Clinical approach to flaccid paralysis secondary to hyperkalaemia in an adult Temminck's pangolin ( Smutsia temminckii)

An adult male, confiscated Temminck's pangolin ( Smutsia temminckii) , presented obtunded with ascending flaccid paralysis. Serum biochemistry and urinalysis revealed severe hyperkalaemia (8.1 mmol/L) and azotaemia (blood urea nitrogen 71.8 mmol/L; creatinine 106.1 µmol/L; granular casts, haematuria and proteinuria). Treatment with calcium borogluconate, insulin‐dextrose infusion, salbutamol and 0.9% saline with dextrose fluid therapy was initiated. Serum potassium levels were corrected within 24 hours, but fluid therapy proved insufficient to correct the azotaemia. The pangolin was later euthanased due to complications thought to be associated with acute renal failure. Further research is required to establish the prevalence of renal disease and hyperkalaemia in confiscated pangolins.