Your monthly update and overview of recently released veterinary studies
Welcome to our monthly VetLit Clinical Publication update, where Dr Simon Cook, founder of VetLit.org, provides an overview and update on recently released studies from a wide range of veterinary publications.
Study: Pharmacological therapy for hyperkalemia in feline urethral obstruction has no additional benefit over intravenous fluid and calcium gluconate therapy and prompt unobstruction (AVMA Publications)
About the Study:
There are some great topics for discussion here in your own journal clubs.
In this study, cats with UO and hyperkalaemia (median 9 mmol/L) were randomised to receive fluids + calcium, or fluids + calcium + one intervention aimed at reducing hyperkalaemia (insulin + dextrose, terbutaline or bicarbonate) over the first 4 hours, while addressing the obstruction directly.
No significant differences were detected in the change in potassium (or creatinine) measured at a fixed time point (+ 4 hours) between groups, and all 34 cats survived to discharge.
Maybe these extra interventions aren’t what you think..!
