Over the Chuseok holidays, Claire’s 18-year-old cat General suffered a severe case of constipation, and he is still suffering from its aftereffects to this day. For a cat like General, who is battling both old age and stage 4 kidney disease, the constipation was not just a simple digestive difficulty, but a life-threatening condition. Today, we’ll be discussing General’s constipation, as well as the underlying cause of the issue - an imbalance in electrolytes.
Loss of Appetite and Muscle Due to Renal Diet
Despite his CKD, General was generally fed regular cat food and snacks. Recently, in consideration of his kidney levels, Claire made the choice to put him on a renal food diet in the hopes that his kidney functions would improve. However, this would lead to unforeseen issues. General did not have an appetite for the renal food, and his weight began to drop rapidly, leading to a loss of muscle, strength, and energy.
The loss of muscle was especially noticeable and impactful, as muscle loss can cause kidney health to deteriorate even further in cats with CKD. Weight loss is especially critical in cats with CKD, as it inevitably inhibits the body’s ability to get better. It was around this time that General began suffering from constipation, another looming shadow over the elderly cat’s health.
Constipation and the Dangers of Electrolyte Imbalance
General began to suffer from constipation after his weight loss. He was unable to have proper bowel movements, and could only excrete watery stool during the period. He also seemed to have a stomachache, for he’d try to use the litter box, only to end up crying and falling down in pain as he did. As the constipation worsened, General was unable to even walk by himself properly. His stool, still watery, turned dark red. Claire began to realize that something as simple as constipation could be a matter of life or death for a cat with stage 4 kidney disease like General.
Another pressing issue was the looming Chuseok holiday. As most veterinary clinics would not be open during the holiday, Claire had to take more aggressive measures before it was too late. As such, she took General to a local animal clinic for an urgent blood test to see if she could find an answer.
As it turned out, General was suffering from an electrolyte imbalance. And it was this imbalance that was responsible for his constipation.
What Is Electrolyte Imbalance?
Electrolyte imbalance is a fairly common symptom in cats with CKD. Kidneys play a role in regulating the balance of fluids and electrolytes, but as a result of CKD, the kidneys are unable to properly serve their functions. In General’s case, a severe drop in his potassium and chlorine levels had let to changes in his body.
🟡 Potassium Deficiency and Excess
Potassium deficiency can have large repercussions on muscular function and nerves. Lacking proper potassium levels can lead to muscles weakening and make it harder to walk, resulting in constipation. If left untreated, a cat’s health will rapidly decline as their condition worsens.
On the other hand, excessive potassium can reduce the heart’s ability to function. In severe cases, this can even lead to heart attacks. As such, regulating potassium levels is vital for cats with CKD.
🟢 Chlorine Deficiency and Excess
Chlorine deficiency can also affect the balance of fluids in a cat’s body and their digestion. A lack of chlorine can lead to symptoms such as digestive issues, dehydration, and fatigue. It may also lead to constipation. On the other hand, excessive chlorine can lead to a breakdown in the acid-base balance in a cat’s body, triggering metabolic acidosis, which can put a strain on their kidneys.
General’s Recovery through Electrolyte Balance
After General was diagnosed with electrolyte imbalance, Claire immediately began the gradual process of replenishing his potassium and chlorine levels. Her efforts paid off, and General began to show signs of improvement. During the process, General’s constipation also began to improve, and the elderly cat regained a bit of his spryness and energy. However, General was still reluctant to feed himself, so Claire was forced to feed him against his will to ensure he could get the nutrients he lacked.
The Danger of CKD and Electrolyte Imbalance
Though the crisis had been averted, Claire was struck by just how close General had been to death’s door, and keenly felt the danger posed by electrolyte balance on cats suffering from CKD. Something as small as a slight change in diet had let to weight loss, muscle loss, electrolyte imbalance, and ultimately, constipation.
Now, more alert than ever, Claire remains dedicated to looking after General to provide him with the best care she can, determined to not repeat her mistake ever again.
Please cheer the stalwart General on in his quest to get healthier! We at Greycoat Research will be doing our best to help not just General, but cats like him around the world!
