High calcium in dogs is known as hypercalcaemia. Calcium is a mineral that can be found throughout the body in small quantities. It plays an important part in normal bodily functions such as muscle contraction, bone growth and blood clotting.
Content:
- What Causes High Calcium in Dogs
- Symptoms of High Calcium in Dogs
- How to Treat High Calcium in Dogs
- Conclusion
What Causes High Calcium in Dogs
Hypercalcaemia is when calcium levels in your dog’s blood are higher than the normal reference range. This can be an indication of an underlying disease or condition. High calcium levels may be an indication of a serious disease such as: adrenal gland failure (more commonly known as Addison’s disease), kidney failure, cancer or a parathyroid gland tumour.
A pair of glands called the parathyroid glands normally control the calcium level in the body. They can be found within the thyroid gland. If calcium levels reach too low a level, then the parathyroid glands are supposed to release a hormone called the parathyroid hormone (PTH) which helps to return the levels back to normal.
The article Determining the cause of Hypercalcaemia in a dog says:
“Hypercalcemia is always a concern, because concentrations greater than about 4 mmol/L can result in renal failure, mineralization of the kidneys and other soft tissues, cardiac dysrhythmia and dysfunction, and other medical problems and emergencies. Hypercalcemia is also worrisome, because the most common cause in dogs, as in humans, is cancer (hypercalcemia of malignancy). Some other causes of hypercalcemia in dogs include acute and chronic renal failure, primary hyperparathyroidism, hypoadrenocorticism, hypervitaminosis D, bone diseases associated with osteolysis, and granulomatous inflammation.”
Symptoms of High Calcium in Dogs
There are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Increase in drinking water
- Lethargy
- Signs of weakness
- Loss of appetite
Generally, a dog’s gastrointestinal, nervous and urinary systems are affected due to hypercalcemia. If there is a rapid increase in calcium levels it can cause more acute symptoms. If left untreated prolonged hypercalcaemia may result in the formation of bladder stones, which often need to be removed surgically. If you spend long hours away from home a pet camera is highly recommended to keep an eye on your pooch. This way you can see any changes in behaviour and pick up on a problem before it becomes an emergency.
As the gold standard veterinarians will often recommend pre anaesthetic blood panels before any surgery, even sterilisations. This helps to provide your veterinarian with information on current organ function. If preanesthetic blood tests are performed before a procedure any anomalies, such as an increase in calcium levels, can be picked up before your dog shows any symptoms.
Any increase in calcium concentrations can be important and your veterinarian may want to investigate further.
Dr. Chew says: “Specific clinical signs do not necessarily accompany hypercalcemia, and its presence will frequently be unsuspected. Fortuitous hypercalcemia is often discovered after a review of serum biochemical profile results.”
How to Treat High Calcium in Dogs
When hypercalcaemia is confirmed in your dog the real challenge begins, which is to determine the cause of the increased calcium level. A full physical examination with careful examination of all lymph nodes will be done. More blood tests such as a complete blood count, an ionized calcium blood test and full urinalysis will need to be completed.
An ultrasound study and abdominal radiographs may be performed to rule out bladder stones. Thoracic radiographs can be recommended to look for evidence of cancer in the lungs. The costs of further testing can add up very quickly. This is why it is important to invest in Emergency Fund when you first welcome your dog to your family. This way you won’t be restricted by finances when it comes to finding out the cause of your beloved pets’ illness.
Your veterinarian’s initial goal will be to relieve any symptoms while determining the cause of the hypercalcaemia. Then he will want to look at the following possibilities of the cause of the hypercalcaemia: an underlying cancer, kidney failure and health of the adrenal and parathyroid glands.
It is very important to treat the underlying condition and not just alleviate the symptoms.
Conclusion
In rare cases it can occur that no cause can be found for the elevated calcium levels. This is called idiopathic hypercalcemia, it is rare in dogs and more common in cats. Don’t wait until it is too late to provide your dog with the care they need, if you notice any unusual behaviour contact your veterinarian sooner rather than later.
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