hypernatremia in cats

What is Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia in Cats

Hyponatremia and hypernatremia in cats are disorders of blood sodium levels. The term hyponatremia is used to describe low concentrations of sodium in the blood and hypernatremia is used to describe high concentrations of sodium in the blood. These conditions have different causes and treatments.

Sodium is critical to all body functions including blood pressure maintenance, acid/base balance, and preservation of blood volume.

Below, we will provide information about the symptoms of, diagnostic tests for, causes and treatment of hyponatremia and hypernatremia in cats.

Hyponatremia in Cats

Sodium is an essential component of a fluid makeup and is extremely important in its relationship with fluid balance. A common line used to help veterinary students understand the interaction of sodium on body fluids is “Where sodium goes…water follows”. Normal sodium blood levels is critical to maintaining a normal body fluid balance.

Changes in sodium levels can occur slowly or quickly which can cause a variety of life-threatening symptoms. The faster the change in sodium levels the more severe the clinical signs because the body has not had time to adjust.

Hyponatremia is a symptom and many diseases can result in low sodium levels. Hyponatremia has various effects throughout the body. Hyponatremia can affect any age, breed or sex of cat.

Causes of Hyponatremia in Cats

Causes of hyponatremia in cats may include:

Symptoms of Hyponatremia in Cats

Signs of a low blood sodium levels in cats may include:

Diagnostic Test for Hyponatremia in Cats

Blood tests will diagnose low blood sodium levels.

Once a low blood sodium is detected, it is critical to determine the underlying cause to provide the most effective treatment.

Treatment of Hyponatremia in Cats

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the clinical signs, the degree of hyponatremia, and the underlying cause.

Prevention of Hyponatremia in Cats

Cats with hyponatremia should be monitored for relapse or development of other signs. Many cats have underlying disease, such as kidney failure, and may need additional treatment.

Hypernatremia in Cats

Sodium is an essential component of a fluid makeup and is extremely important in its relationship with fluid balance. Changes in sodium levels can occur slowly or quickly which can cause a variety of life-threatening symptoms. Sodium is often associated with chloride and abnormalities in sodium levels often also causes abnormalities in chloride blood levels. Hypernatremia can affect any age, breed or sex of cat. Hypernatremia is defined by serum sodium concentrations over 165 mEq/L in cats.

Hypernatremia can be caused by loss of water through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract or from low water intake.

Symptoms of Hypernatremia in Cats

Signs of high blood sodium levels may include:

Diagnostic Test for Hypernatremia in Cats

Blood tests will diagnose high blood sodium levels.

Causes of Hypernatremia in Cats

Causes of high blood sodium may include:

Treatment of Hypernatremia in Cats

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the clinical signs, the degree of hypernatremia, and the underlying cause. Once diagnosed, cats are treated with intravenous fluids therapy balanced to provide hydration but lower levels of sodium. The fluid chosen will depend on if the cat is also dehydrated. Fluid options may include Lactated Ringers Solution (LRS), Normal Saline (0.9% NS), or 5% dextrose (D5%W). Learn more about Fluid Therapy.

Rapid correct of high sodium levels can cause pulmonary edema and result in death. Careful monitoring of hydration status and sodium concentrations are critical to avoid overcorrection.

Prevention of Hypernatremia in Cats

Feeding a high quality diet and ensuring availability of fresh clean water at all times Is important to the health of your cat.

Reference Articles about Hypernatremia and Hyponatremia in Cats