Controlling Side Effects of Potassium Supplement

[Valerie Lynn]

Hello!

Cami has adrenal cancer, which is causing Cushings. She had an adrenalectomy 3 three years ago, but the cancer returned. High water consumption caused her potassium to drop dangerously low, so we are supplementing her diet with potassium powder, prescribed by the vet. Problem is, the potassium has side effects, and Cami has digestive tract problems—everything from a gurgly stomach, to horrible flatulence, to soft and urgent stools.

We tried Vetoryl two months ago, but it made her sick—probably because the potassium was already irritating her.

I want to get the potassium side effects under control before we try Vetoryl at a lower dose. Her vet suggested Immodium AD.

Any other ideas?

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi and welcome to you and Cami!

Gosh I am so sorry that your girl is battling adrenal cancer and we are here to support you and Cami.

Is Cami's tumor a functioning, non functioning, or malignant type? I'm a bit confused with the correlation between Imodium AD and raising the potassium level. Is the vet recommending the Imodium AD because Cami is experiencing diarrhea and losing potassium in that way?

One of my dogs was producing calcium oxalate stones and started taking potassium citrate to reduce the formation of those stones. One of the side effects of potassium citrate is that it has the potential to raise potassium levels which it did and my boy had no adverse side effects. Maybe this could be an option for Cami?

Regarding her digestive tract problems slippery elm bark (SEB) may help with that. One word of caution, though, is that it is recommended that you give slippery elm 2 hours before or after other medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center
Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/slippery-elm

I am sorry for the reasons that brought you here but glad you found us and we will help in any way we can.

Hugs, Lori