Tumil-K
Tumil-K is a mineral food, rich in potassium. Tumil-K supports muscle and kidney function in cats with potassium deficiency.
Tumil-K is a mineral food, rich in potassium. Tumil-K supports muscle and kidney function in cats with potassium deficiency.
1/4 teaspoon of powder (approx. 0.65 grams), mixed with the feed twice a day. The amount can be adjusted in consultation with your veterinarian.
Potassium gluconate
Additives: blend of aromatic substances (tasty liver aroma, contains soya).
Analytical constituents: calcium <50 mg/kg, sodium 2900 mg/kg, phosphorus <25 mg/kg.
No known side effect.
No leaflet available.
How is Tumil-K used?
After any initial care with potassium supplementation intravenously, oral maintenance treatment can be initiated with Tumil-K. The initial dosage is ¼ teaspoon of powder (about 0.65 grams), mixed with the feed twice daily. Tumil-K has a palatable liver flavouring, which facilitates absorption by cats. Whether Tumil-K is needed temporarily or permanently depends on the cause of the hypokalaemia.
How soon can I expect improvement in my patient?
The clinical signs of hypokalaemia will usually improve within a few days of starting to give extra potassium. Blood potassium levels rise later. This is because initially the extra potassium is absorbed directly by the body's cells. Only after the intracellular potassium deficiency is replenished will the blood potassium level rise. It is important to keep this in mind when interpreting blood results.
When may the dosage of Tumil-K be increased?
The dosage of Tumil-K may possibly be increased based on clinical signs of hypokalaemia and persistently low blood potassium levels - see also the question above regarding interpreting blood results. Some animals may need more Tumil-K than others to achieve normal potassium levels.
Can a cat with heart problems and potassium deficiency be given Tumil-K?
Yes, it is important to correct a potassium deficiency in a cat with heart problems, as potassium is important for heart muscle function. Only if the cat in question is given the heart drug digoxin is it important to dose Tumil-K carefully.
Can a cat with kidney problems and potassium deficiency be given Tumil-K?
Yes, chronic kidney failure is one of the causes of potassium deficiency in cats. In chronic renal failure, there is an increased loss of potassium through the urine, hence long-term treatment is indicated to prevent a recurrence of hypokalaemia.
Is Tumil-K hypoallergenic?
Potassium gluconate is not naturally palatable to cats. Therefore, a liver flavouring has been added (0.01g per 0.65g of Tumil-K), which includes soy. Only a cat with a food allergy directed against soy, could possibly react to Tumil-K. However, correcting a hypokalaemia is important, hence giving Tumil-K should definitely be considered even in cats with a food allergy.