Ask Lafeber

Question:

April 28, 2021

pigeon paramyxovirus


Do you know why pigeons with paramyxovirus have hypokalemia?


Answer:

Hi Anna,

Thank you for viewing the webinar from Latvia!

Here is Dr. Lamb’s reply:

I am not sure the exact reason why but it may have to do with alterations in their acid base status. Paramyxovirus can lead to regurgitation or vomiting which could lead to a loss of acid from the gastrointestinal tract, thus resulting in a state of alkalosis in the body. If the body is too alkalotic then hydrogen ions start to get pumped out of cells at ion exchange pumps and to allow for an isotonic cellular state when hydrogen ions get pumped out potassium ions get pumped in. This can then cause a hypokalemic state.

Dr. Stephanie Lamb

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