Hyperkalaemia during a general anaesthetic in a 5-year-old domestic short-haired cat

Abstract

This case report details an incident of hyperkalaemia that developed under general anaesthesia in a domestic cat with no prior health concerns. A 5-year-old male neutered domestic short-haired cat presented for dental extractions and subsequently developed severe bradycardia and electrocardiographic abnormalities during the procedure. Initial treatment with atropine provided limited improvement, and further investigation revealed a serum potassium concentration of 7.7 mmol/L. Despite interventions, the anaesthetic procedure was aborted due to persistent hyperkalaemia. The cat recovered smoothly postoperatively with complete resolution of hyperkalaemia. This case highlights the importance of monitoring serum potassium levels and electrocardiographic changes in anaesthetised feline patients. Anaesthesia-associated hyperkalaemia in domestic cats is a condition that is under-recognised in Australia. Future studies should focus on the mechanisms behind this electrolyte disturbance, as well as establishing preventive measures and management protocols during general anaesthesia.