Disorders of Serum Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium and Chloride

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are frequently encountered in a variety of medical and surgical disorders therefore requiring the clinician's astute evaluation of his/her patient's fluid and electrolyte status. Disorders involving the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and endocrine organs will frequently cause abnormalities in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride balance. An accurate initial assessment of serum electrolyte concentrations and monitoring during the treatment is essential in order to maintain electrolyte homeostasis. Failure to do so can lead to severe clinical consequences for the patient and change a diagnostic triumph into a therapeutic failure. This presentation provides an overview of the etiologies, clinical signs, and therapeutic approaches to electrolyte disorders in the critically ill animal. (Vet. Emerg. & Crit. Care, 9:209–217, 1999)