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Effects of Dietary Acidification and Potassium Depletion on Acid-Base Balance, Mineral Metabolism and Renal Function in Adult Cats¹

Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 ^* Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 ^** Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824

Effects of dietary potassium restriction, with or without dietary acidification, on acid-base balance, mineral metabolism and renal function were evaluated in 12 adult cats. Six cats were fed a potassium-restricted diet (0.2% potassium) for 8 wk, and six cats were fed the same potassium-restricted diet plus a dietary acidifier (0.8% NH₄Cl) for 8 wk. Both groups of cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with potassium gluconate (0.7% dietary potassium) for an additional 4 wk. Renal function was evaluated before treatment and again at 8 and 12 wk. Serum potassium concentration declined in all cats by wk 1 and was also lower in NH₄Cl-treated cats at 2, 3, 6 and 8 wk than in control cats. Metabolic acidosis developed in both groups of cats. Dietary balance studies indicated negative potassium balance in NH₄Cl-treated cats. Glomerular filtration rate declined significantly in NH₄Cl-treated cats after 8 wk but was unchanged in control cats. From the results of this study, we conclude that adding a dietary acidifier to a potassium-restricted diet worsens hypokalemia, possibly by affecting gastrointestinal potassium handling, and induces severe metabolic acidosis and renal dysfunction in adult cats.

KEY WORDS: • cat • hypokalemia • dietary acidification • renal function

¹ Supported by Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., Robert H. Winn Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation and Ralston Purina Company.

Manuscript received 1 August 1989. Revision accepted 22 January 1990.