Which sign is associated with hypokalemia in cats?

Which sign is associated with hypokalemia in cats?

• A. Ataxia
• B. Seizures
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Ventroflexion of the neck

Answer: (D)

Potassium is essential for normal muscle function, so when levels drop, muscles become weak, including those in the neck. In cats with hypokalemia, weakness of the neck muscles commonly produces ventroflexion of the neck, where the head and neck bend downward. This is a distinctive sign of hypokalemic myopathy and helps differentiate it from other conditions. Other options don’t fit as well: ataxia is a broader coordination issue, seizures are not typical of hypokalemia, and increased appetite is not associated with this electrolyte disturbance.

Potassium is essential for normal muscle function, so when levels drop, muscles become weak, including those in the neck. In cats with hypokalemia, weakness of the neck muscles commonly produces ventroflexion of the neck, where the head and neck bend downward. This is a distinctive sign of hypokalemic myopathy and helps differentiate it from other conditions. Other options don’t fit as well: ataxia is a broader coordination issue, seizures are not typical of hypokalemia, and increased appetite is not associated with this electrolyte disturbance.