Impaired renal function

The large amounts of fluid initially lost will result in a pre-renal azotemia and subsequently chronic renal impairment if the condition is left untreated. The kidney responds by activating the renin-angiotensin system and promoting the release of Aldosterone. Sodium and water are retained with loss of potassium. The hypokalemia may precipitate hypokalaemic vacuolar nephropathy. Chronic hypokalemia may result in weakness, lethargy and cardiac arrythmias.

Loss of fixed base from the intesine with reduction in renal output leads to metabolic acidosis leads to high secretion of uric acid in the urine with the development of renal stones (Urate).