a chemistry panel and a CBC done?
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy | |
09-07-2011, 08:32 AM | #10 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Has your pup been on any medications recently? This article is easier to read: What Are the Causes of High Potassium in Dogs? | eHow.com
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
09-07-2011, 08:45 AM | #11 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 232
| I am not sure what kind of blood test was done but I will be picking up the report when I come home from work. We set up another blood draw today and delaying neutering until we get this settled. I ask the vet to send it out to a lab. I am not taking any chances with my baby. Thanks for the links...he has not been taking any medications lately. I have to admit, I hate reading articles online just because it makes me more nervous. But I do know that I have to be as informed as I can be. Thanks again.
__________________ Sparky (2 years 5 Months) |
09-07-2011, 08:51 AM | #12 |
♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 25,041
| Good plan. I know it is easier said than done, but don't worry until you have something to worry about. After what I went through with Max and his eyes, I can relate to learning too much on the internet. Gave me anxiety attacks. I will be looking for your update on test results.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy |
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