Acute onset neurological deficits and hypocalcaemia associated with nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval).

Abstract

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder caused by an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and is typically associated with the feeding of a calcium-deficient diet. Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism has been reported in domestic species, including cats and dogs, as well as captive carnivores and wildlife including lions, tigers, servals and skunks. Captive carnivores are typically fed a raw-meat diet, which can be severely deficient in calcium if not appropriately balanced or supplemented. Three juvenile servals (Leptailurus serval) presented with seizures, ataxia and neuromuscular deficits. One serval was euthanased due to the severity of clinical signs. Another serval suffered a seizure, aspirated and arrested while in care. Both animals had hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Radiographic signs of osteopaenia, clinical pathology and dietary history supported a diagnosis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. A third serval, which developed a pathological fracture, was successfully managed with dietary correction and cage confinement. This report describes this presentation of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism with seizures and the diagnostic process used to rule out other causes of neurological signs for this litter with an incomplete vaccination schedule and recent history of weaning and interstate transport.