Electrolyte balance is very important for normal physiology.
When levels of cations such as sodium, potassium, magnesium or calcium, or anions
such as chloride, sulfate or phosphate drop too low or rise too high, the health and life
of the animal are at risk.
Calcium ion, for instance, is needed for nerve
transmission and muscle contraction. When
levels drop too low, heart and other muscles stop
functioning. Ionic balance is important also for
maintaining proper plasma pH. Excess cations
such as magnesium or potassium lead to alkalosis;
excess anions such as chloride can lead to acidosis.