Vetoquinol Renal K, Potassium Gel for Dogs and Cats, Maple, 5 oz

I did not even know that low potassium was a thing for cats. However, when my cat randomly one day started not being able to walk, I took him to the vet immediately. When they got the bloodwork back, they found he had low potassium. I immediately bought this and when I saw the overnight effect, I was in complete shock and was beyond grateful. After a full day doses, that next day my cat was back to normal.

I have a cat with asthma and she was on prednisolone for awhile, while I waited for her inhaler to come in (I have to order that from Canada). Some cats I have had will do OK on prednisolone long-term, but this one was having issues. Bloodwork at the vet's office revealed that her potassium levels were low, so the vet had me use this product to get the cat's potassium levels back up while I weaned her off the prednisolone. First and foremost, this worked. You will need to periodically go to the vet for bloodwork in such a situation because you may have to change the dosage depending on the cat's response. We started with one dose per day, had to move up to two, and now we are back down to one. We give this in a 6 mL syringe with about 2.5 mL filled (give or take; as this is a gel, it is a little difficult to precisely measure). The 6 mL syringes (they are from Monoject, I don't think BD makes one in that size) are ideal because you can remove the plunger and squeeze the tube of gel over the syringe to fill it. It takes a bit of practice but you get pretty good at estimating how much you've put in there after awhile. Anyway, then I squeeze the gel from the syringe and into the cat's mouth. I aim near the back/side so she can't spit it out easily. I don't think she particularly likes the flavor of this stuff so I am pretty sure it would not work to put on top of her food. This is a little difficult to clean out of the end of the syringe after use so I have to replace the syringes every so often. One tube lasts quite a long time for us. I think my cat has been on this stuff for 3 months now and we are only partway through our third tube. Not all cats on prednisolone will need this. I have a cat with inflammatory bowel disease who has been on prednisolone for five years and his bloodwork is always remarkably good for a cat of his age (13 years) and condition. But my cat with asthma doesn't handle the medication as well and this product has definitely helped get her potassium levels back in a normal range.

This stuff has saved 2 of my kitties. I highly recommend

My cat actually likes it.

I had ordered this tube when I misplaced an identical tube which I had purchased from my vet at more than 2 1/2 times the cost. This is for pets with renal problems when blood work shows they have low potassium. While I could easily get the 1/2 teaspoon into my cat's mouth and she swallowed it- she disliked the strong maple flavor. After given this gel, my cat would run about 10 feet away for a couple of minutes. I researched similar tubes of potassium gluconate gel made by other companies, and found that Renalkare flavors their gel with vanilla-custard. While I still have to reach for the tube and put a half teaspoon on my finger out of sight of the cat or she will move out of reach, she does not mind find the Renakare Gel's Vanilla custard taste as much, and will stay put once given it rather then run several feet with a mouthful of maple gel (which she did swallow). However, dogs may love this maple flavored gel. This company makes a powdered form, which while they say it is not flavored, it has fish meal as an ingredient and is thus fish-flavored (the powder version made by the other company, RenaKare, is vanilla custard flavored like its gel). The gel by either company is probably much easier to administer, as when the powdered form is sprinkled or mixed in wet food, that food may not be eaten and the pet may not receive the proper dose of the powdered form. A 1/2 teaspoon of gel is equal to 1/4 teaspoon of the powdered versions. All the other companies other then Vetoquinol (the maker of this brand), require a prescription by a veterinarian for their version of this product (which one should be able get pending blood/lab work). Again, a dog may love the maple flavor; and I found the gel form a much easier and more sure proof way to give potassium gluconate to a pet, than the powdered version. This gel did leave the strong maple flavor scent on my cat's breath- we don't have that problem with the vanilla-custard flavor gel of the other brand which I later ordered.

Price a little but half of the vet price. My cat eats it without any trouble and her kidneys are staying stably

This vitamin K is good as long as your cat will eat it. I was able to get my cat to somewhat allow me to put it in her mouth. It helped her regain muscle strength rather quickly. Within days.

Three little things which I wouldn't even mention if I weren't having to give this twice a day everyday for years now: 1. Hard to use with a syringe, which you may very well need if your cat is not accepting meds or even food voluntarily. 2. Clogs the little opening in cap easily, messy and wasteful. 3. Cheaper Elsewhere, (sorry amazon, you're usually good, but this one is Significantly Less Expensive Elsewhere). If your kitty will accept the powder version of this it is much less expensive, (at other places), but most cats dislike it. If your kitty is sick and needs potassium, by all means give it to him as vet recommends; my issues are secondary. I wish you success and good luck. Mine is 18 now and ill but still has as many good days as bad and I believe this products helps, he is still "hanging in there baby".

Cat got used to it very quickly, has been on it for more than six months now, stable kidneys.