Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hypercalcemia due to latrogenic secondary hypoadrenocorticism and diabetes mellitus in a cat.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
- Year:
- 2002
- Authors:
- Smith, Stephanie A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet because she was eating a lot, drinking a lot, and urinating frequently after being treated with a steroid for intense itching. Initially, the tests showed she had uncomplicated diabetes, and her calcium levels were normal. However, within 12 hours, she became very tired, stopped eating, started vomiting, and became severely dehydrated. Further tests revealed she had high calcium levels and a problem with her adrenal glands, which was likely caused by the steroid treatment. After receiving glucocorticoids (a type of steroid) and treatment for dehydration, her high calcium levels went back to normal, and both her diabetes and adrenal issues improved within 9 weeks.
Abstract
A 9-year-old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented for polyphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria following chronic methylprednisolone acetate therapy for pruritus. Initial diagnostics were consistent with uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Serum calcium was within reference range. Within 12 hours the cat developed depression, anorexia, vomiting, and severe dehydration. Laboratory analysis indicated marked hypercalcemia as measured by both ionized and total calcium concentration. No underlying neoplastic or inflammatory process was identified. An adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test was indicative of adrenocortical insufficiency. The hypercalcemia resolved with glucocorticoid supplementation and correction of the dehydration. The diabetes mellitus and adrenal insufficiency both resolved within 9 weeks.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11804313/